Here you go my dear, dear fanfictioners. This is chapter 3, looonnng wait I know. Most of the credit for this chapter is to Patty Cake Rocks, for motivating me to write again. Huge thanks! Hope you guys like it! Bit short, but packed with great writing.

Enjoy!

~Elle

The Royal Complication

Chapter 3

"You were with Zuko!" Sokka yelled. He looked incredibly angry. I felt the rush of emotions come and tears ran down my face. I ran, I ran straight to Aiko, thinking of no other place to go. I could hear footsteps from behind me and I quickened my pace, taking a different turn to confuse Sokka. I turned into the hall where Aiko's nursery was. The hallway also housing Zukos chambers, it being the royal family wing. I ran towards the door and rushed in there, looking to see Aiko, and smiled in relief. I heard footsteps come in, but I disregarded them, thinking that they were Zuko's, with him knowing where the nursery is.
"Whose baby is that?" Sokka stared at the baby in my arms, as I lost all of my composure.
"It looks familiar, like...you." Sokka eyed Aiko. My breathed hitched and I held onto Aiko tighter.
"Katara?" Sokka questioned, concerned for his sister's reaction.
"I," I hesitated, then looked to Sokka, my face paling drastically.
"How old is she?" Sokka asked hesitantly, I gulped.
"She's a few months old." I said quietly. Sokka looked me straight in the eyes, as someone barged into the room.
"Katara, how's Aik-" Zuko stopped and looked at Sokka, dropping all facial expression.
"Aiko? Who's Aiko?" Sokka demanded. I gulped once more and looked at Zuko. Zuko looked at me and nodded his head ever so slowly. I walked towards him, and took his hand and faced Sokka.
"Aiko." I paused, and then ever so bravely I spoke again.
"Aikos our daughter, Zuko and I's daughter. Shes the Princess." I looked at Sokka again, and visibly paled at his flabbergasted expression.
"Tha-, tha- You and Zu-?" Was all Sokka uttered before passing out. I walked over to the bassinet, setting Aiko in it.

"Where's Sokka at?" Suki asked, as the couple walked into the room, everyone looking at them wondering for an answer. Sokka then slipping in quietly, taking the seat next to Suki, not saying a word.

"Katara and I have something to tell you all," Zuko announced. I looked at Zuko, and took a breath in. Iroh, Ursa, and Toph all looked at us with pride on their faces. I looked over to Aang, a sad smile forming on my face."Aang. I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry. But, I can't take living a lie anymore.
"What do you mean Katara?" Aang whispered as he stood up, walking towards me. I stepped back.
"Aang." I paused briefly, wondering how to tell him this.
"I haven't been in love with you for a long time. I need to end our relationship, because theres two other people that need my love." I explained. I saw shock cross over Aangs face.

"Who?" Aang glanced around the room, pauses at Zuko, then looking back at me.

"Can we sit?" I asked, smiling, knowing sitting, would make it easier.

I sat at Zukos right, the Fire Lord always sitting at the head of the table.

Zuko and I slowly explained our relationship, and then Aiko. After the dessert course, Zuko and I lead them to Aiko's nursery, everyone getting to meet her.

That night, while laying in bed, long after Zuko had fallen asleep. I thought about today, how light my head felt, after being able to tell everyone what had happened. It felt good to, explain. To know I can know share Aiko, and the joy she brings with everyone. That beautiful little girl, so simple, yet complex.