Katara was a Master Waterbender. She fought Azula in battle. She travelled with the Avatar. But she had never felt more vulnerable.

The ladies of the Court had invited her to one of their tea parties. As future Firelady, she was loath to refuse. The trouble was, these ladies of the Court despised her. They seemed to think that a peasant was undeserving of the title of Firelady. She really didn't want to go. She feared that they would poke and prod into her affairs, gossip about her endlessly and belittle her. Many of the ladies had sharp, acidic tongues. And it would be considered poor etiquette to bend them into the nearest fountain. She had half a mind to fake illness, or see if Zuko could do something about it...

'Tara, if you're so worried, I could just outlaw tea parties or gossiping if you'd like.


No one could say that Firelord Zuko was not a brave man. He rebelled against his father, fought his sister, carried the Avatar through a blizzard and jumped in front of lightning. But his uncle considered one deed to be the bravest of them all.

Iroh thought that the bravest thing that Zuko ever did was to marry Katara. He had to face off against the nobles and was the subject of many assassination attempts. But that wasn't why. Marriage meant children and an heir, essential for the Firelord. If Katara could be scary normally, that was nothing compared to Katara in the pain of childbirth.

So far, Iroh had listened to various colourful threats, most of which sounded both painful and embarrassing. Katara was a Master bender; she was probably capable of killing his nephew even while in labour. Yet his nephew was still in the room, looking after her. Yes, it was honourable and chivalrous, but it was foolhardy, and could get him killed. Truly, his nephew was a very brave man.

Zuko, this is all your fault! You are not having anymore children, I will ensure that!


I don't own Avatar the Last Airbender.