After the crowning, they all sat at dinner slowly peeling off their formal attire. Zuko had needed Mai's steady hands to untie the bulky outer layers, and he smiled while everyone else teased him for his nervous shaking. Mai, giving one of her rare smiles, listened as she tugged free various knots.

They were making plans for the next few days. Aang was taking Katara and Sokka back to the South Pole to see their father. Suki needed to return to Kyoshi to discuss the new plans she and Zuko had created. Toph was going home to merely say her goodbyes. And Iroh was travelling ahead back to Ba Sing Se.

Zuko and Mai would have a few days to themselves before heading to Ba Sing Se to meet up with everyone. A celebration just between themselves at Iroh's tea shop.

After dinner, Zuko and Mai stood in the courtyard to see everyone off. Mai held onto his arm, laying her head on his shoulder while Zuko waved. Iroh and Suki were taking a ship out in the morning, so the others were heading down to the port city below to give Sokka and Suki more time together.

Zuko had offered the palace, but it would be easier for their travels if they were already at the port. He had understood, but still felt a wave of sadness crash into his chest as Appa took his friends away. They would all be reunited soon, and Zuko could relax in the tea shop.

"Let's go to bed." Mai said, tugging on his arm.

Turning, Zuko kissed her head and she shoved lightly at him.

"Are you sure? The stars are just coming out." He replied. Mai rolled her eyes and turned back to the palace.

"You can stay up, but I'm exhausted. Your friends are worse than Ty Lee." She said.

Rubbing the back of his neck, Zuko stood next to her and looked at the palace.

"Are you okay?" He asked, glancing over at her.

Mai crossed her arms over her chest and shrugged.

"I'm fine. But I really need a break." She paused and then faced Zuko. "Really, I am just tired. Go and watch the stars you nerd."

She smiled again and Zuko relaxed, smiling back at her.

He spent some time at the turtleduck pond, sipping tea and watching the night sky. It was peaceful, but Zuko still felt the ache of missing his friends. Everything reminded him of them.

Aang would have had a field day zipping through the various buildings and over the garden walls. Sokka needed to see the armory and Zuko was looking forward to sparring with Piandao's other student. Toph had idly talked about the barren earth around the palace. Suki would also need to see the armory and Zuko dreaded her challenge.

Katara would have enjoyed this garden.

Heading back inside, Zuko tried to calm himself. But as every servant stopped to bow and every guard saluted, the anxiety only grew.

At his room, Zuko paused in the doorway. Mai had closed all the curtains and the lamps were out. Holding out his hand, Zuko called up a small flame and examined the hazy darkness. Closing the door behind him, he felt like he was in his own world. Nothing existed outside of his small lit realm.

Walking to the bed, his fire illuminated patches that existed for a flash in his lonely world. A mirror caught the light and Zuko turned.

He was still wearing his crown.

Putting out the light, Zuko reached up and slowly unpinned the crown. Holding both pieces in his hands, the darkness swallowed him up. But it felt safe and warm, and he was finally able to relax.

Recalling his flame, Zuko stepped quickly to the bed and set the crown down on a bedside table. He shook out the flame and lifted a corner of the blanket. Sliding into the bed, he listened as Mai shifted in her sleep.

His head started to spin and Zuko quickly rolled onto his side. A voice speaking no words seemed to call out to him. Looking down at the bed, Zuko felt a stab of panic. The voice was calling him and it sounded so familiar. It beckoned him to something else, something far away.

And he could feel himself desperately wanting to answer.

Squeezing his eyes shut, he tried to ignore it. He had everything he wanted, there was nothing else he needed.

The war is over. You are Fire Lord. The world is safe. Your friends love you.

Over and over again, he repeated this. But as he drifted off to sleep, he felt cold.