Katara squinted at the firebending scroll closer, trying to understand what the tiny man was doing. The mid-day sun was bright and beat down on her. She'd taken a break from the school for the day and was practicing her bending. It'd been a few weeks now since the ordeal with Azula, and she'd been teaching at the school every day since. Zuko had insisted she take a break today to heal up some more, and she hadn't been able to argue with him.

Katara noticed her hair was sticking to her back and quickly braided it out of the way while she continued to examine the scroll. Would she ever get used to the heat of this place? Even in just her white training clothes, she was hot. She'd also noticed last night when she'd looked in the mirror that the sun had darkened her skin a little more. If the difference between her skin and the native people of the Fire Nation's wasn't noticeable before, it was now.

Finally understanding the form the scroll was showing, Katara decided to give it a try with her own bending. She was standing in the little area outside the room she stayed in that had a fountain of water close by. It wasn't the same fountain that Yue had healed her in and that she'd kissed Zuko in so long ago, which was nice. That fountain was distracting. Katara passed it every day on her way to the school and her heart fluttered every time she saw it.

Pulling water from the fountain around her like a snake, Katara began the firebending form. It was strange. At the school, she spent her time teaching firebenders how to incorporate smooth and connected waterbending moves into their bending. But now she was doing the opposite: waterbending using the choppier firebending moves.

Katara ended the form with a punch forward and swipe of her leg. It felt so different. The water didn't move with as much force as it did when she used her natural moves, but she could feel some potential there.

Picking up the water that had fallen on the ground, Katara stood to start again. With a twist and leap forward, she began. The forms came a little easier now that she didn't have to struggle to remember them as much. She ended with the same move as before except now the water followed her punch and her foot with a significant more amount of force. Yes.

"I see your day off is going well."

Katara smiled and turned to look at him. "I was too antsy sitting in there," she said, nodding to the palace. Zuko was smiling too, and she watched his eyes slowly drift from her face and down the rest of her body. She felt her cheeks warm. Zuko gave his head a quick shake and cleared his throat.

"You're supposed to be resting," he said, walking towards her. Katara admired him in his royal clothes. The robes were large, but she could make out the strength in his shoulders and back beneath the thick cloth. Spirits, how was he able to wear that much in this heat? His hair was up in a top knot, and the Fire Lord crown gleamed brightly against the darkness of his hair. Katara resisted the urge to pull it out and run her fingers through his loose locks. She liked when his hair was down.

Katara just rolled her eyes in response, which made him laugh. "Those were some pretty impressive moves," he said.

"Thanks," she replied, walking to pick up the scroll. "I don't think I did them quite right, but I think once I try it a few more times I can do a little better."

"We should train together soon. Maybe teach each other some things. I could help you so you wouldn't have to read the scroll and you could show me what you've been showing your students."

Katara nodded in agreement. That was actually a really good idea. Too bad they were both usually too busy for something like that.

Zuko stood behind her and looked at the scroll too. After a moment, she felt his arms snake around her waist. His head fell to her shoulder and he placed a soft kiss on her skin. Despite the heat, she shivered.

"Not here, Zuko. Someone could see." Katara tried to shift away from him, but he held on to her tightly.

"I don't care. Besides, no one will see. I know you practice here instead of the arena or training area because there aren't any guards here." Katara smiled. It was true. She hated training when guards were watching her every move. It was unnerving. And not that she would ever tell Zuko, but they catcalled sometimes too, and she didn't care for that either. However, this area outside her room was secluded. A perfect little sanctuary.

Zuko was kissing her neck now which made it hard to focus. But the hot climate combined with being this close to him made her feel extra hot and claustrophobic. "It doesn't mean someone won't notice," she said kindly. This time when she moved, Zuko reluctantly let her go. Katara went to place the scroll back down on the bench.

"I don't care if people see you know," Zuko said simply. Katara let out a small laugh.

"I know you don't," she replied quietly after a second.

"They're talking anyways. We can just confirm some of their suspicions for them," he joked. Katara didn't smile at this. Her mind flashed to the night before when she'd been walking back to her room after a day at the school.

"Honestly, I don't blame the guy," Katara heard a man she knew called Song say. She ducked behind a pillar, not wanting to be seen. The group would pass soon enough, and she could continue to her room without having to speak with them.

