The Royal Family

A polite knock on her door woke her up.

"Master Katara?"

She recognized the voice of the maid from before. She rubbed her eyes and got up. "Come in, Sen."

The maid opened the sliding door and bowed. "Dinner will be served in half an hour."

"Good. Is there anything I should know?"

"His Majesty has asked me to warn you that dinner is very rarely a private affair. The royal family is often joined by courtiers and members of various noble families."

Katara sighed. "I understand." She had had enough official dinner parties when she still lived with Aang, and she had never liked it. "I suppose I have to dress a bit more formal then. Will you help me with the obi?"

"Certainly, milady."

Sen was obviously an experienced dresser and quickly tied the obi in a formal knot. She also freed Katara's hair from its braid and dressed it up in an elegant style. When Katara saw her own appearance in the mirror, she smiled. Although she didn't feel like it, she did look more beautiful than she had looked for many months. It was good to know that despite everything, her looks were still an armor she could hide behind. She would need it if she was to face the crème de la crème of the Fire Nation nobility tonight. Even if she didn't match their pale, black-haired ideal of beauty, no one would be able to deny that her face was refined and symmetrical, and her figure was, although a little short, slender and well filled out.

She entered the dining hall a little hesitantly. Immediately she felt the eyes of about two dozen courtiers on her. She repeated I look good, I look good in her mind, but was glad when she noticed Zuko at the head of the long table, beckoning her to come closer. He stood up for her, and this was immediately imitated by all other guests. Katara felt her cheeks burn. A servant pulled back a chair, and she was surprised. She had expected to be seated somewhat down the table, since she wasn't of noble birth, nor was she here on a political mission. When she travelled with Aang she was seated amongst the guests of honour, but she had thought it would be different now that she was alone. But she was given the seat of a member of the royal family. Iroh would probably sit here when he visited, too. She could easily converse with Zuko this way. The two of them sat at the head of the table, and the courtiers and nobles were almost out of hearing distance.

"I'm surprised you're letting me sit here," Katara said. Zuko shook his head.

"Of course. What did you expect? You're my personal guest."

She smiled.

"Is Hanabi not joining us?"

"No, I think she's still a little too young. She eats in the nursery with her nanny. But we can go there after dinner."

Still uneasy, Katara couldn't help feeling that all courtiers were observing her very closely. Zuko noticed her look and said quietly:

"It's not very common that they see an outsider converse with me in such an informal way. They all have to do the bowing and the titles. Don't mind it too much."

"I do mind," Katara said. "I would've preferred to be a little more inconspicuous."

Zuko laughed. "Katara, there's no way you could've been inconspicuous here, you stand out like a fish in the desert."

She frowned. "I do feel like one, too."

Before Zuko could say anything, the whole room gasped and looked up. In the entrance, the Fire Lady had appeared. She was still pale, but her cheeks had colour and she had obviously taken great care in dressing. Slender and tall, she made an impressive sight, the epitome of Fire Nation beauty. Gracefully she crossed the room and sat down next to Zuko. She made a gesture to the servants, who quickly started bringing in the food.

Noticing the amazed looks on the faces of the nobles, Zuko stood up.

"I would like to propose a toast," he said, raising his cup. "After the illness that you have all been aware of, my beloved Lady has been healed today by my good friend, the famous waterbender Master Katara of the Southern Water Tribe."

Again Katara felt all eyes upon her, and everybody started whispering to each other. She was certain she picked up the word "Avatar" here and there.

"To Master Katara," Zuko said, and drank. All nobles followed his example. One of them stood up and also raised his cup.

"And to our highly esteemed Fire Lady!" he said, and all others cheered and emptied their cups. Mai smiled and answered him:

"Thank you, sir Inoue. Now, let us enjoy our meal."

Everyone sat down and began eating. Mai took a bite of chicken, leaned towards Zuko and said: "Would you believe it? I'm actually hungry."

