Azula breathed in deep, gazing at herself in the mirror. She turned to the side, carefully eyeing the red flowing gown trimmed with gold that fit snugly around her body. When she noticed a few subtle creases, she quickly smoothed them out and turned to the other side to do the same thing. With a satisfied smile, she eased out her breath and straightened herself. Simply sublime. If there were any way for her to look better than she already did, she didn't know of it.

"You see, Kuvira?" she said, tilting a glance towards the reflection of the other woman standing behind her in the mirror. "This is a wedding dress. I look stunning."

Kuvira folded her arms, watching Azula's reflection with a subtle smirk. "It is a beautiful gown, I admit. I still prefer green." As if to punctuate her point, she motioned down at the green dress she was wearing.

"You would." Shifting her attention back to her own reflection, Azula turned to the side again. She held one hand on top of her abdomen, and the other on the bottom. A frown creased her lips at the sight of the noticeably swollen belly. "I just wish I could do something about this…"

She was nearing four months pregnant now, and although they had been able to put together the wedding fairly quickly, it was still noticeable. Not that the bump in her abdomen was huge, but it was still far more than she'd hoped to have before walking down the aisle on her wedding day. At the very least, she pulled off the look better than most, in her own humble opinion. That was something.

"Well, I think you look great," said a bubbly voice. Ty Lee, dressed in a pink, flowery dress, approached from Azula's other side and pressed her own hand against the bride's belly. "The figure of an expecting mother is such a natural, wonderful thing, don't you think?"

"If you say so." Mai, who had been lounging on the couch of the small dressing room since she arrived, looked over with a deep sigh. Even in her current position, her red and black dress hadn't creased or wrinkled in the slightest. "That doesn't help the bloating. Or the cramping. Or the sickness…"

Azula cringed at the thought. "Ugh, I am so not looking forward to the next five months."

A firm tug tightened along the laces woven into the back of Azula's dress, as if to respond to the statement. Korra smiled around the side of her into the mirror, as she worked deftly to put the finishing touches on the gown's fit. "But just think, soon it'll be over and you'll have a baby."

"Yes, and then I get to look forward to the crying, and the screaming, and the messes." Azula rolled her eyes. "I suppose it'll be wonderful, won't it?"

"I don't believe you have anything to fear, Azula." Eska looked over from the corner of the room, offering a matter-of-fact nod. Like Korra, she was dressed in a blue gown with white trim, but unlike her cousin's dress hers did not deviate much in style to her normal chieftain robes, other than being lighter and not quite as dull. "You and Anraq will produce a strong child, and I look forward to meeting him or her in the future."

Eska, along with her brother, had been added as a part of the wedding at Anraq's request. A strange request, to want one's exes in their wedding, and Azula still hadn't decided quite how she felt about it. They were tolerable, if a little strange, and had even become something of friends in the past few months, assisting with the wedding where they could. In their own bizarre way, yes, but still.

Azula glanced towards the chieftain and offered a teasing smirk. "Hmm, don't tell me you're still jealous over the fact that you never got Annie to give you a child?"

"Hardly," Eska said, in an indifferent monotone. "While it was a prospect that intrigued me when we were together, he is with you now. There are no hard feelings. Besides, Desna and I have Hari. He will give me strong children of my own. Perhaps even stronger than yours."

Azula snorted an indignant laugh. "As if. You only wish your bloodline was as strong as mine."

"Alright," Korra said, with a quick clear of her throat. "How about we focus on something other than pitting the strength of your future children against each other?"

Azula rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes, as you say."

Kuvira took a step closer, looking closely at Azula's reflection in the mirror. "So, how does it feel? Being so close to getting married."

"I'll spare you the clichés, and just say that this is something I'm ready for." Azula paused, allowing her gaze to soften in the mirror. An unwitting smile curled across her face, and for the life of her she couldn't get rid of it. "Far more ready than I ever thought I'd be."

"Well, that's great," Ty Lee said, holding an arm around the bride's shoulder. She offered her own broad smile. "Oh you're going to look so beautiful when you walk down that aisle!"

"Please, Ty Lee, I always look beautiful. But yes, you're right."

Korra finished tightening the laces on Azula's dress and stood upright. "Well, we still have some time until the ceremony starts, and you seem like you're ready. Do you want us to stick around for a bit?"

