I just wanted to say a quick thanks to everyone that reviewed the last chapters and to everyone that has followed the story i was not expecting that many! I hope you enjoy this chapter let me know what you think! Happy reading! X
Lexa adjusted the sword on her back slightly making it more comfortable, she rubbed at her eyes hoping to ease the ache of tiredness but was unsuccessful. She had been tossing and turning all night knowing Clarke was only down the hall, she had stopped herself countless times from going to her room and making her listen to the excuses she had come up with explaining why she had left her to deal with the mountain men alone. Even if she had taken the plunge and knocked she knew she would only be met with a look of hatred and a handful of sarcastic comments which she had become accustomed to lately.
A knock at her bedroom door pulled Lexa away from her thoughts. "Enter."
Without hesitation a young guard strolled in and bowed his head respectively. "Good morning Heda, I have a message for you from Zane."
It took the Commander a minute to think of who Zane was before briefly remembering Titus telling her he had sent Zane and another with the message to the sky people regarding Clarke being safe in Polis because he was the quickest messenger they had.
"What does Zane have to say?"
"He delivered your message to the sky peoples Chancellor personally, assured them that Wanheda was safe but they want to see for themselves and could not be dissuaded, a group of them were packing supplies for the journey here when Zane sent me ahead to let you know Heda."
Lexa was not overly surprised by the news, she had expected Abby to want to check on her daughter after learning her whereabouts. "How many of them?"
"I believe it is the Chancellor, Marcus kane, Octavia and Lincoln."
"Fine, when should we expect their arrival?" Lexa asked.
"Late nightfall Heda, possibly early morning."
Lexa nodded her approval, "Have rooms set up for each of them and offer them food when they arrive, inform them they may see Clarke in the morning after everyone has rested."
The guard bowed his head again and left leaving Lexa with an excuse to go and speak to Clarke. After placing her knives securely in the sheaths on her arm she made her way towards the blonde's room stopping outside her door and taking a deep breath trying to get rid of the butterflies in her stomach that always seemed to appear when her and Clarke were about to be in each others company.
Raising her arm she knocked and waited, no answer came so after another minute she knocked again louder, this time she heard sounds from behind the door.
"Yeah ok i heard you, just hang on."
Lexa smiled at the grogginess in Clarke's voice but hid it before the footsteps came closer so she didn't make Wanheda's temper worse than what it was already going to be towards her. The door opened a crack and half of Clarke's face peered through the gap, groaning when she see who was stood in the doorway.
"What do you want?"
"Can i come in? I need to speak with you." Lexa asked politely.
"No you can't and i dont want to speak to you so why don't you fuck off back to your own room and stay away from mine." Clarke replied not so politely before attempting to slam the door in the Commander's face.
Lexa held her hand up to stop the door from closing. "Your room? If what you say is true and you accept nothing from me then this room is still mine and i can enter it whenever i want, i only asked your permission because i was trying to be polite."
Clarke raised an eyebrow at Lexa's comment. "Pity you didn't bring your manners with you to Mount Weather." She mumbled.
Lexa pushed the door fully open easily and walked in ignoring Clarkes scowl and her comment but she couldn't ignore how good the sky princess looked now she was clean and had new clothes that fit her very nicely, the braided hair was a nice change aswell and Lexa could do little more than stare at the blonde.
Clarke huffed impatiently. "I thought you said you wanted to talk so unless your planning to do it telepathically can you hurry up i have somewhere I need to be."
Lexa spoke but let her eyes continue their journey over Clarkes figure lingering for longer than was polite in certain areas. "Your mother and a few others are on their way her to see that you are ok, they will arrive by morning."
Clarke stayed silent for a moment, Lexa had obviously let them know she was here they had no other way of knowing but why had she told them?
"Are they coming to bargain with you for my release?"
Lexa huffed angrily. "I have already told you that you are not a prisoner here, it is for your own safety-"
"Because the queen of the cold nation is after me blah blah blah, so you say. I think its just a ruse to keep me here." Clarke interrupted. She knew Queen Nia did want the power of Wanheda but she didn't particularly care she just wanted to annoy the Commander.
