Zuko watched constantly throughout the evening. Katara sat to his right, picking sparingly at the meals put before her, more chasing the food around her plate than eating. Iroh sat opposite the two, gratefully tucking in to a bowl of spiced shrimp noodles, slurping at every morsel and dabbing around his emptied bowl with a chunk of ember loaf. Katara was slumped back in her chair, the size of her stomach put some distance between her and the table. She stirred her rice around, chopsticks in one hand, her other laid lazily around her belly. Zuko noted the darkening circles below her eyes and the laboured tension in her breathing.

'So, have you two enjoyed your time together today?' Iroh beamed from behind yet another heaped bowl of steaming noodles.

'Yes, thank you Uncle for stepping in today.'

'Yes, thank you Uncle Iroh.' Katara smiled back.

'I am glad. And you both are most welcome. This has not been an easy time for either of you; you need some time to yourselves.'

'Please tell that to the rebellions Uncle,' Zuko bitterly snarled into his wine. 'The situation grows worse, the people of the colonies fight to stay in their towns in the Earth Kingdom, but it is not land of mine to give them.'

'It is a difficult predicament Nephew, and one that can't be taken lightly; it is people's lives, families and homes that we deal with.' Iroh spoke with a flash of concern and strain in his amber eyes. Zuko winced his eyes shut and pinched the bridge of his nose,

'I know…But… At the moment, I don't see a peaceful way out of this. Colonists rebel if they are relocated, and the Earth Kingdom fights against them if they stay. They're too much of a painful reminder of the violent times passed. They can't stay, but, it just isn't right that they be removed, like they don't matter…' He stared down into his chilli flame rice in thought. A warm hand grazed along his shoulder.

'You'll work it out Zuko.' Katara smiled proudly at him. 'If anyone can promote peace to the nation, it's you. Just look how much good you have done so far.'

Zuko smirked. 'Perhaps I'm losing my touch.' A light thump smacked his right shoulder.

'Hey!' he laughed, turning to his wife, who tilted her head, giving him that knowing smirk that just didn't need words.

'So, problem number one in hand, any news on how the courts have taken your new tax strategy?' Katara's voice was low and tired, forcing back the yearning to yawn, which forced pools of tears to brim in her eyes, that she blinked back furiously. Zuko placed his hand a top hers on her stomach, sighing indignantly,

'You don't have to worry about that Tara, let me deal with them.'

Katara smiled in thought,

'So... You'll save me from the nobles?' she grinned. Zuko cracked a wide smirk.

'Always.' He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, when Iroh injected,

'There has been no news so far nephew; all has been quiet in the crater today.' He smiled.

'Good. For now, I will gladly take no news as good news.' Zuko sighed in relief. A few moments passed between them as the meal continued, Iroh slurped down the remains of another bowl, Zuko pecked thoughtfully at a few mouthfuls of rice, whilst Katara continued stirring the rice around the deep porcelain bowl in front of her.

'You're not hungry my dear?' Iroh smiled softly at her.

'I thought I was, but, now there's food in front of me, I just don't think I can stomach it.' She sighed across the table.

'You should really eat something though…' Zuko interjected worriedly, smiling meekly at his wife.

'Perhaps later.' She smiled, placing her chopsticks gently to one side.

Iroh and Zuko shared a disapproving, but worried glance, however they both knew better than to press her on the point. Resigning themselves to silence on the matter, they returned to picking at their bowls, when I thought crossed Zuko's mind.

'That reminds me, I tried to call for Master Hao earlier…'

Iroh's face jumped in worry, so Zuko added hastily, 'No, no, nothing was wrong, I just wanted to speak to him.' Iroh relaxed again with a smile.

'I was told that he was 'indisposed currently'…. What is going on uncle?' Even though he was the head of a powerful and tenuous state, Zuko still looked to his uncle with the eyes of a child, believing full heartedly in his wisdom.

'I did not wish to worry you both…' Iroh seemed to be thinking hard about how he would explain.

'Master Hao… has been taken ill. He will be out of service for a while.' That didn't seem like the whole story to Zuko, who shot a questioning stare at Iroh, eye's narrowed into distrusting slots.

'That's terrible, I hope he is okay.' Katara sympathised.

'Uncle?...'

'No Zuko. Not now.' The elder man never raised his eyes to meet him, staying fixed upon the table. A curl of quiet flames steamed from Zuko's nostrils as he sighed in frustration, What wasn't he telling him, and why all the secrecy?

Katara took a sharp inhale, her face creased in a concentrated look of discomfort. She wriggled around in her seat, trying to negotiate an easier posture.

'Tara? Are you…okay?' Zuko queried, watching his wife wriggle around, part in concern, part with amusement.

