The courtyard of the palace entrance was lit up by fires burning in braziers lining the perimeter. Against the starlit sky fifteen dark shapes were flying towards the palace. Zuko stood in the front, against Kaito's wishes, with Chiara and Katara on each side, as well as Bato, Kaito, Izin, and a dozen others made up of guards and Imperial Firebenders.

Ezih ran up to Chiara. "Princess Chiara, Amiku is quite upset to learn that you're out here in your delicate condition, especially if they are enemy soldiers approaching."

"It was my delicate condition that helped me fight earlier," she said.

Zuko smirked to himself, but Ezih did not understand what she meant.

"Princess, there are plenty of soldiers here to fight this battle," he argued.

"I refuse to hide underground when I can help in this fight," she argued back

"I told her you would be quite stubborn about it." He bowed his head to her. "And I would expect no less from the Daughter of the Dragon of the West."

She smiled at him.

"But I did promise Amiku I would stay with you." He took his place between her and Izin. "You do realize that if we survive this, we'll both suffer Amiku's wrath?"

"If it means surviving this, then I look forward to it," she said.

"I'm not so sure I do," he mumbled.

They faced the airships as they began landing before them. All the guards and soldiers in the courtyard and hidden in various areas stood ready for whomever might step off the ships.

Familiar faces began pouring out of the ships: Zaro, Sozoh, Nai, Dako, Zomi, Rizin, Shin, Ezo, Jiro, and others from the prison.

Chiara's eyes lit up upon seeing them, especially Nai who was just as happy to see her.

"Princess," she bowed. "Prince Zuko."

"Nai," he greeted her.

When she straightened, Chiara stepped forward and hugged her. "It's good to see you, Lady Nai."

Rizin bowed deeply. "Prince Zuko, Princess Chiara."

"Rizin," said Zuko.

"How have you been?" asked Chiara.

"Good, Princess. Honored to serve the Fire Nation."

"How's your family?"

"They're doing good. They'll be pleased to hear of our success."

Katara had been looking anxiously at the faces searching for her family.

"Sokka!" she cried with relief when she spotted him. "Dad?!"

She ran to them hugging both at the same time, Bato right behind her to greet his friends.

Hakoda, not letting go of Sokka, wrapped an arm around his daughter. "Katara!"

She released them noticing that Hakoda was still supporting her brother. "Sokka, what happened to your leg?"

"He tried to fly, but it didn't work out," said Toph, she and Suki standing nearby.

"Let's get you inside so I can..." Katara's eyes had drifted behind him falling upon the Avatar. "Aang?!"

She ran to him, and before he could even process it, he felt her arms around him.

"Oh, sure," started Sokka, "who cares about your big brother and his broken leg."

"Come on, Sokka," said Chiara. "I'll take care of it. I really owe your sister."

Hakoda and Bato helped Sokka over to the palace steps where Chiara began healing his leg.

"Princess," started Nai who had followed them, "there are others who could benefit from your gift."

"Set up a triage area," she said. "I'll take care of them."

"Yes, Princess," she bowed.

Nai, Ezo, and Rizin began gathering all the injured soldiers in an area where Chiara could treat them.

She looked at Ezih. "Can you bring me more water, Ezih?"

"Of course, Princess." He bowed and turned to fulfill her request only to see Amiku storming towards him.

"I told you to bring her back to the safety of the palace and you left her out there to fight!" she yelled at him.

"I did my best, Amiku," he said before hurrying off to get water.

"Lucky for you they're allies," she called out to him. She walked over to Chiara. "And how could you even think of fighting, Princess?"

Chiara was still healing Sokka's broken leg. "As I told Ezih, Lady Amiku, I refuse to hide when I can help."

"But...you're a delicate, young woman," she said carefully. "You have a future to think about."

"Which is why I wanted to fight," she said not taking her eyes off Sokka's injury.

Amiku huffed. "Just as brash and daring as Prince Iroh in his youth."

