(A/N: I do not own Avatar or any of it's franchises. I only own Kisara, Enzi and a few other non-canon characters. I would also like to thank LMary52, LoneWolfLorelei18, Ana-DaughterofHades, and Arianna Le Fay and an anonymous guest for favoriting, following, and commenting! You guys are awesome and since I've had Kisara as an oc for years (I believe my earliest designs of her were as a major Mary Sue back when I was in 3rd-4th grade) I love that you love her just as much as I do. )

Having spent a good enough portion of her life around the men and women of the Navy, Kisara was able to play Azula's game. Like any fight, she'd give in, allowing the princess to let out her punches while successfully deflecting. Azula's tactics were the best example, wait until the perfect opportunity to attack. There was no need to waste your energy with 20 hits when once your enemy was weakened you could take them down in at maximum 5.

Once she had been done being pampered with a washing of her hair and massaged, Azula dismissed the servants. As soon as they were gone, Swara approached the two and bowed before them.

"My lady, your room has been prepared and I do fear I must separate you from her royal highness in order to prepare you for dinner." Standing from the chair and going down the three stairs Kisara turned and curtsied to Azula.

"I enjoyed our chat your royal highness, I hope that we may have more in the near future." Seeing Azula smirk Kisara exited with her Lady's Maid and Ladies in Waiting. Once out of the room she gave a sigh of relief.

"I hope my lady doesn't mind, but the Fire Lord has made a few requests upon your fashion. I had to dispose of some of your old clothes for this reason," Swara broke the ice. "I'm sure you know the importance of your dinner tonight my lady."

"Of course I do. He's hoping to see tonight whether he should go about marrying me or not. Every move I make up until the wedding must be exactly as he desires. Until this marriage is consummated he can call it off or have it annulled," at this point she was repeating what Azula had reminded her off. "I must be able to please him, but I must also show him I can be a ruthless woman worthy of being at his side and not just a woman who has lived amongst the navy men."

"I wouldn't let what the Princess said effect you my lady," Enakshi commented with a rather quiet voice. "It's how Azula is. Personally I believe you would be a wonderful bride for our King."

"Enakshi," Hiranya turned her head to glare down the other servant. "While it is true I don't think our lady would like to hear you talk that way."

"No. Hiranya, Enakshi it's okay," Kisara paused to talk to her ladies. "I've known Azula since she was an infant and thus am aware of how to handle her. Right now, I just have to play it like a game of Pai Sho. It would be nice to have a few friends right now. You're my ladies in waiting, meant to act as my entertainment but also my eyes and ears. Unlike other people in this palace you work for me directly. I would like you to be those friends I can depend on. Right now I need your help with ensuring I stay the Fire Lord's bride. Are we clear?" The two nodded silently which pleased their mistress. Once again the group was permitted to walk. Swara opening the door for them Kisara filled with joy once again at the sight.

The palace bedrooms were always a gift from the spirits and her usual serious self gained a large goofy grin. Leaping onto a bed, Kisara nuzzled the soft pillows. Red silk brushing against her cheek, a smell of Fire Lilies hinted on the fabric. Relaxing on it for a moment she rolled over with a desire to fall asleep, lulled by the sweet scent and enveloped by the touch.

"My lady," Swara watched her mistress' eyes lower slowly then her entire body bolting up. "I'm sorry my lady, but I must get you ready for dinner."

"Hmm, oh yes," getting out of the bed she extended her arms, Swara beginning to undo her armor. "Does the Fire Lord have a specific outfit he'd like me to wear," having her clothes removed Kisara wrapped her arms around her breast. Standing almost naked in the middle of the room, Kisara glanced at the mirror. She was athletically built which wasn't uncommon for the people of her proud and glorious nation, but where her mother had curves all over, the most she had was rather profound hips and a nice butt.

"That he does," gesturing for Enakshi to bring her the robes from the chair the two began to put Kisara in the grey base layer, like her sheets having a floral smell. Hiranya walked over handing Swara a black sash and quickly it was tied around her waist, then she was put in a second crimson robe with golden flames at the train and tied with a much larger gold sash. Stepping back the three women observed the robes. "Are you comfortable my lady." Kisara gave her a nod. "Good. Now, please," Swara directed her to a make up chair. "I'm glad the princess didn't have them do your hair," she put it into a top bun and placed a golden flame like headpiece in.

After some time of having powder, kohl, and red lip paint applied to her face, Swara directed the young woman to rise and lead her out of the room. With each step Kisara started to feel more nervous, playing with one of her sleeves.

