Though Chief Arnook encouraged Iroh to leave Chiara with the Tribe, Iroh left the decision up to her, and the following week they left the North Pole together and traveled to the Fire Nation. When they arrived, they immediately went to Iroh's manor where Ezih, Amiku, Tai, and the other servants welcomed them home. Tai made them a long-missed homemade meal, and they rested a short time before going to the palace where Iroh would pay honor to Fire Lord Ozai. Chiara went with him hoping to see Zuko while she was there.

When they arrived at the palace, Iroh had Zuko called out, and when he saw them his eyes lit up though he was a bit surprised to see Iroh's gray hair, aged appearance, and larger belly as it had only been a few years since he had seen him. Iroh embraced his nephew.

"You have grown so much, Nephew."

"So have you, Uncle," he replied.

Iroh released him. "I suppose I have," he laughed.

Zuko looked at Chiara who bowed respectfully and saluted him.

"Prince Zuko," she said softly. "I'm honored."

He was amazed at how beautiful she looked with her long, dark curls flowing around her and her mother's diadem, which she used to wear around her neck, now wrapped around her head. He returned her greeting and then he stepped closer to her and pulled her into a hug.

"I missed you," he said.

"I missed you too," she said holding on to him.

"I will let you two catch up," said Iroh who then left to see Fire Lord Ozai.

Zuko took Chiara's hand.

"Come on, let's go out to the garden," he said as he led her outside. "I got your last letter saying you were coming home. I couldn't wait."

"I'm so glad to be home with you."

They sat in the grass under a tree.

"Tell me about your trip," he said. "Where'd you go?"

"All over. We traveled through the Earth Kingdom. I was Lin and the General was Xin."

The idea that they traveled under aliases made him smile and wish he could have been with them.

"First, we went to Kyoshi Island," she told him. "I got to meet the Kyoshi Warriors and I learned a lot about Avatar Kyoshi. Then we got to see an earthbending tournament called Earth Rumble. It was underground, and they competed trying to knock each other out of the ring. There was one guy called The Boulder, he was the champion. He managed to knock everyone else out of the ring, including The Big Bad Hippo and The Gopher."

Zuko was laughing trying to imagine it.

"We went to Omashu. It's made of stone, and there are slides everywhere that deliver anything you can imagine."

"Can you ride them?" he asked.

"Except people," she said laughing. "They did look like they'd be fun to ride though. While we were there we met King Bumi."

"You met the king of Omashu?" There was a tone of awe in his voice.

She nodded. "He's...really unusual. At first he put us in prison."

"You were in prison?" he asked.

"Yes, but he released us because the General won their Pai Sho game."

Zuko found that funny.

"King Bumi is one of the greatest earthbenders, but you'd never guess it by looking at him. He did some pretty amazing earthbending."

"Better than the guys at Earth Rumble?" he asked.

"Yes." She thought about it for a few seconds. "I would like to see King Bumi at Earth Rumble."

She smiled at him, and it made him feel warmer than the sun, and hearing about their trip made him wish he had been traveling with them instead of being stuck in the palace with his sister.

"We stayed in several Fire Nation colonies, and we even got to attend a Fire Days Festival."

"What was that like?"

"Everyone wore masks, and they had fireworks and firebending shows. They also had Fire Nation food. That was the best part. Oh, we got to visit the Pohuai Stronghold."

"With the Yuyan Archers?"

"Yes. I even got to train a little with them. Colonel Shinu said I should consider joining them when I'm older."

"I always said you could be a Yuyan Archer."

She smiled as she remembered.

"Remember when we would set up targets in Uncle's yard and paint our faces to look like them?" he said. "Lu Ten would deepen his voice and command us like he was Colonel Shinu."

"That time he commanded you to shoot a mango out of the tree," she said. "Hiroki was so mad when it fell on his head a few days later when he was working in the garden."

They laughed at the memories, though they were bittersweet as they thought of Lu Ten.

"I really miss that," she said softly.

"I do too."

She looked at him. "I'm so glad to be back home."

Per Iroh's request she withheld sharing their visit to the Northern Water Tribe. He did not want to take a chance of giving away Chiara's Water Tribe ancestry, and if it became known that they visited the North Pole, he worried that suspicions might arise.

"I'm glad you're back," he said. "We can spar again."

"But I imagine you're really busy with your new duties now."

"I can always make time for you."

"Oh, I have a souvenir for you," she said as she reached in her pocket.