"I'm pretty sure I'll be fine on my own for now," Azula said. "You all go on ahead and get ready. I don't need any of you messing things up by being out of place when things start."

"It's not as though we have a difficult job," Mai said, as she slid her way off the couch to her feet. "We just stand there."

"Yes, but you're supposed to be ordered by height. That's important."

"Right…" Mai said, raising her eyebrow. "My mistake."

"Anyway, we'll give you some time alone for now," Korra said, on her way out the door. The others soon followed after her. "See you in twenty minutes."

When the others were gone, Azula took a step back and continued gazing at herself in the mirror. A pulsing sensation of nerves surged through her gut, causing her to double over slightly with a hand to her stomach. No, not nerves—perhaps just her usual daily nausea. Deep breaths now. Deep breaths, and let it settle. With a little focus, she quelled the sensation and it soon vanished. No time to be getting sick or nervous. No, this was the most important day of her entire life. What kind of princess would she be if she got flustered now?

The thought gave her pause. What a bizarre concept. After everything she had been through during her life, to think that her wedding would be the most important event of her entire life almost seemed like a bad joke. If someone had told her a few years ago that she'd have given up on any ambitions of ruling, and would instead settle down with a man she loved and adopt his daughter as her own, she'd have thought them insane. And then probably fried them with lightning. But here she was, ready to become a wife, and only a few months away from giving birth. In all her wildest dreams, she never could have imagined this. She never could have imagined how natural it would feel. Or how right.

She was ready.

Anraq hummed excitedly to himself, as he fixed the furred collar of his suit jacket. His suit was primarily blue, but had been lined with white fur trimmings along the collar and cuffs, reflecting his Water Tribe heritage. Might be a little warm out there today, but he'd survive. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do to make sure this day was perfect, and if that meant sweating a little under the tropical sun, then so be it. Spirits knew he was too damn happy and excited right now to care about a little heat. His hands practically shook with anticipation, making it increasingly difficult to adjust his suit.

"I'm getting married today, he said, with a quiet breath of disbelief. A second later, he turned around and broke out into joyous laughter. "Can you guys believe it? I'm getting married today!"

"Yeah, and to Azula," Mako said, lifting his brow. He managed to look both surprised and happy for Anraq at the same time. "I have to say, I never saw that one coming."

"You're not the only one. Two years ago, I never could have imagined this." Anraq took in a deep breath and held it. After a few moments, he puffed out the breath and smiled again, although this time his smile twisted into a bit of a teasing smirk, as he eyed the police chief. "What about you, huh? You've been spending a lot of time with that P'Li lately."

Mako deadpanned, looking highly unamused at the suggestion. "My relationship with P'Li is strictly professional."

"Mhm." Anraq crossed his arms over his chest and continued staring. "You might think that, but you have to watch out for those dominant firebender women, let me tell you. They'll sneak up on you, and then… well, then you're standing in front of a mirror in a suit, twenty minutes away from getting married to her."

"Right… I'll try to keep that in mind."

Bolin stepped next to his brother with a chuckle, a looking of amusement spreading across his face. He gave Mako a friendly punch to the shoulder, as if to indicate that he didn't believe his brother's denial, but he didn't say anything about the matter. Instead, he turned to the groom and said, "Just be sure to enjoy today as much as you can. It's one of the best days of your life, take it from someone who knows."

Anraq nodded. "Don't worry, I intend to. And in a few more months, I'll have an even bigger day to look forward to."

"Ah yes, the birth of your next child." Desna, who had up until now been standing near the corner of the room, took a step forward. "You two certainly took long enough. I thought you'd have already produced several children with Azula by now."

"Uh, yeah, well…" Anraq gave an awkward clear of his throat. "Some of us aren't as impatient as others. No need to rush things. Besides, it's not like we planned it."

Desna was unfazed, offering a simple shrug of his shoulders before replying, "Well, that is generally what happens when you don't use protection. Hence my surprise it hadn't already happened."

"Wha—well I mean, it's not like we…" Anraq cleared his throat a second time, starting to fidget where he was standing. Talk about an awkward topic to bring up. "Uh, never mind."

"Chief Desna." Hari took a step next to the Water Tribe chieftain, laying a hand on his shoulder. "Perhaps we should change the subject? I don't really think Anraq and Azula's, um, methods are exactly our business."

"I suppose." Desna sighed, and turned his attention towards Hari. "Although that does remind me, have you given further consideration to my sister's request about the matter?"