'Yes.. Just….' She squirmed further. 'Someone is a little restless today.' She smiled glancing down at her belly. Zuko smirked proudly, laying his firm strong hand upon her. His face leapt with surprise and happiness when a tiny little foot kicked at him from inside. His other arm stretched around Kataras shoulders and pulled her into him, close enough to place a gentle kiss onto her forehead.

'Hey,' He stroked Kataras belly softly, 'you may be the crown princess of the fire nation young lady,' He shot a wry smile at his smiling wife, 'but you need to give mummy a break every once in a while.' Kataras hand joined his; he noticed the tremble in her body.

'She's worth it though.' She beamed, although she looked exhausted.

'Perhaps you and the little one should get some rest? It has been a very tiring day for the both of you.' Iroh smiled as he watched his nephew coo over his wife and child. Pride did not cover it, watching them made his heart soar, remembering those precious days with Prince Lu-Ten, and again with the young Prince Zuko.

Without a word, Zuko awkwardly helped Katara to her swollen feet, she clung to his side heavily; the day had really taken it out of her. She sat gratefully in the wheelchair that had carried her all day, letting a desperate yawn escape at last.

'Fire Lord Zuko. May I speak with you a moment?' The formality of his Uncles request made Zuko spin on his heels to face him.

'Well… Yes of course, Uncle.'

'Mistress Yenna can escort Fire Lady Katara to the Royal Bed chambers; I think she will be safest with you tonight.' Iroh nodded as Yenna swiftly entered the room, head cast low.

'Most Honorable Fire Lord Zuko, Fire Lady Katara.' She bowed as she addressed them, then taking the handles of the chair; she glided Katara out of the great hall.

The vast dining hall suddenly flooded with tension, as the two men remained.

'Leave us.' Zuko commanded, rather more harshly than he had first intended. A smart line of uniformed guards filed silently from the hall, each giving a swift bow. The echo of marching feet died away, and Zuko resumed his seat at the table, which maids had scurried to clear of its silverware. He beckoned for his uncle to do the same, instead of his previous place; Iroh strolled calmly around the table and seated himself next to Zuko.

'I am worried about you nephew, you do not look well.' Iroh recalled how Zuko had fainted only a few days prior, he watched his young nephews face with concern. His complexion was as pale as ever, but the dark, creased lines beneath his eyes were new. The marred skin of his scar look raw and ragged, both good and bad eye were reddening and dt times distant.

'It has been a difficult few days Uncle, I will be fine.' Zuko bowed wearily, casting his amber eyes down to the pressed, white linen table cloth. Iroh place a reassuring hand over Zuko's upon the table. The slight tremble in his uncle's movement jolted Zuko; how easily he forgot how he had aged since the days of the war, 'The Dragon of the West' was human after all. Zuko sighed softly and braced himself.

'What are you not telling me Uncle?' he tilted his head to address Iroh, who avoided his gaze, instead, staring at the dim shadows that danced outside of one of the tall windows.

'What happened to Master Hao, Uncle?' his voice was firmer this time, but Zuko refrained from anger.

'He is ill Zuko, a heart attack they suspect. He was found earlier today in his office, in the infirmary tower.'

Zuko steadily inhaled.

'Is he…?'

'He is alive, but not yet stable. I have ordered that he be taken to the Ba Sing Se Royal Infirmary in the morning.'

'Uncle, the Fire Palace Infirmary is amongst the most-'

'No Zuko. He cannot stay here, it would not be safe.'

Zuko's eyes narrowed in confusion and suspicion. There is so much more to this than he is telling me.

Katara winced painfully as she eased herself onto the bed. How good it felt to be in her own bed chamber again. The soft satin sheets slid effortlessly against her tanned skin. She bit back the stifled sounds of pain that so wanted to be released; she just wanted to sleep, she knew she was fine, just tired. Not wanting to be hauled in front of the palace physicians yet again, she masked her discomfort the best she could from Yenna, who eyed her suspiciously.

'Lady Katara? Is there anything I can fetch for my lady?' Yenna asked brightly, though Katara could sense the suspicion in her voice.

'Some water would be nice, thank you Yenna' Katara forced a smiled. At least with water she could heal herself in the night rather than send Zuko scouting for healers.

'Of course My Lady.' Yenna bowed and swiftly exited the room, leaving Katara for the first time in days, alone. She took a few steadying breaths and grimaced as pain shot from her belly. She could feel a sweat starting to gather on her forehead and her head span relentlessly, stirring up a sickly dizzy sensation. She braced herself onto the bed, pushing clenched fists into the downy mattress. When the world felt a little slower, she opened her heavy eyes and wrapped her arms around her stomach, her little girl. She tried to imagine what her little princess would look like.

