Chapter One
Zuko sat at the table with his uncle.
The room was adorned with Fire Nation emblems with deep red walls and floors. Candles illuminated the small chamber, casting large, dancing shadows across the stones. Though he had had tea with Iroh many times since then in this room, Zuko couldn't help but miss the teashop in Ba Sing Se.
Across from him, Iroh sipped patiently. He had begun to put the weight back on that he had lost in prison, and almost looked the same as before the victory over Ozai. Zuko fidgeted, mind a hundred miles away.
"Something is on your mind, nephew," Iroh said, studying the young Fire Lord.
Zuko looked up and then away, his gold eyes glinting in the candlelight. "Yes."
"Would you like to talk about it?"
For a moment, Zuko's jaw tightened, and Iroh was reminded of the times when his nephew had a fierce, uncontrollable temper. But now Zuko was contained- in the past few months he had come to peace with himself, and Iroh found his company much more enjoyable.
Zuko slumped in his seat. "I can't do it, Uncle."
Iroh waited for him to continue.
"Everyone is putting pressure on me to find a Princess… but I just can't." Zuko stared into his cup of tea, now long cold.
"Finding a wife," Iroh said, "is a difficult thing to do. You should not rush the process- instead, let the process come to you." He sipped his tea. "I presume you have considered Mai?"
The corner's of Zuko's mouth turned down. His eyes narrowed and he looked away. "Yes. She's just too- mild. Everything she does, she does with boredom and indifference. I don't want to live my life bored and indifferent, Uncle. I don't want to rule my country that way either."
Iroh smiled. "Understandable. Have you considered anyone else?"
Zuko scowled, and said, "No. There's no one good enough.
"You aren't looking hard enough, nephew. I'm sure your Fire Princess is right under your nose."
"What do you mean?" Zuko asked, his scar wrinkling with confusion.
"Things are changing, nephew, with the war over. People are exploring new possibilities. Mull it over." Iroh set down his teacup and became serious. "But I think there is something else bothering you, Zuko."
Zuko gripped his teacup. "My mother. I need to know what happened to her. Father said she was banished. Maybe she's still alive. I need to find her."
Iroh nodded. "I think that would be a wonderful idea."
"Really?" Zuko said, looking at his uncle with wide eyes.
"Yes. It will be difficult though. The disappearance of Princess Ursa is shrouded in mystery. But I think you will do just fine. And who knows- perhaps if you find her, she could provide some insight into your Princess problem."
Zuko stood. "When should I leave?"
Iroh laughed. "Slow down, nephew, we need to prepare for these things. For instance, who will lead in your absence?"
"Well, you, of course," Zuko said impatiently.
Iroh smiled as he fought tears. It had been a long time since he had harbored any thought of leading the country, even temporarily- but even more, the pride he felt for his nephew's growth and journey was overwhelming.
Zuko shifted uncomfortably. "Stop, Uncle, really."
"I'm sorry," Iroh sniffed, wiping his eyes. After he took a moment to regain his composure, he continued. "I think you should leave in a day. Talk to Aang, but don't tell anyone about your mission. There are still those who wish to keep Princess Ursa in banishment."
