A/N: I've borrowed the lyrics from a real song to use in this chapter XD It's called 'Till You're Ready' by Navvy.

Minor OCs mentioned:
Fire Lord Rina - Izumi's daughter and heir; General Iroh's older sister
Kaido - Rina's son
Zira - Kaido's daughter; Rina's granddaughter

Kiriko stared out of one of the big windows in the airship's lounge. The only thing in sight was ocean, ocean, and more ocean. It wasn't much to look at, so she glanced down at Saph, whose gaze was fixated on the flat blue surface.

"You'd think it was the most exciting scenery in the world." Kiriko shifted her over to her other hip; wide eyes swiveled over to keep staring. "If you think this is good, wait'll you see the Fire Nation."

Saph finally looked up. A cheeky smile was soon followed by a giggle. At nearly six months old, she was really starting to develop a personality. Her fat little legs kicked excitedly and she babbled some wordless nonsense.

"That means she's hungry," Mara said.

Kiriko winced before turning around; she'd hoped to give Saph back to Raniq before Mara woke up from her nap. These encounters tended to be awkward. It wasn't that they didn't get along. Not exactly…

Mara came right over and took Saph, who instantly started crying, as she usually did. And there was nothing to be said. Talking about it would just make it worse.

The sound of crying gradually faded away as Mara left. Kiriko just stood there with a vague sense of emptiness. I guess at least Mara wants to spend time with her now. That's a good thing. Right?

Her attention returned to the wide blue expanse outside. It had been years since she'd had a reason to cross this ocean. Crown Princess Zira was getting married to Hunir Beifong and everyone who was anyone had been invited.

It had been something of a shock when Raniq told Kiriko that she'd managed to convince Mara and Jojin to come along—and even more surprising to learn that the generally very shy young couple had needed little persuading.

"They actually seem kind of excited," Raniq had said. "A bit nervous about the airship, but I think they're looking forward to a change of scenery. Before Zaofu, they were so used to wandering and seeing new places."

Bored now that she was alone, Kiriko left to roam around. Her grumbling stomach brought her to the cafeteria. Unfortunately, she wasn't the only one there. Kyori and Valen were sitting in one corner and being absolutely revolting—gazing into each other's eyes, feeding each other small bites.

Kiriko groaned and tried to ignore them, leaving only with a candy bar. Haven't they ever heard of 'getting a room'? she grumbled to herself. Seriously. Why do people have to act like that in public? And where other people are trying to eat?!

She went back to the suite that she was sharing with her mom and sister, though it seemed kind of pointless to have been assigned one at all; they were due to arrive by nightfall. Still, it was nice to have somewhere to go and relax without worrying that happy couples would disturb her.

The room was empty except for one unexpected person.

"Mako?" she said with surprise.

He was rifling through some papers at the desk and only briefly glanced up. "Hey."

"What are you looking for?"

"Asami asked me to get something for her."

Kiriko rolled her eyes and plopped down on the sofa. "Of course she's working. I thought we were supposed to be on vacation?"

"Yeah, well…" He was clearly distracted by his task and didn't say anything else until he found whatever he was after. "She knows this is her last chance for the next few days, so I guess she wants to make the best of it."

"I'm sure she'll find a way to stay busy while we're in the Fire Nation."

His footsteps approached from behind her, though he didn't sit down. "Are you looking forward to the wedding?"

"Nope. Romance is overrated." She took a bite of her chocolate bar, despite having little appetite now; it was a good distration, if nothing else. "Guess at least there'll be booze at the party."

"Just…try not to overdo it."

In her current mood, she found his comment inexplicably irritating. "Just because Mom's gone doesn't mean you suddenly get to parent me," she snapped. "Besides that, I'm an adult."

In the brief silence that followed her angry words, Kiriko began to feel a little sick from the sudden influx of sugar.

"You're right," Mako said in a tight voice. "I'm sorry."

His instant retreat filled her with guilt, which only served to fuel the anger. She didn't want to feel guilty.

He continued before she could figure out what to say. "Have I been around too much? Butting into you girls' lives? If you don't want–"

"Shut up," she grumbled, eyes filling with frustrated tears. "I didn't mean– Ugh. I'm just in a bad mood, okay?"