Hari's eyes slowly widened in surprise. "Uhhh, well, a little? Maybe…"

Anraq laughed and gave the young sandbender a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Word to the wise: never shift the focus of an awkward conversation onto yourself."

Hari blushed, and shrank back a step. "Heh, right."

"So, Anraq, you seem like you're all set to go, huh?" Mako said, steering the subject back to the wedding at hand.

Anraq nodded. "Oh, I'm ready. More ready than I've ever been in my life."

With that confirmation, the other men began to exit the room. Bolin took a quick look back as he stepped through the door and offered his friend a thumbs-up. "I guess this is where we leave now. See you soon."

"Definitely," Anraq said, returning the gesture. "See you in fifteen minutes."

Once the others had left, Anraq waited a few moments before slipping out of the room. He gave a quick glance left and right. Good, no one else in the hallway. With the coast clear, he scurried towards the opposite end of the house. Rounding the corner of the hallway, he nearly collided with another figure approaching from the opposite direction. Azula uttered a surprised huff, catching herself against the wall to keep from falling over.

"There you are," she muttered, smoothing out the front of her gown. "Could watch where you're going."

"Sorry, too busy watching you," he said, with a delighted smirk. "I was wondering if you'd gotten cold feet."

While tradition usually held that the bride and groom weren't supposed to see each other before they were actually getting married, most couples weren't them. And most men weren't getting married to a pregnant Azula.

"Hardly," Azula scoffed. "How much time do we have?"

Anraq glanced towards a small clock on the wall to his left. "About twelve minutes."

Azula grinned, grabbing her soon-to-be husband by the wrist and leading him back down the hall. "Good. Plenty of time."

Anraq and Azula had chosen Ember Island for their wedding. The ceremony itself was being held in the large courtyard of Mai and Zuko's home, formerly Ozai's beach house. Only made sense to hold the wedding there, considering it had become Azula and Anraq's home for the past year and a half. Being a tropical island certainly didn't hurt either. Although the sun had already begun to set, the weather was still near perfect. A nice warm breeze, not too muggy, and not a cloud in the brilliant orange and yellow sky. They couldn't have hoped for better conditions.

The wedding itself wasn't large, reserved mostly for Azula and Anraq's family and closest friends. Among those guests included the bridesmaids and groomsmen—Kuvira, Korra, Mai, Ty Lee, Eska, Mako, Bolin, Hari, and Desna—as well as others such as Iroh, Izumi, Lin, Asami, Jinora, Shayu, and Anraq's parents, Hikara and Kovu. Other guests such as Kya, Opal, Sinn and Kai, had accompanied their respective partners as a plus one.

Toph was perhaps the most unexpected guest of all, not least of all because she hadn't been invited. Not that she had been excluded out of malice, but for the simple fact that Azula would never have expected the earthbender to even want to attend her wedding. But there she was, sitting in the front row with her feet up, having arrived as Katara's plus one. Or more of a plus two, considering that Suki had been Katara's actual plus one. Katara herself stood at the center of the line of bridesmaids and groomsmen, waiting patiently to officiate the wedding, just as she had done for Korra and Kuvira's.

As the minutes continued to tick closer to the start of the ceremony, Kuvira shifted a curious glance towards Korra. "What's taking them so long? Anraq should already be standing here, and Azula should be ready to walk down the aisle."

Korra looked beyond the rows of guests to check the clock hanging on one of the courtyard's surrounding walls. Indeed, they were now only five minutes away from starting and yet there was still no sign of either the bride or the groom. With a shrug, she looked to Kuvira. "I have no idea. Azula said she'd be here on time, and according to Bolin, Anraq was practically right behind them."

"They better not be late," Kuvira muttered. "After all the trouble we went through putting this wedding together so quickly."

"Not to mention all that talk about us not messing things up," Korra added, with a roll of her eyes.

After another thirty seconds of waiting, Kuvira asked, "Do you think one of them got cold feet at the last minute? Or both of them?"

Korra frowned. "I wouldn't think so. They both seemed so excited about this."

With a heavy sigh, Kuvira motioned for her wife to follow. "Guess we'd better go find them."

They both received awkward and curious stares as they marched out of the line of bridesmaids back down the aisle towards the door leading into the beach house, but there wasn't much they could do about it. Awkward stares or not, they needed to find the two people this day was supposed to be for. Korra and Kuvira split up inside, one going to check Anraq's changing room, and the other to check on Azula's. A minute later, they met again in the hallway.

