CHAPTER 28

KATARAS POV

Katara slipped back into the Fire Lady's quarters after spending a nice amount of time with Song. The two had decided to take a leisurely tour of the palace's entire public wing. The public wing was open to all of Caldera's nobility; only the highest class citizens were allowed within its gates. This wing included a library, dining hall, office spaces, training grounds, gardens, and more. There was an entire section dedicated to the arts where many esteemed aristocrats enjoyed creating their muses. But Katara's favorite part of the public wing were the bathhouses. Some of them held entire swimming pools with open ceilings to let the sky and fresh air in. Katara hoped that one day she could swim in one.

By the time her and Song parted ways and she'd made it back to her rooms she knew it was approaching afternoon. She realized her chambers were empty as her eyes scanned the large apartment. She went to the nursery following the sound of light snoring coming from the area. The water bender found Zuko sitting in the same rocking chair she was in earlier with Salai in his large arms, both of them fast asleep.

Katara's frustration from earlier subsided a bit as she watched them cuddled together in total peace. She turned to leave before she heard Zuko's voice, loud enough to reach her ears but quiet enough to not wake Salai.

"Katara" he called. She stopped, turning slowly to face him. She brushed off the way her heart had nearly melted at the sight of finally seeing Zuko express love for their son and returned to her earlier demeaner…albeit a little bit milder. She needed to drive the point home, that his behavior had been unacceptable. Going days without seeing them was absolutely ludicrous.

"How was he?" she asked shortly. Zuko looked up at her with wide eyes, seemingly terrified of her.

"I-um he was great…" he trailed off noticing her raised eyebrow "well…we struggled a bit in the beginning, but once he ate things got better" he explained.

"How long has he been asleep?" she asked.

"Maybe two hours. I've lost track of time."

Katara nodded her head, moving towards them to remove Salai from his arms. Katara was surprised to see a look of longing pass over Zuko's face as he watched her carry their son away from him. She spoke without looking at him.

"You can go finish your Lordly duties. Thank you for taking care of him for a few hours." Her voice was cold and devoid of emotion. She was trying so hard not to make her hurt feelings obvious. She was more comfortable displaying anger than vulnerability in this moment.

"I-I was thinking that maybe I could stay?" he asked timidly.

"Why" she shot back.

"Look Katara I know I've been absent-"

"You've been more than absent, you're avoidant" she clipped knowing her cheeks had to be red with anger.

"I'm sorry" he said nearly begging. He crossed the room in no time, standing in front of her.

"I've been terrified, and I know it's no excuse but you have to understand I hadn't realized that being a father was subconsciously one of my worst fears" he whispered.

Her face softened slightly, parting her lips in understanding but still waiting for him to continue.

"I don't know what being a good dad looks like. I had Ozai to teach me what fatherhood was during the most formative years of my life. It wasn't until being banished with Uncle Iroh that I understood what it meant to be loved unconditionally. Only my mother had given me that and she was murdered by the one person who was supposed to protect her." Zuko spoke erratically, trying to deliver his feelings without breaking down.

"But when I-" he choked "when I looked into his eyes today I realized I could never run from him again. I realized that my son should not birth the fear of falling short, but instead he is an opportunity to be a better man. I vow on this day Katara that I will do everything in my power to make sure the two of you are alright, and doing that means being here. I've won the war already…I realize it's no longer about protecting your safety I need to be present in your lives."

He stepped closer, grabbing her hips as he looked down at the baby in her arms.

"I will love him with everything I have in me. He deserves nothing less" he declared. Katara felt her eyes well the longer he spoke. She nodded her head. Her throat threatened to close so she did not respond verbally, but she knew that he could see the acceptance in her expression. He breathed out in relief, dropping his head to be in the crook of her neck. He pressed his forehead into her shoulder allowing her to feel his breath brush over her bosom. She suppressed a shiver as she felt his grip on her hips tighten.

"I think he needs to be changed" Katara said finally. Zuko stood straight as he looked in her eyes.

"Teach me" he smiled. Katara finally returned his lopsided grin.

ZUKOS POV

It had been three weeks since Zuko had decided to share parental duties equally with Katara…or at least as equally as they could considering he was the King of an entire country. He took Akuzo twice a week in the afternoons, which allowed Katara to spend time with Song who had joined his court officially only two weeks ago.