"I, uh– I did pick up on that." He stood there at the far end of the sofa, awkwardly holding a stack of papers with a pitiful look on his face.

"You haven't done anything wrong," Kiriko muttered. "I'm glad you're around more."

Finally, Mako crept closer and sat down, though it was a few feet away from her and he didn't get comfortable. "Do you– Do you wish I'd been around more…before?"

The conversation with Lin, months ago, swam into her mind. But how to answer that question? It felt like anything she said would make him feel worse. "You did good."

"I'm…not sure what that means."

"You… You were what we needed. Now we need you a little bit more. So if you wanna play the dad role and get onto me about drinking too much, I guess I can live with that. You've earned the right."

He was quiet for a few long seconds.

"No I haven't. I shouldn't have said what I said. You're nineteen. Old enough to do what you want. I just– I just worry. Even more now than I used to."

"What are you worried about? That I'll get sloppy drunk and embarrass myself?"

"It's more of a long-term worry, actually. I know drinking is normal at your age, but I don't want it to become a crutch that you rely on to forget your troubles."

Kiriko snorted, though the amusement was barely there. "It doesn't make me forget anything or feel better. It just enhances what I'm already feeling."

"I've had my own vices over the years. Took up smoking after a…particularly stressful point in my career."

"Huh? I've never seen you smoke."

"I quit before you and Anisa were born."

"Oh." Silence. It was a little awkward; neither of them were used to having serious talks with each other. "Do you ever regret it?"

"Quitting smoking? Definitely not. It was a disgusting habit."

"No– I mean… Do you regret, uh…helping my moms have us?"

"What? Of course not. Why would you think that?"

Kiriko was reluctant to rat out Lin for saying things that maybe she shouldn't have said. They'd had a nice moment of bonding and it would be a shame to ruin that.

"I dunno… Just curious, I guess. You never had your own kids. Figured you never actually wanted to be a parent."

"Not in the traditional sense, no. For a variety of reasons. But mostly because I doubt I would've been a good one. Korra and Asami… They gave me the opportunity to have the best of both worlds. I would've been a fool and a coward to say no. And I'm really glad I said yes."

She managed to crack a smile. "Me, too."

Nik was a smart guy.

He was more than smart, actually. He was a genius. People often forgot because it was more fun to play practical jokes or go out and pick up girls or just generally act like a 'normal' person, rather than be studious and nerdy.

Of course, if anyone knew how much time he spent at home tinkering and inventing and reading engineering magazines, they might realize just how brilliant he was. But what did it matter? There was only one person he wanted to see that side of him, and she was currently sitting at another table in the bar—with her sister and his sister.

Nik himself had slipped in separately after overhearing the girls' plans to go out to a karaoke bar the night before the Wedding of the Century, as everyone had taken to calling it. They knew he was there but hadn't invited him to hang out with them. Unsurprisingly.

And so he sat there in a dark corner, nursing his drink and trying to act like he was paying attention to the man singing his heart out on the low stage at the other end of the room. It was a slow, sad song, and not a terrible rendition, but Nik would've preferred to stare at Kiriko if he thought he could get away with it.

She was kind of scary, though. In a good way. Yeah, definitely a good way. She could snap him in half if she wanted to, and it thrilled him. Even that simple thought was enough to make him shift in his seat, now uncomfortable. But there was nothing to be done about it.

Wonder what they're talking about…

Probably marriage. And babies. That's what girls talk about, right? Raniq seems properly obsessed with both topics. Yeah, they're probably talking about that.

The sound of Anisa laughing pulled his eyes back to their table. All three were smiling. Happy. Probably a little bit drunk. Even Raniq had a half-empty drink in front of her. Kiriko was on her second one.

The man finished his song and there was a brief lull, followed by a husky voice over the PA system.

"Next up, Kiriko Sato…

She sat up straight, eyes wide, and shook her head. It was almost a certainty that Anisa was responsible for this development, as she seemed to be doing the legwork in terms of persuasion.

"Okay, okay! Fine!" Kiriko finally said with a resigned laugh, getting to her feet. "You better appreciate this, because I'm never doing it again!"