"Ice nation." Lexa corrected. "And why would i make up a lie just to keep you in the city? For your charming company or to enjoy polite meaningful conversation with you?"
"Maybe you want my power."
Lexa shook her head. "You don't believe that, I've had plenty of chances to kill you Clarke but i haven't, all I've done is try to protect you."
Clarke snorted with laughter. "Protect me? Seriously? I'm not even going to dignify that with a response ... Maybe the great and amazing Heda is too scared of Wanheda?" she taunted.
Lexa walked forward in to Clarke's personal space making her back up until she bumped in to the wall, leaning her head closer to the blondes face so there was only a tiny gap left between them, she was pleased to notice Clarke's eyes widen and flit between her own eyes and then her lips and back up again.
"I fear no-one and nothing Clarke ... I am trying to make up for the decisions i made in the past ... So instead of fighting me at every turn, stop being stubborn and accept my help ... Please." Lexa whispered her heart pounding in her chest at the closeness of them.
Clarke swallowed noticeably. "Bite me." she whispered back harshly.
Lexa had heard Octavia use the same insult before but just smiled at the words. "With pleasure ... Where would you suggest i start?"
Clarke couldn't stop the blush that reddened her cheeks, she also couldn't think of a comeback quick enough so did the only thing she could think of and walked out of the room slamming the door behind her. Lexa grinned to herself ... She had definitely won that round.
Clarke's frustration at the Commander did not ease even after there was distance between them, she hated leaving when Lexa had the last word, she should of come up with something but even now she couldn't think of anything, 'If she wasn't right in my face i would of been able to think' Clarke thought to herself, trying to forget just how close she had been, if she had leaned forward just an inch their lips would of been pressed together. Shaking the thought away Clarke muttered to herself about boundaries and was startled to hear a voice from infront of her.
"Talking to yourself is a sign of madness you know." Jade teased watching Clarke walk towards her.
"It's the only way i can guarantee an intelligent conversation."
Jade laughed at the comment and handed Clarke a piece of fruit. "Some breakfast to enjoy before i put you to work"
"Thank you." Clarke said gratefully biting in to the apple and leaning casually against the stall. "Got many deliveries going out today?"
"Not too many, less than you did yesterday. You and Nathaniel should be finished just after midday."
Clarke looked around. "Where is Nathaniel anyway?"
"Playing but he will be here soon."
Clarke had another bite of the apple and took in her surroundings, watching everyone else ready their stalls for the day. The sound of sizzling started drawing Clarkes attention to Jade who had began cooking the food ready to sell.
"So do you enjoy cooking or is it just a way for you to get by?"
Jade thought for a moment. "I enjoy the reaction my cooking gets from people that try my food and i like putting things together that are unexpected but delicious all the same ... Maybe i can try something you cook one day."
"Not unless you have a death wish ... I wouldn't risk it. You put nuts with your meat?" Clarke asked watching Jade pick up a small handful and add it to one of the dishes.
"They add a whole new flavour to it ... Here try the meat on it's own." Jade suggested, throwing a small piece in to the air and grinning when Clarke caught it in her mouth. "It has a bland sort of taste not horrible but nothing special right? ... But now taste it with these and notice the difference."
Clarke took the small plate offered to her and ate what was on it, surprised at how different it tasted and how delicious.
"It's better right?" Jade asked proudly.
"I think i'm going to keep quiet in case your head swells to an even bigger size." Clarke teased ducking as a few nuts were thrown in her direction.
By the time Nathaniel showed up Jade and Clarke were taking it in turns trying to throw the peanuts into each others mouths, laughing when they accidently caught the others eye or simply bounced off their faces. "Your cookings a lot better than your aim." Clarke chuckled as a nut hit the top of her head.
"You fidget to much."
"Your sisters a sore loser Nathaniel." Clarke whispered loud enough for Jade to hear. "She's jealous i have a perfect score."