Chiara was smirking at her response. "Considering my husband's talent for breaking into prisons, I'm quite sure it would be straight to the gallows if I get caught. I'd rather go down fighting."

"Such a dreadful thought either way, my Lady," she said as she stood by to assist her with her patients.

When Chiara had walked off to help Sokka, Zuko was watching Aang who was happily engulfed in Katara's embrace. The prince turned to Toph.

"So Aang did it?" he asked softly. "Ozai's really...?"

"Yep," she said cheerfully.

He thought it odd for Toph to sound so cheerful over Ozai's death. Relieved he could understand, but cheerful?

"...If you were going to finish that with 'locked in a cell in the airship'," the earthbender added. "Because that's where he is."

He was not sure if he heard her correctly. "Wait...what?! Aang didn't...finish it?"

"There was no need to," said Aang as he walked up, Katara's hand in his and his cheeks tinged red.

"What do you mean?" he asked. "You realize he'll never stop fighting."

"Maybe so, but he won't be able to firebend."

Zuko looked puzzled, though Toph caught this by his sudden silence.

"Aang took away his firebending," she said.

He found the idea unnerving. "I-I didn't know you could do that."

"Neither did I until a giant lion turtle taught me," said Aang.

"Is that where you disappeared to?"

"Yep."

He was about to ask the Avatar what was involved in removing a firebender's bending, but Zaro and Sozoh approached him.

"Prince Zuko," greeted Sozoh, "I am pleased to inform you that the attack on the Earth Kingdom has been prevented, the fleet has been brought under control, and Ozai has been stopped."

"The ships' cells are holding the soldiers who refused to join us, including Ozai," said Zaro.

Zuko turned to Kaito. "What do you recommend?"

"I suggest we bring them out and inform them of the change in leadership," said Kaito.

"Right," said Zuko.

"We should also release the enlisted men," said Sozoh. "The officers we should hold until after General Iroh has been crowned Fire Lord. Then we will deal with them individually."

"Sir," said Kaito addressing Zuko, "since it's too late this evening to find transport to the other islands, I recommend providing accommodations in the guest manors for the enlisted soldiers...under guard of course."

Zuko nodded. "What about the officers? Do we keep them in the prison then?"

"Until we can determine their loyalty, I believe that is the best place," said Sozoh.

"I want it made clear that it's only temporary," Zuko insisted. "Once my uncle has returned they'll have a chance to pledge their allegiance to the Fire Nation under the rightful Fire Lord."

"As soldiers, and especially officers, they should understand the need for security."

"First, let's start with those who stood by us," said Zuko. "And then we'll deal with the enlisted men in the brigs. Also, leave Ozai in his cell until we've dealt with everyone else."

Kaito nodded and left to carry out his orders.

When all the allied soldiers were gathered, Zuko addressed them first, thanking them for their help and congratulating them on their success. During his speech, Chiara was still in the process of healing the injured, a majority suffering from burn wounds.

"Lady Chiara, I...I can't believe you're here."

She looked at her next patient. "Uzo?! Oh, I'm so happy to see you. I often wonder what happened to you...to all of you." She stepped closer to study the injury on Zuko's former crew member.

"We heard a lot of stories about you and Prince Zuko," he said as she began healing his wound. "So they're true."

She smiled. "It depends on which stories."

"The one about you being a waterbender seems to be true," he said watching with amazement as his wound disappeared beneath the glowing water.

"It is," she softly laughed.

"I didn't even know waterbenders could do that."

While she and Uzo were catching up, two other familiar faces approached Zuko after his speech.

"Lieutenant Jee! Ozen!" he said not expecting to see any of his former crew.

"Prince Zuko," they bowed.

"You helped take over the airships?"

"When we heard they were fighting for you and General Iroh, we knew we had to join them," said Jee.

Zuko suspected their loyalty was more to Iroh than to himself, but he still appreciated their support. "What happened to you at Zhao's Siege?" he asked.