"Woo!" Anisa cheered while Raniq grinned and clapped.

Well, this is unexpected… Nik mused, fascinated. He glanced over at a wide, rectangular mirror, pretty sure he knew what it really was. There were certain perks to being a genius, and one of them was that he could easily connect small details to form a larger picture.

Before Kiriko even reached the stage, he was on his feet. A small door near his table led into a recording booth behind the 'mirror'; he slipped inside after a brisk knock.

"Hey, you can't be back here," the greasy man in black protested, though half-heartedly, from where he sat next to a camera that pointed out the window onto the stage.

Nik pulled out his wallet. "You've got the microphone hooked into your recording, right?" he asked, flashing a large bill.

"Of course…?"

"I'll pay you a thousand yuans to record her whole song and give me the reel." A moment later, he added. "I'm not a creep. She's my girlfriend. It's a surprise for her birthday."

The man considered him for a moment, leaning back in his chair with arms crossed, then reached forward for the money. "If she's any good and you can get me a copy, you've got a deal."

"Sure thing. You'll get the rest afterward."

With that, he went back to his table, just in time to hear the beginning of the song. It was easily recognizable—one of those shallow pop songs that was all over the radio. Catchy beat. Synthesizer.

But it started off slow and quiet with the snapping of fingers.

'I thought it would be so easy
Maybe it could be that easy
But I'll never know
Cause I'm stuck on you
And I don't want to be'

There wasn't much to be said about Kiriko's singing ability, besides that she could carry a tune and little else. Clearly, she was aware of that because she broke character before the next line.

"Shit," she mumbled with an embarrassed chuckle. "This is higher than I thought it would be."

It was true that her voice tended to be lower, huskier. That was Nik's second-favorite thing about her. His first-favorite thing was her face. And the neck it attached to it. Also what was a little further down. And everything else, too. An ass that didn't quit. Legs that went on forever…

He shifted in his chair and tried to focus on her face. The song had picked up now and she was really getting into it. What she lacked in talent she made up for with pure passion. Her mouth spoke the words but her heart was breathing life into them.

'What if I spend my whole life
Waiting for someone who doesn't even want me
Worried that I'll wait until I die
Wait until you're ready'

Being a genius was great, but there were drawbacks.

Nik knew something. He knew something probably no one else knew. Maybe Raniq knew. Maybe not.

How did he know this thing? Because he saw everything. Noticed everything—especially if it concerned Kiriko. There was no one he paid closer attention to.

If she'd just give me a chance, I could show her that I'm not always the person she thinks I am. I can be serious. I can treat a woman well. But she won't give me the time of day, so what else am I supposed to do but torment her? At least she knows I exist.

He would never tell anyone the thing he knew. He would never tell his best friend about the looks of wistful longing Kiriko shot covertly in his direction. He would never tell Valen about the faint blushes that appeared on her face whenever his name came up.

And Nik would never tell Kiriko that he was the reason Valen had never pursued her.

'What if I spend my whole life
Turning people down
Until you say you miss me
Worried that I'll wait until I die
Cause I don't want somebody
New if I can have you'

She was putting her body into it now. Hips swaying deliciously. The lyrics burned into his brain and he wished they were for him. But he knew they weren't. He knew the face that was etched onto the inside of her closed eyelids, and it wasn't his.

There was something else he knew, and it couldn't be clearer on his sister's face. She wasn't smiling anymore. The complex expression spoke of unexpressed words and bottled-up feelings.

Guess it runs in the family, he mused dryly. She probably has a better chance than I do. At least Kiriko likes her…

The song ended and a smattering of polite applause was drowned out by Anisa and Raniq's enthusiastic support. Kiriko's already flushed face went even redder as she let out a little self-deprecating laugh and gave the room a graceful bow. Two seconds later she tripped and stumbled on her way back to the table.

Nik returned to the recording booth to pay for his prize. A fat stack of cash was exchanged for a reel that would be hard to hide on his way out.

"Don't worry about the copy," the scout said. "She's a knockout, but she can't sing to save her life."

Nik winked. "You should see her dance."

