"Hey Katara, where were you?" Aang asked. He looked sprang lightly to his feet. "You disappeared after dinner. I tried to find you."
Katara shut the door quietly behind her and took in the room. She gasped. "Wow, it looks just like home!"
The apartment that one of the servants she'd flagged down had taken her to was bathed in blue and piled high with animal pelts and wooden furnishings that looked like they had come directly from the South Pole. A small fire pit lay in the center of the sitting area, cold and empty during the warm summer months. She ran her fingers along a polar bear dog pelt that was hanging on the wall.
Aang looked around as if seeing the room for the first time. "Yeah, I guess it does…" He turned back to her. "So where were you?"
"Oh, I just went for a walk," Katara hedged. For some reason, her gut told her not to mention her encounter with Zuko. "It was a little crowded at dinner. I needed some air."
"Oh."
She walked over to her bag and pulled out her sleeping robe and comb. "I'm going to take a bath. It's been a long day."
"I was gonna see if you maybe wanted to go for a walk or something, but okay," Aang said, sounding a bit dejected.
A pang of guilt washed over her. Katara smiled gently at him. "We've been invited to sit in on the summit tomorrow, by the way. I guess Zuko thinks you'll be helpful at convincing King Kuei and Chief Arnook to sign on for the trade route."
"Really? When did you talk to Zuko about that?"
"Oh um...a servant told me, actually," Katara said hastily. "When I was out getting some fresh air."
"Oh. Well, okay."
Before he could ask any more questions Katara disappeared into the bathroom. A low-burning fire had been heating the water for her and she bended it into the marble bathtub.
A few bottles of oils and perfumes sat on a stand. After inspecting them, Katara added a few to her bathwater and soon an aromatic steam filled the bathroom. She slipped out of her travel dress and sarashi. She got into the tub and drew her knees to her chest, feeling guilty.
She didn't know why she had lied to Aang. Instinct had told her it was the right thing to do, but it didn't make sense. Why would Aang care that she'd run into Zuko and talked to him? If you really thought it wouldn't bother him, you'd have told him, a rational voice said to her. But why would it bother him? she asked the voice. Zuko is just a friend. The voice didn't answer.
Katara poured water over her head, letting it wash away the grime of travel and guilt. Zuko's words echoed in her head: It sounds to me like you've been busy doing what Aang wants to do, and not enough time doing what you want to do. He wasn't wrong, and having that truth thrown in her face hurt. What had Katara been doing for the last few years? Nothing of any importance. She had faded away into the background of Aang's glory; she had been reduced to little more than the Avatar's girlfriend, not respected for her own prowess in battle. She hadn't even realized she was renowned as a princess, for crying out loud.
She drew a stream of water from the tub and passed it back and forth between her hands. Bending calmed her and focused her mind. She needed to start asking herself the important questions: who was she? What did she want? So much of her life had been consumed with the war, with helping Aang defeat Fire Lord Ozai and ending it. She had never given much thought to what would happen after, and as a consequence, she had allowed Aang's dreams and wants to come before hers.
She wasn't sure where to go from here. Could she tell Aang that she needed something more from life than watching him teach the Air Acolytes? Especially since Katara wasn't even sure what it was that she wanted. Did she crave adventure? Excitement? Danger? Travel? To help people? Katara thought back over the last week of flying on Appa, stopping in fishing villages and trading posts, sleeping beneath the stars. She had been happier over the last few days than she had been in years.
"I missed it," she said quietly.
The words took on the life of their own and planted a seed in her heart. Katara knew from that moment on, she couldn't settle to just be Aang's girlfriend. She needed to be herself, Princess Katara of the Southern Water Tribe, a warrior and an adventurer. Katara steeled her resolve.
She needed to reclaim that piece of herself.
Zuko awoke with a start. His pounding head was the least of his trouble: he'd just awoken from another nightmare. Not a new nightmare, he thought. It's the same one. Who is she? The mysterious and beautiful woman continued to elude him.
The Fire Lord sat upright. His head swam and his stomach churned uneasily. He cradled his head until the wave of nausea had passed before he dared to look up. Someone had been in his room: the curtains had been drawn back, revealing the pink dawn, and a steaming cup of tea sat on his bedside table next to his headpiece. A note was tucked beneath it.
A cure for your hangover. —A
He eyed the drink.
Zuko smelled it. It was fragrant. He could smell ginger and jasmine. He sipped it. The drink had a bitter taste to it, but it was palatable. He shook his head at Alasie. How had she even known he would need this? She hadn't been sitting with him at dinner. She must have been watching him in the dining hall.
