Ta-da! finally, chapter 17.I know I haven't updated in a few days, but I've been a little busy. I hope this chapter will make up for all that time. You're gonna like this one, I can assure you. This's just the beginning of what's in store...eh he he...

When the water princess went to bed that night, she didn't feel nervous like she was the previous one. After all, all Katara did was sleep and that was nothing to be nervous about. If the two nights were the same, she shouldn't get so worked up. And besides, being in her husband's company wasn't so bad.

The two of them had already developed a routine that happened every night. She'd come into the room after Zuko and then she'd use the bathroom, where she'd change and do other things necessary. While he changed in the bedroom, she'd do the same in the bathroom.

She was doing that right before bed, but it took a while. Nira refused to go into the suit with the two of them both inside, so she had no one to help her unfasten and take off everything. Undoing her hair and combing it out also took some time, since she had gotten used to not doing it and she almost forgot how.

She wore more clothes that night, like she normally would. Her nightgown was long, coming down a little above the ankle. It was sleeveless, but there were straps, even though they were a bit thin for her. Of course, like everything else she had, it was blue. It was made of a light silk for the warm weather and was cut so it fitted her upper body like a glove.

Over it, she wore a simple long robe, that trailed behind her like her other dresses. It was perfectly appropriate for nightwear. When she was done, her hair was back in a loose bun, like she had it every night – so that it didn't tangle and it wasn't uncomfortable.

She opened the door and went into the bedroom, only to find that only one torch was lit in the far side of the room. The window that faced the forests was open and a figure stood in front of it, she saw for the moon was full. She went over and stood next to Zuko, who was leaning against the windowsill, hands firmly out in front of him. He wore a baggy red shirt and a pair of loose matching pants, probably his pajamas.

At first, Katara said nothing to him and just followed his gaze to the sky. It really was a beautiful night, with bright stars surrounding the full moon that floated off to the side. For a while they stood there, not saying anything, but then Zuko spoke, saying something that brought her out of her stupor.

"My uncle spoke with my father again today," he stated. She looked over at him, but his gaze remained fixed on the sky. "Troops have been sent out to the water nations."

She nodded. "He doesn't waste time, does he?" she asked, amusement in her tone.

At that, a smile cracked on his face. "You catch on quickly."

"I'm a fast learner."

"Yes, but there's a reason I'm telling you."

"Why?"

"Because you still have power over you land," he said, finally glancing in her direction. "You see, my father may have some control, but ultimately, it's your decision that interprets what happens."

She rolled her eyes. "Just what I needed," she stated. "Responsibility."

"It comes with the title," he replied, turning around, so that his back side leaned against the sill, his arms crossed over his chest. "Still, what are you going to do?"

Katara thought a moment. "Once they get there, the soldiers are to just stay there, not do anything. They shouldn't fight and there should be no interaction with the villagers. And they must tell the people not to act out or anything. I want it to go on smoothly."

He nodded. "I'll tell my uncle," he stated. "I doubt that will happen, though. Word is, that your people aren't going to be very happy about this."

"I know," she said, looking in the other direction. "The daughter of their prince and his mistress is telling them what to do and handed over their lands on a silver platter."

At this, Zuko gave her a look, raising an eyebrow. "You insulted ... yourself?" he asked curiously. His tone sounded a little bit more like someone his age talking.

"Yes," was her short and cut answer.

It was then that she heard something she never had from the prince before. A chuckle. With shock she looked up, whipping her neck around to look at him. He was smiling, actually smiling. It was really the first time she ever saw him smile. With it, he continued to chuckle softly, his body trembling with laughter.

At first she was too shocked to even do anything, but then her brow wrinkled and she frowned. He was laughing at her. At her! His wife!

"What's so funny?" she asked, showing her annoyance.

Zuko slowed, not really laughing anymore, but he still smiled and looked at her with a small sparkle in his eye. "You," he replied bluntly. "You just insulted yourself. I find that hilarious."

She crossed her arms furiously, not holding back her anger. "How is that funny?"

"Because, you think so little of yourself," he stated. "You count your curses instead of blessings. And this is coming from you, a princess. There are so many good things about you and you can't even see them."

"I do not – wait, what?" Her expression went from angry to a mix of that and confusion. He ... complemented her. He complemented her? It left her speechless, so she just stared at him.

"I said," he clarified, still with a grin. "You think so little of yourself."

"Good things?" she questioned, still confused, referring to what he said before.

He sighed, giving her another look, this time one that said, 'are you kidding me?' But he answered her just the same, "You're a powerful water bender, you're rich, famous and have servants waiting on you hand and foot. Anything you'd ever want is given to you and you live in a palace. Most people find those good things."

"Well, I'm not most people!" she retorted.

"No, you're not."

Again, her mood changed. For a moment he looked at her with something she recognized. It was that look he'd given her on their wedding. But the moment she saw it, it vanished from his face. He pushed off from the wall and looked straight at her, facing her.

"You are very kind, strong, loyal and lovely," he listed. "I wouldn't take that for something to get mad about."

He did it again. And again she became more and more confused. "Why are you complementing me!" she demanded.

"I'm simply stating facts," he stated. "If you want to take them as that, go ahead. I didn't know you hated to hear the truth."

"I do not!" she exclaimed, temper flaring again. Finally she came to her senses and acted out, showing her anger. "I only want to know why you're acting the way you are!"

He was quiet and just let her yell. "I've only ever known you a my enemy. Now we're married! Just yesterday! And now you're telling me I'm beautif–!"

The next thing she knew she was pressed up against him. He clasped onto her waist and pulled so that she fell into his arms in enough time for him to catch her. But right afterwards, she gasped, cutting herself off and his mouth covered hers.

Her eyes widened and she clung to the front of his shirt, almost trying to push away subconsciously. But then his tongue slipped past her lips and into her mouth – if possible her eyes widened more. He pressed further into her, holding the back of her head so that she didn't go anywhere.

She'd never been kissed like it before and she was a little startled. Startled was an understatement. But before she knew it, she was returning it with the same amount of energy. She had no idea why, but her hands slid up his shoulders and her arms wrapped around his neck.

Katara had absolutely no idea how long they'd been like that, but it felt like forever. Her eyes finally opened when she noticed something – she needed air! Apparently so did Zuko and they instantly parted.

She gasped for air and stared at him with wide eyes again. Her lips were swollen and she looked like she was just hit by a tank. Complete and total horror was in her eyes.

"I know what I'm saying," he stated, replying to what she said. "And you are prettier when you're mad."

Words couldn't escape her lips, as he kissed her lightly again. "It's late, we should get to bed."

She just nodded rapidly and stared off into space.

"Princess?" Nira asked.

Her servant served Katara her breakfast that morning. The water bender was still in her nightclothes and she was just sitting at the table in her room. She sat stick straight and didn't say anything, just stared into space and sipped her tea.

"Y-yes?" she asked, looking over at her, then back quickly.

"Are you...alright?" she asked, sitting down next to her. "You seem on edge. I did hear some yelling from your wing last night. Is everything fine between you and the prince?"

She nodded rapidly. "Oh yeah.