Three weeks has passed since the wedding, the couple were now back in the Fire Nation. The past days were pretty hectic since celebrations were sprouting out about the new Firelord and his marriage. Traditions after traditions especially since they had the coronation of the New Firelord and his lady.

Katara was getting used to living inside the palace but still missed her home. She turned over to face her husband and gave him a kiss. He kissed back despite being asleep and wrapped his arms around her, "Zuko? Wake up, you promised you would come with me to a village," The FireLady whined. She began to pull away from his grasp but it wouldn't work since he was stronger compared to her.

"Let's just sleep in," He mumbled before he snuggled himself closer towards his wife. Katara pushed him away from her grasp as she managed to get out of the bed.

The bender left to bathe and get ready for their little adventure. Luckily for her, it would be just the two of them since everyone else were currently occupied. It still felt a bit odd not seeing her brother, the avatar and her other friends. She was slowly getting used to it since shes with her husband. Katara changed into an attire that made it easy for her in the woods.

Once she was done she turned to look at the Prince soundly asleep and with a mischievous grin she bended the water from the cup and splashed him with it, "Kat! Why did you do that?" He shot up quickly not liking the feeling of being wet.

"Get ready," She ordered before leaving the room and hoping to meet up with Zhilan. She headed to the kitchen where she knew thats where she would be.

Katara entered inside as many servants were rushing to set up the breakfast which was odd since most of the time its just Zuko and Katara. Uncle Iroh left a couple days back hoping to reopen his tea shop, "You guys are sure making lots of food for the Zuko and I..."Katara looked around knowing they won't even finish half of it.

The royal cook looked at the firelady, "We were told you would be bringing guests over this menu is mostly for dinner," He smiled, "Zhilan went out to pick fruits from the garden," He informed her as the bender nodded her head.

"Hey Kat," Zuko had caught her exiting the kitchen. He was currently wearing his Firelord attire, "You do know we are taking transportation to the village...why are you dressed like we are walking on foot," He pointed at her get up.

Katara's mouth dropped, "I forgot we aren't running around on foot like we used too," She sighed as Zuko followed her back into their bedroom, "Will we ever get to do that again?" She questioned.

The Firelord shook his head in disapproval, "No because for starters your with child and we don't need to anymore," He explained while Katara took off her pants and changed into a nice dress that was simple but formal.

A knock was heard on their door as Katara informed them to come inside, "Your majesty the carriages are ready," A guard stated before marching out.

"Lets go, I want to get back before dinner," Katara grabbed his hand and led him out through the halls.

Zuko saw a servant and asked if they can pack some breakfast for the ride since he was hungry and his wife will be too during the journey.

"Here let me help you," Zuko opened the door and helped Katara up on the carriage. She sat on one side as Zuko followed behind her with a dish covered with a cloth.

"I wasn't able to find Zhilan, I wanted to ask her if she will like to come with us," Katara whined while the Firebender uncovered his dish.

He took a bite of fresh Gruel, "You want some?" He offered as the FireLady scrunched up her nose.

"How spicy is it?" She questioned while he rolled his eyes, "Ever since you became Firelord you made the food extra spicy," She crossed her arms.

"Well I did say your pregnant so its pretty bland," He explained but decided to hand her a fruit tart, "They also packed us some tea into these cups," He explained passing one to Katara.

Katara crossed her arms and gave him a look. She should be the one eating with cravings but instead it was him, "The journey isn't long," She remarked.

"Well, we didn't get to eat breakfast," He shrugged, "Anyways where are we heading to?" He questioned. Katara has been secretive about this whole trip because she wanted him to see the damages his father has done. She wanted Zuko to fix everything even though it seems impossible.

Katara played with her fingers, "Back when I went to find you after Azula captured us, I stopped by a village and met a girl," Katara started.

Zuko listened knowing she would tell him something bad, "She invited me to sleep at her place since it was very late and I needed energy if I was going to go back to get you. When I went with her I saw so many children sleeping in an abandoned home," She finishes while looking at his expression.

"And, you want to go save them," He sighed.

Katara crossed her arms,"It's the least that I can do besides I promised the girl I will come back," She retorted before sipping the hot tea, "You would be agreeing with me if you saw their condition,"

The Firelord looked outside for a bit trying to see if he was familiar with the area, "You think they are still there?" He questioned.

"I hope so,"

"You hope?" He asked with doubt, "Is that why the servants are making a big course meal?" He asked finally realizing the chaos in the kitchen.

His wife simply nodded, "I want everything to be perfect and who knows how many of them we will find maybe their group grew in numbers,"

"I see," Zuko took another bite of his food, "I really do like it when your like this," he admitted with a smile, "We been leaders for a few days and you're already changing the Fire Nation," He grabbed her hand and gently squeezed it.

Katara blushed a bit. She couldn't help but still feel shy around her husband especially when he would say sweet stuff out of nowhere, "I know your gonna be a great FireLord," She leaned a bit towards him and planted a soft kiss on his cheek.

It didn't take long for them to arrive to the village, Zuko got off the carriage and helped Katara down. Her baby bump was slightly noticeable but it was still in the early stages.

"How exactly are we going to find them," Zuko questioned as a crowd began to form around them. The villagers were awed by the royals who came into their village unannounced.

Katara took the lead, "Hello, I'm Lady Katara and this is my Husband Zuko, the Firelord and we are here seeking information," She began grabbing the attention of more villagers, "We are here looking for the orphans,"

One women took a step forward, "The children you seek aren't here. We haven't seen them lingering around," She explained.

Katara raised a brow confused, her husband took noticed and held her hand, "How long has it been since you've seen them?" He questioned.

"Its been weeks, your majesty,"

"I saw one of them a couple months ago,"

"I heard they fled to another village,"
Katara was shocked and couldn't believe it. How is it possible for them to leave elsewhere when it was a group of children. Ages ranging to atleast four. She kindly thanked everyone before allowing them to leave.

She turned over to Zuko, "What's the plan now?"

"We are going to check out their hiding spot," Katara explained leading him through the town. She was caught offgaurd at how quickly she managed to recollect the layout.

"You think they are hiding from someone?" The firebender questioned as his wife managed to find thw abandoned house. She remembered there was another passage that led underground.

"I think they are trying to be discreet but if chances are they aren't here then maybe we will see some clues," Katara explained before asking Zuko to pull the slight creak of the wood. He listened and was surpised to see an underground. With no hesitation he helped his wife and lit up a small fire, "This is kind of creepy," he commented.

"It looked so much different last time I was here," Katara explained looking around to see anything. The two were able to find a blanket and a few bags of ripped clothes," They must of have actually left," The FireLady frowned.

"I know who we can go see,"

A/n
Um its 2022 and this book still isnt over LMAO. Its coming to an end to be honest, I just want to add this small subplot adventure because it does contribute to the ending. Im pretty sure theres two more chapters left and an epilogue I have planned.

I would go on a whole vent about my life and where I am but I can save that for the final chapter. Anyways, I want to thank everyone who sticked around since the beginning. I promise to actually finish this book.

-Rc