(A/N: since this story does not entirely follow cannon, this story is slightly AU, events that happened in the Avatar universe still happened, however a pairing or two might have been changed. I thought I should warn you of that before you continued reading. I do not own Avatar nor any of it's franchise, they belong to Bryke. I only own Kisara and other characters who are not cannon. Also, I've had this plotted out for years and am just now writing it out. It will be a little more obvious later, but I never realized just how similar what I have plotted is a bit Game of Thrones-esque. Whatever, I hope you enjoy!)
"Put him in the prison, and tell me when he awakes. I want to have a little chat with our guest," Zhao ordered as he followed his men carrying the limp body of the Avatar. Everything was falling in to place. Turning from his troops he headed to the room of his daughter. There was much to celebrate tonight. With a smirk on his face the Admiral pushed back a cherry door, the sound of humming coming from the woman at the desk. Closing behind him, he watched as his flesh and blood turned from her seat, gold eyes sparkling with excitement as she rose from her seat to give him a hug.
"Congratulations father, I had no doubt that you wouldn't catch him," she nestled her head into the crook of his neck, letting his sideburns tickle her cheeks slightly. Letting go she moved them to the couch in the center of the room so they could chat, placing the tea kettle she had on her desk down on the table before them with two cups, taking a seat and then pouring the warm drink for them.
"It is just one of many things to celebrate tonight Kisara, the Fire Lord granted me the promotion I asked for a few weeks ago," The young one grew even more excited, "I feel like the fact that I'm doing better on the little search than the banished prince."
Kisara kept her expression the same, but part of her still seemed rather pained still at the mention of Prince Zuko. At one point she had been engaged to him, almost since birth. Ever since her father had discovered she was a girl he knew exactly how to use her to gain more power. When her betrothed was banished however, all those plans had changed. He could no longer use her to marry the Fire Lord's son. So now she was just meant to sit around and wait for her father to achieve power the old fashioned way.
"It is quite obvious father," she chuckled, "Capturing the Avatar, Gaining your promotion. I say there is a toast in order," Kisara lifted her tea cup. "For all your achievements, and for the honor you are doing for our nation. Surely now with the Avatar in custody your plan will be impossible to foil."
He had long bragged of this master plan he had set up. Surely this would immortalize him in history. Zhao the moon slayer they'd call him. He'd come home a hero, and with the victory for their nation, the war would be over and the message the Fire Nation had been trying to spread for a little over 100 years would finally be understood.
"And a toast for you my child," he lifted his in response. "An opportunity has arisen. The Fire Lord requests your appearance at court." Kisara's look of happiness turned into one more of surprise. Clinking their glass her jaw dropped slightly. Kisara waited to put her steamy drink down before inquiring about the matter.
"Fire Lord Ozai wants me to be at the palace," her voice was a little shaky, remembering the man that she only a few years ago was being prepared to call father-in-law.
"Yes. He mentioned it in his letter. I struck up a deal with our king, one I'm sure you will be proud to agree with." Kisara gulped nervously at her father's tone as he smirked. "The Fire Lord demands to have your hand in marriage. That caught her off guard.
He had certainly been a kind man to her, even if he had also scared her. Fire Lord Ozai had been more than kind paying for her schooling, inviting her on a few of the royal family's outings when she was engaged to his son, and even providing herself and her family with beautiful gifts. When Zuko had been banished he had apologized to her family for the inconvenience and promised to provide Kisara with the proper husband once he had found one for her as well as a wife for her twin brother Enzi. Staying quiet for a moment she thought of what that would entitle.
"Think about it Kisara. The world at your feet, begging for your mercy. You will be the most powerful woman of our nation," Zhao got up and walked over to a window, staring out at the night sky. "Our family will have everything we could ask for. Anything you want you just need to say you want it and it's yours."
Eyes following her father, Kisara took a long sigh as she thought about what was being provided to her. She knew she had no choice at this point. Like her first engagement, whether she liked it or not wasn't important to the men of her life.
"When do I leave," she questioned while Zhao turned to look at her with a proud fatherly smile.
"In the morning. Your brother will be escorting you to the capital, and I will have you bring the Avatar along.