Besides, he had presumed she was still upset with him. She hadn't taken their conversation very well a few weeks ago, and she had only spoken to him in a business-related capacity ever since. He had tried to be gentle and reasonable: I just think this has gone on long enough. It's been pleasant, and fun, but my court believes it's time that I start looking for a wife. She had looked a bit hurt, but then she had pasted her diplomatic smile to her face and simply said, Of course, your Grace.
Now that he thought of it, he couldn't quite remember how he had gotten to bed. The last clear memory Zuko had of the night before was him excusing himself from dinner and going out for a walk...he had ended up where he always did; his mother's garden. But he hadn't expected to find a particular waterbender out there...Katara.
Katara.
Zuko blushed furiously as he recalled his encounter with the water tribe princess. He'd drank way too much. The memories were a bit fuzzy, but he was certain she'd guided him back to his rooms after he'd nearly fallen on top of her. How embarrassing.
A sharp rap came upon his bedroom door. His head pounded mercilessly in response.
Zuko closed his eyes. He had overslept. He let out a groan before answering. "Enter."
Mal-Chin looked in. "My Lord, the summit is beginning in an hour. Are you feeling alright?"
"I'm fine, Mal-Chin, thanks. I'll be there." Zuko downed the rest of the concoction and set the cup down. "Don't worry about me."
"Yes, my Lord." The chamberlain hesitated. "Everything is ready for this evening's ball as well, your Grace. The noble women will be arriving early this afternoon, and will be having a ladies' tea with your mother."
He recoiled. "My mother? She's on Ember Island."
"She came back last night, sir. She wouldn't tell me why and she brushed off my concerns. She seems well," Mal-Chin explained. "Perhaps she heard of your ball and decided she wanted to vet these ladies out for herself?"
Zuko frowned thoughtfully. "Perhaps. Send my mother to me before the summit please, Mal-Chin. I'd like a word with her."
The Lord Chamberlain bowed deeply. "Yes, my lord." He took his leave.
Zuko dressed quickly, scrubbing his face with cold water and tying his hair back in a topknot. He donned robes less regal and hindering than the ones he'd worn the day before, with less cumbersome layers and more streamlined, but he still looked every inch the ruler of the Fire Nation in the red, black, and gold tunic.
He studied his face in the mirror. The shadows beneath his good eye were less pronounced than before, though Zuko wasn't sure if his better sleep could be attributed to the fire spirits he'd drank or...something else. He didn't have time to dwell on it. And whatever Alasie has given him had worked wonders on his hangover.
When Zuko left the bathroom his mother was perched on his bed. She held the note from Alasie in her hands. He suddenly felt too warm. He cleared his throat.
"I didn't know you were coming home early," Zuko hedged. "Were the Ember Island Players not to your liking?"
"They were fine, thank you. Without Ikem and his witty criticisms, I was actually able to enjoy the play." Princess Ursa set the note down and stood up, tucking her hands into the wide sleeves of her ruby robes. She arched a brow at him. "Is there something you would like to tell me, Zuko? Something about the presence of three noble girls from prestigious families who are coming to the Royal Palace for a ball this evening?"
Zuko sighed. It was impossible to keep things from his mother. "It's not that big of a deal—"
"Zuko, if you're looking for a wife it is a big deal," Ursa scolded him. "I am your mother. Did you think I wouldn't care to know?"
"No, it's not like that."
"Then what is it like, Zuko?" she inquired gently. She walked over to him and cupped his unmarked cheek in her hand. "I know things have not been easy for you since Mai, but you don't need to rush into anything."
"I wish my court saw it like you do," he muttered, refusing to look her in the eye.
"Is that why you're doing this? Because the court is gossiping, as they're wont to do?"
Zuko pulled away from her. "You don't understand, Mom. It's not like it was before. Every move I make, they're watching, waiting for me to screw up. Most of them don't want me to succeed. They want me to fail, because to them it proves something. That I'm weak. That Ozai was right."
Her tone was tense. "You shouldn't let their concerns weigh so heavy on you, my son."
"You sound like Uncle."
"And if he were here, I'm certain Iroh would agree with me. He and I both know the intricacies of the court," Ursa retorted. "All I'm saying is this: do not force yourself into something. You should marry someone you love, not someone who your court feels is best for you. If that so happens to be one of the lovely girls you've invited for tonight's ball, then it's meant to be. But don't be so hard on yourself if it isn't one of them."
"It almost sounds like you don't want it to be one of them."
