It had been several months since the defeat of the Phoenix Initiative. Over the passing months, those who had escaped from the Capital had been rounded up and imprisoned alongside those that had been captured during the battle, and peace slowly began to return to the Fire Nation. Zuko, Iroh, and the rest of the Counsel had worked diligently to ensure the prolonged safety of their people, and while there was a distinct tension throughout the nation in the first few months, over time the people began to feel safe again.
Sokka and Suki's wedding came and went without incident, though Toph could not express enough how much she hated the climate in the South Pole, as the cold ice and snow forced her to wear thick boots which rendered her unable to see much of anything. Zuko too complained about the cold, but overall he seemed to be genuinely happy to not only see two of his closest friends get married, but also to explore the home of the woman he loved. They had spent a few extra days in the South so Zuko could spend time with Katara's Gran Gran and Pakku, as well as her waterbending students, who were all very interested to meet the Fire Lord. Overall Zuko had been impressed with how much the Southern Water Tribe had expanded since he had been there last, and he was happy to see it flourishing.
Just a few months after their trip to the South Pole, Katara found herself standing in her bedroom for the last time, staring at her reflection in a mirror as Akame adjusted the final details of her wardrobe. She was dressed in robes of white and red silk and detailed in golden embroidery. The robes were cinched at the waist and had a skirt that brushed the floor, with long, heavy sleeves. Her hair was left in loose curls that fell down her back and shoulders, with a simple knot atop her head that would soon be adorned with a crown. She had never worn a dress so beautiful or regal, and for the first time since her engagement to Zuko it truly sank in that she was about to become royalty. She twisted her hands together nervously as Akame fussed over her, feeling like she might throw up.
"My lady, are you alright?" Akame asked, catching sight of Katara's pale face.
"I'm fine!" Katara lied.
Akame gave her a disbelieving look. Katara suddenly felt dizzy, and nausea washed over her like a wave. She brought her hand to her mouth, wavering on her feet. Akame firmly grasped her arm and guided her into the chair at her wardrobe, then quickly ran to grab a damp cloth, pressing it against Katara's forehead.
"You don't seem fine, my Lady. Shall I fetch a healer?"
"No… I'm just nervous I think," Katara replied, pressing the cool cloth into her clammy skin.
"Why are you nervous? You're not having second thoughts?"
"No... no, nothing like that. I am very much looking forward to marrying Zuko and finally starting our life together… I'm nervous about the coronation. These robes are… exquisite. Far more so than anything I've ever worn, and looking at myself just now it really struck me that by the time the sun sets I will have been crowned Fire Lady."
Akame giggled and smiled warmly at Katara. "You already are our Fire Lady… the coronation will only make it official."
Katara looked up at her with a grateful expression. "Akame, you are always so sweet to me."
"Well it's the truth! Trust me my Lady, the people of the Fire Nation already love you. Everyone is looking forward to your coronation, and if you trip and fall over the hem of your robes, or make a mistake when swearing the oath, or even if you get so nervous you throw up all over the dias, I know that the only thing people will remember is how happy we are to have you finally be one of us."
Katara frowned slightly. "Let's hope I don't do any of those things… especially throwing up."
Akame laughed. "I'm sure you won't. You have faced far more challenging things, after all."
"That's true, I suppose. I really have lived quite a life so far, haven't I? Hopefully the next twenty years of my life are a little less eventful," Katara replied with a small laugh.
She set the cloth aside and took a deep breath before standing back up. The dizziness she had felt seemed to have passed, but she couldn't shake the nausea. She placed a hand over her stomach, trying to will it into calming. Akame gave her a quizzical look, but Katara waved her hand dismissively. "I'm okay."
"Well if you're sure… we should head down. The ceremony is about to start."
Katara nodded, and together they left her room and headed down the hallway. They could hear music drifting up from outside, where both the wedding ceremony and her coronation were to take place. Even over the music she could hear the low rumble of hundreds of voices, and the sound made her nervous all over again. Akame took her hand and gave it a brief, comforting squeeze as they made their way down the stairs into the main hall. They were met by Hakoda and Suki, both of whom were beaming at her as she approached.
"Katara… you look so beautiful," Hakoda said, giving his daughter a warm hug. "I am so proud of you."
"Thanks dad," Katara replied, beaming.
Akame gave one last bow and turned to leave, but Katara quickly swept her up into a hug, throwing her off guard. "Thank you for everything, Akame. You have been a true friend, and I am so grateful for everything you have done for me."
Akame blushed as Katara released her. "Good luck, my Lady," she said, giving her a warm, appreciative smile before rushing out to join the throng of people waiting outside the doors.
"Are you ready?" Suki asked, taking her hand.
