If some of the old Fire Nation Lords have a problem with his Queen? They can attempt to take her in a fight. He'd sit back with a nice cup of tea and let her handle them. Of course, he'd jump in, but he'd meant what he said: Katara can defend herself.

He eats, slowly, not really hungry but knowing that he needs to eat. Especially if he's going to heal at all from the lightning. "I'd like to ask my uncle to act as regent as we go look for my mother. What do you think?" She's going to be his partner. They both better get used to it sooner rather than later.