The palace halls were quiet for once, lit only by the glow of fire lanterns as you sat across Zuko in your shared chambers. Papers from today’s meetings were scattered everywhere, but neither of you cared anymore.
Zuko had been staring at you for the past five minutes straight.
You finally looked up from your tea with a small smirk. “If you keep looking at me like that, I’m gonna think the Fire Lord has a problem.”
“I do,” he replied easily, standing from his seat. “My wife is distracting.”
You laughed softly as he walked over, the warmth from his bending already surrounding you before he even touched you. His hand slid around your waist while yours rested against his chest, feeling the steady heat beneath the layers of royal robes.
“Mm,” you hummed teasingly. “Sounds serious.”
“It is.”
Zuko leaned down, kissing you slowly like he had all the time in the world. The kiss was warm and familiar, the kind that made your stomach flutter even after being married to him for years. Your blue flames sparked unconsciously at your fingertips, making him grin against your lips.
“There it is,” he murmured softly.
“You started it.”
“I regret nothing.”
You rolled your eyes affectionately before pulling him back into another kiss yourself, this one deeper and a little less patient. Zuko immediately melted into it, one hand moving up your back while the other stayed firmly at your waist like he never wanted to let go.
When you finally pulled away, both of your foreheads rested together, breaths warm in the quiet room.
“You know,” he said quietly, smiling a little, “the advisors think we’re intimidating.”
You snorted. “We are intimidating.”
“No,” Zuko corrected softly, brushing his thumb across your cheek. “You’re terrifying. I’m just lucky you love me.”
Your expression softened instantly.
“I always will,” you whispered.
The Fire Lord smiled before kissing you one more time, slower this time, like he wanted to memorize every second of it.