"Azula's not in her changing room," Korra said.

Kuvira shook her head. "And Anraq's not in his."

"So, where in spirits name did they go?"

Kuvira was about to answer the question when she heard something, prompting her jaw shut. She paused, narrowing her eyes down the hall. Odd. Sounded like some kind of steady thumping, muffled and far away. "Do you hear that?"

A brief search led them to a closet door, from which the noises were now clearly emanating, as muffled as they were. Kuvira turned a slow, disbelieving stare towards her wife, and Korra stared straight back at her. They shared a mutual look of understanding, both knowing deep down what that had to be, and yet neither wanting to believe it. Spirits, were they really doing this now, of all times?

Korra's eyebrows lifted. "You don't think…?"

"One way to find out." Kuvira took a step towards the door, pausing a moment before finally grabbing the knob. "Somehow, I know I'm going to regret this."

Regret it she did, almost immediately after opening the door. Although the image was brief before she instinctively slammed the door shut again, it would forever be burned into her mind—Azula pinned up against the wall with her dress hiked up past her waist, legs wrapped around her partner's hips, underwear dangling from her ankle, as Anraq repeatedly thrust inside her. The noises grew louder in that instant as well, from the steady thumping to their moans, now echoing on horrific repeat in the depths of Kuvira's skull. Both she and Korra recoiled with disgusted shouts, as the door again slammed shut.

"Do you two mind?" they heard Azula say through the door. "Honestly, we'd like a little privacy here."

"Do we mind?" Kuvira huffed in exasperation. "You're the two screwing in the closet three minutes before your wedding!"

Azula scoffed, which turned into a rough breath broken through a fit of moaning. "Well it's not my fault my hormones are raging right now. Blame it on the baby."

"Oh that is not an excuse!" Korra shot back.

A pause followed, and Kuvira raised an eyebrow as she realized the noises coming from within the closet hadn't stopped. "Wait, you two are still doing it, aren't you!"

"Well we're hardly going to stop on your account," Azula said.

"Uh, sorry guys," Anraq said, with a harsh breath. "We'll be done in a minute, I swear."

Korra cringed, taking a step back and waving her arms back and forth in front of herself. "Too much information. Too much information!"

With a groan, Kuvira pinched her fingers against the bridge of her nose. "And how exactly do you expect to clean up when you're done?"

"Kuvira, please," Azula replied. "I'm marrying a waterbender, remember?"

At this point, Korra immediately turned away from the door with her hands clasped over her ears. "Oh spirits, no, I do not need to know anymore!"

"Ugh, okay, just—you better be out there in two minutes!" Kuvira shouted, pounding the door once with her fist before following Korra back to the courtyard.

They returned to the main doorway back into the courtyard, both staring blankly out at the waiting guests while trying to forget what they had just seen. Of all the nerve, Anraq and Azula just had to get in a quickie two minutes before their own wedding started. Kuvira grimaced. Maybe she shouldn't be surprised, and yet she'd been naive enough to assume they'd show some form of restraint today. Those two were absolutely insatiable sometimes.

One minute later, both Anraq and Azula appeared at the doorway looking no worse for wear. At a glance, no one would be able to tell what they had been doing only moments ago. Even their glowing demeanor could be written off as the excitement over getting married. But Kuvira knew, and so did Korra. They knew, and dear spirits they would never forget it.

"You see," Azula stated, smoothing out the last couple creases on the front of her dress. "I told you we were almost done. Here we are, and with a whole minute to spare."

"Great," Kuvira muttered. "Let's just get on with this already."

Azula rolled her eyes with annoyance. "Oh please, you two act like you've never done something just as bad. Like fooling around outside Air Temple Island, where anyone floating by on a turtle duck boat could see you going at it."

Korra blinked, stiffening straight with wide eyes. "Wait—what?"

Azula didn't respond, instead nodding to her groom. "Come on, Annie, after you."

As Anraq began to make his way down the center aisle towards the front, both Korra and Kuvira turned nervous, embarrassed glances towards each other. All this time, they'd been sure those intimate excursions on Air Temple Island had gone unnoticed. Evidently, they'd been wrong. After taking a moment to blink out of their shock, they followed Anraq back into position on the left side with the other bridesmaids. As soon as they were in position, a steady, soft melody of tsungi horn music lilted into the air. On cue, Kanna scurried forward next to her mother near the courtyard entrance, carrying a flower basket with her. With a bright smile, she scampered down the aisle, littering the ground with flower petals as she went.

