For Peace* *

That's what she'd been told. That this arrangement was to showcase that the Nations were focused on rebuilding the world after the atrocities of the 100-Year War.

The war had ended over a decade ago now. Tensions were still high for most nations. Hardly anyone trusted anyone but the Avatar and his friends were mending fences and building bridges. One of those bridges was this marriage as suggested by Councilman Sokka.

There had been extreme pushback but still, here she was. Sat adorned in beautiful jewels and a feast was prepared for the new Fire Lady. Which in of itself was a mockery to her lineage. She was from the Southern Tribe. A waterbender. A good one at that. But with everything the Fire Nation had done to her tribe, this was a way to make... reparations?

She smiled politely at every guest who came and wished her congratulations on her new marriage. She watched her new husband from the corner of her eye. He sat stoically, nodding and addressing everyone by name when he said he thank yous.

Zuko could feel his bride's indifference washing off of her in waves. He knew he had his father's and his grandfather's crimes to pay for. But he truly hoped that he could make this work. For the sake of both their nations.

All he knew was that she was the daughter of an important war general from the Southern Tribe. And she'd been raised for an arranged betrothal. However, even he knew that she would've never expected a Fire Lord.

He knew of the customs of the Water Tribes. A betrothal necklace, and if the husband is a warrior, a weapon to show that he was putting his life in her hand. So far, he hadn't had the time to give her either.

"Uhh- You look quite lovely." He tried to converse and cringed internally for saying such an obvious thing to his beautiful wife. For the love of Agni, do better! He chastised himself mentally.