"Really? How could you say that?" said a female voice Katara recognized as one of Zuko's other advisors. "I think it's disgusting. He's the Fire Lord for spirits' sake. You'd think he'd have higher standards. More class. He'd do well to snap up a rich, beautiful nobleman's daughter. From what I hear, he's been presented with numerous options over the years. Even the one he had living at the palace for a while would've been better."

"And he probably will eventually," said the first man. "All I'm saying is…he's a well-traveled man. I'm not surprised he's acquired a taste for the exotic over the years, if you know what I mean. I doubt he plans to marry a foreign girl like that. He never could. But he's young. Let him enjoy the perks of his position."

The lady scoffed. "For my part, I say the girl is to blame. She's slithered her way into his bed, and I doubt she'll stop there. Mark my words, there's a very real chance that 'foreign girl' could end up as Fire Lady."

Katara didn't hear the rest of their conversation. Blood was pounding in her ears and her muscles had entirely frozen, trapping her in her hiding spot. She felt the sting of tears behind her eyes and shut them closed tightly, refusing to let them fall.

"…ara?" She whipped her head up at the sound of her name. "Katara, are you okay?" Worry and concern were etched on Zuko's features and he was watching her closely. He also seemed confused. His hand was partially reached out.

Katara stood up straight and pulled her face into a smile. "Sorry…yeah. I'm fine. I think it's the heat," she laughed nervously. The tension seemed to leave Zuko's body. At least a little. His face relaxed. There was no way Katara would ever explain what she'd overheard to Zuko. She knew he would overreact and fire both of those advisors, and he couldn't afford to do that after having to arrest three of them for conspiring with Azula. Apparently, the only people in the palace who knew exactly what had happened that dreadful night with Azula were herself, Zuko and his uncle. At least that's what Zuko had told her. Everyone else just had rumors. Only a select few guards stood guard at Azula's cell. No one else knew she was down there.

He hadn't explained his reasons for not telling the rest of his council what had happened, but Katara didn't mind. It made sense to keep under wraps the fact that his own sister had been plotting to kill him for three years right beneath the capital city. It would greatly damage his family name and his image as a competent Fire Lord.

Katara shivered again at the thought of Azula. Stop, she told herself. Azula is locked safely away in the prison cells. She can't get you.

Katara's hand instinctively covered the star shaped scar on her abdomen. Her white clothes didn't cover it, so her fingers touched the twisted skin. She traced it absent-mindedly.

"Katara, what are you thinking?" He was watching her closely again. Deciding she was probably done bending for the day, she reached for her blue tunic.

"Sorry, I'm just distracted. Nothing's wrong," she said brushing away his question and slipping the blue dress on. Zuko still seemed concerned, so Katara reached for both of his hands and stood on her toes to place a soft kiss on his warm cheek.

This seemed to satisfy him. He smiled. "I have to go to another meeting," he said exasperatedly. "I'll probably miss dinner." Katara could tell he was annoyed by this.

"That's okay," said Katara, still holding his hands. "I don't mind eating with your uncle. Do what you need to do."

"Will I still see you tonight?" he asked carefully.

Ever since the ordeal with Azula, Zuko and Katara spent most evenings together. Sometimes late into the night. It was comforting being together just the two of them. They could talk and laugh and…kiss. It was nice to unwind together since they both had such busy days. They could forget about everything a few hours.

Yesterday though, after overhearing the advisors, Katara had told Zuko she wasn't feeling well, and he'd been good enough to give her space. It seemed now he was concerned she might want to skip their evening ritual again.

Katara watched him for a moment before smiling. "Of course," she said quietly, attempting to use a seductive sort of voice. Zuko threw his head back in laughter.

"Don't ever do that again," he teased.

"Why? Was it not good?"

Zuko chuckled again. "I'll see you later," he said. Before Katara could stop him, Zuko dropped her hands and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tight against him and kissing her deeply.

Katara stepped away quickly. "Zuko!" she yelled, extremely annoyed. She looked around quickly to see if anyone had seen. Katara turned back around to give him a whack on the arm, but he was already walking away, laughing at what he'd just done. Katara smiled and shook her head.

. . .

The paintings of the previous Fire Lords loomed over Katara as she made her way to one of the palace sitting rooms; The same room she'd healed Zuko in after the end-of-war dinner three years or so ago. With their daily time spent in this room each evening, the hallway had become more familiar, but the paintings were somehow still ominous. There wasn't one of Zuko yet, and she wondered when he'd get one. Or if he ever even would.