Azula sucked in a deep breath, watching her daughter's march down the aisle. Just a few moments now, and she would follow to the front. Just a few more moments, and she'd be getting married. No one to walk her down the aisle, of course, but that was alright. She'd done so many things in her life alone, she could manage this too. Besides, in a few minutes she would never be alone again. Spirits knew it was about time.

As Kanna reached the end of the aisle, Azula took in one more breath and prepared herself for the march. Heads turned, and eyes focused, everyone focusing squarely on the bride. All of them watching, all of them waiting. Waiting for her. Before she could take her first step, a larger figure appeared next to her and held out an arm.

"Mind if I walk with you?" said a deep voice.

Azula blinked in surprise, turning to see a well-built Water Tribe man dressed in a blue suit standing there with his arm held out. Anraq's father? She stared in momentary silence, briefly forgetting the awaiting guests all watching her. "You... want to walk me down the aisle?"

"I know this is literally last second," Kovu said, with a guilty chuckle, "but you were busy getting ready earlier and I didn't want to intrude. It's just, I know you didn't have anyone else, and I thought this might be a good way to welcome you into the family. I never had a daughter of my own, but I'll be gaining one today, and... well, I wanted to do something special for her."

A deep warmth slammed into her gut, leaving Azula momentarily speechless. She floundered for words. What could she possibly say? Since the first time she met them, Annie's parents had been nothing but gracious to her. It was a kindness she probably didn't deserve, and yet she found herself enamored by it. She'd never had a real family. The kind of family that loved and supported you. Her own family had been broken in so many different ways, it was a wonder she had ever made it this far. To be so lovingly welcomed into Annie's family like this...

Spirits, what a dream.

"I'd be honored," she said holding out an arm to wrap around Kovu's. "Thank you."

"No thanks needed." He gave a simple nod, and promptly walked with her down the length of the aisle towards the front. When they reached the end, he pulled his arm away, turned to her, and wrapped his arms tight around her in a firm hug. "Welcome to the family, Azula."

Azula's breath shuddered, as Kovu pulled away from the hug and went to sit down in the front row of seats next to his wife. Oh dear spirits, she couldn't go getting choked up already. She exhaled deep, and sucked in another breath, this one steadier. When her nerves calmed, she stepped into position across from Anraq and turned to face him. As she did, the music faded away into silence, allowing the ceremony to begin.

"Dearest friends," said Katara, smiling out at the guests, "we are gathered here today to celebrate the love between Anraq of the Southern Water Tribe and Azula of the Fire Nation, the kind of love captured once in a lifetime. Love is a funny thing, as I've come to learn over the course of my own life, capable of being found in the most unlikely of places, and between the most unlikely of partners."

Azula's nerves fluttered in response to the speech. Katara's sentiment was certainly true. If ever there was an unlikely pair, it was her and Annie. They had started as enemies poised to kill each other, and ended as lovers. Soulmates, even. Their relationship was perhaps one of the most remarkable and unbelievable things she could have ever imagined in her lifetime, and yet here they stood, moments away from being married and spending the rest of their lives together. Love was a funny thing, indeed.

"The kind of love these two share is strong and unbreakable," Katara continued. "I've seen it before, and I know I'll see it again, but for now we focus on the present. We focus on them. This kind of love is a treasure, never to be forgotten or taken for granted. It is, in a word: beautiful."

Katara's monologue continued, detailing the joy Azula and Anraq brought each other, how their lives had come together, how Kanna had come to them and how they cared for her, and so on. Azula barely paid attention, instead maintaining all of her focus on the man standing across from her. She looked deep into his eyes, and he into hers. Her heart pounded. Louder, and louder, until the sound of drums pulsed between her ears. Sweat beaded across her palms. Numbness stifled her throat. Spirits, she'd never been this nervous in her life.

"Now, for the vows," Katara said, "which the bride and groom have elected to deliver themselves. Anraq, if you would begin."

Anraq smiled, keeping his full attention on Azula. With a deep breath, he reached forward to hold her hands. "Azula, I know we didn't think much of each other when we first met. Actually, I daresay we hated each other. But that's just proof that you can't judge someone before you get to know them. I thought you were a cruel person. That you didn't have a kind bone in your body. That you were evil."