"The ship I was assigned to was near the back of the fleet."

"As was mine," said Ozen. "We were among the few lucky ones to have survived," he added somberly.

"Were there any others from the crew who returned?" Zuko asked.

Jee named the other members of the crew that had survived, only a handful to Zuko's dismay.

"After we left the North, we were told that the waterbenders got the upper hand, but we knew better. We saw the spirit from where we were in the fleet..." He looked lost in his thoughts, and Zuko could see the fear in his eyes as his mind replayed the terrifying memories. "...the unnatural wave that overtook the ships. They were overturned like they were toys in a pond and disappeared under the sea...men dragged to their death in the icy water," he said darkly.

"I was sure we were going to suffer the same fate," said Ozen.

"We all thought that," said Jee.

"We knew it wasn't the work of waterbenders," said Ozen. "But we were told not to speak of what we really saw."

"Anyone who spoke the truth was threatened with charges of slander against the Fire Lord," said Jee in a low voice as if he feared being overheard.

"The truth will be known," said Zuko. "Zhao killed the moon spirit which drew the wrath of the ocean spirit upon our people."

"Zhao killed a spirit?!" asked Ozen appalled at the thought.

Zuko nodded. "The princess of the Northern Water Tribe gave her life back to the moon to keep the balance. So many lives were lost on both sides that day."

Jee looked at him curiously. "Were you at the North Pole, sir?"

"I was. I slipped onto Zhao's ship in disguise."

"The last thing we heard about you before the Siege was that you were on the ship when the pirates blew it up...," said Ozen.

"It was Zhao," said Zuko deeply. "The coward hired pirates to do it."

Jee shook his head in disgust. "We never realized you were at the Siege."

"I was still trying to capture the Avatar," he admitted.

"We found out you were alive when they declared you and General Iroh traitors."

"Of course," said Zuko wryly.

"And of Lady Chiara, we heard...well...we heard quite a few things concerning her," said Ozen.

Zuko let out a soft laugh. "She's alive and well, in case you heard otherwise."

"We did hear otherwise," said Jee grimly. "We were relieved to learn it wasn't true." His eyes were on her in the distance working among the injured. "And that she's a waterbender..." He shook his head still having trouble believing it. "Leave it to General Iroh to do something so bold." He looked at Zuko. "And you as well, sir. We heard you broke into Boiling Rock for her and freed all the prisoners."

Zuko nodded.

Jee was impressed by his courage and determination. "That's-that's really something, Prince Zuko," he said.

"They shouldn't have touched her," he responded deeply.

Jee laughed to himself remembering how overprotective the prince was regarding Chiara years earlier.

"But...I guess it all worked out in the end," Zuko added in a calmer tone. "A lot of these heroes here came from the prison either as guards or prisoners."

"So what's the plan now?" he asked.

"Uncle takes the throne, and we make peace with the other Nations."

"General Iroh as Fire Lord," said Jee thoughtfully. "I never thought I'd see the day."

"Sir," interrupted Kaito, "everyone will remain on guard until we've spoken with the enlisted soldiers and removed them from the palace grounds."

Zuko nodded and turned back to Jee. "There'll be a banquet in the palace after this. I hope you'll join us."

"We appreciate it, sir."

"Also, if you need a place to stay, the guest manors are available...but...but you and the others from the crew are welcome to rooms in the guest wing of the palace."

Jee's jaw dropped not expecting an invitation to stay in the Royal Palace, especially when invited by the young crown prince whom he had often considered a royal pain. "S-sir?"

"Uncle will return as soon as they reconquer Ba Sing Se," said Zuko. "I'm sure he'll want to see you."

The last time the lieutenant had seen the prince, he had been a bitter, angry teenager, but now he was amazed to see a seemingly calm, level-headed young man.

"It would be an honor, sir."