She entered the more normal part of the hallway and saw the door of the sitting room was open. Zuko was already there and sitting on the couch. It looked like he was reading something. He looked up when he noticed her, a smile spreading across his face. His hair was down, and he'd changed into his normal clothes.

"Hey. How was the rest of you day off?"

Katara shut the door behind her and walked over to the couch, slumping down next to him. "Not too bad. I found the library and just spent some time in there. How was your meeting?" She laid her head on his shoulder and stared into the fire in the fireplace. She smiled when she remembered how she used to fall asleep next the fire at her home in the South Pole.

"Oh, nice," Zuko replied. Katara turned to him at his odd response and saw he was still reading the sheet of paper in his hands.

"What is that?"

Zuko turned to her and shook his head. It looked like he was trying to clear his thoughts. "Nothing. Just something from the meeting today." He rolled it up and placed it on a table next to the couch they were sitting on.

"How did that meeting go?" she asked again. "Was the arguing any worse than usual?"

Zuko breathed out a laugh. "No, thankfully. I think we actually got some decisions made. Finally."

"That's good," said Katara. Katara used to ask Zuko about specific council issues that were troubling him to see if she could help somehow. She hated seeing him so stressed and exhausted. But Zuko was never eager to dwell on the workday much when they were together, so eventually Katara stopped asking.

They both sat and stared at the fire in front of them for a while. Zuko laced his hand through hers and took a deep breath. Katara knew he was de-stressing from the day.

After a long, but comfortable, silence, Katara spoke. "Why do you light fires here when it's already so hot? I've always wondered that."

Zuko chuckled. "That's a good question. I guess for light?"

After a beat, Katara conceded. "That makes sense." Zuko let out another laugh before shifting to face her better. Katara looked at him with a smile, knowing what was coming. Her eyes slipped closed as he kissed her. She expected it to be slower, like normal, but he seemed more desperate than usual. He deepened the kiss quickly and his hands roamed all over her back. Katara's hands drifted to his head, and she ran her hands through his hair. Zuko groaned at the sensation.

After barely a moment of this, Zuko pushed forward, forcing Katara to lay down. She laughed at how quickly he was moved. Her head hit a couch cushion, and the moment it did, Zuko broke their kiss to tease at her neck. His hot breath tickled, and she squirmed.

"Spirits, Zuko." Katara felt him laugh against her skin.

Zuko continued his torment there only for a quick second before quickly moving down to kiss lower. Katara was breathing a little heavier now. Zuko made his way back up the familiar path on the other side, stopping just under her jaw. He still seemed desperate somehow, almost like he was worried they were going to run out of time.

Katara moved to sit up, wanting to calm things down before they got too heated. Zuko moved to let her but captured her lips in a kiss the moment she settled. His hands were on her back again and tangled in her hair.

She broke their kiss and let out a small laugh. "What has gotten into you?"

"I don't know," he said, the subtle trace of a smile visible on his face. His dark hair was ruffled from her hands and his lips were red from kissing her. "I guess I just missed you."

Katara smiled and kissed him again, this time gentler and calmer than before. Their hands were clasped between them now. "I missed you too," she whispered. It was true. Last evening, after overhearing the advisors, Katara had thought it would be best to stay as far away from Zuko as possible. How could she spend time with him when the councilors' words were so fresh in her mind?

What she hadn't realized though was that she was cutting out the one person that could've brought her any sort of comfort. Crying alone in her dark room hadn't helped at all. But being with Zuko now, she remembered how much she loved the comfort he brought her. Just being with him made her happy. How had she let herself forget that?

Katara leaned against him again like before, her head falling on his shoulder. His arm fell around her easily. They stared at the fireplace in silence again, letting the crackles of it fill the air.

"Hey, I wanted to ask you something," he said. For the first time since perhaps three and a half years ago when he'd approached them at the Western Air Temple, Katara thought he sounded nervous. It was unlike him.

"What is it?" she asked. Both were still watching the fire.

"At the end of the month, the palace is throwing a banquet."

"Oh, wow. What for?"

