The next few days, Elyrie was careful to keep her head down and not to attract too much attention to herself. She avoided most of the visiting officers, General Shinu and Zhao. Especially Zhao.

The remaining officers, including the viper-like General and Colonel Lee, stayed in the Stronghold for the time being as Zhao concluded his plans. The assembling of the fleet for the expedition to the North Pole had been given main priority after the informants had returned with new information regarding the Avatar.

Zhao prepared for them to leave at the earliest opportunity, as soon as he had assembled all available naval crews of the Fire Nation. Elyrie silently listened during dinner, but did not speak unless spoken to. The plans for an attack on the village seemed to have been faded into the background, for which she was thankful. However, Zhao must have something enormous planned for the expedition to the North Pole for it to get such attention.

She needed to play her cards right this time, otherwise she would be send away before the expedition would even take place. For the most time, she stayed in her room to read and help Jin with her studies. She did not mind, but she started to feel restless when she had no idea what the future would hold for her.

The only thing she continued to do, was training with Kun. Especially now when she might needed to rely on her bending did she need to keep up an practice. She knew Kun risked the anger of the Admiral, but for some reason it did not bother him. Even though she was grateful to him, she could not help but feel anxious about the consequences.

After finishing her training for the day, she passed Colonel Lee on her way back to her room. She halted in her pace and gave him a quick nod, hoping he would let her pass.

Lee stopped in his tracks when he noticed the fiancée of the Admiral and bowed to her.

"Miss, what a pleasure seeing you." he said while his brown eyes glittered with mischief. Elyrie smiled but barely slowed down as she gave him a quick "Good day."

He turned so he blocked her way effectively and she halted with a small sigh. Please, let me be, she mentally pleaded as she pushed a strand of hair behind her ear and lifted her chin to look at him.

"May I ask if you are all right?" he asked as he searched her pale face. She had been quiet after the Admiral's outburst during the war council, for which he felt partly responsible. From that day on, she looked as if she had lost her will to speak.

"I am, thank you." she answered while looking down. She started to play with her engagement ring, frantically twisting it around her finger as she was eager to leave.

"I see," Lee answered while gently stepping aside, "But if you need anything, please let me know." He added as she walked past him. She looked so helpless and it was part of his male pride to help a woman in need.

Elyrie gave him a quick nod before she quickly walked back to her room. After she had shut the door, she sighed as she threw her cloak on the table.

Lee undoubtedly meant well, but it was impossible to trust anyone in this Stronghold at the moment. She had even refused the offer of Colonel Shinu to play the harpsichord together, even though her fingers ached to play again. And her voice longed to sing again. However, aside from Jin and Kun, she would much rather spend the upcoming days alone than risk another outburst at her expense.

In her efforts the manipulate her way around everyone she had forgotten who she was playing against. She had underestimated his ego. She never dreamed he would feel threatened by her, so she left him out of the equation by calculating every step she made. She cursed her own blindness. But she was willing to bear the consequences if it meant she would get her freedom back, eventually.

But would you get your freedom back once you are his wife forever? The voice in the back of her head kept confusing her. What am I suppose to do? There is nothing left for me, she answered the nagging voice. But isn't that better than being trapped in this forever? the voice replied and now it sounded suspiciously like Zuko's voice.

In a reflex, she grabbed a glass from the table and threw it against the wall in a fit of rage. Stop it! I can't-.. I won't! I am all alone and what am I to do then?! She placed her face in her hands and repressed the urge to scream at the top of her lungs. She sobbed as she fell down on her knees on the soft carpet.

The tears flowed down her face as the desperation took over her entire being. "Lucky to marry", she repeated in her head in an attempt to silence the voice. What am I going to do without this? Nobody is waiting for me back home.

Home. The place she once shared with her parents, where she felt safe and secure.

"If you have a problem, you come home. You don't go off and make matters worse!"

Her mother had insisted on always talking about the problems she faced, because there was nothing they couldn't fix as a family. But now, nobody was there to help her if she wanted to get out of this situation. You made this choice, you must deal with it. She said to herself as she stood up and wiped the tears away with the back of her hand.

That same evening, after an uneventful dinner, she brushed her hair carefully in front of the mirror. Lost in thought, she was startled by a sudden knock on the door.

"Who is it?" she asked while pushing her hair aside.

"Jin, my Lady." she heard the familiar voice answer from behind the door.

