The Commander's Daughter (Zuko X OC)

Chapter 2 ~ A Drink

"And by year's end the Earth Kingdom's capital will be under our rule."  Zhao stated as he turned to face the rest of the tent. General Iroh who seemed uninterested in the plans was focusing on a stand of weapons at the other side of the tent. Karina watched him as he tentively touched the objects, as if he had never seen them before. He was almost like a child. She was stood beside the two chairs, on the side furthest from the Prince.  "The Fire Lord will finally claim victory in this war."  Her father finished triumphantly, looking the Prince in the eyes. 

"If my father thinks the rest of the world will follow him willingly, then he is a fool." Karina feels her breath hitch in her throat at the Prince's words. She awaits the punishment that her father will give, the cruel words that he will spit but they never come. Instead he seems unbothered, maybe even amused by the Prince as he takes the seat beside him.

"Two years at sea have done little to temper your tongue." He muses, leaning back in his chair feigning relaxation. "So, how is your search for the Avatar going?" 

Karina jumped at the sudden sound of weapons clattering to the ground behind her. All eyes turn to focus on the General, the older man looks sheepish as he scratches the back of his head.

"My fault entirely." He admits, a bashful smile on his face. Her father's eye drifts to her, his lips pressed into a thin line.  

"Karina," She turns to face him, panic clear in her eyes. He smiles, once again pretending to relax, " Help the General with the weapons." She nods quickly moving over to the General's side. Something feels very wrong about her being here, she dosen't trust whatever it is her father is planning. 

With a small amount of difficulty she began to place the weapons back into the various stands, suddenly a stabbing pain shoots through her wrist causing her to drop the weapon in her hands. She flinches preparing for her fathers rage, but he doesn't say anything. He dosen't even look at her. A sick feeling swirls in the pit of her stomach, for a moment she thinks she might actually be sick. 

"Here, let me help with that," Iroh's hand passes her face as he picks up the weapon that had fallen, his eyes connect with hers before she can hide her panic and confusion. Turning away she misses the concern on his face and raises up from the ground. 

"Prince Zuko, the Avatar is the only one who can stop the Fire Nation from winning this war. If you have an ounce-" Zhao leans in, once again getting menacingly close to Zuko's face, "of loyalty left, you'll tell me what you've found."

"I haven't found anything." His voice full of defiance as he raises from his chair,  "It's like you said. The Avatar probably died a long time ago." He turns away From Zhao, face steeled over to hide any emotion. " Come on, Uncle, we're going."

Karina watchs as the older man moves to his side, there is something about the two of them that she can't help but be attracted to. Her eyes flit over to her father, who is watching them leave with a sly grin. 

Suddenly two guards block their path, a third enters pushing past them to stand by her father.    

"Commander Zhao, we interrogated the crew as you instructed. They confirmed Prince Zuko had the Avatar in custody, but let him escape."  Zuko's eyes widen, panic seeping in.

"Now, remind me... " Her father said calmly as he sauntered over to the Prince, "How was your ship damaged?"

***

"So, a twelve-year-old boy bested you and your firebenders? You're more pathetic than I thought." Zhao sneers at the prince, satisfaction in his voice. The scarred boy is sat before him, a guard either side to prevent any escape attempts. The boy just glares up at him, his eyes focused on Zhao's own. If anyone else sat before him Zhao might of actually felt intimidated.