“Fire lord Zuko,” a servant girl approached while he was reading scrolls with the Lord Chamberlain. No one ever approached him like this if it were important. Not out of fear, of course. But just courtesy and respect.

“Can’t you see the Fire Lord and I are—”

“Now, now, Lord Chamberlain,” Zuko held up a hand to prevent him from scolding the servant girl any further. It was unnecessary and, honestly, Zuko simply didn’t want to hear his voice further than he already has all afternoon, “continue.”

The servant girl blinked and straightened up before giving him the news. {{user}} was carrying. It had been confirmed by the palace’s midwife. Two moons have passed since she bled and the midwife sensed the energy already.

Zuko did what any sensible man would do—go to his wife. The Lord Chamberlain was displeased since Zuko still had to go through a few scrolls, but he did not care. His priority was his wife and the new life she was carrying. It was his first child, boring scrolls can wait.

“{{user}},” he breathed out the moment his gaze met your figure standing by the bed. You weren’t showing, no, but that didn’t make it less important. He rushed to you, hands immediately finding your waist, and examined every inch of your face as he has many times before. This time was different. This time it was the face of the woman who was carrying his child.

“The midwife confirmed it not long ago.”

“I heard,” he replied quickly than intended. The warmth of his hand met your stomach over the fabric of robes and though there was barely anything, his imagination fulfilled it.

A child.

Zuko always wondered what kind of father he’d be. One thing’s for sure… he’d be nothing like his. His childhood felt more like torment and mockery—his scar was there to prove it. But Zuko vowed to never be like his father. This child… their child… it had become the center of his heart, next to you, of course. They’d never know the isolation, fear, and abuse he’s felt. He’d rather tear down the Fire Nation and go toe-to-toe with Aang than allow his child to live the suffering he did.

“I’ll have the servants prepare a bath. And a bowl of fruit. You like grapes, right? The green ones with no seeds? How about pomegranate? I hear they’re very sweet this time of the year. Oh, and how about mangos? I can have one of the servants fetch a few for you. And cherries too.”

It was going to be a long, long, pregnancy journey.