All the allied soldiers remained in the courtyard while the enlisted soldiers who fought against them were brought out of the ships. Zuko addressed the group explaining that Ozai had been defeated, the war was over, and that Iroh was to be crowned the new Fire Lord. They were free to return to their homes in the Fire Nation, but those who lived on the other islands would be given accommodations in the guest manors outside of palace grounds until they could be transported home. Under strict guard, Zuko allowed any of the injured to be treated by Chiara and Katara who was now helping her.

Next, the officers were brought out, and after being informed of the changes, they, too, were given the opportunity to be treated by the waterbenders. Most of the high ranking officers refused despite the severity of their wounds. Instead, they requested to see a Fire Nation medic, a service that was provided to them once they were taken to the prison where they all were to be held temporarily.

The soldiers who had participated in winning back the Fire Nation from Ozai were invited into the palace and treated to a banquet meal leaving only a small group of guards in the courtyard. Sokka, unable to resist the word "banquet," also went inside along with Hakoda, Bato, Suki, and Toph. Aang stayed close to Katara while she worked among the injured, and as soon as the waterbenders finished treating everyone, they joined Zuko who was talking to Kaito. Chiara walked up to him with Nai and Izin by her side. Since all the soldiers had been dealt with, now Ozai was to be brought before him.

"Are you sure you don't want to leave this 'til tomorrow?" Chiara asked him.

He considered it. He had not been expecting to face his father, having believed he would be ended by the Avatar, and he was unprepared for the encounter.

"I want to get it over with." He looked at Kaito. "Have him brought out."

Kaito nodded and disappeared, and a few minutes later, Ozai, wrists bound and being restrained by two guards, was standing in the courtyard trying to look intimidating. Zuko approached him.

"So the traitor prince succeeded in using his traitor army to steal my throne," growled Ozai.

Zuko was disgusted by the irony of his words considering how he obtained the throne.

"You couldn't even fight me yourself," continued the former Fire Lord in a condescending tone. "You had to send the child Avatar to defeat me because you knew you couldn't do it. You were always weak and pathetic."

"I'm not taking the throne," said Zuko, wanting to say so much more—like how weak and pathetic it was to be willing to kill your own son and to allow your father to be poisoned in order to become Fire Lord. "It belongs to Uncle."

Ozai huffed. "Another pitifully weak fool. A coward who wouldn't fight me for it."

"It was the Avatar's duty to stop you, and you should count yourself lucky that he spared your life."

"Hmph, lucky?" he spat. "Lucky that my own son will now lock me away in a prison cell?"

The irony was becoming too much for Zuko. "The son you were willing to kill for your own gain? The son you burned and banished?" he said deeply. "No. Your own son will not lock you away in a prison cell. You have no son."

Ozai was scowling at him. "Banishing you was a mistake," he said. "Now I realize I should've thrown you from the palace wall when you were born."

There were a few gasps among those present, Katara's especially noticeable. Even Aang fidgeted, repulsed by Ozai's cruel words.

Nai took an attack stance, anxious to hurt the former Fire Lord again for his lack of humanity. "I should've burned his face off when I had the chance," she said in a low, deep voice.

Chiara's fists clenched and her eyes narrowed as she glared at Ozai disgusted by the idea of treating an infant in such an horrific manner, and that he would have wished such a fate on Zuko made her boil inside.

An icy cold chill swept through Ozai's body.

"Banishing me was the best thing you could have done for my life," said Zuko, who was the only one unfazed by Ozai's detestable insult.

Ozai could barely register his words for the iciness he felt in his veins. He began wondering if it was due to the absence of his inner flame.

"It put me on the right path," continued Zuko, not noticing Ozai's skin growing paler. "Perhaps your time in prison could do the same for you."

When he turned to walk away from him, Chiara relaxed her fists.

Warmth spread through Ozai once more along with seething anger at seeing Zuko turn his back on him. "Don't you dare turn your back to me," he snarled. "I am still the Fire Lord!"

Zuko ignored him as he walked to where Chiara was standing. When Ozai saw her, he glowered at her.