Katara took a deep breath and nodded. Hakoda took her arm in his and they made their way towards the doors, followed by Suki. Two guards bowed to her and opened the large double doors, revealing the huge crowd assembled beyond. Zuko stood nearby, dressed in fine robes of deep red and gold. Sokka stood next to him, grinning proudly as they approached. Hakoda led Katara up to the dias and gave her another hug, then turned and hugged Zuko before moving off to the side where Aang, Toph, Ty Lee, Iroh, and the rest of their closest friends and family stood watching.
Zuko's eyes were fixed on her as Katara stood across from him, and Suki took her place next to her. He beamed at her, and she grinned happily back at him, both lost in each other. Katara's nerves seemed to have disappeared entirely as they stood hand in hand, and the world around them faded away.
After they had said their vows and the ceremony ended, Sokka turned to Zuko and gave him a hug. "Welcome to the family, brother," he said with a grin.
Zuko was touched, and grinned back at him. "Thanks."
Sokka then gave Katara a strong hug, and stood aside while Suki gave them each a hug and a kiss on the cheek before the two of them went to join their friends in the audience. Zuko took Katara's hand and led her to the center of the dias, gave her a kiss, and stepped aside as one of the Fire Sages stepped forward carrying an ornate golden hair pin. Katara felt nauseated once more, and took a few deep breaths to try and calm her nerves. She knelt down on her knees and the Fire Sage recited an oath which she repeated, her voice strong and clear despite the fact that her whole body was trembling. When she had finished, the Fire Sage lowered the crown onto her head, fastening it to her top bun with a gold pin.
"All hail Fire Lady Katara!" he shouted, stepping back so she could stand.
"All hail Fire Lady Katara!" the crowd echoed loudly, erupting into cheers and applause.
Katara stood before the people of the Fire Nation, her people, and couldn't help but grin as she felt their love and support wash over her. Zuko was next to her then, taking his hand in hers as the sea of people before them bowed in unison. They bowed in return, a unified show of respect for the people they had sworn to govern and protect. Zuko turned to her as they straightened, and unable to help himself, leaned in and kissed her once more. The crowd cheered and clapped, making Katara blush.
"Fire Lord Zuko… behave yourself," she said with a laugh.
"As you command, Fire Lady Katara," Zuko replied with a sly grin.
Katara blushed again, but before she could reply, the sound of a gong echoed through the crowd, signaling the end of the ceremony. Zuko took her arm and together they turned and headed back inside where people were already beginning to gather in the ballroom. Katara knew the entire nation would be celebrating throughout the night. The Caldera and Harbour cities had been preparing for weeks to host the flood of Fire Nation citizens that had come to the Capital to celebrate, and they had been informed that cities and villages even as far as Jang Hui were hosting large festivals in honour of the newlyweds and their new Fire Lady.
She wished she could have gone to one of those festivals instead of the grand ball held at the Palace. While all of her friends and family would be in attendance, the ball would also play host to hundreds of nobles, generals, dignitaries, ambassadors, and other various important people from around the world, and she had far less interest in spending her wedding celebrations with a room full of strangers who would have never looked at her twice before her coronation. She would much rather celebrate with the citizens that she had come to love so much.
She did feel consoled in the fact that they were due to leave for a tour of the Fire Nation in a few days however, and she was greatly looking forward to it. Not only would she be able to revisit all the places she had grown connected to, but she would finally be able to visit all the cities and villages she had not yet been to. Once the tour of the Fire Nation was over, they were due to tour the Earth Kingdom colonies with the Earth King, which would be another adventure in itself. Overall she was looking forward to travelling, and she couldn't wait to get a taste of different customs and cultures once more. It made her nostalgic for the days she spent travelling the world with her friends.
As they walked into the ballroom, Katara and Zuko were met with applause from the crowd already assembled. The room was decorated with drapery of deep red and bright gold, and there were little round lanterns hanging overhead, casting a warm glow across the whole room. The musicians were already playing an upbeat melody and several people were on the dance floor, and a large buffet off to one side of the room had a huge selection of foods from all the nations. She hardly had time to take a breath, let alone get far into the ballroom before they were swept up in a sea of introductions and congratulations by anyone who could get close enough. The nausea that had been plaguing her all day threatened to return, and once again she began feeling dizzy.
"Are you okay?" Zuko asked her, noticing her ashen complexion.
"Yes… I think I just need to sit, and maybe have some water," she replied, giving him a reassuring smile.
Zuko turned to the Earth Kingdom general who had been speaking with him and apologised before leading Katara away from the throng of people waiting to speak to them and towards a grouping of tables near the buffet. He guided her into an empty chair, but before he could leave to fetch her water, Akame suddenly appeared at his side carrying a goblet.
"Pardon me my Lord, but I brought some water for Lady Katara. I thought she might be thirsty," she explained.
Zuko raised an eyebrow at her. "You must be psychic," he joked. "Thank you Akame."
Katara took the goblet gratefully and took a few sips of cool water. It settled her stomach somewhat, but she still felt off. Zuko frowned at her, wracking his brain for some way he could help his wife feel better.
