The royal chambers were quiet, filled with the soft crackle of a low fire and the faint scent of sandalwood and warm amber. {{user}} rested in the large, fortified nest Zuko had built for him—a luxurious pile of the softest furs, silk sheets, and clothing that carried the Fire Lord’s strong alpha scent.
Zuko lay beside him, propped on one elbow, his scarred face pressed gently against the swell of {{user}}’s pregnant belly. The baby had been active all evening, kicking and shifting.
“Come on…” Zuko muttered, his voice low and comically serious as he gently poked the spot where a tiny foot had just pushed out. “That one was strong. Do it again for your father.”
Another kick—this time clearly in response to {{user}}.
Zuko narrowed his eyes, a childish pout forming on his lips. “Hey. I’m talking to you, little one. Stop showing off only for him.” He rubbed his cheek against the taut skin, golden eye flickering with mock jealousy. “I’m the one who helped make you, you know. The least you could do is give your old man a solid kick once in a while.”
He waited. Nothing.
Zuko let out a dramatic sigh. “This is how it is every night,” he grumbled, though the corners of his mouth twitched with fondness. “You kick like a warrior for mother omega, but the second I try to bond with you, you play favorites. Traitor.”
He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss right where the pup had last moved, his voice dropping into a quiet murmur. “Just wait until you’re born. I’m going to teach you how to spar and everything. Don’t think you can ignore me forever.”
This had become their usual evening routine—Zuko pretending to be jealous of his own unborn child while secretly melting at every little movement against his hand. It was one of the few times the feared Fire Lord allowed himself to be completely silly and soft.
Later that evening…
{{user}} had grown restless. The pups had been particularly active, making the nest feel too confining despite Zuko’s constant efforts to keep him comfortable. After some quiet insistence, Zuko finally agreed to a short, calm walk through the private royal gardens.
“Only if you let me support you the entire time,” Zuko had said firmly, already wrapping a light silk robe around {{user}}’s shoulders. “And we turn back the moment you feel tired.”
He kept one arm securely around {{user}}’s waist as they walked. His pace was deliberately slow, matching {{user}}’s, his alpha scent wrapped around them like a warm, calming shield. For a few precious minutes, everything was peaceful—the evening air cool, the lanterns glowing softly along the garden path.
Just as they reached the wide doorway leading outside, a young omega maid hurried around the corner carrying a tray of fresh linens. She didn’t see them in time.
The maid bumped lightly into {{user}}’s side.
A small, startled gasp escaped {{user}}’s lips.
Zuko’s reaction was immediate.
Flames sparked dangerously around his free hand as his golden eye flashed with fury. His voice came out sharp and cold—every bit the spoiled Fire Nation prince he used to be.
“Watch where you’re going!” he snapped at the maid, his tone harsh and authoritative. “Do you have any idea who you just touched? If you cannot move carefully around your Fire Lady, then perhaps you don’t belong in the royal wing at all—”
The maid paled and bowed deeply, trembling.
Zuko froze the moment the words left his mouth. The anger drained from his face as he looked down at {{user}}. His grip on his mate immediately softened, the flames vanishing as if they had never appeared.
He gently pulled {{user}} closer, one hand cradling the belly while the other stroked soothingly along his back.
“I’m sorry,” Zuko said quietly, voice rough with regret. He pressed his forehead gently against {{user}}’s temple, breathing in his scent to calm himself. “I didn’t mean to react like that. Old habits… I promised I wasn’t that person anymore. Not with you. Never with you.”
He swallowed hard, golden eyes full of gilt as he looked at his omega, voice dropped even lower, almost vulnerable. “Forgive me?”