"Please, enter." Elyrie said as she rose from the chair, "You know you don't have to ask permission". Jin entered with a burgundy piece of fabric in her arms before she quickly closed the door again.

"I know, but two guards passed and I thought it would be wise to keep up appearances" Jin answered with a wink as she laid down the burgundy-coloured fabric on the bed.

Elyrie gave her a grateful smile. Jin didn't need words to understand her, which made her all the more thankful for having such a good friend in this hostile place.

"What is this?" Elyrie asked as softly caressed the red silk.

"Admiral Zhao requests your presence at his office in half an hour. He ordered me to dress you in this." Jin answered as she picked up the brush from the table to pin up her hair.

"Did he say why he wants me to come to him?" Elyrie asked again as she held up the dress. It was a beautiful dress, tailored around the waist with golden embroidery. The long skirt flowed around as if it was made of water, catching the slightest breeze of air. "Or why I should wear this expensive dress?" she added as she noticed the craftmanship.

"I'm sorry, no." Jin answered while tapping the brush in her handpalm.

"Hmm" Elyrie hummed as she put the dress down again. What could he possible have to gain from me by dressing me in the finest silk late at night? Involuntarily, she shuddered. Whatever it is, it can never be a good thing. Quickly repressing that thought, she shook her head and let Jin help her get ready

After half an hour, she knocked on the door of Zhao's office. Her auburn hair was pulled back into a small bun, which let the ends of her curls fall down her shoulder. Her makeup was simple, but her lips were coloured the same red as the dress. I could go to a party¸ she mused. But since Zhao was not particularly fond of parties, or anything fun for that matter, she knew that would not be the case.

"Enter." she heard his deep voice answer. Without saying another word, she pushed open the mahogany door and stepped inside the room.

Zhao sat bent over the large desk, which was filled with parchment and maps. A dozen candles were lit in the room, so he would be able to work after the sun had set. Which he apparently did most of the time.

"Close the door." he said without looking up. She gritted her teeth at his dismissive tone. Sure, dress up nice and come to the office at this hour, no inconvenience at all, she thought sarcastically. But she needed to be keep her wits about her so she turned around and closed the door softly. Then, she turned around and clasped her hands together in front of her. Patiently, she waited.

He kept on writing without bothering to look up to her or to offer her a seat. She knew this technique, it was to make her wait and make her impatient. Nice try, but I know what you are doing, she though amused. So she kept smiling and waited. Het patience was far greater than Zhao's and her pride prevented her from playing into his game.

After a few, long minutes, Zhao finally looked up and saw his fiancée standing in front of the door. Hands clasped together and her blue eyes turned down, she patiently waited until he spoke. She did not even dare to sit down, he grinned. This is what he liked to see. Obedience and submission.

"Please, sit." he said with a smirk, which was undoubtedly his attempt at a smile. Elyrie repressed an eyeroll and sat down with her hands folded in her lap. Again, she did not speak unless he asked her something. Play the game, beat him to it.

"You might wonder why I asked you to come here." He began. It did not sound like a question he needed answering to, so she kept looking at him with her lips sealed.

"You see, I am recruiting all available Fire Nation ships for a little expedition to the North Pole." He continued, while standing up from behind his desk. "This will be the greatest armada the world has ever seen and I need every last available man with me."

He started pacing around as she remained quiet. She knew about the plans for the armada, but she was still unsure what he exactly wanted from her.

"I have prepared every ship and in a few days, we leave for the harbour." Zhao continued as he pointed at the position on the map lying on this desk.

Elyrie bent forward to look and saw a rather large harbour at the Northern part of the Earth Kingdom. From there, she estimated it would take only a few days to reach the North Pole. She smiled inwardly, glad that it was expected of her to accompany them on this expedition. I am not to be send home just yet, she thought while biting her underlip.

"However, I still need the crew of one ship and you will accompany me to it." Zhao concluded as he placed his hands on the desk while looking at the auburn-haired girl in the chair in front of him. She was vital for recruiting the last men for this expedition. With her, they would follow without any trouble. She might be able to convince the last General to join him on his mission, who was famous for his many conquests. He smirked, proud of his strategical planning.

"Why would you want me to accompany you?" she asked timidly as she looked up, unable to repress her curiosity.
"Because the last ship belongs the banished Prince." was the brash answer.

As Elyrie walked up the ramp of the small ship, she heard the sound of distant music. On the arm of Colonel Shinu - who accompanied them - they had arrived at the small harbour in the Northern Earth Kingdom in less than an hour.