A beat passed. "My birthday, actually," he said shyly. Katara shifted off of him so she could look at him properly. How had she forgotten that his birthday was so soon? "I wondered if maybe you would come as my official escort? Instead of just a guest, I mean." He turned from the fire to look into her eyes questioningly, and she could tell he was worried she might say no.

Katara swallowed. Of course she wanted to. But the words she'd tried so hard last night to forget still echoed in her mind. Exotic. Foreign. Disgusting. She thought of the captain on Zuko's ship when they'd traveled here and the rude look he'd given here. The way the other masters at the school sometimes treated her as incapable. A part of her still felt so out of place here. These people weren't her own. She stuck out. And usually not in a good way. If she were to spend an entire evening in a fancy dress on Zuko's arm, all eyes would be on her. Judging her. People would be whispering to each other the same things she'd overheard the councilors saying.

Katara looked into Zuko's golden eyes. He was still watching her questioningly. Spirits, she loved him. How could she say no when he was asking so sweetly? How could she possibly explain to him that it wasn't just an embarrassment with PDA that motivated her need to make sure no one saw them together?

"Of course, Zuko. That sounds amazing," Katara said, trying to push her worries away. He smiled at her and pulled her closer to him, clearly relieved at her response. This was it. After that banquet, everyone would know they were truly together. There couldn't be anymore hiding.

"Thank you," he said. "Really." Katara smiled at how happy and excited he seemed now. They soon fell into companionable silence again. The hand on the arm Zuko had draped over her shoulders was playing with the ends of her hair. Katara had come to learn this was a nervous habit of his and usually meant he was stressing about something. She pushed her worries about the banquet aside to focus on him.

"Is something else on your mind? Something from your council meetings?"

He breathed out a laugh, almost as if to say, 'how did you know?' She felt him take a deep breath before speaking. They were both staring at the fire again. "It's actually not council issues." A beat passed. "I'm worried about Azula."

"Azula?"Katara tried not to sound as surprised as she was. He was worried about his crazy sister who had been planning to kill him for over three years?

Zuko nodded seriously.

"What about her?" Katara asked coolly.

"I want to help her, but I don't know how." A beat passed. "She's dying down there." Katara tried not to shudder at the idea of Azula in a cell not far beneath them. "It's nearly impossible to get her to eat or drink. She's stopped screaming for the most part but she still seems to be….seeing things. You know. Imagining things that aren't there." He paused. "I don't know what to do. I wish I knew what was going on inside her head. I wish I could get her to talk to me, instead of just screaming every time she notices me."

At his last words, an idea popped into her head. And though it scared her, Katara knew it could likely turn out to be a solution to the problem. She took a breath.

"I could probably help," she said meekly.

"Really? How?" Zuko clearly hadn't expected that response.

"I could try healing her mind. With waterbending, I mean."

"Does that work?"

"I mean, I don't know if anyone's tried before, but I don't see why it wouldn't," Katara replied simply.

Zuko didn't say anything for a few seconds, and Katara knew he was thinking it over in his head. "Yeah, let's try it." His voice was hopeful. "Tomorrow morning? Before the advisors get here? And before you leave for the school?" Spirits. Katara hadn't expected to do it so soon. Either Azula was in worse shape than he was letting on, or Zuko was over worried about her.

"Yeah, sure," Katara said.

Zuko talked fast, removing his arm from around her and placing his elbows on his knees. He leaned forward, clearly still thinking it all over. "This could work. I'll come get you in the morning. We can go together." He turned to look at her.

Katara couldn't think of anything to say, so she pulled a smile on her face and nodded. What would it be like seeing Azula again? How would Azula react if she recognized Katara? Spirits. Katara involuntarily reached for her stomach, a shiver running up her spine. She cleared her head. Stop. Zuko needed her to do this, so she would. All her own fears and worries would have to be pushed aside.

Realization seemed to dawn on his face as he watched her. "Katara…" He reached for her hands, pulling the one she had on her stomach away. His skin was so warm and relaxing. "I'm sorry. I should've understood. Please don't feel like you have to for me. She hasn't done anything to deserve your help."

She shook her head earnestly. "No. I want to. If I can help than I will."

Zuko smiled gratefully but shook his head. "You're too good." Katara smiled at the familiar words, but she knew it didn't reach her eyes.