He beamed, and Katara thought his face was worth all the mistrusting looks she'd gotten, and would undoubtedly still get.

After dinner, the Fire Lord usually held a short audience with the present nobles. They went into another room, while the Fire Lady escorted Katara and the few other ladies out of the dining hall.

Although there were obviously quite a few noblewomen eager to speak to Mai, they didn't have the courage to approach her without invitation. Katara couldn't help but smile when noticing the clear respect these women had for Mai. She could easily imagine how they felt in her presence. But Mai was all kindness to Katara. She walked by her side and thanked her again.

"I can't believe how I feel. I could actually taste my food again, and I feel so energetic!" she said. Katara smiled in return.

"Don't expect too much too soon, it will take some time until you are fully recovered."

"I am aware of that, but I already feel so much better. I cannot thank you enough."

Although Mai was attentive to her, much more than she had expected, it was out of gratefulness for her service, not out of interest in her person, and they soon ran out of conversation topics. Mai turned her attention to the ladies-in-waiting, who were very eager to respond and huddled around her, each of them trying to get in her favour by being the most attentive. Katara distanced herself and felt a little lonely all of a sudden. The noblewomen would bow to her, but none of them would speak to her. She was too much of an outsider. She wished Mai would end the gathering so she could return to her room. Write a letter to Toph, or to her brother perhaps.

It seemed like Mai had used up what little energy she had gained, because she beckoned Katara and left the room with her.

"I just want to visit the nursery before Hanabi is asleep," she explained. They arrived at the crane-adorned sliding door and Mai opened it. The nanny was just putting Hanabi in bed, but she quickly stood up and bowed to the Fire Lady. Mai made a small gesture and the nanny stepped aside. Hanabi sat upright in her bed. "Mommy!"

"Hi sweetie," Mai said, and kneeled next to her daughter.

"Are you feeling better?" the girl asked. Mai nodded.

"Your aunt Katara has healed me," she said, and Hanabi looked at the waterbender in amazement. She quickly directed her attention to her mother again, tightening her little arms around her neck. "Now you have to stay here," she said. Mai tried to loosen her grip gently. "No sweetie, you have to sleep," she said.

"I don't want to!" Hanabi said. "Can't you read me a story?"

Mai smiled apologetically at Katara. "I'll stay for a bit. If you see Zuko, could you tell him I'm here?"

Katara nodded. The nanny brought a colourful book to the Fire Lady and her daughter, obviously Hanabi's favourite, then opened the door for Katara. She stepped outside and slowly walked to her own room. She was grateful for the quietness of the halls. Turning the corner, she walked into the Fire Lord, accompanied by three noblemen. In a reflex, she bowed. The noblemen bowed in return, but Zuko asked in a familial tone:

"Hey, where did you leave Mai?"

"She's in the nursery with Hanabi," Katara answered, trying to ignore the disapproving looks of the nobles, who were clearly offended by her directness to their Lord.

"Thanks, I'll go there too." Zuko turned to the three men. "We'll see each other again tomorrow."

They bowed deeply. "Good night, Your Highness," they said in turn, and left, walking backwards until they reached the corner.

"I'm going to my room," Katara said, before Zuko could say anything. "Be warned that Hanabi will demand a bedtime story when you go there."

"I'm used to that," Zuko smiled. "Good night."

They parted. Katara stepped into her room and called for Sen. After the maid had helped her take off the kimono and had let her hair down, she bid her good night and left. Katara enjoyed the comfort of being freed from the constricting obi, and inspected her room a little better. She was happy to find the small, intricately carved desk equipped with writing materials. She wrote a direction to the South Pole, started with "Dear Sokka," but then her brush hesitated. Where to start? She had no idea what to tell her brother. So much had happened since she had last been in contact with him.

She put the letter aside and took a new sheet of paper.