Ursa smiled wanly. She gestured to the note. "And who left that for you, I wonder? Is it Alasie?"
Color rose to his cheeks. "Mom!"
"I mean no offense." She held her hands palm-out in a sign of surrender. "She is a very nice girl, Zuko."
He rubbed his face with his hand. This conversation was not going the way he had planned for it to. His mother had a way of turning things around and getting him to reveal things without him opening up. It was a talent.
"It doesn't matter," Zuko said quietly. "The court would never approve. I broke things off with her."
Her expression softened. "I'm sorry to hear that, Zuko. But I stand by my earlier statement. If you let the court dictate your life, you'll never be happy."
Zuko snorted, an indication that he was done with this conversation.
She took the hint, or maybe she had accomplished what she wanted. Zuko couldn't say. "You better get to your summit," Ursa told him, an unreadable expression on her face. She patted his shoulder before she headed for the door. "Just because you're the Fire Lord doesn't mean you should keep the others waiting."
Nearly everyone else had arrived by the time Katara got to the meeting room. She had put on a clean kaftan and braided her hair down her back. She wanted to present herself as the proud princess of the Southern Water Tribe that she was.
Katara quickly took in the room: windowless, rectangular, with a long table in the center with a map of the world painted onto its surface. Sconces hung from pillars and cast the room with an orange-red glow she associated with the Fire Nation. She saw her tribe and the Northern Water Tribe representatives sitting on one side. The Earth Kingdom and the Fire Nation sat on the other.
She knelt down beside her dad and Aang. Aang barely looked at her and guilt gnawed at her again. After her bath she had gone to bed and hadn't really said much else to him. By the time she had woken up that morning, he had been gone.
"You overslept," Hakoda murmured to her.
"Sorry," Katara whispered back. She looked at the empty head of the table where Zuko should have been sitting. "I see I'm not the only one."
"Just because he's the Fire Lord doesn't mean our time isn't valuable," she heard General How remark to King Kuei, who nodded in agreement.
"I'm sure he'll be here soon. Something may have come up. As rulers, we all know how that goes," Hakoda said placatingly. He looked at Katara. "You didn't happen to see him on your way, did you?"
She shook her head. "No, I didn't."
Before anyone else could say anything, the door opened and Fire Lord Zuko came in. All eyes were suddenly on him, and the Fire Lord bowed respectfully to his guests. Katara studied him for a moment. He looked tired, but better rested somehow. I wonder how his head feels this morning, she thought to herself.
"I apologize for my tardiness," Zuko said as he strode over to his seat. He sat down cross-legged and looked around at everyone gathered. "I would like to thank you all for coming to my summit to discuss this trade route. I know you've all traveled a fair way, and I hope to make your trips worthwhile."
"Thank you, Fire Lord Zuko, I personally give you my support. I'm willing to lend help wherever you need it to build the Great Route," Hakoda said, sounding every inch the chief of the proud Southern Water Tribe. He eyed King Kuei and Chief Arnook levelly. "And I hope that everyone listens to his Grace's plans with an open mind."
Chief Arnook stroked his mustache. "I am willing to hear what the Fire Lord has to say. The North Pole has been cut off from the world for far too long. However, I want to ensure that this trade will be beneficial for my people, and the route safe."
"And that is why I've brought you all before me, so that I may present my plan in person," Zuko said. Katara admired the way he handled himself. The other leaders were easily twice his age, but Zuko matched them in poise and grace. "My advisors and I have carefully gone over every inch of the map and considered every possible issue that could come up. My knowledge of the world due to my time at sea has been very beneficial."
Zuko stood up and pulled a pointer from the sleeve of his tunic. Extending it to its full length, he pointed to a location on the map. "The trade route will start here, in the Capital City. From there the first port of call and stop on the trade route will be at Fire Fountain City, and then Jang Hui here. After that, it will be the trading village, Sunjin, in the Earth Kingdom. From there, the Great Road will begin and be split into three: north, east, and south.
"To the north, the Great Route will pass through several small towns and villages until it reaches the northern coast. There we will establish a port of call, and from there ships will carry goods to and from the Northern Water Tribe."
"And what of the winter season, Fire Lord Zuko? Once the snow comes in, it's nearly impossible to travel on the open sea. What is the solution for that? Or will we be left out of trade during the winter?" Chief Arnook interrupted. "And the same goes for the Southern Water Tribe."
"I'm glad you asked, Chief Arnook," Zuko said. "I've been speaking with your own diplomat as well as Chief Hakoda's, and I think together we've come up with a good plan." He looked at Alasie. "Would you mind?"