"Maybe you just need to eat? I'll go grab you something," he offered.
"My Lord, I can fetch her something if you like," Akame said.
"It's okay, I'll go. You stay here and keep her company," Zuko replied with a smile.
Akame bowed, then pulled up a chair next to Katara as Zuko leaned in and kissed his new bride. "I'll be right back," he said, then turned and strode off towards the buffet tables.
"How are you feeling, my Lady?" Akame asked once they were alone.
"Annoyed that I am getting sick on my wedding day," Katara replied with a disgruntled smile. "I keep getting these waves of dizziness and nausea, and it's really frustrating."
Akame frowned at her for a moment, then her head tilted slightly and her eyes widened as a thought struck her. "My Lady…" she said, leaning close and speaking in a hushed voice. "When did you last bleed?"
Katara raised an eyebrow at her, wondering why she would ask such an absurd question, but as the answer came to her her jaw dropped slightly, and her hand moved to her stomach. "It's been almost two months… I… I have been so busy preparing for the wedding and my coronation I didn't even notice…"
Akame sat back in her chair with a satisfied smile. Katara on the other hand, was immediately struck with both overwhelming joy, and a deep seated fear. She had wanted children, obviously, but this was so unexpected. She hadn't been given the time to adjust to the idea of having her first child, and she couldn't stop the fear that she wasn't ready for it from gnawing at her mind. But as she sat in silent contemplation, the joy that warmed her heart spread throughout her body, and once she was over the initial shock, the fear had disappeared.
"Are you alright, my Lady?" Akame asked, breaking through the stunned silence.
"Yes, definitely," Katara replied, turning to her with a smile. "Just waiting for the shock to wear off."
Akame laughed. "I will book an appointment with the healers to confirm first thing tomorrow morning, but considering your symptoms… I think it's safe to tell the Fire Lord, if you so choose."
As if summoned by her words, Zuko reappeared in the crowd, making his way toward them with an overloaded plate of food. He smiled sheepishly at Katara as he approached.
"I'll leave you two alone," Akame said grinning.
Her enthusiasm made Katara smile, and she waved her off as Zuko joined her, placing the plate down in front of her. She glanced at it and couldn't help but laugh; it seemed as if he had grabbed some of everything.
"I wasn't sure what you would want," he explained, rubbing the back of his neck.
Katara laughed and reached out to take his hand appreciatively. "Thanks Zuko. but… I think what I really need is some fresh air. Walk with me?"
Zuko stood and offered her his arm, and together they made their way through the crowd towards the balcony doors. He pushed them open and they stepped out into the cool night, closing the doors behind them. The sun had set fully now, and as it was still early in the night, the balcony and gardens below were abandoned. It reminded her of the night of the Anniversary Ball. That had been the night they had finally acted on their feelings for each other, and that night had changed their lives forever. Now, she was about to change their lives again. She smiled, finding it fitting that it would happen here.
"You look happy. Does that mean you're feeling better?" Zuko asked, noticing the smile on her face.
"I am happy. I am the happiest I have ever been," Katara replied, leaning into him and giving him a soft kiss.
He gave her a lopsided smile, sensing that she was up to something. He pulled her towards the railing and leaned against it, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. He kissed her forehead tenderly, then looked down at her with a smile. "I'm happy too."
"Good, because I have some news for you. News that I hope will only improve your happiness."
Zuko raised an eyebrow at her. "Oh? What news?"
"Well, while you were off at the buffet, Akame and I figured out why I am feeling so ill," she looked up at him with a smile, waiting for him to catch on.
"Oh?"
Katara giggled; he was so cute when he was clueless. His face searched hers, patiently waiting for her to continue. She reached up and gently placed a hand on his cheek.
"Zuko, I'm pregnant," she finally said, unable to stop herself from grinning.
He stared at her wordlessly for a moment, stunned. Then slowly a smile broke across his face. "I'm… I'm going to be a father?" he said in disbelief.
Katara laughed. "Yes. And you are going to be a fantastic one."
Zuko suddenly moved forward, scooping her up into a hug and spinning her around happily. Katara clung to him laughing. "Zuko, spinning a nauseated pregnant woman is not a good idea…"
He immediately stopped and set her down, grinning. "Sorry," he replied, then leaned in and kissed her passionately.
She wrapped her arms around him, returning the kiss eagerly. After a moment he pulled away and brushed a strand of her hair off her face, as he so often did when he was feeling affectionate.
"This is by far the happiest day of my life," he said, smiling down at her.
Katara grinned back at him, hooking her arms around his shoulders. "Mine too."
He kissed her again, then took her by the hand and led her back into the ballroom. Tomorrow they would tell their loved ones, but the night was all about them, and after having spent so many years not even knowing how they felt about one another, they were determined not to waste another second celebrating their love.