As Kiriko fully expected, the wedding ceremony—which was less 'ceremony' and more 'three hours of sitting still in the heat'—was exceptionally dull. But Zira and Hunir seemed happy enough, and a boisterous after-party made up for the somber wedding.

"Look at her," Nik's voice said behind Kiriko and Raniq. "Seething."

"Who?"

"Fire Lord Rina."

Kiriko glanced over at the middle-aged woman in question, who sat at a large table with both her and Hunir's immediate family. The rest of the guests were drinking, mingling, or dancing while small knots of guests approached the table to give their well-wishes to the happy couple.

"Uh, I think that's just her normal face."

"Nah, she's seething. She's a purist. Sure, their diplomacy has been great the last few generations, but none of them have been eager to dilute Fire Nation blood."

Raniq sighed and rolled her eyes. "Even if that's true, it doesn't matter. Prince Kaido doesn't seem to care about that stuff at all. Actually, I heard a rumor that he's not even going to succeed Rina."

"Everyone's heard that rumor," Kiriko said with a light laugh. "Is that the best gossip you've got?"

"Nope. I know something extremely juicy and I've been sworn to secrecy."

Nik spent the next ten minutes badgering her until she finally smacked him with a water whip and he ran off.

"Wow," Kiriko said. "I can't believe you didn't tell him."

"Let's just say…I'm motivated."

Kiriko gave her a side-eye but didn't press the matter. There was little chance to, anyway, because Mara had a minor meltdown a few minutes later. Unsurprisingly, Saph had been a huge hit at the party, dominating most people's attention for the half-hour she'd been there. Everyone loved her. Everyone wanted to hold her.

"Mara was reluctant to even come out," Raniq said with a regretful sigh after she returned from taking her charges back inside. "She and Jojin don't like crowds. I convinced her it would be fine, just for a little while, but I clearly underestimated just how–"

"Up her ass everyone would be?"

"I was going to say 'fascinated'."

"Well, I guess on the bright side, she's not ignoring Saph anymore."

"I've been trying to get her on a mood regulator for months and it was finally approved a few weeks ago. It's made a huge difference. One night last week, when I had Saph in my room so they could get a good night's sleep, she walked right in before I could even get out of bed. I have a feeling she was pacing up and down the hall, waiting for Saph to wake up and cry. Ever since, Mara's been tentatively spending a little more time with her each day. It helps that Saph loves to play now. She does more than just sleep and eat."

"And shit."

"Yes, there's quite a lot of that, too," Raniq said with a laugh. "It's funny, actually. Mara and Jojin have both started complaining about it, among other things. I know that seems like a strange thing to be happy about, but it means that they feel comfortable and secure with me."

"So now you have three actual kids, rather than a baby and two…whatever they were before."

Raniq made a weird face—something between a grimace and a crooked smile. "I know what you're thinking. You think they'll realize it's pretty good to just be kids and that maybe parenthood is too much. And that I'll end up raising Saph myself."

"Why do I get the feeling you'd be okay with that?"

"I would. You know I would. But honestly? I don't see that happening. Jojin is just as attentive and devoted to Saph as he is to Mara. And she's getting there. I can tell that she's trying. They take the responsibility seriously and I don't see that changing. Yes, they're very much still children, but they're not normal children."

As they ambled around the courtyard, people constantly stopped Raniq.

"Where's the baby?"

"Can I hold her again?"

"Where have you hidden her, Raniq?"

They all meant well, Kiriko knew, but it kind of annoyed her that almost no one asked if Mara was okay. One of those few people was Kyori, who of course approached with Valen at her heels like a puppy.

"She and Saph are having a little rest," Raniq said when asked. "She was just a little overwhelmed by everything."

Meanwhile, Kiriko was doing her best to act normal. She hadn't spoken to him in months and was finding herself just as tongue-tied as before. But at least she wasn't blushing—not even when his attention shifted to her with those twinkling gray eyes.

"Legend tells you're the only one who can get the baby to stop crying," he joked. "I'm surprised you haven't moved in yet."

"I'm not the only person…" she muttered. "I dunno, she just likes me, I guess."

Fortunately, Raniq must've realized she need to be rescued because she changed the subject and carried the conversation. Kiriko was able to quietly wander away. She quickly found her mom relaxing alone at one of the tables.