Alasie nodded graciously. Katara remembered Alasie—her tribe was small enough that she knew everyone—but it had been years since she had seen her. She was gorgeous. Katara couldn't help but notice the way her eyes lingered on him for just a moment longer than was necessary. Does she have a thing for him? Katara mused, then wondered why she even cared.
"Panuk and I have been working close with the Fire Lord to find a solution for the problem of winter blizzards, and we think we've found a suitable one." Alasie pointed to the sea between the Earth Kingdom and the North Pole. "With the help of the waterbenders and earth benders, we could create a safe path that cuts from the northern coast of the Earth Kingdom to the shores of the North Pole. With walls of ice and rock, ships would be protected from drifting ice floes, sea beasts, and a good portion of the elements. We could do the same for the South Pole, albeit in a bit more broken-up way."
"That is an impressive plan," Chief Arnook mused. He leaned in close to his advisor, Tarkik, and held a muted conversation.
"I agree," Hakoda said. He looked at Zuko and smiled. "It's efficient and benefits all of us greatly. Imagine how nice it will be to have fresh meat and produce during those frigid winter months instead of just blubbered seal jerky."
"I think it sounds great," Alasie said, smiling cheerfully.
"I'm in agreement, Chief Arnook," Panuk told his leader. "Alasie and I have spent many hours drafting plans for how to complete this. It's a good, solid plan."
"And what of the trouble there in Zhenyang, Fire Lord Zuko?" General How inquired, pointing to the location on the map. "I hear you've got quite a bit of a rabble down there these days."
Katara saw Zuko's hand clench around his pointer, but he only smiled at the mouthy Earth Kingdom General. His face did not betray his emotions. "My local authorities are handling that matter as we speak."
"King Kuei just wants to ensure the route is entirely safe, of course. We don't want any of our traders to be harmed. Especially not on Fire Nation soil." The threat was nearly tangible. The room held its breath as everyone watched the staredown that unfolded between General How and the Fire Lord.
"And we want the same, General How. Aside from dealing with the rabble in Zhenyang, I've decided it would be good to add outposts along the trade route in areas that are more rural or remote, to ensure nothing nefarious can breed there." Zuko pointed to some of the more secluded areas on the map. "Is that satisfactory for you?"
General How nodded curtly, sufficiently put in his place. Katara smiled grimly to herself. He was starting to get on her nerves.
"I'd like to finish outlying the trade route now, if I've answered all of your questions." Zuko turned back to the map. "Heading east, the Great Route will push on for Full Moon Bay and Ba Sing Se. Boats will be able to go upriver into the bay and then across for the city. Finally, heading south, the Great Road will travel on the east side of the mountains and pass through Omashu, skirting the desert, and cut through the small valley near Yeowan, through to Gao Ling. We'll establish a port of call on Kyoshi Island—" He nodded at Suki. "—and go down to the Southern Water Tribe. Any more questions?"
Chief Arnook turned to the leader of the Southern Water Tribe. "You say that Fire Lord Zuko already has your support. Would you care to expand on that, Hakoda?"
"Absolutely." He looked at Zuko. "May I?"
Zuko sat down and Hakoda stood up. Hakoda met the gaze of all of the leaders. "Fire Lord Zuko is a powerful leader. He has done more in his five short years at the helm of the Fire Nation than most of us have accomplished during our decades of rule. He has ended the war, brought peace to the world, and began to reshape the Fire Nation's reputation. His vision is a grand one, and a wise one. I do not doubt him, and none of you should, either."
"I'm still not convinced that the nations should mingle together so...freely," General How remarked thoughtfully. "The Fire Nation colonies in the Earth Kingdom nearly led us to another war. How are we to know that this 'Great Route' won't do the same?"
Before she knew what she was doing, Katara was on her feet. "I live in Yu Dao, General, and the nations there mingle together just fine. There is no animosity from the Earth Kingdom toward the Fire Nation. They live together in peace, and harmony, as it should be. The Great Route will only expand upon what the colonies have been doing for years. It is the best course of action for the world moving forward."
The General's eyebrows shot up toward his hairline. "You dare speak to me that way, young princess? It's very nice that the people of Yu Dao have sing-alongs and slumber parties, but that does not reflect on what the rest of the world wants."
"Katara is right," Aang said.
Zuko shot How an aggravated glare, and saw Hakoda doing the same.
"The Southern Water Tribe is in agreement, General," Hakoda said. A dangerous edge had come into his voice. The tension in the room was nearly palpable. "And if I'm not mistaken, Chief Arnook is nearly persuaded as well. It seems that you are the only one who is fighting against this. I suppose that the real question is: why?"