Zuko enjoyed his time with his son immensely. Most days Iroh would highjack his babysitting session and insist on holding the boy the entire time, but Zuko didn't mind. He wanted Akuzo to be surrounded by the love he never got to experience growing up. Besides, Iroh was the closest thing to a grandfather his son would get on his side of the family.

Zuko pondered that his Uncle took up the responsibilities of being Zuko's father when Ozai had abandoned him, but when it came down to it he knew that if Iroh ever had to choose he would choose Lu-Ten. It was a terrible feeling to always be aware of, Zuko thought. To always know that there was no one on this earth that loved him more than anything. He would not let his son experience that same pain.

Whenever him and Katara didn't have him separately they tried their best to parent him together. This could only be done in the mornings and at night, against his advisors strong standing against this. They did not agree with their King openly spending the night in a woman's bed that he was not married to, although she was the mother of his child. Surprisingly nobody bothered to deny that Akuzo was his son. Logically it would be hard to since the babe was the spitting image of Zuko and all the men in his family that came before him.

The Fire Lord looked down at the young Prince in his arms as he strolled through the gardens. His favorite activity as of late had been showing Akuzo around the palace and telling him about their family's history…the parts he was proud of at least. Although he knew his son could not understand it he still enjoyed the way his big golden eyes looked up at him with such adoration.

'He is a beautiful hatchling twin'

Zuko smiled as he looked over at Druk who had decided to hang out with them in the flower garden.

"Thank you" the King smiled as he watched Akuzo and his dragon lock eyes. The large reptile blew a small plume of sparks into the air making Azuko's little voice ring out in laughter. All of the servants who were once bustling about stopped their duties to watch the adorable interaction. Druk continued to entertain the little Prince, shooting oddly shaped fire balls into the air. There had not been a baby's laughter in the palace for quite some time. Zuko watched as everyone's faces around them dawned grinning and warm expressions.

"Fire Lord Zuko, did you forget about your council meeting this evening?"

Zuko whipped around seeing his Hand, Suki, standing behind him.

"Shit, yes I must have gotten my schedules mixed up" he panicked looking down at his son. It would be wrong of him to call Katara back to the palace, she had specifically asked for this evening off to go see a play in the city with Song.

"Don't worry I'll watch him" Suki offered, registering the anxiety on his face.

"Thank you Suki, thank you!" he exclaimed as he handed Akuzo off to her "What would I do without my Hand?"

The warrior rolled her eyes as she took the babe. Her and Druk watched as he rushed out of the gardens and back into the palace.

When Zuko got there he was surprised to find extra members in the council meeting. One was dressed regally in her all black attire, her hair pinned up extravagantly with her signature bangs cutting across her forehead. Beside the Lady was another new member; her father, Governor Ukano.

"Good afternoon your Grace" the Governor greeted, bowing deeply while his daughter curtseyed even lower. The Fire Lord tilted his head in acknowledgement.

"Mai. Governor" he greeted with a tilt of his head "what brings you here today all the way from Yama?" he asked. The province was about a four days ride north from Caldera, therefore Zuko knew he had not traveled here just to say hello.

"That is our first agenda item for today my Lord" one of his advisors interrupted.

"Proceed" he urged, finally sitting at the head of the table. He wanted to cut to the chase. He knew this had to be about him attempt to break off the betrothal with his daughter.

Mai's father remained standing while everyone else sat.

"Your Grace, it is with great regret that I find myself within the palace today…I had hoped the next time I came here I would be walking the beautiful daughter I had given to you down the aisle. But instead I come in confusion, wondering why you have revoked your proposal. Has my daughter offended you so my Lord? If so allow me to repair whatever damage has been done." He concluded.

Zuko's eyes shifted to Mai, who was sitting quietly in her seat , her face crimson. He looked back at the governor a frown now marring his face.

This was a political move. Putting him on front street in front of all of his advisors was a smart play. Zuko now had to think fast, and find a legitimate reason that would not offend one of his own government officials in front of everyone.

"It is not that the Lady offends me Sir, but rather my heart belongs to another. It would not be fair for Lady Mai to endure a loveless marriage. As her father you must agree" he countered.

