The Mistress of the Fire Lord

Chapter 06 - The Refrigerated Room

We were growing closer after the months passed, which could be seen as just natural. I was being able to suffocate my feelings well and could proudly call him a friend. It was more than I deserved, and it was all I could get, so I did my best to not ruin things. 

However, I have ruined things.

It was on a day I was a little off. I had been homesick and I was already comfortable enough with him to make the mistake let my sorrow slip while we had lunch together, on a day in which his wife was traveling for a reason I didn't bother to ask.

-- You look off -- he said flatly after a few minutes of silence. -- What happened? 

-- It's nothing, my Lord. 

-- I have chosen you for your honesty. Don't make me regret my decision. - replied him matter of factly. 

-- It's nothing relevant, my Lord -- I was quick to correct. -- I just miss home. 

-- Hm… 

He said nothing else during the lunch, but as soon as we finished, he got up and stated:

-- I have something to show you. Follow me. 

He turned his back and I went straight after him, without any idea of what was this thing that he wanted to show me.

In the end, it was not a thing, but a place. I saw myself in front of a door, and looked inquisitively at him. 

-- Enter -- he demanded, and immediately, I complied. 

It was a refrigerated room, with some structures that seemed to be a replica of part of the water village. I was shocked and delighted. It was just missing the snow. 

-- It is not done yet. -- he explained, with his hands behind his back -- We're building it for the Peace Festival. On the festival day, we're going to have some waterbenders to make the snow, and I think it will be perfect.

-- It is already perfect -- I answered the while inspecting the great room. I could see some unfinished stuff here and there, but it was the closest of home I've been in months. And I missed so much the cold temperature! I was so delighted that I started singing a traditional song, with my eyes closed.

When I opened them again, the Fire Lord was right in front of me.

-- Thank you. It's perfect -- I repeated trying to ignore the pump in my heart and the heat I started to feel, trying to ignore how close he seemed to be.

-- Yes. It's perfect -- he echoed. Then, I felt my head spinning when he pulled me into a kiss.

The air around us grew even hotter, ignoring the refrigeration of the room, and I felt one of his arms around my waist, while the other hand touched my face. It was a deep and passionate kiss, one I haven't dared to dream of having. Then, softly, he let me go, while still lightly touching my waist. 

I was shivering. The words "don't forget about your place" were loud in my mind. Something in my expression must have awaken him from what just happened, for his face, which was soft and delighted, changed immediately to one of horror.

I couldn't hold myself after seeing that expression. The tears started accumulating in my eyes, and I gave a step back, bowing.

-- I am sorry for my indiscretion, my Lord. It's not going to repeat itself. 

-- No -- I heard his voice answering, and, without looking at him again, I turned my back and prepared to open the door. -- Wait -- he continued, making me stop short, but not turning back, to hide my tears --, you won't take the blame for something I did.

-- I didn't stop you. I could, but I didn't want to. Can I leave, my Lord? -- I answered with the most controlled voice I could master at the moment.

-- Yes -- he finally allowed after a sigh. Without missing a beat, I started walking towards my quarters, holding my urge to turn back.