He shook his head with a chuckle.. "If I'd known how wrong I was then, I would have smacked myself. You showed me so much more to you than I ever would have imagined. You showed me how compassionate you could be. How kind, how driven, confident, loving, and strong you are. How beautiful."

Anraq gazed deep into Azula's eyes, allowing a beat of silence as he breathed in deep to collect himself. The poor man had already begun tearing up, now desperately blinking in a vein attempt to dry his eyes. Sweet, pathetic Annie. He really was wonderful.

"You became a friend to me, a confidante, a lover," he said, giving his bride's hands a gentle squeeze. "And the love I feel for you now is more real to me than anything else in this world. As I give you this ring today, I do so knowing what a beautiful, wonderful soul you are, and with the promise that I will work my damnedest to make you happy, to provide for you, and to return every bit of the love you've shown me." He pulled one of his hands back to reach into the front pocket of his suit jacket. When his fingers reappeared, he held the gold wedding band topped with garnet gemstone in his grasp. With a single, careful motion, he slid it onto Azula's finger. "No matter what struggles you might face, I will be there to face them with you. I will never leave you, and I will never give you reason to doubt my devotion to you. That is my promise to you."

Azula's thoughts crashed with unsteady trepidation. Time for her to reciprocate, wasn't it? Spirits, she could hardly hear herself think with how loud her heart beat in her chest, while her throat knotted so fiercely she started to choke on her own breath. As everyone's eyes turned to watch her, her mind blanked, and everything she had prepared to say evaporated in a sudden shudder of nerves. Oh no. What were her vows again? Oh shit, no. Her mind fizzled, attempting to find the words. Had to stall, had to buy some time. Maybe a joke?

"Annie…" she said, with a nervous exhale. "You are right. I didn't think much of you when we first met. I mean that beard?" She rolled her eyes, shifting a look over to the guests watching her. "I think we can all agree you're much better off without it."

Noticeable chuckles rippled through the guests, and the tension in Azula's nerves calmed. Alright, that had worked. In the following instant, her mind settled. Her vows returned. All the words, thoughts, promises, all of it, and she remembered everything she wanted to say. Turning back to Anraq, she tightened her fingers against his and proceeded.

"But you proved to be so much more than anything I could have hoped for. Throughout all my life, I've never truly had anyone I could call my friend. No one who truly cared for me, or who trusted me, or was loyal to me the way you were. I spent so much of my life trying to control people through fear and manipulation that I guess I didn't think it was possible to create any kind of meaningful bond with anyone. You proved me wrong."

She paused, allowing the statement to sink in. It was true, after all. Even during her first life, her only 'friends' had been Mai and Ty Lee, and they were hollow ones she'd made through force. She hadn't truly been able to call anyone a real friend until a couple years ago. That person had been Annie. He had stuck with her through some of her highest and lowest moments, and never once had he ever given reason for her to doubt him.

"A part of me wishes I could have opened up to you and trusted you sooner than I did," she continued, shifting her gaze downward ever so slightly, "but deep down I know that never would have happened. I needed that time. I needed to heal, to change, and you helped me do just that. For someone like me, opening up to someone else and letting them in, letting them close—it was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, but I'm happy I did. If I hadn't…" She glanced upward again, looking Anraq square in the eyes. "I don't think I ever would have known what actual love is. The kind that allows me to let my guard down and be vulnerable without even caring. The kind that lets me feel safe."

Azula smiled, and gently raised her hand to look at the ring adorning her finger. In response to it, she reached into the front of her dress to pull out a small chain that dangled around her neck. A different ring hung from the chain, with a band of silver embossed with an intricate pattern of sapphire along the entire surface. Unclipping the chain, she pulled the ring off and slid it onto Anraq's finger. "I accept your ring today, Annie, and offer you this one in return, with the promise that I will do everything in my power to be a good wife to you, and a good mother to Kanna and our future children. I don't know how well I'll do in that regard—this is still so new to me—but I won't ever stop trying. That is my vow to you."

A broad grin spread across Anraq's face, as he gazed down at his ring finger. When he looked up at Azula again, he moved closer to her and held her hands tighter. "And mine to you."

