Chapter Text
Three years after the 100 year war.
I woke up with a groan. It was so early… why was someone knocking on my door? I dragged myself out of bed, pulling on a robe before opening it to find a counsel member standing there.
"Fire Lord Zuko requests your presence in the throne room immediately," he said with a formal bow.
I groaned again. "I'm so tired."
"It's 10 am," the counsel member chuckled as I went back to look presentable.
After the war ended, Zuko had made me one of his advisors. We had gotten close on Team Avatar and he wanted me to help him rebuild the Fire Nation. It was an honor, but it also meant early mornings and endless council meetings.
By the time I reached the throne room, I had managed to tame my hair into something resembling order and change into appropriate attire. Zuko was pacing, his brow furrowed in that way I knew meant he was stressed about something.
"There you are," he said, relief evident in his voice. "I need your opinion on this trade agreement with the Earth Kingdom."
I raised an eyebrow. "At 10 am? Couldn't this wait?"
“Everyone else has been in here since 6 am,” he chuckled, motioning for someone to get her tea
"The Earth Kingdom representative is arriving this afternoon," he explained, running a hand through his hair. "I want to make sure we're not giving away too much in exchange for their cooperation."
I took the scroll he offered, scanning the terms. "Zuko, this is more than generous," I said after a moment. "The Earth Kingdom will see this as weakness, not cooperation."
He sighed, slumping onto the throne. "I know. But I feel like we owe them something after everything..."
"We owe them peace, not submission," I said firmly, stepping closer. "Remember what we talked about? Balance. This isn't balance."
Zuko looked up at me, and for a moment, I saw the uncertainty he still carried beneath his confident exterior. "You're right," he admitted. "But I'm still afraid of making the wrong choice."
"Then don't make it alone," I said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "That's why I'm here. That's why we're all here."
A small smile touched his lips. "When did you get so wise?"
"When I started advising the Fire Lord," I replied with a grin. "Now, let's revise this agreement before you give away the entire royal treasury."
He laughed then, the sound echoing in the grand hall. "Thank you, Yona."
"Always," I said, and meant it.
I leaned against the throne, crossing my arms. "You know, Sokka wrote to me yesterday."
Zuko looked up from the revised trade agreement, a small smile forming. "And what does the Southern Water Tribe's finest strategist want now?"
"He thinks we should take a break," I said, trying to sound casual. "Visit the Water Tribe. Make sure our treaty is holding up and that they're thriving."
Zuko raised an eyebrow, his amber eyes twinkling with amusement. "And how long has it been since we've checked on that particular treaty?"
"Too long," I admitted with a grin. Both of us knowing this treaty never needed to be check. "We've been so focused on Earth Kingdom relations that we've neglected our southern treaties."
He set down the scroll, leaning back in his throne. "You know, I think Sokka might be right. A visit to the Water Tribe is long overdue."
"Really?" I asked, surprised by his quick agreement.
"Of course," he said with a smirk. "We must ensure our international allies are properly supported. It's our duty as Fire Lord and advisor."
I couldn't help but laugh. "Is that what we're calling it now? 'International diplomacy'?"
"What else would we call it?" he asked innocently, though the sparkle in his eyes gave him away.
"A much-needed vacation with friends," I suggested. "An opportunity to see Sokka and Suki without having to pretend we're there for official business."
Zuko stood up, stretching his arms overhead. "Well, when you put it that way... how long do you think we can get away with staying?"
"Long enough to remember what it's like to have fun," I said. "Long enough to eat some sea prunes and maybe even go penguin sledding."
He shuddered dramatically. "I'll pass on the sea prunes, but I might be convinced to try the sledding."
The warmth in his expression made my heart skip a beat. "Then it's settled," I said firmly. "We're taking a diplomatic mission to the Southern Water Tribe."
"Diplomatic mission," he repeated with a laugh. "I'll inform the council immediately that we must attend to urgent matters of international relations."
"Urgent matters like Sokka's terrible jokes and Suki's warrior training exercises?" I teased.
"Exactly," he said, his eyes meeting mine. "The most important diplomatic duties of all."
As we made our way out of the throne room, I couldn't help but feel grateful for how far we'd come. From enemies to allies to friends who now planned vacations together under the guise of official business.