"My Lady," Hiranya carefully put her hand on Kisara's shoulder. "You'll do alright. I assure you," the two smiled at each other and Kisara released her sleeve. "Sadly however, we must part here. We will come for you after dinner."

"Thank you Hiranya," turning her head to the door, a guard opened it for her and Hiranya, Swara and Enakshi stepped away. Taking another deep breath she stepped into the room.

"Presenting Lady Kisara Alagaratnam," one of the guards announced. Not focusing on the decoration, Kisara walked up to the Fire Lord, knelt and kissed his hand, not yet bothering to look at him.

"It is a pleasure to be in your presence my king," she spoke with a pleasant air, tilting her head up and looking over the older man. He was almost as she remembered, the same stern face with the long beard which matched his hair. Even though he was a year or two older than her father, the king looked like his aging had done him well. A smile showed up and he directed her to stand.

"You always knew how to behave Kisara," it was his turn to take her hand and kiss it, wrapping an arm around the woman's waist. While it did catch her by surprise, Kisara hid it, boiling her nervousness inside. "A proper trait for a woman. Please, do take a seat."

Taking his instruction Kisara sat herself at the seat he had pulled back for her. Finally she looked about. The room was mostly dark, lit by various candles which reflected off the mirror-like gold accents on the walls. Nodding in thanks to her king she watched as he walked to his seat, a servant pouring something to drink for the both of them.

"My father made sure I was taught well, especially since we knew I would be wed some day," A smile showed up, thanking the servant before he walked over to the Fire Lord to serve him, finally making eye contact. "The schooling which you paid for when I was younger was also highly beneficial." Kisara watched him, the moment he grabbed for his cup of wine was permission for her to give the drink a taste.

"It shows, and is quite interesting considering your father. Admiral Zhao is a wonderful man, however with his lack of control it's interesting you are quite the contrast," a second set of servants approached them with bowls of soup. "It is an honor to have him as such a high ranking official."

"It is an honor for him to serve you. I assure you, the moment we got the news of his promotion, the family was pleased," watching him again she waited until he grabbed for his chopsticks to take her own.

"I would imagine so, and what of the other bit in the letter, the reason you're here," he picked up some of the noodles with his chopsticks and ate them, taking his time to enjoy the food. Each moment they were silent made her a little nervous, when she hadn't had a utensil in her hand she was playing with her thumbs under the table. "How do you feel about it?"

"It makes me happy that you have made such a request my King, I can only hope that I can make you as happy," relaxing her hands she went for another sip of wine. Slightly sweet but with a woods-y smell to it. Surely better than what she would have on the ships. Putting it down she went back to the Turtle-Duck soup, once again finding comfort in it. It almost made her think of when she was little and she and Zuko would go play with the little critters. Not only that, but it made her think of Zuko's mother. Symbolism maybe?

"You are aware as well of the sacrifices that will be made on your part when it comes to our marriage, correct?"

That... was a low blow. She had discussed that with her father before she left and it was another reason why it did pain her to leave. The day after the wedding she would have to sever any and all ties with her family. She was no longer their concern, and the day after the wedding, she belonged to her Fire Lord. Kisara nodded none the less however.

"Sacrifices must be made for happiness. A war ship is not the ideal home for a queen. I love my family but they in my past now. Besides, I would rather lose my family under these terms than have them taken from me by death. It is an honor to die protecting your country, but it would still be painful," hopefully that's what he wanted to hear. Kisara scanned him, but the face he was making was hard to read. Finishing their soups the servants took them away, replacing with some salad.

"Good. I know if and when I marry Azula off I would miss her dearly," he hummed and sipped again. Noting it's emptiness he held his hand out, it was quickly refilled. "But I suppose it's as you said, sacrifices made for happiness." There was a long, silent pause, putting his cup down he observed his date. "Kisara. There is no need to be nervous. I requested our first meeting to be here so things would be more relaxing."

"I apologize my king," She took a deep breath, "I shall try not to be in the near future." Fire Lord Ozai watched her as she finished her wine.