Katara glanced back and forth between the two, offering her own gentle smile. "Now that you have both exchanged rings and accepted each other's vows, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

They moved together, leaning close and joining their lips in a deep, tender kiss. The guests broke out into cheers and applause, but their excitement soon drowned beneath the following spectacle. While Anraq and Azula were still embraced, Druk swooped down through the open air of the courtyard and landed behind them. Raising his giant maw, the dragon released an intense stream of flames straight into the air, offering a glowing, fiery backdrop behind the newlywed couple. On cue, both Korra and Katara stepped to either side of the fiery pillar and went through a quick series of bending motions. Two identical streams of water shot outward from both sides, gradually climbing and coiling around the flames.

Fire and water, together as one.

Shortly after the ceremony, the people in charge of the wedding worked to clear out and rearrange the courtyard for the reception. Zhu Li stood by with a clipboard, calling out directions for where the tables, food, drinks, and decorations needed to be set up, while the bridesmaids and groomsmen hurriedly followed orders to make sure things were perfect. Meanwhile, other guests mingled together inside the beach house talking about the wedding, laughing at each other's jokes, and preparing to hit the dance floor as soon as things opened up. During that time, Azula and Anraq retreated to a private room to be together, until they would reappear once the reception started. Although Korra and Kuvira had been expressly clear that Azula and Anraq should restrain themselves and not start going at it again, somehow they doubted the new bride and groom would listen.

When the courtyard was ready and the reception began, guests funneled out of the beach house to join the festivities. Meals had already been prepared, waiting neatly at tables covered with red silk cloths and gold place-mats, while Drinks had been set up at the Water Tribe themed bar, complete with fountains and ice sculptures. While most guests went straight for the food, two individuals made a beeline for the dance floor. Or rather, one individual practically dragged the other. Lin tried to act reluctant as Kya dragged her onto the dance floor, but her wife's energy soon had her following into a steady rhythm in time with the live band's performance.

Azula and Anraq reappeared a few minutes later, walking out of the doorway into the courtyard. They received another brief round of applause as they made their entrance, to which they offered gentle waves in response. They didn't join the others at first, instead content with standing there and gazing out at the other guests. Despite that, anyone with eyes could tell that Azula's hair was mussed up, her topknot only loosely tied back into place, while Anraq hadn't even bothered to fully button up his jacket again. Korra and Kuvira were the first to notice, quietly rolling their eyes at each other while holding their laughter under their breaths. Typical.

When Azula and Anraq finally made their way into the courtyard, Kovu and Hikara approached them with beaming smiles.

"There's our boy," Hikara said, coming forward to embrace her son with a warm hug.

"Mom, Dad, thanks so much for coming," Anraq said, as he wrapped his arms around his mother. "I know it's a long way from the South Pole."

"Well of course we came, honey," Hikara replied. "We wouldn't miss your wedding for anything in the world."

Kovu beamed at Anraq, reaching out to clasp his hands against his son's shoulders. "Congratulations, Son. Your mother and I are so proud of you. You too, Azula. We couldn't be happier to have you as a part of our family."

Azula offered an awkward smile. "Thank you, but surely you're just saying that."

"Absolutely not." Hikara turned and wrapped her arms tight around Azula, prompting the bride to stiffen in surprise. "You married our son, and that makes you our new daughter. We're thrilled to have you."

Kovu joined in the hug a moment later, catching Azula even more off guard. Again with the hugging. She stood there stiff as a statue, blinking slowly at Annie for help. He just grinned at her. With a deep breath, she relaxed herself and eased into the embrace. Spirits, this would take some getting used to. She'd never been a hugger, but then her life had taken a lot of turns recently. Having parents, in a way, that wanted to show her affection? She could live with that.

"Uh, hey guys?" A rather nervous looking Bolin hurried over to the group, grabbing their attention with a frantic wave. "So don't freak out or anything, but I just happened by the cake, and... well, there's sort of a piece missing from it."

"What?" Azula lifted an eyebrow, shifting a glance towards the table with the wedding cake. From here, she couldn't see anything wrong with it.

"Now, I know what you're thinking, but I swear it wasn't me!" Bolin insisted. "I don't know who it was, but someone maybe kind of took an early bite out of it or something."

"I see," Anraq said, giving the cake his own curious stare. Typically, the bride and groom would be the first ones to cut and serve the cake, which was an event for everyone to watch. Evidently, someone had decided to forego that tradition. With pursed lips, he turned his gaze back to his parents. "Mom, Dad, where's Kanna?"