Winter, spring

Summer and fall

Four seasons,

Four loves

She smiled as she stepped onto the deck. Another music night, she thought with an amused grin. Her smile quickly died however, when she remembered the reason for coming her. Walking behind Zhao and two guards, she saw a small circle of men standing around a fire.

With his back turned to her, Uncle Iroh was the one that had been singing. On his right, Captain Jee played the pipa. The engineer and helmsman danced together on the song, which made her repress a chuckle.

However, when they noticed Zhao's presence, the music quickly stopped. Zhao grinned at the small group of men before he turned his attention to the Dragon of the West.

"General Iroh, I've come here to invite you and your crew for an expedition to the North Pole." Zhao began while eying the group of men. "Your support would be valuable for the quest to capture the Avatar."

Iroh turned around to look at the newly promoted Admiral. Hiding his hands in his sleeves, he answered in a neutral tone.

"You honour us with your visit, Admiral Zhao." the older man said, "And I see you have brought guests." Ignoring Zhao's earlier comments, he walked straight towards Elyrie and Colonel Shinu. Standing next to Zhao, Elyrie could feel his temper flare as she saw a particularly large vein in his neck popping.

"Colonel Shinu, it is a pleasure seeing you again." Iroh said with a bow to the Colonel. Shinu answered with a respectful bow, deeper than Elyrie had ever seen him bow.

"And Miss Elyrie," Iroh continued while grasping the hands of the young girl, "It makes my old heart joyous seeing you again in good health." The fatherly tone brought a smile to Elyrie's face as she bowed her head in gratitude.

"I am very pleased to see you as wel, General Iroh." she answered in her musical voice. Iroh gave her a quick wink before he turned again to the Admiral.

"Anyone who brings us such a visit, is our honoured guest. Would you like to join us for music night?" Iroh asked while looking at the Admiral.

Zhao frowned at this and gave Elyrie a nudge, harder than necessary. Repressing a sigh, she knew what she had to do.

"Nothing would make me happier, General." she answered with a sad look in her eyes, "But I am afraid we have other business to attend to. See, I told the Admiral about this crew and the impeccable state of work. We are more than eager to let you join us for our expedition." Looking around the crew, she managed to smile at them. Some of them, mainly the helmsman and Captain Jee, returned the smile with fondness.

Her cheeks hurt from the fake smile, but she managed to let the warmth be present in her voice. After all, she did not lie. She was fond of the crew and wished for them to join them. But she knew at what price.

"The North Pole is home to the Northern Water Tribe, a great nation. There's a reason they've survived a hundred years of war." She continued her speech, prepared to the letter by Zhao, "The frozen tundra is treacherous, the landscape itself is an icy fortress. We'll need a massive invasion force."

He never needed this group, Elyrie realised as she ended her speech, he just wants to cross Zuko in every way possible. She began twisting her cold engagement ring again, fighting the urge to throw it into the dark shimmering water of the ocean. She knew Zhao could simply order them to join them, as his rank as Admiral was able to do. By using me to convince them, it is just another blow.

"Even more so, it would be a great honour having you as the General, the mighty Dragon of the West." Elyrie added with another smile that strained the muscles in her face while turning to Iroh.

Iroh stroked his beard as he looked at the girl. He saw the hurt in her azure eyes and knew she was forced to come along. Zhao was using her as pawn in his games.

"I see." Iroh simply answered, "Well, who are we to refuse such an offer?" Elyrie mentally thanked him for making it easier for her. Iroh send her a reassuring look before he turned to Zhao.

"We need to inform Prince Zuko about this turn of events, since he is in charge of the crew" Iroh said in a neutral tone before adding "But I am afraid I will not be able to accompany you on your expedition."

Elyrie had expected nothing less from the old General, loyal to his nephew to the very end.

"Then let's inform him of our new arrangement." Zhao said with a cruel smile.

"For the last time, I am not playing the tsungi horn" Elyrie heard the brooding voice say.

"No, it is about our plans." his Uncle answered as he stepped into the dimly lit room.

"Hi Zuko." Elyrie said as she stepped into the dark room, only lit by a few lanterns that gave of a reddish light. No wonder he is so grumpy, she mused as she looked around. She would be brooding a lot too if she kept herself into such a dark place. It certainly did not look this way when she stayed on the ship.

Zuko quickly sat up straight when he heard the familiar voice. "Elyrie?" he asked as he stood up from his bed. She gave him a weak smile and slowly shook her head. She noticed he was still in his training gear, and probably just finished with his meditation. We are going to need all the peace of mind we can get, she thought as she anticipated the situation.

