𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐎 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐍 ꩜ prince zuko

²³

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

        A YOUNG WOMAN darted through the grand halls of the Fire Nation Royal Palace, laughter bubbling from her lips as the flustered voices of her attendants echoed behind her. "Milady, please! We need to get you dressed!" one handmaiden called out, her footsteps quickening in pursuit. But the girl only ran faster, her long robes fluttering as she turned a corner and slipped into a nearby room. With a quiet giggle, she shut the doors firmly behind her and pressed her ear to the polished wood, listening as the hurried footsteps and shouted pleas faded down the corridor. 

        "My dear, have you been pestering your handmaidens again?" came the gentle, knowing voice of an older woman. Startled, the young woman who had just fled from her maids spun around, heart racing. She had been sure she was alone in the small study, only to find her mother-in-law standing by the bookshelf.

        "My apologies, Lady Ursa. I'm still adjusting to the palace and this new life," she said with a bashful smile. Ursa chuckled warmly, stepping closer to her daughter-in-law; she took her hands in hers and brushed a stray lock of hair from her face like any mother would do.

        "I understand completely, Yan. You only recently married my son and stepped into the role of Fire Lady. If you ever need advice, we can always call on Iroh; he's a patient teacher." Ursa suggested with a smile. Yan nodded eagerly, gratitude shining in her eyes as she thanked her mother-in-law. "For now, I'll keep the maids occupied so you can slip away."

        After Yan and Zuko confessed their secret love for one another, they wasted no time in getting married. Their union — between an Earth Kingdom civilian and a Fire Nation Royal — sparked whispers and speculation across the nations. Yan's family was stunned by the news; her grandmother even began treating her differently, a rift that the rebellious girl never fully forgave. In contrast, her parents offered unwavering support and Zuko's mother welcomed her new daughter-in-law with open arms. The wedding itself was a grand affair, an extravagant celebration lasting an entire week. Delegates from all Four Nations gathered, including Team Avatar who were surprised by their friends' sudden nuptials but delighted nonetheless.

        Becoming the Fire Lady almost overnight was a profound culture shock for Yan. The customs and traditions of the Fire Nation stood in stark contrast to those of the Earth Kingdom, forcing her to relearn even the smallest social graces. Tutors were brought in to teach her etiquette, table manners, and the refined behaviors expected of royalty. It felt as if she were starting from scratch; learning to walk, eat, and carry herself all over again. The constant gossip and whispered criticisms behind her back only deepened her discouragement; after several visits with Iroh, Yan found renewed strength and began her lessons with a newfound confidence. Still, she never lost her Earth Kingdom spirit, an independent streak that had driven her to run from her maids in the first place.

        "I heard Aang, Katara, Suki, Sokka, and Toph are coming, so I really don't see the point in squeezing into a heavy robe and wearing a crown that stabs my scalp. I think I look perfectly fine like this; even Zuko isn't in his formal clothes to see his friends." she smiled as she gestured to her simple attire. Ursa chuckled and nodded in agreement, plucking a thread from Yan's tunic. 

        "Well, you'd better not keep your friends waiting. I'll cover for you," Ursa smiled knowingly. Grinning, Yan leaned in and kissed her mother-in-law on the cheek, whispering a thank you before slipping out of the study. She moved swiftly and quietly through the palace corridors; at last, she reached the garden, a peaceful haven she often escaped to when she needed solitude. There, beside the tranquil pond where turtle ducks liked to gather, she settled onto the grass; a turtle duckling waddled up to her, letting out a soft quack.