"Dear Toph,

I've safely arrived in the Fire Lord's palace. My journey was easy. I've done my best to heal the Fire Lady and I think she's doing much better. I'll keep an eye on her for the next few days to see how she does. I hope your teaching is still going well. How are your students getting on with metalbending? And how did the tournament go?

Please say hi to everyone in Ba Sing Se from me. Zuko sends his regards as well.

Love, Katara."

What a lousy letter. But somehow she didn't know what else to write. What was there to write? She took off her slippers and lay down on the bed. The sheets were smooth and cool, and with a sigh she closed her eyes.

The next morning she woke up feeling very refreshed. It was not very light yet, so she guessed it was still early. Not wanting to wake Sen, she quickly washed herself and braided her hair. She noticed her light blue Earth Kingdom dress hanging over the closet door, freshly washed and ironed, and smiled. She put it on, stepped into her felt slippers and went out of her room. She longed to be outside. On her way to the garden she passed several servants, who all took the time to bow and greet her attentively. She answered them all politely, and asked one to post her letter to Toph. She felt touched by the great care she received from these people, who she had hated for so long. But the older she got, the more complicated the world seemed. She was often envious of her younger self, for whom everything had been clear and simple.

Katara reached the garden and breathed deeply, taking in the fresh morning air. She sun was just rising above the roofs of the palace and the ground was still covered with dew. She took off her slippers and walked barefoot through the wet grass.

When she walked further into the garden, the peaceful silence was disturbed by the sound of crackling fire. Outside the dojo, on a wide training field, the Fire Lord was doing his morning practice.

His hair was tied back in a simple ponytail and he wore only his training pants. Instead of the sweaty, violent battle practice she'd been used to see him doing, he was calmly going through bending forms, and instead of blazing balls of fire, long thin flames followed the moves of his hands. She wasn't used to this peaceful version of firebending. It was an elegant sight. She wanted to observe him quietly, but he had already noticed her. His flames disappeared and he walked towards her.

"Good morning," he greeted her.

"Good morning! That looked good," she said. "Very controlled."

He shrugged. "It's a great way to start the day. As soon as the sun rises, I just feel it in my blood, and the urge to create fire is very strong."

"I suppose all firebenders have that feeling, you have such a strong connection to the sun," Katara said. Zuko nodded. "But I meant your movements," she continued. "They were very calm. I remember your bending in the past, it was so violent, you were so full of anger…"

"I was very frustrated and full of fear, mostly. But it's true, most of my strength in bending came from my anger, then. It made me powerful but it was unbalanced. You remember how weak I was when I lost that source."

"But you're doing great now," Katara said.

"Of course my adventure with Aang and the dragons helped me," Zuko said. "And after the war Uncle Iroh taught me more."

Katara smiled. "I know. I was there, remember? We were all there. When you were just installed as Fire Lord, and the three of you were training every day."

Zuko rubbed his hands over his face.

"It was such a hard time, I had so much to learn… I still feel like I know nothing."

"You're a great Fire Lord, Zuko. Look at the palace you run. The staff adores you and the nobles have the greatest respect for you. And look at your country, how well you're doing. Your people love you, really."

He coloured.

"I do miss Uncle," he said. "His guidance was so important for me."

"But he trusts in your ability to do it on your own. And he's right."

"I still write to him about almost everything, though," Zuko said. They walked towards the dojo and he picked up his shirt. "Have you seen him at all when you were in Ba Sing Se?"

"I did, actually. Toph is a frequent customer of the Jasmine Dragon. He's still a tough one, isn't he?"

"I'm starting to believe he's immortal. I sure hope he is." Zuko buttoned up his shirt and said: "He's the one who told me you were in Ba Sing Se. I wouldn't have known how to contact you otherwise."

"I already guessed you'd heard from him."

"He was very discreet though, he told me nothing else, only that you were staying with Toph."

"He's a discreet man."

Zuko knew he shouldn't ask any further. They walked back to the palace.