"My daughter failed in disposing of that Water filth," he said in a deep voice causing Zuko to freeze.

Chiara saw fire in Zuko's eyes.

"He's trying to provoke you," she whispered. "Just ignore him."

He held back the heat that was growing inside him, and they turned to go to the palace.

"You're a failure!" yelled Ozai. "And you're a fool for consorting with that primitive savage!"

The fire was rising in Zuko.

"Don't let him get to you," Chiara whispered.

"You can lock me up, but you won't stop me!" he continued yelling as the guards were dragging him away. "I'll find a way to kill that barbaric scum right under your nose..."

Unable to hold back any longer, Zuko turned to go after Ozai, but Chiara grabbed one arm and Aang quickly grabbed the other, both struggling to restrain him.

"Zuko, you can't," said Aang.

"Let it go, Prince Zuko," she begged him.

"Let him go, Princess," said Nai. "I want to see what he does to that worthless piece of..."

"Nai, don't encourage him," she said.

No one else bothered to help in holding the prince back as they all felt the same as Nai, and whatever Zuko might do to the former Fire Lord they considered justified, especially after hearing Ozai threaten to kill the princess.

Watching Zuko's reaction brought a devious smile to Ozai's face. "And then you'll be next, Crown Prince," he called out as they were locking him in a cart to take him to the prison.

Once he was out of sight, Zuko stopped trying to go after him, but he continued scowling at the cart as it moved away towards the palace gates. He felt himself being pulled in the opposite direction and looked down to see Chiara tugging his arm.

"Come on," she said. "It's over."

"She's right, Hotman," said Aang cheerfully with Katara now standing next to him holding his hand. "The war's over."

He sighed, but he relaxed and allowed Chiara to pull him along. They went inside the palace where Aang excitedly oohed and aahed at the extravagant architecture and décor as they walked the path to the banquet hall.

"Wow! This is where you lived?"

"Yes," answered Zuko.

"You lived here too, Chiara?" asked Katara.

"No. I lived at General Iroh's estate off palace grounds."

"I lived next door to her until Ozai became Fire Lord," said Zuko.

"This place is huge!" said Aang. "I didn't get to see any of this during the invasion. I did get to see the throne room, but it was empty. Do you think we can have a tour?"

"Sure, tomorrow," said Zuko with less enthusiasm than Aang.

Zuko and Chiara both wondered how he could have so much energy so late at night and after a long day of battle.

When all the newcomers had been sated, the soldiers were given temporary accommodations in the guest manors. Those whom Zuko knew personally from the prison as well as his former crew were invited to stay at the palace in the guest wing.

Just outside the banquet hall a few members of his old crew were still thanking him for the luxury lodgings he had offered them. They were all overwhelmed by the change in his demeanor, and though they wanted to hear firsthand the adventures of the prince and learn the truth and fiction of the rumors they heard, it was late, and everyone was exhausted from the day's events. As the crew followed the palace guards to their rooms, Aang took this time to approach Zuko and talk to him alone.

"Zuko, Katara told me what you did for her today," he said. "Thank you."

"Well, you did save Chiara from the pirates. So...you know...thank you for that."

Aang grinned at him. "And you saved me from Zhao...so thank you..."

"That-that wasn't me," said Zuko softly.

"Oh...of course not," said Aang with a big smile.

"But you saved me from him," said Zuko.

"I did that for Chiara though, remember?"

Zuko was chuckling. "Right."

"And you also saved us from the Rough Rhinos," said Aang.

"Again, that wasn't me," said Zuko smirking at the memories of that night.

"Oh, yeah," said Aang.

"But that was for Chiara," he whispered, making Aang snicker. "Oh, that reminds me...," started the prince shyly. "I, uh...I promised her I'd...apologize for...uh...for threatening to kill you," he finished in a low voice, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. "You know...after you rescued her from the pirates. So, I...uh...I'm sorry for that."

Aang's big smile never diminished. "I knew you didn't mean it, Hotman."

