I'm so excited for this chapter! It was edited and beta'd by fellow fanfiction author Melting Angels. She is amazing, so I really hope y'all enjoy :)

After six hours of journeying, I was able to make it in record time, after speeding all the way there. As soon as I landed in their air space, I could see that Katara was already standing there. As I began to step off the airship, she ran out to meet me, the very sight giving me hope.

"Katara! How are you?" I greeted her with a smile, and a hug, which she swiftly returned.

"I'm great." Katara smiled. "Busy rebuilding our tribe and trade deals, but other than that, I'm great. What brings you down here, Zuko? Don't you have your own nation to run?"

She laughed as she said the last part, and I knew she was just joking with me. It was good to be able to joke, after the stress of ruling an entire nation.

"Yeah..."I smiled nervously, scratching the back of my neck to calm my nerves. "Do you have time to talk in private?"

"Of course. Follow me." Katara gestured for me to follow her. "Come to my igloo."

We walked steadily through the village. As we walked, I looked around, and admired the work the tribe were doing. When I had last seen the village, it was no more than a few tents, and a group of aging women. Now, with the aid of Northern Water tribe members, it had big, strong buildings, made from glistening ice. The work was certainly admirable, considering they had not been rebuilding for very long. Now, it could almost be considered a town.

As the air got colder by the minute, I found myself getting distracted from the work. If I felt this cold here...I've always wondered if she felt like it was burning up in the Fire Nation.

After a few moments, we reached a modest sized igloo, and ducked inside. It came as a relief that the inside was surprisingly warm, and rather homely. Once Katara and I had sat down, she finally spoke up.

"What did you want to talk to me about?" Katara asked, her tone showing that she was concerned.

"Katara, I'm just going to come out and ask you." I gathered my courage. "Do you want to be the Fire lady during my rule?"

A moment of silence passed, and I could see the sheer shock on Katara's face.

"Zuko... I don't know." Katara answered.

She looked back up at me.

"Isn't that suppose to be your fiance...or girlfriend, or something? Don't get me wrong, but-"

"I talked to the fire sages," I cut into her speech about how she didn't like me in a romantic way. "They have decided to give me one chance, and that is to choose a woman, one that I feel would be good at helping me lead the Fire Nation. She wouldn't have to be a wife or fiance, but she would have to leave her Nation, and change her status to be as a Fire Nation citizen only. Katara, you would have to come live in the palace, but I promise you, you can come back here anytime you want."

"I have to think about this Zuko, I mean...you're saying I wouldn't be a member of the Water Tribe anymore. Did you really think about what you're doing?"

"Yes, I put a lot of thought into it. Katara, I want you to be the Fire lady, because you are strong enough to handle criticism, graceful enough to handle the public eye, and you aren't afraid to tell me what you think. I have one shot at this Katara, and I picked you because I believe you would be a great leader."

"What happens if I refuse?" she asked, looking me in the eye.

"I don't want it to influence your decision"

"I won't be swayed. Please, tell me."

"...If you refuse then I am to be married to a girl of the sages choice, the day I am crowned."

"Zuko, that's awful!"

"I know, but its up to you, this is your life Katara."

"How long do I have to think about it?"

"I have to leave tomorrow morning, you have till then"

"What?! I have one night to say yes or no?"

"I'm so sorry, Katara. I came as soon as soon as the sages told me. If you do agree, then we will be crowned tomorrow afternoon, but if you don't, then I'm inviting you to my wedding, at the same time, and the same place."

That was my horrible attempt at a joke.

"Oh Zuko" she sighed.

"You can give me your answer in the morning, until then... good night and... sleep well."

"Thanks, Zuko...you too."

Then, ducking out of the Igloo, I left her alone to think.

Katara's P.O.V

I called my dad into my igloo later that night, seeking advice. I told him about Zuko's predicament, everything the firebender had said, and I asked him what he thought I should do.

"Would you feel comfortable alone in the palace... with Zuko?" was my Father's first question.

"Yes." I answered.

"Could you change your citizenship without being upset? Because it could void your choice."

"I could...although when I got home, I would feel sad. Although, Zuko did say I could come back anytime"

"He did." Dad agreed with a smile.

"Do you think I should do it?" I ran my fingers through my hair.

"If you think it's the right thing to do, Katara, I say go for it."

"I will be... crowned Fire lady... tomorrow afternoon. You and Sokka are coming... right?" I asked optimistically.

"Of course we will sweetheart, all of us are coming to see you."

"I love you Dad!" I grinned as I wrapped my arms around him.

"I love you too my little waterbender" he said. "You better get packed, tomorrow, you'll be moving in to the palace!"

I grinned, but I started to get nervous as soon as ducked out the igloo. As a small rush of air came into the igloo, I felt a shiver down my spine. I could only hope I'd made the right decision.