A/N: Yeah- this is my answer to the Zutara fics where the political ramifications of the union are completely unaddressed.
"Let me see if I understand your proposal correctly, Lord Zuko. You wish to ascertain the council's opinion of your potential marriage to Katara of the Southern Water Tribe, a woman with no title, property, or breeding." Chairman Kiyo stares at him from across the stuffy chamber, disbelief painted across his face.
His head has been aching since he woke up- this meeting does not help to ease it. "Katara isn't without station," he argues. "Her father's a chief-"
"A chief who commands a hundred people, at most," Lord Tetsu interjects. Zuko can tell that it's taking all of his self-control not to substitute savages for people. "You rule over a hundred million. This girl has no comprehension of what her role would entail."
And whose fault is that? he wants to shoot back, but restrains himself. "She could be taught. Lady Satoko was from the northern islands, and even Sozin approved of her deportment."
History, as always, serves as a temporary panacea. Then Lady Madoka ventures forth yet another question. "What about your children, your majesty? They be waterbenders- how, then, will they rule?"
Firebending is of the utmost importance in a sovereign- only a rare, elite few have the gift of psychokinesis, a blessing from the spirits themselves. What kind of lord can't even light the flames behind the throne?
"Why are you so insistent upon her?" Chairman Kiyo finally demands. "There are thousands of accomplished noblewomen who would sell their own mothers for the opportunity to court you and become your bride. What about a mere peasant beguiles you so?"
Because those women are vipers, silver-tongued and poisonous, and all they're out for is the chance to raid my coffers. Because I don't care whether my children bend in the first place. Because I love her.
"What if I were to tell you that our union would cement world peace and improve the Fire Nation's standing?" It's a low card, appealing to their collective, desperate pride, but he is more than willing to play it.
"Now," the chairman says, "we may have an angle we can work with."