Kovu raised an eyebrow. "She was with Katara, last we saw."

"Oh yes, and it really is remarkable how young Master Katara is now, don't you think?" Hikara said. "She looks amazing."

Kovu shot his wife a stern look, as if to say 'not the time', and turned again to his son. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh, no reason." Anraq tried to remain stoic, but he couldn't hide the subtle grin that started to form on his face. "Azula, you want to round her up?"

"I suppose I should," she sighed, as she made her way towards the reception. "I'll be right back."

Azula wandered carefully across the courtyard, weaving her way between the tables and guests. Several guests stopped her to congratulate her, but she kept the interactions brief as she continued with her mission. As she neared the wedding cake, she took a step around behind the table it was placed on. Sure enough, she noticed a small slice missing from the bottom. Not a clean slice, though. It was crude, half-cut and half-torn out of place. The culprit was most likely someone not at all experienced in cutting cakes.

Such as a child.

Azula found who she was searching for hiding beneath one of the long cloths under a nearby table. Kanna turned around instantly and stared, frozen in place with her eyes wide. Tiny vestiges of chocolate frosting smudged around the corners of the girl's mouth, but either she didn't notice or was trying to act like the mess wasn't there. She just sat there, silent, unmoving. Perhaps she hoped Azula wouldn't see her if she remained absolutely still.

"There you are," Azula said, with a knowing smirk. "Now I wonder, why are you hiding out under here?"

"Um, no reason." Kanna glanced back and forth, looking for an escape. When she found none, she looked straight ahead at her mother again. "I was just—nothing. I didn't do anything."

"Oh really? Well, if you didn't do anything, then you shouldn't need to hide, right?"

"Um, maybe?"

Azula eased a gentle sigh and held out her hand, beckoning for her daughter to come out from under the table. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up."

Kanna scurried forward and took her mother's hand, reemerging from beneath the table a moment later. Azula marched the girl straight over to one of the food tables and grabbed a handful of napkins to wipe Kanna's mouth clean. When they were finished, Azula scooped the girl up into her arms and returned to the front of the courtyard, where Anraq was waiting.

"Found her."

"There she is," Anraq said, giving his daughter a playful, yet suspicious stare. "And did you also find out who dug into the cake?"

Azula shrugged. "Afraid I haven't the slightest idea."

"Hmm, imagine that." Anraq smirked, taking Kanna into his own arms and letting her down onto her feet. "Alright, Sweet Pea, you go stick with your grandparents for right now, okay?"

Kanna huffed out a defeated sigh. "Okay..."

As Kanna trudged away to join her grandparents, the music in the air started to change. What had been a steady, uptempo beat switched to a slow, romantic melody. Most of those who had been on the dance floor gradually returned to their seats, even the couples who would normally be taking advantage of the tune to dance slowly with their partners. Instead, all eyes turned towards Anraq and Azula.

Anraq turned a smile to his wife. "Ah, you know what that music means?"

"No," she replied, with a quizzical stare. "What?"

"It's time for our first dance together."

Azula flinched, eyes flaring. "Our what?"

"You heard me."

"Annie, I am not getting out there and dancing in front of people."

Anraq came closer and reached down to hold one of Azula's hands. "What's wrong? I recall you telling me once that you're an excellent dancer. I can't imagine that's changed, right?"

"Well, I—I mean—" Azula stammered, desperate to come up with some sort of defense. Not that she would ever admit it out loud, but they both knew she couldn't dance worth a damn. Not the kind of dancing required for this kind of music, at least. And definitely not in front of a crowd.

Before she had a chance to protest, Anraq pulled her onto the dance floor. Every single guest watched them as they held each other close together and began to move to the gentle melody. Azula's heart pounded, as her feet fumbled to find some sort of rhythm. Spirits take her if she had any idea what she was doing.

"Just follow my lead and you'll be fine," Anraq whispered, as he hugged her close.

She did as Annie told her. She followed his lead, moved her feet carefully in rhythm with his own, and held herself close against him. For all her worries that she'd trip over her own two feet and make a fool of herself during her own wedding, she quickly settled into the slow, romantic motions, until it felt almost natural. She knew there were others watching them. She could feel their eyes following her every motion, her every step. She didn't care. In that moment, she forgot everything and everyone else. There was only her and Annie, moving together as one. One soul, one spirit, one love.

In all her life, in all her grandest dreams, she had never been happier.