Zuko's face turned more serious. Moving closer to her, he slipped his hand behind her neck and leaned to kiss her. She closed her eyes, and felt his lips brush hers ever so lightly. Like a feather. His thumb brushed her cheek softly, and she sighed. It still amazed her that Zuko could be so tender. Four years ago, she never would've guessed he was like that.

When they broke apart, Katara moved to a position that had become natural for them. She laid her head on his lap and brought her legs onto the couch. Zuko's hand fell to her waist, again playing with the ends of her hair. She wondered if he realized how often he did that.

A silence fell, but like it always was with them, the silence was comfortable. The fire warmed Katara's face. She wished she could stay here with him forever, with nothing from the outside world to stress about. Just them and this fire in this little room. Katara was always more at ease when she was with Zuko like this but worry about healing Azula and about the banquet clouded her mind. Spirits, what had she gotten herself into?

. . .

Zuko paced around his room, thinking maybe he shouldn't have skipped his firebending training. Was it too early to head to Katara's room? She said she would be ready whenever he came, but it was still so early in the morning. Maybe he should wait a few more minutes. He should've asked her last night what she needed for this, so he could make sure she would have it.

For some reason, the awful suspicion that this was going to turn out terribly hit his brain. He shook his head. No. It had to work. Zuko had been waiting for weeks for something like this to come along. He'd been completely at a loss on how to help Azula, and he'd been too proud to ask his uncle. He didn't know what she needed. And while he'd been waiting, she hadn't been getting any better.

But now there was a chance. A chance she could get better. If anyone could help her, Katara could. Katara was amazing at helping people. She was Azula's best chance. How had he not thought to ask her sooner?

But was he asking too much of her to heal the person who had scarred her? Argh. Just like it always did, the thought of Katara's scars made him angry. At himself and Azula. Zuko shook his head, willing the thoughts swirling in his brain to calm down. The irony that Katara would have to heal the person that nearly killed her was almost cruel.

His impatience won out, and Zuko took long strides to his door and down the hall, walking as fast as he could without appearing rushed. Katara's door was open. She was sitting on the side of her bed reading something. He knocked softly on the door frame, and she turned to look at him. He couldn't read her expression, but he offered her a weak smile.

Katara stood, folding up what appeared to be a letter and setting it on a small table. She walked over to him, and Zuko knew the smile on her face was forced. "There you are. Ready?"

Zuko nodded. "Only if you are. Do you need anything? I can get anything you think might help…"

"Just water," Katara replied, lifting her waterskin.

Zuko led the way across the palace, down the staircase and along the dark underground hallway. He glanced at Katara and saw her face was stony. He wished he knew exactly what she was thinking. How was Azula going to react if she recognized Katara? What would Katara do if she did? He stopped walking suddenly and grabbed her hand to stop her too.

Katara stopped and quickly slipped her hand out of his, looking around. Zuko still didn't understand why she was so worried about people seeing them. He knew she didn't like people watching her, or any sort of PDA, but her paranoia seemed to have worsened in the last few days.

He shook his head. Now was not the time to be worrying about that. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Zuko was fairly certain Katara wasn't aware of just how bad Azula was. He was worried it might scare her away, which couldn't happen. He needed her to do this. Azula needed her to do this.

"Of course, Zuko." He watched her face, looking for any sign of doubt or fear, but there was none. She seemed to be forcing herself to be strong. Zuko recognized the look from when they had traveled to the Southern Raiders base. He nodded and led the way to the room where he knew Azula was. He'd ordered her to be moved from her prison cell early this morning.

Just like usual, Zuko heard her before he saw her. Turning quickly into the dimly lit room, Zuko saw that it was empty except for Azula and two guards. Azula was lying on a bed, but her wrists and legs were tied down, preventing her from moving freely and from firebending. Not that that was a problem. The guards that were posted at her cell reported that anytime she tried firebending in her cell, it was extremely weak.

She was thrashing against her restraints and crying. Her skin still looked raw in some places and chunks of her hair were definitely missing now. She took no notice of Katara or Zuko when they walked in and continued to sob. Zuko glanced at Katara again. Her eyes had widened, but her lips were still set in a thin line. She was gripping her waterskin tightly with both of her hands.

Zuko placed his hand gently on her back and walked forward, trying to provide some comfort. Thankfully, she didn't brush his hand away. She seemed too distracted by Azula. He watched Katara's eyes scan Azula's body slowly. With his hand on her back, he felt her take a deep breath.