"I...um...I actually did...you know, if you hurt her, but...I-I guess I knew you really wouldn't...or at least Uncle did. And I understand that now."

"Wow. We've really been through a lot, huh?" said Aang thoughtfully.

Zuko nodded. "We really have," he replied.

When they returned inside the hall, Aang immediately went to sit with Katara. Zuko stood at the door looking at the group that had slowly dwindled down until it was just Team Avatar, Hakoda, Bato, Nai, Izin, and Kaito and his chosen Imperial Firebenders still sharing their adventures of the day. He saw Nai with Izin and Kaito, so he walked up to her.

"Nai, can I speak to you?"

She nodded respectfully and followed him into the hall where he could speak to her privately.

"Yes, Prince Zuko?" she said.

"I have a new assignment for you if you're willing to accept it," he said.

"What is it?"

"Chiara's bodyguard."

"Really?" she asked, stunned by his request. "I...I would be honored."

"Izin has asked to personally protect her, and he's been really helpful taking care of her, so I plan on keeping him for more formal public protection, but I want her to have a female guard who can be with her most of the time, and she really trusts you."

"Of course."

"It's a lot to ask," he said. "I fear she'll be in danger from those who'll have trouble accepting a Water Tribe Fire Princess, especially since Ozai's threatened her."

Nai's eyes narrowed at the memory of Ozai's threat. "I'll do my best to protect her, Prince Zuko. I love Princess Chiara. I owe her so much, even my own life if necessary."

"Hopefully it'll never come to that."

"I do worry though that she may be more protective of me," said Nai. "In prison she was too ready to sacrifice herself."

"That may not be much of an issue now," he said.

"Why is that?"

"In order to protect the baby."

Nai's eyes grew wide. "Oh, Prince Zuko, that's so wonderful." A smile spread across her face. "And I get to be the personal bodyguard of the future Fire Lady and the little prince or princess!" she added excitedly.

Zuko laughed at her excitement which reminded him of Amiku's reaction. "We haven't officially announced it yet. Uncle bragged to everyone in the Order of the White Lotus, but outside of them and our group here it hasn't been made public."

"I understand," she said. "How far along is she?"

"A-a couple months...after Boiling Rock," he added in a soft, bashful voice.

"Aw. You two must've been so happy to be reunited."

He turned red. "Yeah. We were."

"That's not too long at all," she said. "We have time to prepare."

"I wanted to be sure you were willing to do this before I told her," he said.

"Yes, yes!"

Zuko entered the banquet hall and walked up to Chiara who was enjoying the stories of the airship battles.

"Princess Chiara, I need to speak with you," he said softly.

She was surprised and stunned by his greeting, but she took his hand and allowed him to escort her to the hall where Nai was waiting.

"I heard the good news," said Nai who hugged her. "Congratulations." She quickly released her and stepped back bowing to her. "I'm so sorry...I-I guess I shouldn't have done that, Princess."

Chiara looked puzzled by her reaction.

"Nai has agreed to be your personal bodyguard," Zuko said to her.

"Is...is that necessary?" she asked. "I wouldn't want her to get hurt."

Nai, not at all surprised by Chiara's worry, grinned at Zuko, and then she looked at Chiara.

"Serving the Fire Princess would be a great honor for me and my family," she said.

"But...but what about what Ozai said? It could be dangerous...," argued Chiara.

"And I'm willing to accept that danger for you and the future prince or princess just as you did at Boiling Rock."

Chiara hesitated.

"Fine," she finally said. "Only if you promise to never apologize again for treating me like family."

Nai softly laughed. "I promise. But I will be more professional."

Zuko looked at Chiara. "I-I guess we should show her what you can do."

Nai was curious about his meaning, but Chiara's eyes reflected her understanding, and she held out her hand producing a small flame. The look on Nai's face changed from curiosity to amazement.

After explaining their theory of Chiara's firebending to Nai, they returned to the banquet hall where the conversations were quieting down.