"Why yes I want what is best for my daughter by any means. But truly what could be better for her than to be under the protection and guidance of the most powerful man on earth? I fear that my daughter has not been given a fair chance at winning your heart my Lord."

Zuko's eyes floated back to Mai.

"She was given three months. I do not mean to offend but there is no comparison when it comes to the mother of my child" he said bluntly.

"While I do understand how that may be…a dilemma, it is not exactly within the laws of this Nation"

Zuko sighed in frustration leaning forward in his chair onto his elbows.

"Enlighten me, governor" he snarked, using his title as a slight now. Ukano smiled slyly making Zuko feel uneasy.

"You see, I've spent some time sifting through our nation's laws and I found a specific clause; one that specifies what is to be done when a Fire Lord finds himself betrothed to two women. Once his betrothal is officially documented amongst the Sages or a Fire priest, which both Mai's and Katara's are there are two options you see…either take both wives or allow the people to decide."

Zuko's heart stopped.

He had not seen this clause, possibly because there hadn't been a Fire Lord in any near history in this predicament.

"Let the public decide…" Zuko repeated.

"Yes. As in a vote. Each consort will get their opportunity to campaign before the decision is made of course."

Zuko did not like this proposition, but it looked like he had no choice. The fact that Ukano had made it into this meeting meant that his advisors had verified the legitimacy of this clause before letting him into the council room. Zuko folded his fingers together in a tent over the table calmly before responding.

"I will discuss this with Princess Katara and will have an answer for you by the end of the week."

Ukano grinned at him before bowing deeply and exiting the room, his daughter close behind his heels.

KATARAS POV

It was late afternoon by the time she'd made it back to the palace. She had parted ways with Song once they'd made it to the gates. The young new lady-in-waiting stayed in a small apartment just outside the palace walls, making it easy for Katara to go to and from. Since Song was now a Lady of Zuko's court she had free access to the palace as well. This meant she could see her friend practically whenever she wanted now.

Katara walked swiftly through the halls once she'd made it in, Sho struggling to keep up with her. She was itching to get back to Salai. This was the longest time she'd ever spent away from him. Nearly the entire day she'd been out and about shopping with Song for new dresses, getting lunch, and going to see a play. She had been walking for what felt like hours before she made it to her quarters.

The water bender found them in Ursa's garden, sitting by the turtle duck pond. Zuko was holding their son up with his thigh so that he could face him. The Fire Lord had ditched his regal robes and replaced them with loose fitting silk pajamas, his inky hair falling in a curtain just past his broad shoulders.

"This is where grandma Ursa used to sit with me" he explained to their son "there used to be turtle ducks in this pond almost year round. But they haven't been here in a while…I have a feeling that with you here they may make a return" he smiled down at the cooing boy.

"I hope that they do" Katara called, still standing in the arched entryway to the garden.

Zuko turned his head taking in her form slowly. Katara didn't miss the way his eyes seemed to drink her in as they raked over her body. He finally gave her a lopsided grin. She walked over to him sitting down in the grass beside them.

"How was your girl's day?" he asked while absentmindedly stroking Salai's hair. Katara sighed happily.

"It was wonderful! Thank you for letting Song and I use the royal purse to shop" she said shyly before she took Salai from his lap. She couldn't help herself, she needed to embrace him.

"It's the least I can do… Song ended up being an essential aid in the war, but not only that she's helping me protect you" he said. Katara's brows furrowed.

"Protect me?"

Zuko traced his hand along her cheekbone.

"I know the Ladies at court can be ruthless. I was around my mother enough as a boy to witness just how cut throat it can get. But as a man I cannot protect you in that arena. That is your battleground to fight, and you will need to know how to fight it should you become my Queen one day. It's good to have a Lady you can trust with you. Make sure you keep each other close" the Fire Lord explained. Katara nodded, her blues melting into his topaz orbs. She wanted to kiss him in that moment.

Despite the reality that they had so much stacked against them Katara could not help but feel grateful for her current position. She was relatively safe living in comfort, not sleeping outside while pregnant hiding from fire nation soldiers. Zuko was not actually dead and she had brought a beautiful boy into the world. The life she was living now, albeit uncertain, was lightyears better than what she had become accustomed to.