Zuko observed her, as she stood with her hands clasped and her eyes sad. She was not here for a visit, he knew. Looking at her, he did not failed to notice how beautiful she looked. It looked like she really made an effort, with an expensive dress and a complicated hairdo.

"There's a bit of a problem." Uncle Iroh said while placing a hand on the shoulder of the young girl standing next to him.

Zuko's rose up from his bed when he saw the pompous figure of Admiral Zhao enter his room.

"I'm taking your crew. I've recruited them for a little expedition to the North Pole." Zhao simply informed the Prince, as if it was nothing. Inwardly, he enjoyed the look of confusion as the Prince realised what he had said.

"What?" Zuko roared as he moved forward. With two great steps, he was standing in front of the trio. "Elyrie, is that true?" he asked while looking at the pale face of his friend.

"I'm afraid so." she answered, meeting his pleading golden eyes.

"He's taking everyone." Uncle added before he wiped his eyes, "Even the cook."

"Sorry you won't be there to watch me capture the Avatar, but I can't have you getting in my way again." Zhao added before he turned to examine the room.

With a yell, Zuko leaped forward to physically attack the Admiral. "No!" Elyrie said as she moved in front op Zuko, placing her hands on his chest to stop him. Through the thin fabric, she felt his heart race. He inhaled through gritted teeth while meeting the pleading sapphire eyes. Those eyes gave him a clear message. Don't do this.

As always, her presence had a calming effect on him. Even now, when he felt his temper flare and his blood heat up, she calmed his racing heart.

Noticing she still had her hands on his chest, she pulled her hands back without breaking eye contact. A faint blush appeared on her cheeks as she turned to look at Zhao's back. Zuko followed her example and looked at the Admiral.

And then, two hearts simultaneously stopped.

Zhao reached for the swords which decorated the wall. Zuko's dual broadswords. The swords he had used in his disguise as the Blue Spirit.

Zuko's golden eyes widened as he quickly looked down and met Elyrie's blue eyes. For less then a second, they shared a look of terror. And then, he knew that she knew.

"I didn't know you were skilled with broad swords, Prince Zuko?" Zhao said casually while swinging one of the swords he had taken from the wall.

"I'm not." Zuko said while sending a hateful glare to the brown-eyed man, "They're antiques, just decorative."

Elyrie chewed on her bottom lip as she saw Zuko looking away. He had always been a terrible liar.

"No proper firebender would deign themselves to train with weapons when they are able to bend the most powerful element in the word." Elyrie said with an impassive look, trying to take the heat off the situation.

Zhao nodded at her comment as he walked towards them with the sword still in his hands. While examining the blade, he asked "Have you heard of the Blue Spirit, General Iroh?"

"Just rumours," was the disinterested answer of the older General, "I don't think he is real."

"He is real, all right," Zhao answered without looking up from the sword, "He's a criminal and an enemy of the Fire Nation." He swung the sword for the last time before handing it to Iroh, who took it wordlessly.

"But I have a feeling justice will catch up with him soon." Zhao finished as he motioned to Elyrie to follow him. While making their way out of the room, Zhao halted and without turning, he said to Iroh "General Iroh, the offer to join my mission still stands, if you change your mind."

Iroh did not answer, but he and Zuko followed the pair back onto the deck. Zuko was still fighting the urge to attack Zhao, bitterly regretting not using his last opportunity to hurt him.

"I expect you at the harbour in two days." Zhao ordered the men as soon as he had reached the deck. While making way to the ramp, a voice disrupted the silence.

"Miss, you promised to sing for us!" the helmsman cried out. The crew murmured in agreement.

"Please, I would very much like to accompany you on my pipa." the captain added as he motioned towards the instrument next to the fire.

Elyrie blushed, but Zhao raised a dark eyebrow at the request.

"Why would you want to do that?" he asked as he looked at the esteemed Captain. Why would they want to hear her? He thought with a mental frown.

"Because, Admiral," Jee answered as he straightened his back, "She has the most beautiful singing voice"

"She?" he asked, somewhat indignant. He felt his temper flare up again. Everywhere they went, she was showered with compliments. He felt his annoyance grew.

Next to the door, Zuko smashed against the metal wall. It bulged and left a visible mark. He did not even notice it, that is how angry he was at Zhao. He started to walk towards the arrogant Admiral, but he felt a hand on his shoulder. Uncle Iroh halted him and shook his head, barely moving.