A firebender, so amber eyes. She imagined Zuko's topaz yellow eyes, but softer, and rounder. Dark hair, most probably black, if not a darker brown than mine. Katara recalled the old family portraits that remained of Zuko's family; how Azula had looked in her youth. The thought of Azula stung in her head, but she was to be her child's Aunt after all. Skin…. Katara tried to imagine a lighter tone to her own. She realised that she had never seen a child of Fire nation and Water tribe heritage.

The door creaked open, and Yenna drifted into the room, carrying a loaded tray. It held a jug of water, with a small, red, drinking glass, as well as a large round wooden bowl, also filled with water. Yenna set them out upon the bed side table carefully, along with a fresh white hand towel. Katara met the older woman's eyes briefly and smiled. She had always had a healthy fear of Yenna, but she understood the Fire Lady better than she knew.

'Thank you Yenna.' Katara smiled wearily.

'Would you like company until Fire Lord Zuko arrives My Lady?' Yenna truly was the mother figure both Zuko and Katara lacked, even if protocol stood in the way.

'That would be nice, thank you.' Katara smiled. Yenna took a seat a little distance from the bed, on a plush, long bench that ran along the wall.

'Lord Zuko tells me that the princess is to be named Ursa.' Yenna beamed, she looked so proud.

'Yes, we thought it the most appropriate name.' Katara looked down at the swell beneath her cotton night dress.

'I was employed as one of Lady Ursa's ladies in waiting when she lived in the palace. I know that she would be most proud, and elated to have a grandchild bearing her name.'

'What was she like? Zuko tells me memories of her, but…'

'She was strong. Loving. Fierce about her children. I see much of her in you, My Lady.'

'Out with it Uncle.' Zuko was beginning to lose his patience.

'The birth of a royal child is never an easy situation Zuko. It is always political.' Iroh was desperately searching for the words to make sense of it all. This worried Zuko, this was the man who was basically a walking proverb, who always knew the right words.

'…. I have reason to believe that Fire Lady Katara is not safe anymore in this palace.'

Zuko's eyes widened in shock, his face snapping back to an angry setting.

'Explain.' He commanded.

'I appointed Master Hao, because I thought he could handle the demands upon him. He is strong, a good physician and an honourable man above all else. But I fear that the pressure has overcome him.' Iroh met his nephews gaze, amber eyes locking into amber eyes.

'Fire Lady Katara's life will always be put second to that of the future heirs. In her current state, if she remains here, I fear for the worst nephew.'

Zuko couldn't find a single word to mutter. Every breath caught in his throat, his weary head spinning.

'I am sorry that I could not stop this, my nephew.' Iroh clutched at Zuko's trembling hand. 'Master Hao is not safe here because I believe that his illness was inflicted to stop him from disobeying whoever's orders are to confirm an heir… at any cost.' Iroh Sighed. 'He came to me just this morning, I could sense the worry and fear in him. He had a great weight upon his shoulders... that I place upon him.'

'You don't know that.' Zuko's face grew paler, his amber eyes merely a yellow dot amidst the white. Iroh sighed heavily and produced a piece of paper from his robe pocket.

'What is this Nephew?'

Zuko took the pristine slip, his hands trembling from exhaustion and the weight of a thousand questions whirring through his head.

Miss Kanora, age: 21, origin: Northern Water tribe, department: Royal Fire Palace Infirmary, position: healer….

'Uncle why are you?-'

'Read it.'

Transfer date: Twelfth day of June, Place of transfer: Omashu Royal Infirmary….

'So? It's a transfer record? People to leave the Palace Uncle, what are you getting at?'

'Today is the eleventh day of June, that record was handed onto your desk this morning. '

Zuko though hard. Kanora was very strange this when they last met in the infirmary. He recalled his uncles suspicions.… To stop him from disobeying whoever's orders are to confirm an heir… at any cost.

'You suspect that she has been forced to leave? Because… what? She spoke out of line?' Zuko glared at his uncle.

'Would it be the first time the Fire nation has punished someone for speaking out of line?' Iroh spoke softly, settling his gaze upon the left side of Zuko's face. A nervous hand shot up and cupped the marred flesh of his cheek. Then memories started to race through his head. Of jet, of all people. How he had had his memories erased when he discovered a government secret in BA Sing Se. How stories were covered up, how Kanora was so startled that morning. How scared she was of his presence, how clueless she was of the situation.

'What do I do uncle?' Zuko's voice was soft, hardly audible. He sounded like a lost child, completely hopeless and defeated.

'Go Zuko. Take your wife and your child.'

'Where?' Zuko stood frustrated from his seat. A bad idea. The blood rushed in his head, that all too familiar, white fuzzy sensation blizzard in his mind. Next thing he felt was the crash of the hard marble floor, hitting his left side, the cold stone harshly impacting his body with a thud.