Chapter Text
Zuko knew everything couldn’t last. The spirits hated him, only wanted to torment him. That was the only thing that made sense, despite his uncle’s words against the theory. But why else would he be so close to losing everything he worked for, losing his crown, after finally gaining happiness. True happiness, from Katara. His Katara. My Sapphire. And now he was gonna lose it all, lose her-
“No!” A flamed hand shot out and hit the wall of his study. Zuko stood there, holding the letter Mai sent him, breathing in and out. After everything that’s happened… I can’t lose her too. I won’t.
He crumpled the letter in his hand before burning it, Mai’s warning playing through his head as he went back to his chambers.
He thought of his Uncle’s after he stormed into his rooms, interrupting their conversation. My beautiful sapphire… Zuko’s frantic thoughts of what might await him in the Earth Colonies halted to frantic thoughts of Katara. As he got closer and closer to his chambers his mind raced with taking comfort in his concubine; holding her, kissing her, her tight heat as the two lay together. Her gentle nature and soothing tones. Her. He knew there was still so much of Katara he didn’t know- perhaps, he thought, traveling with me and returning to her homeland will be the push she needs to fully trust in me. Maybe I can confide in her too.
The prince entered his bedchamber to the picture of Katara, in only a silk robe, asleep on his bed with an open scroll next to her. He walked to her, picking up the scroll to put it away. As he headed towards his desk, Zuko glanced at the title to see what his consort had chosen. ‘ The Tale of Oma and Shu: and Other Colony Legends’. Not quite what I had in mind, he thought, but close enough… maybe these are stories she was told as a child.
Zuko looked at the sleeping girl once more, before finally taking off his training clothes and taking a cloth and fresh water to his skin, cleansing himself roughly of his day. All he had wanted was to have a day with his uncle and his Sapphire. The spirits couldn’t even let him have that, could they?
The prince put on his own robe before heading towards his bed. Between vigorous training with Uncle and learning he might truly be losing his place as heir to the Phoenix throne, Zuko deserved an afternoon nap with his Sapphire. Later. They could talk about the journey later. For now, nothing existed except for the two of them. He joined her on the bed, bringing her body to his as he closed his eyes, matching her breath with his own.