She pulled out a green crystal and held it out to him. He took it from her, his eyes wide as he noticed how it seemed to glow in the bright light that shone down through the branches.

"This is beautiful," he said.

"Oh, look, the dirt girl's back."

They looked up to see Azula approaching them.

"Shut up, Azula," snapped Zuko.

"Ooh, defending your girlfriend, Zuzu?" she laughed. "Just remember, she's the homeless tramp that left you so she could wander around the Earth Kingdom with Uncle. Visiting your family?" she asked Chiara.

"I said shut up," insisted Zuko.

Chiara placed her hand on his arm. "Don't worry about it, Prince Zuko," she said. She looked up at Azula. "It's nice to see you, Princess Azula."

"I would say the same, but I would be lying," she said.

"You're good at that," said Zuko.

"Oh, Zuzu, at least I haven't abandoned you like Chiara or Mom."

"Go away," he demanded.

"But I learned a new firebending trick I want to show Chiara. Would you like to see it?" Azula asked her.

"No, she wouldn't," said Zuko.

"Fine. She can feel it instead," said Azula as she quickly reached down and touched Chiara's forearm shocking her with a bit of electricity.

Chiara immediately put her hand over the spot where Azula burned her.

"You're going to pay for that, Azula!" threatened Zuko as he jumped up and stood between them.

Chiara quickly stood up and held him back as Azula laughed.

"Why don't you go tell Mom," she said.

Zuko tried to move towards her again, but Chiara still held him back.

"So how's Uncle Quitter doing?" Azula asked her unfazed by her brother's threatening move.

"Show some respect, Azula," Chiara admonished her. "The General's still a hero of the Fire Nation."

Azula laughed. "Was a hero...and even that's debatable."

"Just go away, Azula!" yelled Zuko.

"Fine. Be alone with your girlfriend. I'm sure Dad'll be much more proud of you when he learns you're hanging out with an Earth tramp."

She walked away laughing while Zuko growled at her insult and wanted to attack her.

"Just ignore her," said Chiara trying to calm him down. "She's trying to upset you."

He still felt angry, so she stood in front of him and looked up in his eyes.

"Hey, tell me, how do you like being Crown Prince of the Fire Nation?" she asked trying to take his mind off his sister.

He lifted up her arm and looked at the burn Azula left on it.

"It's not that bad," she said softly.

"I miss having you next door," he said. "We should put something on it."

He put his crystal in his pocket, and then he took her inside to get some salve.

When they entered the infirmary, it was empty, so Zuko pulled out the burn ointment. As he was delicately applying it to her arm over the wound, the doctor entered the room. Asa was the palace physician who had served the royal family for years. He was present for the death of Azulon's wife Ilah, and the births of Lu Ten, Zuko, and Azula, and confirmed Azulon's death. He treated all of the family whenever they were ill or injured and checked them on a regular basis, including the most recent addition to Iroh's family.

"Prince Zuko...and Lady Chiara," he said with surprise. "I heard Prince Iroh had returned. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing good, Doctor Asa," she said bowing to him.

"What can I do for you?" he asked.

"She needed a burn salve," said Zuko who had just finished treating her.

"Let me see," said Asa. Chiara showed him her arm. "That's quite a burn."

"Azula did it," said Zuko bitterly.

Asa shook his head. "She needs to be more careful." He looked at Chiara. "How does it feel?"

"It doesn't sting as much now."

"Well, Prince Zuko, it looks like you did a great job treating this." Zuko smiled. "That should heal up in no time."

"Thanks, Doctor Asa," he said.

"Thank you, Doctor," said Chiara.

They left the infirmary.

"Do you want to see my room?" he asked.

"Yes," she nodded.

They walked through the palace until they came to the long hallway that led to his room.

"This is Azula's room," he said as they stopped in front of it. "It should've been your room," he added softly. "Uncle should've been Fire Lord." His voice was a near-whisper.

"The palace is beautiful, but I prefer the General's manor," she said as they walked down the hall. "His garden is my favorite."

"This is my room," he said showing her his large bedroom. "It's a lot bigger than my old room."

"Do you not like it?" she asked noticing that he did not sound happy.

He shrugged. "I miss our old home. I miss Mom. I miss you being next door."

"I'm so sorry about Aunt Ursa," she said as she rubbed his arm. "I wish I had been here for you."

They walked to his balcony where they stood looking out over the palace grounds.