"Katara, we need to have an important conversation" Zuko said after several moments. Her heart began to race in anticipation. She knew it had to be about his betrothal to Mai. She had heard mummering's amongst the courtiers that nearly all of Zuko's council meetings had been centered around his public decision to go against the Fire Sages and break off his betrothal. And of course Katara's arrival to the palace with Zuko's baby did not help the matter. Everyone knew their King had married the water bender first, but the public had been so excited about the prospect of Mai being Fire Lady that this fact came as a shock and irritant for most. They did not want a foreign Queen…that much was clear to Katara.

"What is it?" she asked.

"My council has finally come to a decision regarding my marital status" he began, clearing his throat nervously "and it's not at all what I was expecting."

Katara's poor heart seemed to beat even faster as she listened.

"Mai and her father ambushed me today. He traveled all the way from Yama to tell me how unjustly I was treating his daughter. Then he pulled out some archaic law which states that a Fire Lord with two official betrothals must either take both wives or settle on a public vote."

Katara's brain felt like it was crashing. She knew she stood no chance at winning the Fire Nation's vote against a government official's daughter. And sharing Zuko for the rest of her life with Mai sounded like absolute misery.

"There has to be another way" she protested.

"It has already been decided on" he sighed "just tell me what you want me to do Katara and I'll do it" he said furrowing his brows in distress. It was clear that he was just as devastated as she was. She looked down at Salai in her lap, feeling the hope of a possible happy future melting away around her. The longer she did not answer the antsier Zuko became.

"I know that having Mai in the picture would be challenging but it may be the only guaranteed way we could be together" he reasoned sadly.

"Will you be expected to have children with her?" she asked. Zuko's silence answered her question.

The Fire bender grabbed her face looking deeply into her eyes, searching them desperately.

"Katara I love you, and I am so sorry. If I had been able to anticipate your return this would have never happened. It was why I made sure I married you before going off to war in the first place. Sometimes I wish I could just walk away from all of this…" he rambled on.

"Zuko no. You have an entire country to protect now. There are so many people who need you-"

"I need you" he interrupted "I'm no good without you…I'm…I'm"

Now it was her turn to grab his face. She held his gaze in determination, feeling a new flood of passion enter her veins. This was her family. Zuko was her husband before any of this.

"I will win the vote and become your wife again. I promise to give it my all" she whispered before capturing his lips in a searing kiss. He pulled away to look at her uncertainly.

"Are you sure about this? The Fire Nation people are a stubborn and highly opinionated bunch" he said.

"One thing I've learned through all of this, is that we can achieve anything together. We both escaped death's clutches and still found our way to each other. Nothing is too big" she assured him.

Although she knew she was in over her head she still had to try. This was something worth saving.

Their son's life with his parents was something worth saving.

ZUKOS POV

Zuko was impressed with Katara's tenacity. He suddenly found himself more enamored with her determination to win his nation's approval. Although he did not want her to have to take this path, he respected her even more for her decision. Not only was she a wonderful mom, he knew she would make a great Queen one day. He reached up to caress her face, lost in her resolute gaze. He leaned down to kiss her lips softly, the world falling away around them.

"I want so badly for you to be my Queen" he whispered against her lips "I want so badly for us to be a family."

"I know" she whispered capturing his lips again. He felt heat pool in the pit of his stomach, an uncontrollable need for her rushing through his spine down to his loins. He pulled away looking down at Akuzo who was staring up at his parents in confusion.

"Let's put him down for bed" he said. She nodded her head in agreement taking him into her arms and carrying the babe inside.

Zuko followed close behind.

"Why don't you go bathe and change into your night clothes, I'll put him to sleep" he suggested. He noticed the surprised look on her face. Zuko really had been trying hard to prove that he could be a present and adequate father. Every day he learned something new about fatherhood, and what it really means to support Katara.

"Okay…" she said hesitantly "he usually eats before bed…"

"I know I'll make a bottle" he said. She nodded before going into the bathroom leaving Zuko to tend to Akuzo.

By the time Katara stepped out of the bathroom the King had successfully fed, burped, and rocked his son to sleep. He stood up to gently place him in the basinet in the nursery connected to Katara's suite.

