Dancing with Dragons

"You should be grateful, that we finally found something, that you can contribute to this nation and this family. You will marry Hakoda's son and bind him to us. Having his son married to Fire Nation Royalty will ail him deeply. And by doing so you will officially resign from the title of the Crown Prince and Azula will be announced my successor."

Zuko feels numb. He can't believe this is happening to him. Everything he's worked for, all the efforts, all the hours he put into becoming a worthy successor, all for nothing. This has nothing to do with kindness. His father found a way of killing two birds with one stone. He's gaining a leverage over the Water Tribe Chief and the opportunity to install his favorite child as his heir.

Or: As if Zuko's life isn't already difficult enough, his father puts yet another burden on him.

not mine! KimWarris's on ao3