"Clarke is as deluded about the greatness of her aim as she is about the greatness of her jokes." Jade replied turning her back on them to hide her smile which just made Clarke laugh harder.
"You ready to get to work Nathaniel?"
"Yes ... If we finish early enough can i go play more football?" He asked quietly.
"Yes only after you have eaten lunch though."
"And try not to talk my ear off today ok? I couldn't get a word in yesterday i'll be happy for some peace and quiet." Clarke teased making Nathaniel giggle.
Clarke went over to Jade and picked up the pile of boxes she needed to deliver and Nathaniel led them to the other side of the city close to Jade's house, while waiting for Nathaniel to finish talking with the old lady they had delivered to Clarke noticed someone watching her closely but when he saw her looking back he quickly looked away and went back to examining a long sword at one of the stalls.
Feeling someone tug at her top she looked down to see Nathaniel looking at her questioningly.
"Sorry did you say something?"
"We're finished here we can go and get the next boxes from Jade now."
"See that wasn't so bad was it?"
"What wasn't?"
"Talking to me." Clarke grinned.
Nathaniel blushed and went quiet again, Clarke noticed him watching a group of children playing football nearby.
"You like football?" Clarke asked.
Nathaniels eyes lit up. "Yes, it's my favourite game, i play everyday if i didn't have to help Jade i think i would play it all day."
"What position do you play?"
"Midfielder but i'm good in defence too ..."
Now Clarke had got him on the subject of his favourite sport he chatted with her about it through the next hours worth of deliveries, Jade noticed her brother had become more comfortable with her new friend and watched them happily every time they came back, smiling when she saw them laughing together and when she saw Nathaniel become so excited about whatever he was talking about he started waving his hands about enthusiastically.
Jade was right they finished all the deliveries for that day just before lunch, Clarke and Nathaniel staying silent as they enjoyed their meal.
"Thanks again for the food Jade it was delicious ... Yet again."
"Your welcome ...Same time tomorrow?"
"You can count on it. Bye Nathaniel, tomorrow i'll tell you about some of the old football games i used to watch with my dad."
Nathaniel perked up. "Really?"
"Sure."
Thinking she might have a wonder around the other stalls she walked further away from the main building where her room was only to see the same man from earlier watching her again. Frowning to herself she decided to walk up to him and ask him what his problem was when she heard her name being called behind her.
"Hey Nathaniel what's up? You ok?"
"I'm going to play football now, behind our house there's a small clearing where we play ... Do you want to come watch me?"
"Er ..." Clarke looked back towards the man and noticed he was gone. "Sure why not, let's see what skills you've got kid."
It was getting closer to nightfall and Lexa sat on her throne listening to yet another argument between two clans about trading routes and who's territory they went through, she was becoming bored of hearing the same thing over again and wondered how angry Titus would be if she just killed them to get the meeting over with.
Ares appeared in the doorway and made direct eye contact with his Commander, she nodded to let him know she would be with him shortly.
"You have already been told countless times Conway, that territory is not yours and that is the end of it. This meeting is over, i'm sure we all have other things to be getting on with."
After some displeased grumblings the room emptied out apart from Titus and Lexa until Ares was beckoned inside.
"You were told to watch Clarke, why are you not with her." Lexa growled.
"My apologies Heda she noticed me twice, i thought it unwise to continue so i had Jackson follow her in my place."
"You let a Sky person catch you? Twice? Are your skills slipping Ares?" Titus asked obviously displeased.
"She is more aware than i realised but that is not the only reason i returned. Heda i noticed two other people following Wanheda today, they were watching her every move. I could not follow them when they left as it would of meant leaving Wanheda on her own, by the time i found Jackson i thought it best to come straight to you with the news."
Lexa sat up straighter at hearing the information. "Did you recognise them?"
"No Heda."
"Queen Nia must know we have Clarke here and has sent scouts in, there's no other explanation." Lexa said to herself more than the other two, panic settled in her stomach she could not let any harm come to the sky princess.
"Ares, go and find Clarke ask her to come back inside it is not safe for her to be out especially now it is starting to get dark. Titus bring me Prince Roan."