"Do you know why I asked you to come Kisara," she shook her head no, Fire Lord Ozai leaned back once finished with the second course, again the plates being exchanged, this time Komodo Chicken and Dumplings. He was taking his time, allowing the meal to stretch on longer and perhaps make her feel better. "Your father recommended the pairing. I gain a wife and he gains a promotion. I have to give him credit, I'm not sure I know many men who would ask their king to marry their daughter. The first time I read his proposal I probably laughed for 5 minutes," he chuckled remembering the moment. "I was ready to deny him immediately, however." he paused, flicking his eyes from his wine glass back to her. "Who am I to deny a friend. I contemplated it a bit more for this matter. Your father has always been loyal to me, much like you and my children grew up together, your father and I did as well, our families have been tied together for generations. That was my reasoning when it came to you and Zuko." Finally he began to eat the 3rd course.

"So if your reasoning for me with Zuko was the matter of your friendship with my father, then what is it that caused you to consider ours?"

"You grew up with an interesting education, tell me Kisara, have you ever heard the tale The Dragon and the Farmer's Daughter," Kisara nodded to him, gestured to proceed telling it.

"There was once a Dragon who lived in a mountain, and below it a village. The people of the village worshiped the dragon and every day a villager would have to present a tribute to him. Each villager had to, and eventually it came upon the duty of a poor farmer. The farmer had little to give, so he dreaded the idea of it being his turn. He had one thing however that would be of value- his daughters. He spent days contemplating and when the day came he went to his eldest daughter and trekked up the mountain. Finally when they got there, the farmer paid his respects to the dragon before presenting the tribute. The dragon accepted the woman and after some painful goodbyes the farmer headed back home. At first she was terrified upon her father's leaving, as was everyone in the village of the dragon. The fact was, they worshiped him for protection and because they were scared. The girl and the dragon came up with an agreement, she woul-," she paused mid speech, recalling the rest of the story. "So, along the theory of whether it is best for a ruler to be loved or feared?" The Fire Lord looked proud as it sunk in.

"Exactly. While I have done for the last 5 years as Fire Lord on my own, it has been recommended I find someone to sit by my side as queen. Your father's offer of course came at the perfect time. I did take some time to think about it however, even if your father made my job impossibly easy, I can't just take anybody."

"I wouldn't expect you to. If that was the case you could grab a random girl off the streets," her food was done, but she needed to wait for him to be before they could bring dessert.

"Exactly. I consulted a few people before making my decision. Your youth connects you to the younger generations, and since you would have a voice in political matters could influence how those around your age think, then with your connection to the Navy I know you're strong, your family has been loyal to the Fire Nation Royal Family for generations, you're one of the finest benders of your age," compared to Azula's remarks earlier, this was welcoming. The plates were taken away again and for dessert they were given fruit tarts. "But the real thing that sold it was your father's plans in the North Pole. When he succeeds he will be a hero to the Nation, and for his success, I would be willing to reward your family with the marriage." So above everything, her success depended on her father, perhaps more motivation for him to do well. "There were other reasons, but that's all you need to know."

"I'm glad you could shed more light on the matter my king," she seemed more calm now however she knew she'd have to contact her father later. Finishing their tarts he stood, and guided her to do the same.

"Let me walk you back to your room Kisara," he held his arm out and she quickly took it. Exitting the room Kisara looked out a window noting the moon. Soon there would be no moon for them to watch and on that day she would be happy. Fumbling slightly with her fingers she focused on what shown in the windows. The two stayed silent until they reached her door. "I shall see you in the morning. Good Night Kisara," He took her hand and kissed it, Kisara curtsying to him.

"Good Night. I shall see you in the morning." Her door was opened and closed as she dismissed him. Swara was about to rush over and begin to undress her but Kisara raised her hand to stop her. "Give me a moment Swara. I'd like to write a letter before I prepare for bed." Swara nodded as the women went back to their seats after Enakshi brought Kisara her stationary.

"How was dinner my lady," Enakshi's voice sounded shakey as Kisara began to write.

"It was pleasant. Nerve racking but pleasant," she looked content. She took time on her letter and put her hand close to the parchment to use some of the heat from her fire bending to dry the ink. Once that was done she wrote a second one and repeated the process. Wrapping them up she then stood. "Make sure that the one with the gold tie gets sent to my father and the one with the red goes to my brother" Holding her arms out Swara began to disrobe her, after being stripped her hair was let loose and she was put in a crimson sleep gown. "I'll discuss it in the morning."

"As you wish my lady. Anything else we can do for you tonight," Hiranya watched her mistress get into bed.

"All I wish is that you give the letters to the proper people and you have a good night. I shall see you when I wake my ladies," curling up she listened to the three wish her the same, Hiranya pulling back the curtains which surrounded the bed.