"Yes. I would love to sing." Zuko heard a soft voice answering. Without giving Zhao a so much as a glance, she walked forward to the captain. Her blue eyes reflected the dancing flames as her smile lit up her entire face.

Zuko relaxed, understanding his Uncle's intention. She doesn't need anyone to fight her battles.

Elyrie elegantly flipped the ends of her curls over her shoulder.

"Colonel Shinu, do you have any requests? To make up for the last time?" she said with a smile that outshone the stars in the sky. Zuko watched as Colonel Shinu gave her a appreciative look and returned her smile.

"I would love it if you sang my favourite song." The Colonel answered, "You know, the one we started last time?"

"I remember." she answered with a smile, "Captain Jee, are you familiar with the song?"

As she walked towards the captain to discuss the song, Zuko understood something. Something he failed to notice the last time she was here.

She doesn't need physical strength or intimidation to get what she wants. She doesn't need to lie, cheat or kill. She simply is herself. Charming, friendly and attentive. And that way, she can wrap anyone around her little finger.

By now, the whole crew was present on the ship. They formed a small circle around her, eager to hear her sing again. Colonel Shinu and Zhao stood in front of the others, one with an anticipating smile, the other with an annoyed look.

As she stepped on a small box, she was able to overlook them all. But most importantly, she was able to see the two figures standing in the back.

As Captain Jee started to play, she took a deep breath. The flames from the small fire illuminated her pale face and bathed her in a warm light as she began to sing.

You're the bravest of hearts
you're the strongest of souls
You're my light in the dark, you're the place I call home
You can say it's all right, but I know that you're breaking up inside
I see it in your eyes
Even you face the night afraid and alone
That's why I'll be there

Elyrie quickly took a breath as she looked around the circle of men with a smile. She avoided Zhao's look but searched Zuko's eyes as she continued.

When the storm rises up
When the shadows descend
Every beat of my heart
Everyday without end
I will stand like a rock
I will bend till I break
Till there is no more to give
If that's what it takes

Sapphire eyes met golden eyes. He smiled lovingly at her and she winked. He softly chuckled as he watched her voice grew more powerful.

Through the wind and the rain
Though the smoke and the fire
When the fear rises up
When the waves ever higher
I will give you my heart
My body, my soul
I will lay down my life
And never let go
Every second I live
That's the promise I make
Darling, that's what I give
If that's what it takes

Slightly panting, she looked around as the men started to cheer. Even louder than the last time, they clapped and cheered for her. She bowed with gratitude as she answered their praise with a thankful smile.

However, Zhao had not missed their silent conversation. Clenching his jaw, he looked at the cheering crew. Even his own soldiers cheered her on. And that ungrateful Colonel Shinu, he looked at her as if she suddenly was made of gold.

He did not even know she could sing. She had never sung when he was around. He was impressed, he was enchanted and he was furious.

With gritted teeth, he had to admit she had beaten him at this. Again, she managed to get the crowd on her hand by simply letting others request something of her.

"We need to go." He brashly said as the pulled the girl with him.

"I'm very impressed." Zhao said at the group in front of him. One of his spies had informed him of a group who was more than willing to help him with a little problem.

Seven pirates were standing around his desk, with the captain sitting down. A colourful group of men, varying from fat, skinny, dark and pale. They all looked at the small, red chest Zhao had pushed towards the captain.

"That's some tasty gold." a skinny, longhaired pirate said as he tried to bent the gold piece between his teeth. All the men eyed the small chest hungrily.

The captain quickly took the coin from the pirate and placed it back in the box. With his large hat and an Iguana-parrot on his shoulder, he looked just like the pictures in children's books. This, however, made him no less dangerous.

He closed the box and turned to Zhao. "What do you need us to do?" he asked in a grim tone.

"I believe you are acquainted with Prince Zuko?" Zhao answered with an ominous grin

The Prince had stood in his way too many times. He helped the Avatar escape as the Blue Spirit. And Zhao did not like the way he looked at his fiancée when they were together. She was his ticket to nobility and he was not going to lose his potential noble status because of some banished prince. She was to be his wife and no Prince was to stand in his way

Zhao the Conqueror, Zhao the Invincible. He had spent too much of his life fighting for his place. Now nobility and a legendary status were within his grasp. His legacy would be legendary. And nothing and no one would stand in the way of his victory.