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Zuko looked over the list of prospective water tribe spouses his advisors had okayed for him, fighting back a grimace. He knew it had been smart to agree to an arranged marriage to promote peace, he just wished it wasn't necessary. He wished he didn't have to be in this position. He wished they'd just leave him alone.
But he was the Fire Lord, new and young and inexperienced and, most depressingly, untrusted. Sure, he'd gained the trust of some after joining Aang, but not of the masses. That would take time, more time than the two years of work he's put in so far. This would help, hopefully.
The list of names had brief bios, but he was skipping them for the most part. It didn't matter who he picked, really. He would probably be miserable with whoever it was but he would grin and bear it for the sake of his country, for the sake of peace
No, no, no, who cares, just pick one at random… Then he paused, sucking in a sharp breath before he could stop himself.
"This one," he said, trying to keep the tremor out of his voice.
That was not a name he’d ever expected to see on a list like this. Seeing it almost overwhelmed him with a rush of nerves and excitement. He’d been resigned to his fate of an arranged marriage with someone he likely couldn’t stand, but this was different. This was a possibility he hadn't hoped for but suddenly realized he wanted more than anything.
Sokka, son of Hakodo, of the Southern Water Tribe.