"The Fire Nation missed a great Fire Lord with him," Zuko said. Katara shook her head. "I don't think he feels that way. He is a wise man but he wouldn't have been happy."

"It's not about personal happiness. Duty to your country is the only thing that really matters for the royal family."

Katara looked at him sideways. "That's so cold."

"I'm lucky," Zuko said. "I have a happy life now. But it's not a given."

"As the heir to the throne, you never really had a choice, did you?" Katara asked, trying to understand him better.

"My life has never been my own," Zuko said. "Only when my fate became entangled with the Avatar's I realized I could make my own choices."

"Even so," Katara said, "You had no choice in ascending the throne. There was no alternative."

"As Uncle said, it's all about balance. Now, I think breakfast is ready."

They met Mai and Hanabi in the same room where they'd had lunch the day before. Mai kissed Zuko and smiled at him. "You smell sweaty," she said, crinkling her nose.

"Is that the first thing you say to me?" he asked, but both their voices were playful. Hanabi sat on her mother's lap as they enjoyed their meal. They had some casual conversation and Katara was pleasantly surprised by the change in Mai's behaviour. She was relaxed and seemed content, which Katara had never witnessed before. After breakfast, Mai had a meeting with her ladies-in-waiting, and Zuko took Hanabi and Katara to his office.

"Mai certainly seems different," Katara said.

"She's getting back to herself," Zuko said. Katara smiled. "That's a very different self than I remember," she said.

Zuko laughed. "She had a lot of anger and frustration as well back then," he said. "You know about her relationship with her parents?"

"I've only heard about it from second-hand sources."

"The beginning was hard for both of us. But of course it's very different now."

"Daddy, what are you doing today?" Hanabi asked.

"I have a consult with the Minister of Agriculture and Farming this afternoon," Zuko said, holding Hanabi's hand as they entered his office.

"Are we getting more goats?" Hanabi asked. Katara laughed, surprised, and Zuko explained: "We take her to the palace's farmland often, she's very fond of the animals." Then he turned to Hanabi again: "No sweetie, we're talking about the soil in the midlands."

"Oh. Can I have some sweets from your jar?"

"Yes, but only one," Zuko said. He went to his big desk and lifted the lid of a porcelain jar. It was filled with candied fruit. Hanabi climbed on the desk and put her little hand in the jar. She took her candy, jumped of the desk again and started playing by herself in the corner of the room.

Katara looked around the office. "This place hasn't changed much," she said. It was a spacious room, with calligraphy and maps hanging on the walls, and Zuko's big wooden desk in the middle.

"We sure spent a lot of time in here," Zuko said. They both remembered the endless political talks right after the war, the designs of new laws and treaties, the precarious dance to keep all parties satisfied. It had been close to a mine field. Katara sighed.

"Is it strange that I sometimes miss that time?"

"What, the war?"

"Yeah. Sure, we were scared and hungry most of the time, but compared to now, everything seemed so simple then…"

"I think you're looking at the past through rose-coloured glasses. Were you really happier then?"

"I was," Katara said and looked at him directly. "We laughed, we traveled, we had a goal, it was so clear and I always knew what to do…"

"You were free," Zuko said. "I understand."

"Do you?"

"You were everything I was not. Of course I understand. Everything you had, I wanted."

She nodded.

"Friendship and love and the knowledge that you were fighting for something good," Zuko said, "and the freedom to make your own choices! What I wouldn't have given for that!"

"It must be completely opposite for you," Katara said. "I suppose you never miss the old times."

Zuko thought for a moment, then shook his head. "No. Only in the last few years have I learned to enjoy life."

He looked at the time-candle in the corner.

"I'm meeting the minister in half an hour. Would you care to join us?"

Katara's eyes widened. "You want me to join?"

"I'd appreciate your advice," he said. She couldn't help laughing.

"Thank you. I'd love to," she said. He nodded, as if he had expected nothing else.

"Come, Hanabi," he said. "Back to mommy."

