The Commander's Daughter (Zuko X OC)

Chapter 1 ~ The Docks

Karina hissed as she held her likely broken wrist, the small white bandages she had tried to wrap around it seemed to do nothing to help the pain. Pulling them off she was shocked to see an ugly purple mark on her wrist. She glarred at the new mark, it's ugly shape not unlike the others that littered her body.

Movement from the entrance of her tent snapped her out of her trance, quickly she pulled down her sleeve trying her best to conceal the damage.

"Karina," The sound of her father's voice sent a shiver down her spin, his cold tone something she could never quite grow accustomed to. Pulling herself up from the floor she tried her best to ignore the pain shooting up her arm, if she showed weakness then he would prey on it. Just like he always had.

Before she could shout out a reply he was before her, his dark eyes studying her appearence. She hated the ways his eyes made her feel.

"Are you deaf?" He asked stepping towards her, an easy smirk settling onto his face, "Did you not hear me call for you?"

"I'm sorry," Her eyes fell to the ground as she bowed her head slightly. She could feel his hand rest on her shoulder, squeezing it tightly, so tight it hurt. His fingers seemed to dig into her skin, pressing tightly. Gritting her teeth she held in her protests, if she showed it hurt he would laugh and the punishment would only increase.

Seeming to be done with his game he released her and began to asses her appearance. Her hair fell lazily around her shoulders, the black strands looked clean enough that she hoped they would pass his inspection. She was wearing the dress he had choosen, the blood red material in stark contast to her pale complection. He supposed this would do.

"A new ship has arrived to my dock." He stated moving a stray strand of hair from her face, "I want to you greet them with me." He chuckled slighty, like he was amused by the fact he'd be sending a girl to do the work of a soldier.

"Yes Father." She stated raising her head to look at him. As she thought he was amused, a dark smile on his face, as if he had thought of the funniest joke in the world. Turning around he left her tent, content with the orders he had given her.

She was confused by his actions, when new ships entered the dock she was usually unable to leave her living quarters. Especially when it was someone significant, as this seemed to be. Pulling the strand he had moved away back infront of her face she began to leave the tent. A glinting object in the corner of the room caught her eye, stopping her. Stooping down she picked up the small flower clip and placed it on her beside table.

"How did you get down there?" She muttered turning once again to leave. The clip had belonged to her mother, who passed away when she was small, her father had told her she had died in a fire and that it was the only thing that remained of hers. He didn't like to talk about her mother so Karina didn't know much about her, everytime she pushed him for information he just got angry.

As she made her way to where the new ship was docked she watched the soliders around her. She often wondered why a military commander such as her Father was running a dock, and what the soliders that worked within the dock actually did.

Two strangers stood with her father beside the new ship, they seemed to be in conversation.

One was a shorter, plump older man, his greying hair pulled into a bun at the top of his head. He held a kind smile and wise eyes. The Second was a younger man, he looked to be her age maybe a year or two older, exepct he held a greater age in his eyes. He was slender and pale, his black hair pulled into a slick ponytail on top his head. A scowl graced his attractive features, Karina couldn't help but stare at his bright yellow eyes. A large scar covered the majority of his face, but Karina couldn't help but feel it only added to his beauty.

"Good evening," She greeted them bowing slightly, "Please pardon my lateness." She stood to her fathers left, holding her hands infront of her. It felt strange to be seen out with her father like this, she almost felt like a decoration. 

The older gentleman bowed back at her a small smile on his face. He opened his mouth to reply before another voice interrupted him. 

"Karina so pleased you could join us, let me introduce you to General Iroh and Prince Zuko." Karina's eyes opened wide as she bowed once more. She had never met royalty before, she hd heard stories of both the prince and the general but had never expected to meet them. Her father's hand roughly gripped her hair pulling her back up from her bowed position. No one commented on his action as he continued as if he hadn't touched her. "You must regal us with all the thrilling details." Karina watched as her father placed his face menacingly close to the Prince's almost asking for a challenge. "Join us for a drink?"

"Sorry but we have to go-" General Iroh placed a hand on his nephew's shoulder stopping him from walking away. This seemed to annoy the young prince his body stiffening at the contact. 

"Prince Zuko, show Commander Zhao your respect." He said kindly before turning to face her father, "We would be honoured to join you, do you have any Gingseng? tea it's my favourite." Karina forced the smile from her face at the General's behaviour, he seemed like a kind man. Her father smiled as he turned, walking back down the dock leaving the three of them alone. Karina watched as the prince lost all compusure and released a blast of fire from his fist, as if he had forgotten she was there. 

She flinched at the feel of the heat so close to her, something that the General did not miss. 

Her eyes stayed fixated to the prince, his emotions seemed so raw, his anger evident and clearly displayed. Something about the way he growled as he released another burst of flame enchanted her. She had never met anyone her own age, let alone royalty. 

She felt the Prince's eyes on her and cast her own to the floor. She had been starring at him. 

"I-I'm so sorry," SHe stuttered turning away, a hot blush flooding to her cheeks. 

Zuko watched the girl curiously as she walked away. Anger pooled into the pit of his stomach as he considered why she had been starring. She was no doubt starring at his scar like everyone else, but there was something about her that he just couldn't shake. His uncle chuckled lightly beside him as he too began to walk away. 

"Somebody has an admirer!" The older man teased. Zuko rolled his eyes and let his feet lead him forwards.