"I just don't understand why she left or why she never wrote to me." He pulled the crystal out of his pocket and held it in the sunlight.

"Aunt Ursa really loved you, Prince Zuko. I'm sure she wouldn't have left if it wasn't for an important reason."

"But to not even write to me?"

She was just as puzzled by Ursa's disappearance as Zuko, and she did not know what she could possibly say to comfort him.

"The last thing I remember her saying was 'never forget who you are,'" he said sadly.

Chiara wondered what Ursa could have meant.

"And I know my father knows something," he whispered to her. "He refuses to say anything about it."

"I wish there was something I could do for you," she said tenderly.

He looked at her. "I'm just glad you're back home." He lightly touched her diadem. "This was your necklace."

"Yes. This is how my mother wore it."

"Your mother? You remember her?"

"Just...well...not much." She was not ready to tell him how she remembered her. "I remember this being on her head like a tiara."

He picked up one of her curls and let it slide through his hand. "You look really beautiful," he said. "You want to spar?"

She smiled. "Of course."

They walked back in his room where he placed the crystal on a window ledge so the sun would shine through it, and then they went into the hallway.

"There are secret passages all through the palace," he said softly.

He led her to a large tapestry hanging on the wall, and pulling it back he revealed what looked like a solid wall until he pushed on it. She followed him into a narrow passageway where he produced a small flame and held it so they could see.

"Let's stop by the kitchen first," he said.

Taking several turns and going down steps, he stopped at a door which he slowly opened just a bit listening for anybody in the room. When he decided that it was empty of servants, he continued pushing it open.

"Wait here," he whispered before quietly creeping into the kitchen.

After searching around, he found a stash of pastries, so he grabbed a few and went back to the passage door which was hidden behind a wall of shelves. Chiara laughed as she pulled the door shut once he was back inside the passageway.

"You've really been exploring this place," she said.

"There's nothing else to do."

She continued following him until they made their way to the training room where they could spar, but not before they enjoyed the sweets Zuko swiped from the kitchen.

One evening several days after their return, Chiara was home and was just about to go to bed when she heard a knock at the balcony door of her bedroom. She picked up her knife and after walking to the door, she carefully moved the curtains just enough to peer outside, and then she opened it quietly.

"What are doing here?" she whispered to Zuko who was dressed in black.

"Do you want to go sit by the pond?" he asked her.

She contemplated it. She knew he had been lonely the past year, and she wanted to make up their lost time, but she was concerned about sneaking out of the house.

"Everyone's asleep," he said as if he knew what she was thinking. "They'll never know you're gone."

She nodded, put her knife back, tied her robe closed, and then stepped out onto the balcony. She followed him to the trellis on the outside wall of her room where the blooming white jasmine flowers were glowing in the bright moonlight, and their scent permeated the air as they carefully climbed down. When he reached the bottom, he waited for her and helped her on the last jump, and then they climbed over the wall between the two properties. Ozai's old manor was still empty since they moved to the palace, so there was no chance of anyone seeing them in the back yard. Zuko held her hand as he walked her over to the pond. Along the banks, the turtleducks were nestled together sleeping, and the only sounds to be heard were the insects chirping. They sat down and stared at the reflection of the moon in the water.

"I wish I could move back here," he said softly.

"I'm sure you can one day. When did your dad move out of the palace to live here?"

"I don't know. I've always lived here. Maybe it was when he married Mom," he said sadly.

"Maybe you can move out sooner."

"Too bad it can't be now since I'm not really doing anything at the palace."

"That'll change now that the General's back."

He looked at her, and he thought she seemed to glow in the moonlight. "I'm glad you're back."

She smiled at him, and if he had been blind he would have thought he was sitting in the sunlight for the warmth of his body.

"Me too," she said admiring the golden fire of his eyes. "I really missed you."

They remained by the pond quietly enjoying the sounds of nature for a while before Zuko decided he needed to get back to the palace, but he took her back to her room first.

"Be careful going back," she whispered.

"I will. Are you coming to the palace tomorrow?"

"Yes. There's a meeting the General's attending."

"I'll see you then."

He started climbing down the trellis and then disappeared over the wall staying in the shadows as he returned to the palace.

A week later, Chiara resumed her school lessons with Akio, and one afternoon as she was writing what she learned of the history of the Kyoshi Warriors as he instructed her to do, Raptor flew into the window and landed next to her. She pulled out the scroll he was carrying and read what was written.