The girl jumped up and skipped to her father. Zuko turned to Katara. "I'll be back in a minute," he said. He took Hanabi's hand and they walked out of the door.

Katara sat on the edge of the desk and peeked in the porcelain jar. How typically Zuko to keep a jar of sweets in his office. She was ready to bet he ate more of it than Hanabi. She took a piece of candied mango and put it in her mouth. Enjoying the sweet taste, she looked around the office again.

A big painting of the royal family, Mai holding baby Hanabi and Zuko beaming. A portrait of Ursa. Maps of the capital, the Fire Nation, the world. Beautiful calligraphy.

The calligraphy scroll hung in a narrow corner, above an elegant flower arrangement. Katara read the two lines. First 群雄四分, 'the powers are divided into four'. Next to that, 天下一匡, 'all under heaven are guided by one'. A classic phrase. She stared at the simple straight line that symbolized the 'one' she knew so well. How would he be doing? Would he miss her at all?

Zuko entered the room again. Katara quickly swallowed the candy and jumped off the desk. Zuko pretended he hadn't seen it.

"Did you write this?" Katara asked, pointing to the calligraphy, while trying not to blush.

"I did," Zuko said. "Calligraphy was one of the classical educations Uncle took very seriously, so even when we were at sea I had to practice. But this one I wrote after the war."

"You have great handwriting," Katara said. "I was happy to learn how to write at all."

"I always thought your writing was very clear and to-the-point. I remember you used to write all the Avatar's letters because Aang's handwriting was so sloppy."

Katara laughed. "That's true, he was too impatient for it."

Zuko took some papers from a corner of his desk.

"Now, before the minister comes, I'd like your opinion on this." Katara came closer and looked over his shoulder. She saw various plans for irrigation and proposals for the improvement of the soil.

"This one will definitely not work," she said immediately, pointing at one of the irrigation plans. "The water will all flow into the first field and none of it will reach the others."

"See," Zuko said, "that's why I want you to join."

There was a knock on the door. "Enter," Zuko said. Two officials entered and bowed deeply. Zuko nodded to them and said.

"Katara, these are the Minister of Agriculture and his first secretary. Your honours, this is Master Katara. She will give us her advice on our new plans."

Katara curtsied and the officials bowed again.

They laid out some plans and Katara gave her advice about the irrigation. She could feel that the Minister was wary of her in the beginning, and only his respect for Zuko made him listen to her without complaining, but within half an hour he was convinced of her expertise and asked her many questions about the flow of water and the shape the canals should have. She inwardly grinned at this victory. They managed to create quite an elaborate irrigation plan in a few hours. On the topic of the improvement of the soil she couldn't say anything though, but proposed to write to Toph's earthbending school to ask for assistance there.

The Minister rolled up his scrolls and the secretary put them back in the large lacquered casket he carried. They bowed and left the office, walking backwards. Katara and Zuko looked at each other and both smiled.

"Thanks for your assistance," Zuko said softly. Katara noticed the familiar hoarseness in his voice, and his slight lisp. "It was my pleasure, really," she said. "I'm glad I can contribute to something."

Together they walked back to the personal quarters. Zuko slid open the door to the nursery but hesitated, and Katara noticed he was moved by what he saw. She quickly joined him and understood. Mai was sitting at a low writing desk with Hanabi on her lap, her wide robes spread out behind her. The little girl had a brush in her hand and her mother guided her. When Hanabi noticed her father had come in, she jumped up, ran towards him and pulled at his hands.

"Look daddy, I wrote my name!"

Zuko picked her up and carried her on his hip. "That's wonderful, sweetie."

Katara looked at the shaky lines on the paper. "Flower of fire," she said. "I've always thought it was such a pretty name."

Mai showed a small smile. "I've always thought it silly that Zuko named our daughter after fireworks."

"That reminds me," Zuko said, "there'll be fireworks tonight."

