This. This is why he likes Katara. She understands that she doesn't understand everything. And she trusts him enough to understand it for both of them. He sighs and rubs a hand on the back of his neck. Why is this so hard?! This is Katara! She... She's pretty, strong, resilient, and won't take the crap of the court. He knows that. But it's so awkward because she's seen him at his absolute worst.

And they're not the only ones to do it. King Keui is being encouraged to find someone in one of the other nations that he can tolerate. But Zuko can do more than tolerate Katara. But she's what? Fourteen? Fifteen? He's only sixteen, and they want the wedding to take place as soon as possible, just to calm some of the tensions.

"By tonight." He says, softly. "Not only the Fire Nation, but the Water Tribe." And the Order of the White Lotus. He knows that, too.