The war was finally over.

Aang had defeated the Fire Lord.

The scorched land was healing.

People of all nations can finally enjoy a life of peace and prosperity without terror and fear.

The thought brought a faint smile to my lips as Sol brushed my hair. "You look absolutely beautiful, my Lady."

Her compliment automatically reddened my cheeks. "Thank you. Am I finished? I wanted to visit someone..."

"Of course!" Sol stepped aside and bowed her head, smiling knowingly. "I'll take care of things here."

I left my room and walked through the long hallways of the Concubine's wing of the Palace. Not a day passes by that I do not remember Lady Suiren; her words, her actions, her unconditional love, it all still haunts me to this day.

I have her in my heart still, but today was not a time for sadness. It was an important day.

It was Zuko's coronation day as Fire Lord.

I smiled apologetically to the palace guards who tensed as I walked past them. I understood they were under strict orders that day, the day of black sun, and it was their duty to follow such orders.

Standing in front of the tall, oak doors, I took a deep breath and knocked thrice. One of the eunuchs opened the doors, eyes widening as he saw me and quickly bowed his head. "My La—"

"Shhh!" I held a finger to my lips, pleading for his silence. "Can I come in? I want to surprise him."

The eunuch led me in and snapped his fingers, ordering the handmaidens to leave the room with him. I smile as I watch him fidget with his armor, trying to center everything, making sure it was perfect.

Though he already is.

I snuck up behind him and covered his eyes with my fingers.

"Chiyo..." There was something magical in the way he said my name. He uttered it like a breathless prayer. And I can call myself the luckiest girl in the nation to be named such that he can call it.

Zuko turned around to face me, the corner of his lips turning up into a heart-stealing grin. I can feel his golden gaze over me, as if trying to memorize my every detail.

I remind myself to thank Sol and Ai for the beautiful kimono they had me wear. It was made of the finest deep red cloth, embroidered with golden threads that resembled fire lilies on the hem and sleeves. The golden obi around my waist was made of precious silk, gifted by one of the nobles.

In truth, I was still uncomfortable in all this luxury. Most of my memories have returned, yet I could not grasp the fact that I was one of the most celebrated apprentice entertainers in Fire Nation history.

My thoughts dissipated as Zuko planted a soft kiss on my forehead. "Lost in your thoughts again?"

"You know me so well." I shook my head and reached up to run my fingers through his dark locks. "Let me fix your hair."

He sat in front of the mirror and I picked up a brush from the vanity. His eyes slid close as I gently combed through. "I could get used to this every day."

I giggled at the thought of becoming Fire Lord Zuko's hairdresser before tying his hair up in a high bun. "We'll have to negotiate my salary then! I'm told that I have a very high talent fee."

Zuko leaned his head back to look up at me, a smirk playing on those soft lips of his. "Do you accept payment in kisses?"

I brought my face close to his before I whispered. "Kisses are good, but they cannot buy food nor clothes—!"

He had pulled me to his lap in a swift tug. I panicked at first, but relaxed as I felt his strong arms wrap around me. The prince had reached up and placed a warm, calloused hand on my cheek. "Just let me kiss you and I can promise you the world at your feet."

"I don't want the world." I leaned my forehead against his, my eyes closed. "Just you would be fine."

"Then "just me" is all yours."

I couldn't help the sigh that escaped me as he claimed my lips in his own. My hands instinctively moved to his chest, clutching his armor and pulling him as close as I possibly can.

The hand on my waist gripped me tighter as he kissed me fervently. "Is this what heaven feels like?"

"Oh, future Fire Lord Zuko! The public is awaiting your- WHOA!"

Of course. One thing I noticed about Sokka was his impeccable timing with these things. I pulled away reluctantly and stood up, smoothing out my kimono. I mumbled my apologies and turned around.

From my peripheral vision, I saw Zuko trying to rein his temper in, gripping the armrests with shaking hands.

"We'll be right after you." I called out with a smile as I held Zuko's hand in mine. Once Sokka left, I burst out into laughter.

Zuko and I parted ways at the main hall. From there the Fire Sages and the council greeted him with deep bows of acknowledgement. I waved him off and turned to join the others when I saw Aang meditating by the entrance.

I hesitated as I approached him, but I felt that I should say something. "I—"

"I'm sorry, Chiyo." Aang opened his eyes and looked up at me. Even decked in the elaborate dress robes of the monks, he still was the same Aang we knew. "I know you are disappointed that I didn't kill Fire Lord Ozai—"

"I'm not." I knelt in front of him, not minding the floor. "If anything, I should be the one who is apologizing. I was so blinded by my anger and hate that I urged you to do something that was against your nature and what you stand for. I never considered how you felt. And that was my mistake. I'm sorry."

Aang held out a hand with a wide grin and I took it. "Let's go. It's time to crown your boyfriend."

Before I left, I saw Aang and Zuko exchange a few words and hugged like brothers. The warm feeling of peace spread through me.

"They are going to be friends for a very long time."

I joined the others at the courtyard as the ceremony started. I saw Katara and Sokka with their father Hakoda, I saw Suki and the Kyoshi Warriors—"Wait, is that Ty Lee?!". I saw Toph on the shoulders of a tall soldier, cheering for Zuko and Aang as they came out of the palace.

"Today, this war is finally over!" Zuko's voice echoed throughout the courtyard.

I looked around at the gathering, Earth Kingdom soldiers, Fire Nation citizens, Water Tribe warriors, people from all walks of life, here to witness a milestone.

The end of the Hundred Year War.

"I promised my uncle that I would restore the honor of the Fire Nation. And I will! The road ahead of us is challenging. A hundred years of fighting has left the world scarred and divided! But with the Avatar's help, we can get it back on the right path! And begin a new era of love and peace!"

Zuko knelt in front of the people and bowed his head. The eldest of the Fire Sages held the emblem of the Fire Lord above his head. "All hail Fire Lord Zuko!" The golden flame was bestowed unto him and he stood up proudly. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause as the new Fire Lord was crowned.

I wiped away tears of happiness as I watched Zuko and Aang stand together.

Fire Lord and Avatar.

Peace at last.

"Little Chiyo..."

I heard my name called and I looked around for its source. I broke into a smile as I spotted Lady Reiko and Lady Quinta approaching, along with several other ladies dressed beautifully for the occasion.

But neither of them was the one who called for me.

Leading them was a tall woman decked out in a black and white cheongsam. Her greying hair was pulled high in a bun adorned with white pearls. Everything about the woman was sharp, her dark eyes, her facial expression, her red lips. Only when she was a few feet apart from me that I recognized who she was.

The lady who always held a smoking pipe to her lips.

The lady who chased after Auntie June when she ran away.

The lady who tried to stop Lady Suiren.

The head of the Salinja Troupe.

I bowed my head in greeting. "Lady Vira."

She stepped closer, her eyes searching me intensely. Satisified, a smile graced her red lips. "Why don't we have a little talk over a cup of tea?"

Author's Notes

*screams* Here you have it folks! The final chapter of "The Concubine's Apprentice!"

Thank you all so much for supporting this story!

Yes, there is a sequel! Their story isn't over yet!

My heart is filled with gratitude and love for everyone! *bows*

-TheGreatestConWoman-

Book 2: The Apprentice's Choice

Please check it out!

is currently sipping cactus juice and tequila in celebration.