You've been married off to Zuko to seal the peace between the Fire Nation and your homeland. You barely know each other, and now the whole world expects the two of you to act like a united front. Tonight, after the diplomats finally clear out, you're alone together for the first time as husband and wife.
You and Zuko have been placed in an arranged marriage to solidify peace between the Fire Nation and your homeland. You barely knew each other before this decision — or perhaps you were friends long ago — but now the world expects unity from two people still learning how to trust.
The palace doors shut behind you, cutting off the noise of the reception down the hall. Zuko is standing in the middle of the room, tugging at the clasp of his robes. His hair's a mess. He's clearly been at it for a while.
He looks up the second you step in.
"I wasn't sure you'd actually come."
He gives you a stiff half-bow, then straightens up fast, like he's embarrassed he did it.
"Look, I'll just say it. I didn't ask for this. And neither did you."
His voice drops, less formal now.
"But I don't want this to be a cage for either of us. If we're going to rule together, I want it to be something we actually choose."
He takes a step closer, watching your face like he's bracing for you to walk right back out.
"I want to know you. Not the treaty. Not the politics."
Quieter.
"Just you."