Telling Bao about the baby had its bittersweet attributes over the following three days. He became less suspicious of my time with Zuko, which I had been trying to make happen for a long time. However, he refused to let me out of his sight. He became overly concerned and protective. I could hardly drink water without him hovering over me to make sure I didn't somehow drown or poison myself. I suppose a concerned husband is what most, if not all, pregnant women would want. But to this caliber? It was overwhelming.

So when Suki came to me saying that he and Mai were having an argument - I hate to say it, but I was relieved.

Apparently, after I had told Suki to follow Zuko on his "walk", she found out that he was visiting his father in the prison. For what, she didn't know, but I knew that it wasn't to share a cup of tea and catch up on the latest palace gossip.

We marched to the throne room, where Mai's voice was very clearly upset. "-you love your secrets more. You'll have an easier time keeping them when you're alone."

"What are you telling me?"

Mai bowed her head and said, "Goodbye, Fire Lord." She turned and began walking out of the room, brushing past me with her signature solemn expression.

Zuko remained planted in his spot, stammering for a response. "Mai! Come back! I... I..." His voice sharpened as he shouted, "I order you to come back!"

As I approached the throne, Zuko pounded his fist against his forehead. "Why would I say that?! So stupid..."

Suki was already kneeling, apologetic. "This is my fault! I'm so sorry!" She said, "When I asked her to talk to you about your father, that wasn't quite what I had in mind..."

"Suki!" Zuko jumped back, startled. "But how did you know that I-?"

"I follow you. Sorry about that, too..."

"You followed me?" Zuko frowned. "I told you I wanted to be alone! Why would you disregard my orders?!"

"Because I told her to," I said, stepping onto the platform and standing beside him. "I, of all people, know that going for a walk on your own usually means you're hiding something. I wanted to know what's been going on with you so that I can help. The Kyoshi Warriors are worried about you, Suki is worried about you. I'm worried about you, Zuko. I'm your best friend and advisor. You shouldn't be hiding things from me."

Zuko sighed in defeat. He opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by incoming footsteps.

"Fire Lord Zuko!" In front of the throne kneeled a man that I had yet to formally meet.

"General Mak!" Zuko responded, "Have you come back with news?"

The general nodded his head. "A message has arrived from the spies you sent to the Earth Kingdom," he said.

I looked at Zuko, appalled. "You sent spies?!"

General Mak relayed his message. "Your suspicions are confirmed," he informed us. "The Earth King's army now marches towards Yu Dao."

"Oh, for goodness sake," I groaned, pinching the bridge of my nose. I could only guess that Aang's attempts to have a sit-down with the King and Zuko had failed.

"Father, you were right," I heard Zuko whisper. Before I could say anything, he looked to General Mak again. "Prepare your men," he instructed. "Prepare for embarkment to Yu Dao."

General Mak nodded his head and was dismissed.

I turned to Zuko, hitting him on the arm. "You sent spies?!" I repeated angrily. "Is there anything else you're not telling me?" I raised my hand to him again, but he caught me by the wrist. We stood in silence, glaring at one another in hopes of the other person cracking. If Suki hadn't separated us, our stubborn personalities would have compelled us to remain like that for hours on end.

"We leave tomorrow," he said, stomping away like the tempered child he'd always been. "You can come or stay out of my way."

My gaze moved to Suki. "When was the last time you spoke to Sokka and the others?" I asked.

"Not long ago," she answered. "Why do you ask?"

"Zuko's taken this too far," I said with a frown. "I only really have myself to blame for letting this happen. Nonetheless, we'll need the gang's help. Can you send a messenger hawk to the others?"

She nodded and ran to do so, leaving me alone in the throne room. I hated fighting with Zuko. I hated the fact that I couldn't fix what was bothering him, almost as much as I hated not knowing what was bothering him. Things were changing much too quickly for my liking. I didn't even want to think about what it would be like when this baby came into the world. My hand gravitated to my stomach at the thought.

Don't worry, I thought, I'll dedicate every day and everything I have to making the world a better place for you. You won't come into a war like I did.

I took a breath and nodded, as if confirming the promise, then ran to prepare for my own disembarking.