Chiara, I'm pretending I'm writing my essay on the life and accomplishments of Fire Lord Sozin, but instead I'm thinking about you. Only a few more days and we'll be staying with Master Piandao. Uncle told me earlier today that he arranged it so I could spend the whole week there again. I'd rather be there than sitting in the palace doing nothing (or writing boring essays). By the way, do you know how old Sozin was when he died? Zuko

Chiara was laughing as she read it, and then she pulled out a new sheet of parchment and started writing.

Prince Zuko, it's good to hear from you. It's been so long since we last communicated. Those 24 hours since I was at the palace seem like ages ago, and I'm afraid you might not recognize me when we meet again in a few days. I can't wait until we're with Master Piandao; I've really missed training with him, and I look forward to our time in Shu Jing. I also happen to be writing this letter instead of working on my history right now. By the way, Fire Lord Sozin was 102 when he died (he was also best friends with Avatar Roku). Your humble and loyal subject, Chiara.

She rolled it up and sent it off with Raptor. When Zuko received it, he started laughing at her reply.

"And what is so funny, Prince Zuko?" asked his tutor who had just walked in to check on his progress.

"Oh...nothing."

"What is that?"

"It's just a communication about my lesson with Master Piandao in a few days," he said.

"Did you finish your essay?"

"Almost." He started writing some more information on his essay, including Sozin's age at death. "There," he said handing the tutor his finished essay.

His tutor skimmed over the work and 'Avatar Roku' caught his eye.

"What is this?" he asked Zuko. "Where did you find the information that Fire Lord Sozin was best friends with Avatar Roku?"

"I...I read it somewhere."

"Have you been reading any unapproved materials?"

"No."

"Then you couldn't have just read it somewhere."

"Maybe I heard it then," said Zuko.

"Hearsay is not an approved source for your essays. There is no authorized text that states that Fire Lord Sozin was best friends with Avatar Roku. You will only include accurate history..."

"That Fire Lord Sozin was friends with the Avatar is common knowledge among the royal family," said Iroh who had overheard the tutor scolding Zuko.

"Oh, General Iroh...," said the tutor as Iroh walked up to them.

"Just because some of the personal history of the Fire Lords is not written in a text does not mean it isn't true," he continued.

"I understand, General Iroh, but it is best if he keep to the approved texts."

"I believe he should be given extra credit for providing such interesting information outside of the approved texts."

Zuko was quietly laughing to himself as Iroh corrected his tutor.

The tutor nodded. "Yes, General Iroh." He looked at Zuko. "Your lessons are done for the day."

When the tutor left, Zuko looked up at his uncle. "Thanks, Uncle."

Iroh smiled at him. "You're quite welcome."

"So it's true then about the Fire Lord and the Avatar?" he asked somewhat softly.

"Yes, it's true, but where did you hear it from?"

"Chiara."

Iroh smiled as he laughed to himself. "Of course."

"Can I just attend classes with her and her tutor?" he asked.

"I don't think your father would approve of that."

"Why should he care as long as I'm learning? I'm sure you could convince him."

"It's not my place to interfere when it comes to his choice of tutors." Iroh pet Raptor who was still perched on the table next to Zuko's books. "Besides, if you and Chiara have classes together neither of you will learn anything except writing notes back and forth." His tone was light, and his smile told Zuko he was not angry about it.

Zuko smiled sheepishly. "Actually, I did learn some things from her note."

"Yes, you did, Nephew," laughed Iroh.

"And we learn together with Master Piandao."

"True, but practicing with your swords and writing essays are quite different."

"I like the swords better," he said in a low, but audible voice. He looked up at Iroh. "Don't be mad at Chiara, Uncle. I sent her a note first."

"I'm not mad. It's good to have friends you can depend on."

"A friend," corrected Zuko softly as he looked down.

Iroh patted his shoulder sympathizing with his nephew knowing he had been lonely since his move to the palace.

Over the next year, Iroh watched over Zuko and spent as much time with him as he could. Zuko also spent a lot of time at Iroh's so he could spar with Chiara. When she was not busy with school lessons, Iroh would take her with him whenever he had business at the palace, and she and Zuko would explore various secret tunnels and passages together throughout the palace, including a few that Iroh showed them. And there were many more days where Zuko and Chiara would send notes back and forth and evenings when they would sit quietly by the pond at Zuko's old manor.

One afternoon the two were practicing with their swords at Iroh's.

