It's an honor, she was told, to be chosen as Commander, but Clarke of the Ice Nation knows better. She sees the mistrust in the Trikru's eyes and hears the way 'Azgeda' is spat, almost as if a curse. The other clans are fearful as well, but the Trikru are nearly hostile.
The cruelty of the feared Ice Queen has not been forgotten here. Clarke doesn't think it will help her cause to say she is just as feared amongst the Azgeda as well.
"Do they really all fear that I'll be like her?" she whispers to her guard one day.
Bellamy shrugs and doesn't speak for a long moment. He's not much of a talker, Clarke's noticed. Her people had initially protested her being given a Trikru guard while in Polis, but Clarke agreed with the request. Peace needs to start somewhere, she'd told them, and that is my duty now.
"They fear that you could be," he finally answers. "But I know you're not."
Clarke looks at him curiously now. She's only been in Polis for a week. "How are you so sure?" she asks. She tries to sound lofty and commanding, but from the flicker of amusement in his eyes, she doesn't think she's quite pulled it off.
"You're kind," he answers with a shrug. "They will all begin to realize it soon enough."
He doesn't say anything more, and Clarke is too shocked to ask anything either, but she can't help the smile that plays at her lips when his eyes meet hers.