Zuko jolted sickeningly back into the stifling hot sleeping chamber. Sleep had been little rest for him, his mind raced, spinning his head relentlessly. His stomach lunged as his eyes became accustomed to the blaring morning sun that beamed through the open windows. That same kind of punch to the gut, as if you had expected that one last step. He remembered last night. Remembered cleaning the blood from Katara. Remembered her pale face, lolling lifelessly into the pillow, the pale moon light glowing mercifully against her exhausted body. Zuko rummaged shakily through the silk sheets until he found Katara's limp hand. He laced his fingers with hers and mindlessly riffled them as he stared lovingly but laden with worry at his beautiful wife. she lay exactly as he had placed her last night; back sunk deep into the downy bed, head lolled lifelessly to the right. her left arm lay unconciously, but protectively over her swollen belly. Zuko sucked in a deep breath, trying to waken himself and focus his blurry mind on the day ahead. a wash of relief came over him as he saw Katara's slender chest gently rise and fall, although he had to study hard to catch it. he cupped her face in his free hand, and tilted her head gently up from where it lay abandoned against the top of her shoulder. stroking his thumb along the pronounced line of her jaw, he swallowed back the sting of tears.

No Zuko...Stop it... your tired, wake up...think!...

He willed for her big blue eyes to flutter open, give him some sign... any sign. But Katara stayed the same; her face drooped in a state of exhaustion and sleep.

'I love you Tara.' Zuko whispered before placing a soft kiss just above her lips. That cool tang of contact was missing as he touched her skin. Her feverish flesh continued to rage, setting fire to all the ice and water she craved so much.

'Don't worry... I'm going to look after you... I promise.'

And with that he swung his legs out of bed and hurled himself to his feet. He neatened up the crinkled bed sheets, tucking Katara beneath, relishing in every tiny brush against her soft skin.

He knew he had to make this look convincing, to look as though there were no drama.

Zuko paced across the room and selected his Fire Lord robes and mantel, from a pain-stakeningly ornate metal wardrobe. He fumbled clumsily with the fastenings and turned the garments this way and that, trying to figure out their mapping. It dawned upon him that he had never dressed in to his formal attire with any foot men. Finally, after tugging material into the right place, lacing and re-lacing countless ties and sashes, Zuko drew his attention to the thick mop of hair that shaded his eyes. raking his fingers through the thorny mess, he gathered it all into one sleek top knot, which he adorned with the Fire Lords head piece. He studied himself in to mirror. he looked about right, robes, mantel, top knot, head piece... but his face. Yes he was always pale, his porcelain, noble skin. But the golden glint to his amber eyes was faded, the white complexion of his skin was dull and tired and hung from his exhausted frame. Zuko scrunched his eyes shut and pinched the bridge of his nose, willing sleep to leave him. he sighed as the warm air of the morning sun that rose silently over the royal gardens, grazed his weary face. As a firebender, he rose with the sun, it's solar energy waking him from any sleep. But not today. The electric sensation of the qi inside him coming to life, never flickered. Zuko steadied himself with two deep breathes, a final glance at Katara, and he swiftly pushed both metal doors open and strolled as confidently as he could towards the guest chambers.

The Palace was unnervingly quiet. Even in the early hours of the morning, you could usually hear a bustle of energy; servants readying the rooms for a days work, preparing food, shining metal ware. But not today. His destination was the furthest left Guest chamber, where Uncle Iroh always requested to stay; he had always taken a rather fond liking to the view of the lavender blossom garden from the sitting area in that particular suite. But as Zuko neared the door, he heard that familiar, gentle voice, turning just in time to see Iroh's Earth Kingdom green and bronze robes disappear down the corridor. Zuko back tracked to the room he had just exited, hearing a shuffle of feet and a clear of a throat, he confidentially pushed himself into the room.

The figure that sat with her back to him made him stop dead in his tracks. Her dark coco hair was braided its full length, reaching down to her slender waist. The tiny blue shell glimmering at its tail. Those familiar powder blue robes, with white ornate trimmings. A flash of tanned skin of her neck and a thick black sash around it. For a second, Zuko would have sworn it were...

'... Miss Kanora?'

The girl startled and leapt from her kneeling position at the low coffee table to face him. Her face dropped as she recognised the Fire Lord standing before her; she threw herself back to her knees and bowed low, her nose brushing the warm marble floor.

'Most honourable Fire Lord Zuko, forgive me... I was not expecting you yet My Lord.'

Zuko crouched to her and nudged the crook of her elbow, gesturing for her to stand. As she looked up to him he asked,

'But, you were expecting me?'

Kanora stood shakily and steadied herself. This is what has been asked of you. You can't be afraid to speak forever, tell him.

'Yes My Lord. Formal General Iroh informed me last night, that my services are again required. He will be back shortly My Lord. He says he will explain all then.'

Zuko smiled, he had no doubt wandered off in the search of tea.

'I see.' he said simply.

'Then sit with me.' He strolled over and took a place at the low table, 'we will wait together. But please we must return to Lady Katara soon.'

'Of course My Lord.' Kanora resumed her demure position, tucking her hands neatly in to the sleeves of her robes in her lap.

The time that passed awkwardly between the healer and the Fire Lord was short, but felt like an eternity. Kanora shuffled nervously trying to find a more stable kneeling position, and straightened and re-straightened the imaginary wrinkle in her robes. Zuko shifted just as uncomfortably, panicking as ever thought and situation raced hectically through his mind. He tried to relax his tired face, and sucked in a deep controlled breath, feeling each and every spec of warm air pour into his body.

The faint sound of rattling tea cups, clattering down the hall alerted them both from their dreaming, snapping them back into reality. Iroh bustled noisily through the metal doors, shoving them open with his back turned. He was carrying a large round silver tray, that looked as though it was once regimentally laid out with teapots, cups, saucers, sugar bowls, milks and a small dish of sugared fire lily petals. However, as the clattering had suggested, everything seemed thrown from it's place and skidded hectically around the tray, It reminded Zuko of the water dancers at the South Pole, but less elegant.

'Zuko, I did not expect you awake so early.' Iroh beamed, although he seemed somewhat muted. Happy and jolly as always, but quieted, with that distinct ebb of worry lining his soft face. The morning sun still poured relentlessly through the guest chamber window, caressing it's way slowly into the ember sky.

'How is she?'

Zuko faltered for a moment. She? no Fire Lady, no royal, grand title. she...

'Sleeping.'

The room dropped into silence.