"What's wrong?" Asami asked immediately.

"Huh?"

"You're scowling."

"Am I?"

She sat forward and lowered her voice. "Is it because you were talking to Valen and Kyori?"

"Am I really that transparent?" Kiriko asked with a sigh.

"No. But I happen to know you better than most people. Plus, I know the situation."

That innocuous comment was enough to spawn a sharp memory:

"Can you braid my hair?" she'd asked Korra.

The morning of that fateful day spilled into Kiriko's mind and she could hear it all. She could feel the sharp tugging on her scalp. She could smell a familiar scent that had long since faded away forever. Her composure cracked without warning and all she was aware of was an arm around her shoulders, leading her elsewhere.

When the soft hum of voices dropped off, Kiriko realized they'd gone inside and Asami had her wrapped up in a tight hug. Her face was wet but she couldn't remember when the tears had started.

The sound of a door opening and closing made her eyes crack open for a moment. It was Raniq, looking concerned.

"Hey… Are you okay? It– It wasn't what Valen said, was it?"

Kiriko managed to rein herself in and pulled away to wipe her face. "No, it's just the usual stuff. Nothing to do with him." The idea of her breaking down over something so trivial actually made her chuckle. "Spirits, I'm not that pathetic."

"I know you're not. I just wanted to make sure you weren't taking what he said out of context."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"Ah, never mind... It's not important. I'm sure I'm just overthinking things, as I usually do." She glanced around. "I wonder how Mara's doing… I think I'll go check on her."

She walked off without another word and Kiriko was left standing there with vague confusion. But Asami pulled her attention with the offer of a tissue.

"Is it okay if I head back outside? I'll stay if you want, but I want to preempt anyone else coming in here."

"How do you do it?" Kiriko muttered.

"Do what?"

"Stay in control. Emotionally. I know it hurts you just as much as it hurts me, but you're so good at hiding it."

Asami gave her a sad smile and squeezed her shoulder. "Too many years of practice."

Fifteen minutes later, Kiriko managed to compose herself enough to return to the party. As long as she avoided Valen, socializing wasn't so bad. Raniq was a big help with that, always on the lookout for the couple, who were being extra sickening this evening.

Unfortunately, the universe seemed intent on fucking with Kiriko during this trip.

"What is going on over there?" Anisa said when a bunch of people suddenly clumped together and started talking loudly. A few actually clapped and cheered.

"Uh oh," Raniq murmured with a faint frown.

Kiriko side-eyed her. "What?"

"I can't be sure…"

Instead of finishing that thought, she drifted toward the crowd with Kiriko and Anisa following curiously. Everyone began to disperse just as they got there, and at the center of it all were two people with awkward smiles and red cheeks.

Kyori and Valen. Go figure.

Raniq hurried the rest of the way alone. Whatever she said to them was too quiet to be heard, though her expression was one of concern. But they appeared to be consoling her.

"What in the world is going on?" Kiriko wondered aloud, rooted in place. Nothing could make her go any closer.

She glanced over at the newlywed's table and found Zira with a vaguely annoyed frown, clearly not pleased by whatever the person in front of her was saying. When Kiriko turned back around, she found that Anisa had abandoned her to satisfy her curiosity.

She let herself disappear into the rapidly thinning crowd. There was a faint sick feeling in her stomach, like some part of her knew what had happened but her mind refused to actually give it any thought.

Raniq tracked her down a few minutes later and sat down at the table she'd found in a quiet corner.

"Hey. You okay?"

"Yup."

"I guess you heard."

"Nope."

"Oh. Then…why are you sitting here alone?"

Kiriko focused on the napkin she was mercilessly twisting. "I don't want to know."

"Well, you're gonna find out eventually." Raniq sighed. "I knew earlier. It was an accident—me finding out, I mean—and they didn't want anyone else to know yet. Kind of impolite to get engaged at someone else's wedding…"

"I told you I didn't want to know." Her stomach hurt and it annoyed her. I should be past this. Guess I really am that pathetic. "So how did people find out?"

"I have no idea! I didn't tell anyone, I swear!" Raniq insisted, quite sincerely.