"Prince Zuko, Lady Chiara," called Ezih as he walked out into the garden carrying a tray.

They stopped practicing and walked over to him.

"You two have been working so hard; I brought you a snack," he said.

"Thanks, Ezih," said Chiara.

"Yes, thank you," said Zuko.

They sat down and started eating.

"There's a war meeting coming up soon," said Zuko.

Chiara suddenly stopped eating. She worried about him since she knew his father was trying to conquer the Earth Kingdom. She did not want Zuko to become like Ozai, and she hoped he would one day stop the war, but she also knew she had to be careful of what she said.

"I'm going to attend it," he said. "I've been waiting for this for so long."

"Please be careful," she said softly and worriedly.

He looked at her, surprised by her worried tone. "It's just a council."

"It's a council now, but if you go off to war..." He placed his hand on hers as tears fell from her eyes. "I lost Lu Ten; I don't want to lose you too."

He wiped the tears from her cheeks. "You won't lose me, Chiara. And one day I'll make you the Fire Princess."

She was puzzled by his words. Though he used to tease her that she would be the Fire Princess when Iroh became the Fire Lord, she knew Iroh would never be head of the Fire Nation now. She looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"When we get married you'll be the Fire Princess and then the Fire Lady when I'm Fire Lord."

She was stunned. "But...but I can't...we can't get married."

"Why not?"

She was not sure what she should tell him. "The General would never allow it."

"Why wouldn't he?"

"I-I have no family...I mean, you and the General are my family."

"It's not like we're related though."

"You need to take a wife who is...who you know is from the Fire Nation."

"You're from the Fire Nation," he said.

"But we don't know exactly where I come from..."

"I don't care where you come from," he said. "We've known each other for years. As Fire Prince I'll be expected to take a wife in a few years, and I want you."

"Marrying me would bring you dishonor. I won't do that to you."

She stood up and ran off to her room. Zuko could not understand why she was so upset, so he went to her room and knocked on the door.

"Chiara..."

"Please go," she said.

He turned away feeling completely puzzled by her reaction.

"Leaving so soon, Prince Zuko?" asked Iroh when he saw him walking towards the main door.

Zuko stopped and then walked over to him where he was sitting across from Ezih playing Pai Sho.

"Yes, Uncle. I just don't understand girls sometimes."

This made Iroh laugh, and Ezih as well who stood up to call for Zuko's carriage.

"You're not alone, Nephew. Girls are one of life's greatest mysteries, and they become more mysterious as they get older."

"Then how are we supposed to deal with being married to them?"

"That is just something you will learn," said Iroh smiling.

"If it's anything like learning lightning bending, then I'll never figure it out," he said softly.

"You have several years to figure it out, Prince Zuko, and it may not be as difficult as it sounds. My advice to you is not to try to unravel the mystery of girls, but just accept that they are a mystery. It will make life much easier."

"Your carriage is out front, Prince Zuko," said Ezih as he walked into the room.

"Thanks, Uncle," he said before bowing and then turning to leave.

As Ezih escorted him out, Iroh laughed softly as he watched him go, but then a sudden sadness overcame him as he was reminded of young Lu Ten.

That afternoon as Chiara sat at the dinner table with Iroh, he noticed she seemed down as she slowly picked at her food.

"You seem sad, Chiara," he said. "Did something happen with Prince Zuko today?"

She was not sure whether or not to tell him. "We...we got into an argument."

He gently laughed as he wondered what petty thing the kids argued over. "And what was this argument about?"

"He expects me to marry him."

"What?! Marriage?" He was shocked. "But...but you're just children."

"He meant when we're older. He insists I'll be his wife."

Iroh now understood Zuko's demeanor earlier.

"I told him marrying me would bring him dishonor because I have no family, except you and him," she said. "He would probably hate me if he knew where I came from. Princess Azula suspects I'm from the Earth Kingdom..."

"What makes you say that?"

"She calls me Earth tramp."

Iroh felt angry at Azula's insult. "She calls you that?"

"It doesn't bother me," she said. "But Prince Zuko's never questioned my history. He says he doesn't care about my past, but I know it would be a disgrace to him because of who I am, and I don't want to dishonor Prince Zuko or you." Tears fell down her cheeks.

"Chiara, look at me." She looked up at him. "You would not dishonor Prince Zuko or me. You will be a treasure for any man. Unfortunately, there are many who would cause trouble over your marriage to the Prince; that is where the dishonor lies."