A/N: There is a 3 day time skip between this chapter and the last chapter. Just thought I would let you all know that.
Arianna's POV
Finally it was time to leave, time to say good bye. Everyone was there to see them off. Arianna gave her father one last hug.
"I love you," her father said.
"I love you too," she replied.
"I'll see you at the wedding," her father responded.
Arianna nodded and tears welled in her eyes.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm going to miss you," Arianna answered.
"I'm going to miss you too. Now go on, live your life and live your dreams." He gave Arianna a kiss on the head.
"Thank you all for having me here!" Zuko said.
"It was a pleasure meeting you," Chief Arnook replied.
"Likewise," Zuko responded.
After a few more good-byes, Zuko, Arianna, and Iroh boarded the ship, and as they set off they waved to the people they were leaving behind.
Zuko held Arianna close. "I love you."
"I love you too," she responded.
"I promise, you'll be treated with the upmost respect," Zuko said.
"I don't doubt that," Arianna replied.
Several weeks later they arrived in the Fire Nation and they were greeted grandly. Arianna hid her face in Zuko's shoulder and she was blushing.
"What's wrong?" Zuko asked.
"I was expecting that you would be welcomed back nicely, but not quite this grand," Arianna answered.
"It's all right, they're going to love you," Zuko said.
They stepped off of the ship and everyone cheered. Arianna blushed even more. Soon they were met by palankeen bearers that helped them onto a palankeen and then took them back to the palace.
Finally after several hours of Arianna meeting people and Zuko talking about his trip, they were alone.
"Alone at last," Arianna sighed in relief.
"Yes, finally we're alone," Zuko replied.
Arianna snuggled close to Zuko. "I don't know if I can do this."
"Of course you can, and I'll be right here at all times, you don't need to worry, and they loved you," Zuko said.
"It's one thing to be nobility and it's another to be royalty," Arianna responded.
"You can do it, I believe in you," Zuko replied.
"I love you," Arianna said.
"So, when do you want to have the wedding?" Zuko asked.
"Next spring," Arianna answered.
"Why is that?" Zuko questioned.
"Spring represents a new beginning, new life, and it's my favorite season," Arianna replied.
"Then in the spring it is," Zuko responded.
A/N: If you are wondering, yes, a palankeen is a real thing; it can also be spelt palanquin. By definition it is a closed litter carried on the shoulders of four bearers.
Raidersfan777: I'm so glad that you like the story, and I thought after all Zuko has been through that he should have the chance to lose his scar. Thanks for the review.
Pumpernickel: I'm sorry that you don't like the story and she doesn't fall in love right away, and try to put yourself in her shoes, she's engaged to a guy that she doesn't love, and the guy was previously engaged to her best friend, I honestly don't blame her for wanting to flirt with Zuko. Once again, I'm sorry that you don't like the story, but I don't think it was necessary to use profanity in your review.
Until next time!
~Forest Princess