It was only a matter of time… before this could happen. Elsa was gone… or more accurately, kidnapped.
It had been an arranged marriage… a necessary alliance between the Fire Nation and Arendelle. He didn't think he could receive love again… not right away. But after those moments together, he had learned to respect her, to protect her, and, slowly, to need her. She had become a part of him, and so his duty to her grew… as did his love. He fell more in love every day when he was with her… and now she was carrying his child… their child.
The kidnappers had struck precisely: no sign of a struggle, no trace… who could it have been?
Zuko clenched his fist, a flame igniting between his fingers, expressing his rage.
"I will find my wife," he muttered, his voice low and cracking with rage. "And whoever touched her…"
He wasted no time in gathering a small, trusted army to search for his wife. They had to be quiet and avoid too much attention… he didn't want Elsa's health to be put in danger. He had also enlisted June and her trusty companion Nyla, a shirshu capable of sniffing out a scent and tracking it even from miles away… as well as a secret weapon he would use only if necessary.
Thanks to Nyla's skills, they followed a clear, reliable trail, and he raised his gaze to the horizon. For Elsa and their child… he would burn the world, if necessary.
The kidnappers were none other than members of the New Ozai Society, apparently still intact, and led by War Minister Qin, a fierce supporter of Ozai and his plans.
They had taken refuge in a distant city: a distant border with secret routes and ancient hideouts that few could possibly know about.
In the cell where the Ice Queen was held, Qin himself opened the door to approach the bars… not too close, because of the ice the girl had released.
With a smug, evil grin, he crossed his arms behind his back and said, "How's our prisoner doing?"