Katara was terrified. The meeting with the Fire Lord was a definite life changing experience. When they had entered the room, she made the first mistake of looking into his eyes. She saw no human soul, she was looking into the eyes of a pure killer. Afraid of demons, she tried to look away, but was memorized by his cold, hard gaze. Even when he looked at Zuko, his eyes did not change. Only when Zuko's sister came to the meeting to sit next to her father did Katara see he had any other emotion. He definantly loves only one of his children.

Zuko caught his father up on what was happening. He introduced the children, to whom the Fire Lord gave blessings and gifts…Katara found this part of the meeting to be quite boring, and her mind began to wonder. Upon reflection, she remembered Aang had an attitude the last few hours on the ship. What was wrong with him?

"…so they have been released from my service," Zuko finished.

His father nodded. "Very well, they are your men. Now…this prisoner you've brought me."

Katara was brought out of her stupor with a start.

"As poor as she may look, Your Magisty, she is a princess from a tribe in the South Pole. A very useful treaty tool, I may say."

The Fire Lord nodded again. "She shall be put in the northern cells. You have done well, my son. I am proud to say you are my heir. Now, you must rest. My council and I will meet later to discuss how to best go about getting the Avatar. Before you go, take the…Princess…to her cell."

Beaming at his father's rare compliment, Zuko bowed and walked out of the room, followed by the children and Iroh. When they got out, Zuko turned to Katara.

"The northern cells are our best accommodations, used only for diplomatic prisoners. You will be well taken care of and will find you have a lot of freedom. Iroh will see you later to see how you are being treated."

Understanding the code for 'he will come get you when it is time', she nodded. "I thank you for your kindness, Prince Zuko." She hoped he picked up her code for 'I love you, be careful'. Zuko turned to the guards at the door.

"Take her. And be kind." He watched her walk away, and had to fight off a sudden urge to run after them and take her in her arms.

"Zuko," Iroh said. "I am needed in some…meetings. The children are anxious to find their Aunt. They would like you to take them."

Zuko smiled at Bree and Ronan. "Of course. Let's go for a walk. Uncle…"

"I'll contact you when my meetings are done." Iroh turned to Ronan and Bree. "Now, you are welcome back to the palace at anytime. Perhaps this winter. Bree, when you are older, you could be trained as a maid in waiting for Zuko's sister, and Ronan, you could be a courtier as well. A proper education…talk to your aunt about it." He hugged the children good bye, placed his hand on Zuko's shoulder, and walked out the door. Zuko didn't think much of it then, but inthe future he will look back on that moment.

"Ok, there's going to be a lot of people out there. Keep close, and hang on to me if you need to." They walked out the door as well into the sunlight. As soon as the people saw Zuko, they roared in cheers.

"Hail to the Prince!"

"Welcome home, Your Highness!"

Automatically, Zuko reached down to grab Bree and Ronan's hands. "On second thought, I'll hold on to you now. Just let me know when you see her."

They pushed their way through the crowd. It seemed as though the Fire Lord had opened the court yards and gardens to the general public. In return, the people turned them into one big party room. Everywhere there were performers, venders, fortune tellers, and by the looks of the area the party had been going on for a long while. Zuko noticed a meat vender, and realized how hungry he was.

"Are you two hungry?"

"YES!" they replied in unison. He pulled them over to the vender.

"Three meat pies, a mug of ale, and two mugs of juice."

The vender, not looking up, nodded and prepared the meal.

"Here ya go, mack. That'll be…" the vender looked up. "Great Fire! It's the prince!" Everyone in the general area turned. "The prince is eating at MY vending!"

"Uh…" Zuko said. "Please, don't draw attention. How much will it be?"

The vender, still in aw, passed two meat pies and the juice to the kids. "Oh, for you sire, it's free. Anything for the Future of the Nation."

Zuko took his meat pie and the ale from the vender and tried one more time. "Sir, I insist. I can pay…" But the vender shook his head.

"Nope. It's'all good here." He noticed the crowds of people walking towards him. "The publicity I'll be getting for being known as the vender who gave food to the prince will be enough repayment!"

Zuko smiled. "Thank you, sir."

They started to walk away with their meal when Bree shouted out.

"Aunt Kyna!"

A woman who was in line for some food turned. She had the same big, dark eyes as the children and the same hair.

"Ronan! Bree! Oh, my darlings!" She rushed to them and engulfed the two in a bear hug. Behind, two boys followed, one of Ronan's age and one of about Zuko's age.

"I've been searched the docks for you! Oh…you have gotten so big! Ronan, you are exactly like your father when he was young. And Bree, you have your mother's beauty!" After a few more hugs, she stood to look at the prince.

"I thank you, sire. I don't know how I can repay you."

Zuko smiled at the happy reunion. "It was all fine. They worked on the ship, and lightened the spirits of my men in dark times."

She smiled back. "I am sorry, we won't be having a formal introduction, but my name is Kyna. These are my sons Jarlath…" the younger one bowed. "…and Lorcan." He bowed as well. "Their father is a proud soldier in the navy."

"Ah…yes. And you are from the northern part of the country? If I remember my folklore from up there, 'Jarlath' is a name of a man who was noted for his piety and patience as a teacher, and 'Lorcan' means silent and fierce." The boys smiled at the prince for trying to make light conversation by noting the ancient tradition of their names.

"My uncle has extended an invitation for Bree and Ronan to be education at the palace when they are ready. I am giving that same invitation to you if you so choose."

Lorcan bowed again and replied, "Thank you, Your Highness. I am to be wed this winter, so my education years are at an end. But my brother would be happy to join his cousins when the time is right."

"Ah, a wedding. Perhaps I will be up to bring glad tidings to you and your new bride."

Beaming at the thought of the Prince attending her son's wedding, Kyna spoke up. "That would be wonderful, sire! But, I am afraid we must be on our way. We would like to reach the village over before sun set."

"Of course." He gave the kids a hug. "Be good. Listen to your aunt. And I will see you shortly."

"Thank you so much, Zuko!" Bree said, tears in her eyes.

"Yes, thank you. You 'ave given my sister and I a chance our mother never dreamed of." Ronan said. They each took a hand of Kyna's, waved one last time, and walked away.

At least there is one happy moment for this day, Zuko thought as he turned to return to the palace. Now…on with the show.