He looked over to Katara who had been turning down the bed. She wore a red silk robe that hugged her curves just right, and her long curls cascaded down her back in beautiful brown waves. Zuko traveled to the bed and stood behind her waiting patiently as she bent over the bed to pull back the covers.

"Absolutely stunning" he praised before she turned around to face him. Her cheeks heated in the cutest blush he'd ever seen. He realized he hadn't been intimate with her since the first night he found her. His body craved her desperately, and finally his mind had caught up.

"Zu…" she moaned as he slowly teased the opening of her robe.

"Will you let me?" he rasped, gently cupping her breasts in his large hands. He could feel her heart beat increase and her breathing become shallow the more he touched her. He ran his nose along her neck leaving searing kisses in his wake. She practically melted into his arms when he pulled her closer, his grip firmly placed at the small of her back.

"Your council does not like for you to spend the night here" she whispered.

"Fuck what they think" he growled against her skin. She pushed him away suddenly. He blinked in confusion not understanding her abrupt change in mood.

"Maybe for you but I have to think about these things now" she said angrily.

"Katara wha-"

"Their opinion of me maters! If I want to get their vote I have to play by their rules" she explained.

Zuko pinched he bridge of his nose, trying hard to swallow his sexual frustration.

"Fine" he breathed. He kissed her forehead before turning to leave.

"Goodnight my love" he said before closing the door behind him. Zuko returned to his own chambers searching for his favorite fire whiskey. Hopefully drinking would make him forget the fire burning in his pants.

KATARAS POV

Katara stared in the mirror as two different servants attended to her hair. She was in a floor length cerulean dress, the train so long it wrapped around her feet. She wore light makeup, enough to accentuate the light blue of her eyes without taking away from her natural beauty. Her hair was being fashioned in an intricate braiding pattern with curls framing her face. It had been three weeks since Zuko told her about the council's decision to vote for their Fire Lady. In those three weeks she had been required to take Fire Nation history courses and Fire Lady duty classes so that she would have informed consent regarding what she was signing up for. She knew that this was a serious undertaking in agreeing to campaign for this role. Not only was the Fire Nation Queen responsible for bringing heirs into the world, she had several roles in government that made her almost as powerful as her husband. She was to be the keeper of the palace managing its finances, staff, and events, as well as the head of every province's school board. She was to be the head of the women's court as well as managing public service initiatives and approving the betrothals of important Lords and Ladies. It was all quite overwhelming to take in. Katara had never been trained to be Queen, her Princess duties back at the South Pole were largely shaped around making sure the Tribe survived. There wasn't a political landscape to navigate there, there weren't hidden agendas that she needed to look out for. This would all be new to her. But she was determined to not only succeed but to excel. And she was so far. She was like a sponge in her courses, absorbing as much information as she could, even taking homework to bed with her. She was determined to outshine Mai in every way possible.

Sho must have noticed the look on her face as she stepped forward to place a sapphire necklace around her neck.

"Your professors tell me that you are one of their best pupils" Sho said smiling as she fastened the clasp. Katara sighed looking up at her servant in waiting. Sho had become a source of comfort for her over the past couple of months. She appreciated the small woman's constant but quiet presence now more than ever.

"I try my hardest" Katara answered softly.

"Do not be nervous my Lady. All you must do today is smile and hold your head up high" she explained as she took a silver tiara from a trey and placed it neatly atop her head.

Today was her and Mai's coronation as official Queen Elect. This meant that the public would finally be notified of Zuko's decision for both of his betroths to be honored and for one of them to be voted on by the people. After the servants were done adding the final touches to her look she was lead to a waiting room where she sat alone. Not even Sho was allowed in there with her. After several moments of silence she heard the door open. In walked Mai, dressed just as regally as her only in red and gold. Her hair was fashioned traditionally in an elaborate updo with a gold tiara above her bangs.

"Hello" Katara greeted. She had decided that she would not be hostile towards Mai despite the unfriendliness she had received from her since she'd arrived in the Fire Nation. In the Fire Lady classes they took together Mai tended to ignore her and today was no different. The dark haired beauty simply turned up her nose before walking past her to sit down in the adjacent chair. Katara signed deeply, the silence feeling even heavier than before.