The General's face turned a dark shade of red. His hands clenched into fists on the table. Katara grinned in satisfaction. Her father had put into words exactly what she had been feeling.
"Perhaps your near-defeat in Yu Dao against the Fire Lord and his army still stings a bit," Katara spat out, unable to contain herself.
General How jumped to his feet. "That has got nothing to do with this and you would be wise to watch your tongue, young lady! You may think you know what is best for the world, but what do you know? You and the Avatar have been hiding in that colony ever since the war ended. What have you done to contribute to the restoration of balance in the world?"
Katara couldn't stop the grin of satisfaction that crossed her face at the general's outburst. She had struck a nerve.
Aang frowned. "Hey—"
"Enough!" A line of fire shot down the table, dividing the two sides in half. Everyone reeled back against the flames. Katara's head whipped toward Zuko. General How glared at the Fire Lord, but he cowed back when he saw the ferocity in his golden eyes.
"You will not speak that way to my close friend and ally in my meeting room, General How. I will not stand for such disrespect," the Fire Lord snapped. The rage in his voice was barely contained. "I think it may be best if we take a hiatus from this meeting, and resume after lunch."
"Perhaps the King and I will take our leave, and return home today," General How shot back. "You can see how far your Great Route goes without the support of the Earth Kingdom. You will not be allowed to peruse Earth Kingdom waters for your trade route."
"Then you will not enjoy the fruit of its labor," came the hot reply from the Fire Lord.
Aang sprang to his feet, holding his hands up peaceably. "Wait guys, come on! Can't we talk about this? Zuko's trade plan is much bigger than us, than all of us. This is something that will benefit the whole world for years to come. Is it really worth it to throw it away over some squabble that we resolved over a year ago?"
Zuko and General How remained in their standoff. Katara wondered if it would come to blows. That would ruin any chance Zuko has of pulling this off. I just hope he can keep his temper in check.
Aang looked back and forth between the Fire Lord and the General. Neither of them looked at him. Neither of them were backing down. It didn't look like they had even heard him. He turned to the Earth King. "King Kuei, how do you feel about it? You haven't said a thing."
The timid king pursed his lips, his fingers folded together in front of him. "Sit down, General How," he said quietly.
The general looked at his king. "I beg your pardon, your Majesty?"
"I said sit down." King Kuei met Aang's gaze. "The Avatar is right. This...this disagreement is miniscule and unimportant against the sheer weight of what Fire Lord Zuko wants to accomplish. I've had my reservations, and I would like to speak now."
Zuko bowed respectfully and sank back into his seat. Katara followed his lead. "You have the floor, your Highness."
General How reluctantly sat. Disbelief colored his features.
"Thank you, Fire Lord." King Kuei dipped his head. He looked around the room at the diverse faces. "I was concerned about the possible threat in Zhenyang. Fire Lord Zuko has addressed that. I was worried for the safety of my people traveling the sea and across the land. Fire Lord Zuko has a solution for both of those issues. Now it seems there is nothing to stop me from saying yes, except my general. Answer me this, General, what do you say now?"
"I have nothing to say," General How growled. "If you feel the Fire Lord has sufficiently solved your problems, then agree to his Great Route."
King Kuei leveled his general with a steady, unreadable gaze. At last, the Earth King turned to the Fire Lord. "You have my agreement, Fire Lord."
Chief Arnook held his hand up. "And you have mine, as well. The Northern Water Tribe will be honored to assist in this great venture."
Katara saw the fleeting smile of satisfaction pass over Zuko's face before the firm, neutral expression was back. He bowed deeply to the leaders before him. Katara could barely contain her own glee. The Great Route trade deal was moving forward! Soon Zuko would be able to begin construction on it. This was great news, not just for the Fire Nation but for the entire world.
"I thank you all for coming, and for agreeing to back the Great Route," Zuko said formally. "As a token of my gratitude, I invite you to a ball tonight, here in my palace. I encourage you to socialize with the citizens of my nation, to get to know my people and so they can get to know you. Soon we will all be traveling along the same road; we should get accustomed to one another. The world will soon be united."
Author's Note:
Thank you to everyone who has left reviews! I'm trying to stay in-character for this story, but given the time between my story and AtLA, they're obviously going to be a little more mature. I hope you all enjoy this chapter! I had a lot of fun writing it, since I love thinking about how things would be for Zuko as Fire Lord. And as always, a special thank-you to LadyFaePhillips for being my beta and editor.