"What kind of asshole proposes at a wedding?"

"I got the impression it was a spur of the moment thing. Really, they meant to keep a lid on things for a couple weeks, at least. They're both really embarrassed."

"Bit young to get married, aren't they?" Kiriko grumbled. "I mean, she's eighteen. That's way too young to know whether or not you want to spend the rest of your life with someone." Sounds like it was impulsive. They'll probably come to their senses in a few days.

Raniq gave her a sympathetic look. "I know it's hard for you–"

"It's not! I'm over it, Raniq. Really. I just think it's stupid." But she knew she wasn't fooling anyone.

That night, Kiriko found that sleep would not come to her, so she quietly slipped out of her room and started wandering the halls. This house, which was not nearly as grandiose as the royal palace and had a much homier feel, was situated near the beach. It had enough space to accommodate all of the VIP guests—as well as a special suite for the newlyweds, themselves—and was certainly a better option than schlepping all the way back to the caldera after the day's festivities.

Eventually, her ambling brought her to a sandy boardwalk that went down to the beach. It was a hot summer night with enough moonlight to light her way. She took a few deep breaths to enjoy the smell of the sea, wilder than that of Republic City's coast. There was a certain rawness to this one, as if it had been unsullied by civilization.

Or maybe it was just that it was kept fastidiously clean by a bunch of workers.

Kiriko walked along the water's edge for a little while with the gentle waves kissing her feet to keep her cool. For once, her mind was clear of turmoil or frustration. Just…blank. The atmosphere was relaxing enough to bring on the beginnings of sleepiness and she began to make her way back to the house.

Movement ahead resolved into a shadowy figure of stumbling down the boardwalk. Two seconds later, they tripped and fell onto the dune.

"Are you okay?" Kiriko asked as she ran over, but the only thing she heard was feminine laughter.

"Shit. I think I'm drunker than I thought."

"...Zira?"

"Who– Who is it? I don't recognize your voice. Sorry. I'm really drunk."

"So you said. It's Kiriko, by the way," she added as she helped Zira back onto the boardwalk. "What are you doing out here?"

"I needed some fresh air. Walk with me?"

"Sure…"

They made it to the end of the boardwalk before either spoke again. Zira seemed to be having trouble walking in a straight line.

"You didn't seem this drunk at the party," Kiriko observed.

"Hah. In front of my grandmother? Never. But Hunir and I had our own special party after."

Kiriko felt her face flare with embarrassment and instantly regretted her comment. "I'll bet you did," she muttered.

"Poor guy. He's all tuckered out. Fast asleep."

A change of subject seemed like the safest course of action. "I'm surprised you're not tired after such a long day."

"Oh, I am. I'm exhausted. But I'll be sick if I try to sleep like this." She stopped walking abruptly and put her hand over her mouth. "Urgh… I think I need to sit down."

"I'm guessing you don't drink very often?" Kiriko asked as they got comfortable in the soft sand.

"You guess right." She took a few deep breaths and leaned back on her hands. "Okay, I feel a little better."

"Good, because I'm not the type to hold people's hair when they–"

"Don't– say it," Zira said in a halting voice.

"Sorry."

Kiriko debated on whether or not to stay. She wanted to go to bed, but getting up and leaving Zira there alone seemed potentially unsafe.

But…they barely knew each other. What did they even have to talk about?

"Are you doing pro-bending this year?" Zira asked without preamble.

"Yeah."

"It looks like a lot of fun. If I were a bender, I would've given it a try. Grandmother would've been furious, but I don't care." She sighed and ran a hand down her face. "I hate not being able to bend. I should be able to. Grandmother is a firebender. Her grandfather was one. My dad's not, so I should've been. Right?"

Kiriko tried to follow her rambling. Thinking about it, she realized that firebending had appeared in alternating generations in the royal family since the end of the Hundred Year War. "I think it's mostly random. The generational skipping was probably just a coincidence."

"I'm so envious of you," Zira continued with a self-deprecating laugh. "A firebender, a pro-bender. You even got trained by the–" She cut off then and was quiet for a few seconds. "I– I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be insensitive."

