Marriage of Bitterness
Yes this is the story of Zhao and his marriage to Ty Lee. Just a warning Zhao will probably seem Out of Character I don't know how to bring out his truthfulness or plain rudeness.
"You drive a hard bargain." Zhao growled in disbelief.
"I am not bargaining with you General I am merely informing you that Lee Anna is already betrothed."
Zhao's face turned ugly as he stared at the older man. "I have been courting your daughter for years."
"I am aware of that General, and you have also been at sea for the last half a year and I must do what is best for my family. Lord Kiro has been interested in Lee Anna for years and I won't have to provide a dowry."
"We had an agreement." Zhao snarled anger covering for the hurt he felt in his chest.
"I never signed any document and you never offered for the hand of my oldest daughter."
"I wasn't in a position to take care of a wife. I am now rising in the ranks I will soon have the title of Admiral."
"You were to slow General."
"I need this alliance I need the dowry." Zhao protested.
"I can offer the hand of my youngest daughter Ty Lee and her dowry. In fact I can have a marriage certificate with her signature on it all we need is your signature."
"Your youngest?"
"Ty Lee is young yet so I won't allow any consummation of the marriage until she is of age, but I give her hand to you."
Zhao was silent as he stared at the betrothal document in front of him. The elegant black writing of his name and Ty Lee's burned his eyes. It should have said Lee Anna he should be signing their marriage agreement. Giving himself a mental shake he took a deep breath. He couldn't live on what ifs and should haves. Why did he think he could get away with an advantageous marriage and be in love with his wife at the same time? That just didn't happen in the Fire Nation you married to gain power and financial security and if you happened to have both of those already than you might marry for love. He happened to have neither so he had to marry for the financial security.
His fingers picked the quill up and rolled it between his fingers for a few seconds. The image of Lee Anna's face came into mind the look of despair, anger, and than loss. He should have married her when he had the chance and not go off to train in the war. However he had to, the war was where money and power were given and if he ever wanted to be something in this world he had to make sacrifices. Clenching the quill he dipped it in the ink and wrote his signature next the childish scrawl of Ty Lee's. Her Father silently took the quill and added his signature.
"You have so many daughters which one is Ty Lee? They all look alike." Zhao asked sarcastically.
"The youngest she is out on the green behind the estate, my servant can show you."
"I know the way by heart." Zhao said roughly as he stood.
They exchanged hand shakes and Zhao left the room with a heavy heart. He soon found himself on the usual path toward the green. As he looked down the path he thought he was seeing things but it was indeed Lee Anna.
"You took too long." Lee Anna's husky voice stated bluntly as he stopped a few feet from her. "Father has given my hand in marriage to a Lord."
Zhao hid his smile she was trying to make him jealous. He let his eyes rove over her drinking in the red gown she wore just above her lovely ankles. Her long dark brown hair was held in a loose ribbon that allowed her hair to tumble across her shoulder and down her back.
"I know, you should be very pleased, marriage to a Lord instead of a mere gentleman such as me. I hear he is quite rich and not too bad to look at."
Lee Anna's bottom lip jutted out in a pout. "I wanted you."
"We can't always have what we want darling." Zhao drawled.
She crossed her arms over her bosom glaring at him in hurt. "You're taking this awfully well for someone who has just lost the love of his life."
Zhao felt his fake bravo cracking. Indeed he had just lost her, but was she the love of his life? He cared for her deeply but if he had truly loved her would he have been able to sign his name in agreement to marrying her little sister instead?
"I was a fool to think you loved me heart, body, and soul. A childish illusion." Lee Anna continued bitterly with a wave of her delicate hand.
"What did you expect me to do Lee Anna?" Zhao asked her honestly.
"I didn't expect you to take my Fathers offer and marry my little sister." Lee Anna cried in anguish her hand clenched in a fist.
"Any wife I have would never replace the feelings I have for you Lee Anna. You know that." Zhao said finally. Hoping that would placet her.
"You don't even know which one is Ty Lee do you?" Lee Anna said with a flirtatious smile that had lurid him to her the first time he saw her.
"You have too many sisters to keep track of and besides my eyes saw only you." Zhao said with a smile.
That seemed to please Lee Anna for she gave a bell like laugh and waved a hand for him to follow her. His steps brought him quickly to her side his hand itched to take hers but he controlled himself and followed. She soon stopped by the large willow tree and pointed down the hill. There stood his future wife, her frame was slight her head would barely reach the middle of his chest. Her long light brown hair was in a long braid down her back. He watched in interest as she did a few cartwheels followed by a flip and handstand.
"She's nothing but a child." Zhao said in irritation.
"What did you expect a full grown woman." Lee Anna asked in a husky whisper her hand resting on his arm. "You can't always have what you want."
Zhao scowled hearing Lee Anna use his own words against him. He was vastly disappointed when he could have had the young beauty next to him he instead was getting this child bride. "I'll come by tomorrow to take her to the market place. Get to know her better."
He looked down at Lee Anna a powerful urge to kiss her ran through him. He caught her golden eyes with his and cupped the side of her face with his rough hand. Lee Anna didn't need any encouragement she instantly touch him diving her hand into his short black hair, clasping him in a passionate kiss, placing her other hand against the side of his neck. Zhao felt his pulse thrumming frantically under her cool caress. A silent growl vibrated through his chest and throat causing her to arch into his firm body. Gently Zhao broke the kiss letting his forehead rest against hers he eyed her lips once more before he looked away.
"I wish you happiness Lee Anna." Zhao whispered against her lips.
Lee Anna's golden eyes sparkled with unshed tears."It's not fair."
Zhao let his ruthlessness show again as he stepped away from her arms and gave her a sneer. "I've found life isn't always fair." He turned and left her standing there as he walked away. Straightening his shoulders he strolled away in a devil may care attitude.