"You know this is an impossible game you're playing" Mai said suddenly. Her raspy voice breaking the silence nearly startled her.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

"You won't win" she said simply. Mai wasn't even looking at her. She was staring ahead at the wall as she spoke "the Fire Nation loves my father. You won't stand a chance."

Katara did not respond at first, she simply stared ahead at the same wall searching for the confidence to shut her down. She pushed past the feelings of unworthiness that had been festering inside of her for so long. Mai often exacerbated these feelings of inadequacy. But she knew if she was going to win the hearts of the Fire Nation people, she first had to master how to handle her biggest obstacle; Mai.

Just then a royal guard entered the waiting room to usher them out. Katara stood first finally turning towards the other Queen Elect.

"This nation may love your father for everything that he's done, they may look at your name and see wealth and notoriety. But ask yourself Lady Mai…does the Fire Nation love you? Does this nation know what you have to offer it outside of your family name?"

Mai did not answer, she stared up at her with tight lips before standing up and walking out behind the guard. Katara followed eventually making it to the outdoor ceremonial grounds. Zuko was waiting for both of them, standing in the center of two small thrones. He wore his traditional robes today, looking the part of Fire Lord from head to toe.

She looked out to see a massive crowd of people all watching the stage. He took Katara's hand first kissing the back of it while staring deeply into her eyes. His golden orbs tried to reassure her as he led her to the throne to his right. She sat there making sure her back was as straight as a board. Her gaze slanted to the side as she saw him do the same to Mai, this kiss on her hand more brief than Katara's. When they were both seated he addressed the crowd, his deep voice billowing out for the people to hear.

"Beloved Fire Nation people! Thank you for gathering to witness an important day in our Nation's history. Today we will coronate two potential Queens for this Nation; the first being Princess Katara Naat'aanii of the Southern Water Tribe daughter of Southern Chief Hakoda!"

Katara was utterly shocked to hear many people cheering for her announcement. She had expected the embarrassment of utter silence…she had no idea that she'd already garnered some supporters. She looked over to see Mai's usually unbothered mask crack into disbelief.

"And second being Lady Mai Sato of Yama, daughter of Governor Ukano!"

The cheers that erupted were deafening, enough to make Katara's heart sink into the pit of her stomach. Mai's arrogant smirk returned as she scanned the crowd. The water bender told herself to quiet her heart over and over again. She knew she had a lot of work to do to win the hearts of these people. Soon they would see how great of a leader she could be for their country. Once the crowd had quieted Zuko's voice rang out again.

"These two phenomenal women will have six months to campaign for their position of Fire Lady. At the end of this period a vote will be cast to every province in the nation. It is now up to you who I take as my wife. I trust that my people will do their absolute best to select the greatest and most capable Fire Lady for our country!"

The crowd erupted into more cheers, red cloths were thrown and waved into the air everywhere. Katara and Mai were both led by Zuko from their thrones and back into the palace, the deafening sounds fading from their ears as the door was closed behind them.

"Let the games begin" Mai said smiling before quickly kissing Zuko on the cheek. He stepped away stunned by her brazen display of affection.

"Mai-" he started.

"Naoki!" she yelled for her servant in waiting before he could even protest "make sure all of my dresses are steamed and pressed before being moved into my new quarters. I would hate to look unkempt now that I am Queen Elect" she said tightly as she looked Katara up and down. She strutted down the hall briskly her servant struggling to keep up behind her. She was out of their sight before they could even react.

"Katara…" Zuko signed apologetically.

"I know…it's fine" she said sighing deeply "it wouldn't look good for you to act coldly towards her. You have to make it seem like you're giving both of us a fair shot" she said sadly. Katara didn't want anyone to feel like she had an unfair advantage just because she had Zuko's baby. She wanted to earn her title fair and square.

"Very well" he sighed.

"Princess Katara, you have two guests waiting for you" Sho announced as she walked up to them.

"Where?" she asked. Who could possibly be here for her, she thought.

"In the waiting room my Lady."

She rushed down the hall to the room her and Mai had waited in before. She did not expect to see the two people that sat down before her.

"Dad? Sokka?" she cried. She rushed to them dropping to her knees in a sob before being quickly embraced by the two in a tight bear hug.

END CHAPTER 28