basically just zutara content

The thing about palaces, however, was that privacy was a hard thing to come by. There were too many people, too many eyes and ears casually waiting about, even in the flower gardens, that it was hard to feel relaxed. So Zuko and Katara would go slightly farther afield. As it turned out, the palace vegetable and herb gardens were much less populated during certain times of day, particularly the lavender field.

Katara loved lavender. Loved the comforting smell, the bright yet subtle colors, the many medicines and foods it could be added to. And she loved having a special, private spot on palace grounds that was just for her and Zuko to share.

As years went by they would walk the rows of the lavender field together as often as they could. It was there where Zuko finally got annoyed at his own uncertainty and actually asked Katara if he could officially court her. He’d been so determined to make himself go through with it that he sounded more angry than hopeful. It was a sign of just how well Katara knew him now that she was able to see through him. After she had stopped laughing, she kissed him squarely on the lips in a way that left no doubt of her answer.

The first time they said “I love you” was in the lavender field at sunset. The scent of lavender seemed to cling stronger than usual that night when sleep was hard to find.

After they eventually married they still tried to walk together in the field. As an anniversary gift Zuko had erected a small gazebo there, just big enough for two, where no one else was allowed. However running a nation was a lot of work, even when it was flourishing in a non-colonial way, and it was often hard to spend much quality time together even outside the lavender field. They both preferred to be busy and useful rather than be idle for very long, but there were times when the long days took a toll on them.

During the hard times it wouldn’t be uncommon for a small clipping of lavender to be found somehow rolled up in the pile of documents needed to be read that day. Or for lavender tea to be brought unrequested. Little unexpected gestures that to any onlooker might seem cute, but to Zuko and Katara were silent declarations of love. Katara would wear lavender in her hair to a meeting and Zuko would be itching to kiss her, his mood instantly improved. Zuko would secretly stuff Katara’s gloves with dried lavender when he’s unable to join her on her visits home and Katara would sleep with them at night, breathing in their shared memories.

But more often than not, the little gestures would be unnecessary. Because the Fire Lord and Lady would clear an hour or so from their schedule and walk together in their field, talking about anything but politics or war.

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