"Really? Great!" Katara's face lit up. "It's been years since I've seen some!"

"It's in honour of you, actually."

"What?"

"Because the Fire Lady is healed. The people want to celebrate."

Katara couldn't contain her surprise and excitement. "I can't believe it!"

"You'd almost think they cared about me," Mai said languidly. Zuko turned to her abruptly. "Of course they do!" he said. "Don't be so negative!"

Mai leaned backwards. "Maybe they'd care even more if I'd given them a crown prince," she sighed. Zuko shook his head, lifted Hanabi off his hip and handed her to Katara.

"Could you take her outside for a moment? I need to talk to Mai and I don't want her to hear this," he whispered. Katara nodded. Hanabi looked a little surprised but seemed happy to be carried by Katara. She reached up to her face and tried to pull her hair loopies. Katara laughed and pushed her little hands away. "Don't do that! Come, I'm gonna give you a water show again," she said, and quickly went outside.

Zuko turned to Mai. "Why would you say that? Can't you understand that it might hurt Hanabi?"

"She's too young to understand, anyway."

"No, she's not. Don't you remember what it was like for Azula and me? And for yourself as well? Children are very aware of what their parents think of them, and it can really hurt them!"

"I know that," Mai said, looking away. "I just feel like everyone thinks I failed to deliver a male heir."

"It doesn't even matter," Zuko said. "She can become Fire Lord just fine. We've talked about this before."

Mai looked down, her eyes hidden by her hair. She remained silent. Zuko knelt beside her and put his hand on her shoulder. She didn't move, but didn't push him away either.

"Don't you realize how proud and happy I am with you and Hanabi? You two mean the world to me. You're only just feeling well again, and I'm so happy about that. Don't start being gloomy now, please."

Mai looked up. "I'm trying," she said. "I'm happy too, truly. I just… It would've been so much easier if she'd been a boy."

"I don't want to hear about it anymore," Zuko said sharply, and left the room. Mai sighed and leaned back. She closed her eyes, frowning slightly.

Zuko walked outside, to the garden. He was sure he could find Katara near the pond, and he was right. She was carrying Hanabi on her hip just like he usually did, and with her one free hand she made a stream of water circle around them. Hanabi clapped her hands and tried to catch it, only to splash herself. Zuko couldn't help but laugh. Katara put Hanabi down and bended the water off her. When the girl was dry she spotted a butterfly, and went chasing after it. Katara sat down beneath the tree and played with the remainder of the stream. Zuko walked towards the pond and sat down beside her. He watched Hanabi play at a distance, and softly said: "I want my daughter to know that she's perfect just the way she is. I don't want her to feel like she's a disappointment."

"Why on earth would she be a disappointment?" Katara asked, truly astonished. Zuko sighed.

"We haven't had a crown princess in centuries, and although there have been a few female Fire Lords in the past, it has been rare. Only in case of no direct male heir, or if the previous Fire Lord explicitly wishes it, like my father did with Azula, can a princess become Fire Lord."

"What would her partner be called, then?"

"If she marries a man he'd just be called Prince."

"But people are uneasy about a woman being the next Fire Lord?"

"Not many, but some. And that's not the only thing… She's probably not a firebender."

"I can imagine that would be a problem," Katara nodded. "But look at it this way: the Earth King isn't an earthbender either, nor is Chief Arnook of the Northern Water Tribe a waterbender. It isn't that important."

"It is in the Fire Nation," Zuko said. "I'm just hoping she'll turn out to be a bender after all. Like Mai said, it would be so much easier."

"Since when do you prefer the easier road?" Katara asked, and elbowed him. "Don't you know the easiest road is almost never the right one?"

"You sound like Uncle," Zuko said, but grinned. "You're right. Hanabi is perfect just the way she is. I only want her to be happy."

"She'll be a great Fire Lord, I'm sure."

They stood up. Zuko called Hanabi, who came running towards them, and together they went back inside.