"I think I could sleep for a week," said Sokka yawning as he stood up.

"Me too," said Toph.

Sokka started walking towards the door. "Just point the way to the guest wing."

"I doubt there are any rooms left there," said Zuko.

"So where do we get to sleep?" asked Toph. "'Cause I could crash right here."

"Don't be ridiculous," he said. "You'd probably be more comfortable in the stables with Appa."

Chiara quietly giggled.

"Come on," he said walking towards the door. "Follow me."

They followed him through the halls of the palace.

"So the Avatar defeats Ozai, and you don't even have a guest room for him?" asked Sokka after a dizzying walk through a maze of halls.

Zuko shrugged. "A lot of other people got here before you did," he said simply.

"But the stables? I mean, why don't you just put him in a prison cell?"

"That can be arranged," said Zuko.

"Sokka, it's not like we haven't slept on Appa before," said Suki.

"At this point, I'm still willing to crash in the banquet hall," said Toph.

"For once I'd like to be treated to a nice comfortable bed instead of being thrown outside with the animals," Sokka complained.

"What are you talking about?" asked Zuko. "You just spent weeks at the royal beach house on Ember Island."

"Yeah...well...well, now we've just won the war, and we have to sleep in the stables? What about those manors they were talking about?"

Zuko stopped walking and turned to Sokka. "You guys don't deserve to stay in the manors." His voice bore a hint of irritation.

Everyone seemed taken aback by his words and his tone, except Chiara who remained impassive.

"The only rooms fitting for you are reserved for family," he continued. "This is the royal wing."

There was a moment of silence as their exhausted minds absorbed his meaning. Toph stepped forward and latched onto Zuko. Aang was next and now wrapped around both of them.

"We knew you loved us, Hotman."

Katara, Suki, and Chiara eventually joined in before Sokka finally decided that he needed to be part of the group hug.

Hakoda looked at Bato, and they quietly chuckled at the closeness of the four Nations standing before them.

"The next generation has bonded in a way I never thought possible," said Hakoda softly to his best friend.

"Okay, I changed my mind," said Zuko. "You guys are staying in the stables."

"Too late, Sparky," said Toph. "We're bunking here."

When they detached themselves from Zuko, he led them down the hall of bedrooms that had belonged to members of the royal family for generations, and they each picked a room. Nai chose a room close to Zuko's, and Kaito arranged to have guards at the entrance of the wing before finally taking up Zuko's offer to pick a room, another that was also close to the prince so he could be ready to fight for him at a moment's notice.

Zuko and Chiara stood in the hall outside his room. The last time he left it, he thought his wife was dead and that he would never return to his room again. He opened the door before turning to Chiara and quickly taking her up in his arms. She threw her arms around his neck not expecting to be literally swept off her feet. She wanted to chastise him for not considering his injury as he carried her inside, but she held her tongue. He shut the door before gently setting her back on her feet and keeping one arm around her back until she steadied herself.

"Welcome home," he said before leaning over her and kissing her.

She swayed slightly, his affectionate kiss making her feel pleasantly lightheaded.

"Wherever you are is home to me," she said.

He felt his heart skip, but not in a painful, lightning-struck way, and he kissed her again.

"I get that now," he smiled.

He saw that their bags had been brought inside. Kneeling down by his, he dug around until he pulled out a small canvas wrapped in gold ribbon. He unrolled it revealing their wedding portrait, and he placed it on the table next to their bed. Turning to Chiara, he saw her holding a ball of water.

"Lie down," she ordered.

"Yes, my Lady," he responded submissively before following her order.

His reply made her giggle. When he was lying on the bed, she climbed on next to him and began treating his wound again, further reducing the lingering pain. She continued her treatment producing a tranquilizing effect he was unable to fight, and he soon fell asleep. And though Chiara was anxious to stay awake to the hear news of Iroh's success in Ba Sing Se, as soon as she lay down next to him, she, too, was asleep.