Kiriko felt herself harden; it was one of the variety of reactions she had whenever Korra came up in conversation. "Don't envy me too much," she muttered.

"It's just that…sometimes I worry that my people won't take me seriously as a leader without bending."

"Plenty of world leaders aren't benders."

"The Fire Nation is different. We may not start wars anymore, but the nationalism is still a problem. Grandmother doesn't allow hardly any immigration unless you have a parent or grandparent who was born here. She thinks the nation should be kept separate. Pure. Two generations before her, that was considered a good thing. Better than imperialism."

I guess Nik was right, after all. "Well, she won't be the Fire Lord forever." Kiriko winced when she realized how it sounded. "I mean, she'll probably want to step down at some point, right?"

Zira actually snorted. "Step down? Not a chance. She'll cling to her crown until her dying breath. She's stuck in her ways and doesn't want things to change. My dad was never enthusiastic about either politics or parenting, so I was her golden opportunity to raise the perfect protege. Well, joke's on her. I've got my own mind."

"Clearly. You married a Beifong, after all."

"You probably couldn't tell, since you don't know my grandmother, but she was livid the whole time." Zira chuckled as she spoke. "I think she actually believed she could talk me out of it, and kept trying even up to this morning."

"She's probably imagining the entire royal family being overrun by Beifong metalbenders in a couple generations. Zaofu Two."

"Easily solved by abolishing the monarchy."

Kiriko nearly swallowed her tongue. "What?! Are– Are you going to do that?"

Zira didn't answer immediately. Instead, she smoothed the sand on either side of her and stared up at the moon.

"I am very drunk," she said finally. "I might not seem like it, because I'm highly educated and forced to talk properly all day long. But. I am…really very drunk." In a quieter voice, she added, "Please don't tell anyone what I said. It could be dangerous for me. Especially don't tell Raniq anything about our conversation. I know how she is."

"Yeah, so I do. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."

"Thanks."

Kiriko's eyelids began to droop and she leaned forward to rest her chin on her knees.

"You probably want to go to bed, don't you?" Zira said. "Don't let me keep you."

"It's fine. Sleeping kinda sucks these days. Plus, Anisa snores when she's extra tired, so it's not like I'll be able to sleep, anyway."

"Hunir snores, too." She laughed and leaned back on her elbows, ankles crossed out in front of her. "Spirits, I still cannot believe his own sister got engaged at our wedding."

"Were you mad?" It was something Kiriko had been wondering all day. She, Raniq, and Anisa had all discussed whether or not to expect drama.

"Mad? No, not at all. I'm very happy for them. Since Hunir and I got engaged, Kyori and I have gotten very close. I always wanted a sister, so I'm so pleased she's part of my family now. And she and Valen are good together."

Kiriko was glad her scowl would be hidden in the gloom. "You looked kind of pissed when you found out while everyone was congratulating them."

"No, no, they told Hunir and me before that. I was mad that someone shared their secret and embarrassed them. Bet it was Raniq," Zira grumbled.

"I don't think so, actually. She told me she didn't, and while she's a terrible gossip, she's also a terrible liar."

"I'll take your word for it."

They went quiet again and Kiriko stared at the moonlight reflecting off the ocean. She dug her toes in the warm sand and thought about what Zira had said—about how it was hard for people without Fire Nation heritage to move to the country.

I guess I could, if I wanted to. I'm the very image of a Fire Nation native. I'd fit right in. And Mom's mom was born here.

That train of thought put Kiriko in mind of a fond childhood memory. They'd taken a family vacation to her grandmother's hometown, which was about fifty miles north of the capital. An old woman in a shop had actually remembered Yasuko, much to Asami's surprise and delight. They'd spent hours talking, which had been extremely boring for two seven-year-olds.

But the rest of the trip had been fun. They'd come here to the capital afterward and played on this very beach with Zira and her younger brother Zai, who was Kiriko's age. Life had been so simple then; it was easy to pretend that distant 'cousins' were temporary best friends. Zira was several years older but had made sand palaces with them and told them all about a day in the life of a princess.

What if she really does get rid of the monarchy one day? We'll probably be in our thirties or forties if that ever happens. Will her future heir feel cheated out of a throne and a crown?