A wedding they called it. A wedding to unite the Fire Nation and the Earth Kingdom for an alliance.

This was no wedding. This was merely an arrangement between two desperate families, Zuko knew that.

He also knew that as Crown Prince he had certain duties to do once he became of age. That meant marrying, consummating said marriage and siring heirs. But Zuko never wanted this. He did not want to marry and sire heirs at the ripe age of 17, and he certainly did not want to sire heirs with a woman he barely knew.

For he had another in his heart. Mei, the only woman who was capable of handling his fiery temper; the woman whom he loved.

That was why on the day of his own wedding, Zuko was late. It was simply unheard of. A groom, being late to his own wedding and leaving his bride to wait.

He did not even feel an ounce of guilt or pity when he made his supposed bride wait for 2 hours. He was the Crown Prince, and he could do whatever he wanted. And right now, he wanted—no, needed to have Mei.

Finally, he arrived at the wedding hall. His hair was tied back into a bun, his uniform sharp and impeccable. He stood at the altar, his golden eyes boring holes into his bride's own.

"Start." He ordered the Fire Priest, his posture stiff and rigid as he scanned the crowd, looking for his lover.