Katara walked forward to stand behind Azula's head, and the guards backed away to give her space. Though he knew Katara's feelings towards Azula could not be positive in the slightest, considering what Azula had done to Aang, to Zuko and now to her as well, something seemed to take over Katara. She slipped into a role Zuko knew she was good at. A comforter. A healer. A mother almost.

Katara calmed Azula down slightly, placing her hand on her shoulder and helping her quiet down. She stroked her hair. It helped slightly. Azula continued to sob, but she stopped thrashing. She must've sensed someone was there now. Zuko was amazed. How was Katara so good at this?

Slowly, Katara bent the water out of her waterskin and coated her hands with it. It began to glow, just like Zuko remembered it had when she used to heal him. Katara placed her hands on Azula's temples and worked. Zuko eyes darted between Katara's face and Azula's, waiting for something to happen.

Katara's eyes were looking forward, but her features were scrunched in concentration. She seemed completely focused on what she was doing. Azula had stopped sobbing at the feeling of Katara's hands on her head. Her eyes were darting around frantically, like she didn't know what was going on and was too scared to move. Katara continued to work.

Katara worked for a couple minutes and Zuko watched with bated breath. The two guards were also watching curiously. When he looked closer at Katara, he saw she was sweating with the effort of healing.

After what seemed like forever, Katara stopped. When she did, Azula's eyes drifted closed and she seemed to fall asleep. Zuko looked at his sister. He'd only visited her a few times during these last few weeks, but this was the calmest he'd seen her. Her face looked almost peaceful, and her breaths were even and slow. Her limbs were relaxed.

Katara moved again, and Zuko watched as she used the water to heal the cuts and gouges on Azula's arms. The places where she'd scratched herself bloody. Azula's skin was re-growing right before his eyes. He slowly shook his head in awe. Katara's power amazed him.

She worked quickly and thoroughly. It was amazing to watch her do something she was so good at. When she was satisfied with her work, Katara bent the water back into the waterskin. She turned to Zuko, who was watching her carefully. He tried to ask the question with his eyes. Did it work?

Katara's voice was hard. "The sickness in her mind is deep, and I can't quite find out what's causing it." Zuko swallowed. "I believe I can heal her, but it will take time." He let out a breath.

"How long?" he asked quietly. His voice didn't sound like his own.

"I'm not sure. I think I'll have to come every day though." she replied. "And…"

He kept his eyes on her.

"I don't know what she'll be like when she's healed. She may not be the same person you remember," Katara said warily. "Sicknesses of the mind can change a person permanently." Zuko thought she sounded like she knew this from experience but decided not to question her about it right now. Instead he nodded.

"I suppose that wouldn't be the worst thing." A beat passed. "In fact," he said, thinking of what Azula used to be like, "that could turn out to be a serious benefit of all of this." Katara relaxed and smiled at his small joke, but only slightly.

Zuko looked at the guards behind Katara and the sleeping Azula and made eye contact with one of them. He nodded his head and the guard returned the nod, understanding what Zuko was asking them to do. They moved simultaneously to transfer Azula to her cell, as Zuko grabbed Katara's hand to lead her out the room and back upstairs.

He walked quickly for a good distance, Katara walking behind him. He wanted to put as much space between them and Azula, so Katara could relax completely. Eventually he stopped, turning to face her.

"How can I ever thank you?"

Katara blushed. "You don't need to, Zuko. I would do anything for you."

A rush of warmth flooded through Zuko at her words and he was unable to stop himself from wrapping his arms around her and pulling her tight to him. What had he done to deserve someone like her?

She let out a laugh, finally relaxing in his arms for the first time since they'd come down here. Katara was the one to break the hug. "I need to get to the school," she said.

Zuko dropped his arms and nodded. They started up the long staircase. "Sounds good," he replied. "I'm probably going to miss dinner again."

Katara rolled her eyes. "You work too hard." Zuko laughed at this. They reached the top of the stairs and were now standing in a large, brightly lit hallway of the palace. With a finger on her chin, Zuko turned her face to his and placed a quick kiss on her lips.

"See you this evening," he said before he started taking steps towards his office.

Katara smiled, her blue eyes shining brilliantly in the brightly lit hallway. She started in the opposite direction towards the front doors of the palace. "See you this evening."

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