Both men bowed their heads and left.
Titus returned quickly Prince Roan close behind him.
"You asked to see me?"
"Yes. What does your mother know about Clarke?"
"What's it to you?"
"Do not test my patience, answer my question ... Now."
"How should i know what information my mother has, i haven't seen her since before i bought Wanheda to you."
"You have been free to walk these streets Roan ... Have you had any contact with the Ice Nation warriors that have been wandering through Polis these last couple of days?"
Lexa noticed the flinch of his eyes even though he did his best to hide it. Unsheathing her sword she pressed it against his throat. "What does she know?"
Roan stiffened as the tip of the sword pressed roughly against his skin. After a slight pause he began to speak. "She knows that Wanheda is here ... She knows she is free to walk the streets like i am, she is aware that she has been working at a food stall and that she has a hatred for you ... Even though you do not hate her ... Far from it infact." Roan smiled knowingly.
The panic in Lexa's stomach worsened at the news, if Nia knew she harboured feelings for Clarke that just put the blonde in even worse danger.
"If you had honoured our deal then i wouldn't of told her a thing this is your-" He didn't even get to finish the sentence due to the headbutt that knocked him unconcious.
"Get him out of my sight." Lexa spat angrily.
Titus was halfway out of the room dragging Roan with him when Ares returned. "Did you escort Clarke back to her room?" Lexa asked wiping Roan's blood from her face.
Ares swallowed nervously. "She would not come Heda."
Her temper about to reach breaking point she gritted her teeth. "And why exactly did she refuse?"
"The football match in the clearing is still not over and she doesn't want to miss the end, i tried reasoning with her but she would not listen, if i forced her she might get hurt and you told us that was not to happen under any circumstances Heda."
"A football game? She puts her life in danger for a football game!"
Lexa left the room her rage apparent to everybody she walked past, reaching the clearing in record time Lexa spotted Clarke at the edge of the clearing shouting encouragement to Nathaniel, cheering when he had the ball and talking happily with Jade. Storming up to the blonde and pulling her aside much to Jade's surprise.
"You were asked to return to your room, is there a reason your still standing outside?"
Clarke looked down at the hand that still gripped her arm and tried to pull away but Lexa just held on just as tight.
"I promised Nathaniel i would watch his matches and i unlike some i could mention don't just walk away after i've made a promise to someone. Now let go of me."
Sick of Clarke's constant rudeness and continued refusal to meet her halfway about anything Lexa picked her up and threw her over her shoulder and walked back towards her home, ignoring the whispers from the people standing around, mostly ignoring Clarke's protests and struggles.
"Put me the fuck down ... Seriously? Your going to carry me the whole way back? ... Lexa!" She continued to struggle vigorously but Lexa acted as though it was as easy as carrying a bag of feathers.
"Seriously who was you reincarnated from? Popeye?"
Lexa ignored the comment but knew who she was talking about she just wasn't in the mood to find anything funny.
Clarke stopped struggling and huffed as she hung upside down staring at Lexa's back. "I can walk you know."
"Yet you chose not to when you were asked politely to come back inside."
"So you just decide to humiliate me infront of everybody?"
Lexa kicked open Clarke's bedroom door and threw her on to the bed. "Just like you humiliate me in front of my warriors and my subjects with your constant sneering and sarcastic comments! You show me no respect but i must continue to walk on eggshells to make you happy! I accepted that you would be angry at me for Mount Weather what i did not expect was for you to act like a spoilt little child at every turn! Nothing that i do for you is enough!"
"You could try letting me go and staying the hell away from me ... That would be enough!" Clarke shouted back.
"If i did that then you would be dead!"
"GOOD!" Clarke bellowed.
Lexa straightened up surprise clear on her face. "You don't mean that." she said quietly. "Clarke? ..."
" ... Just leave me alone."
"Talk to me ... Maybe i can help?"
"I've had enough of your 'help' ... I said get out."
Lexa backed away slowly toward the door. "I am only two doors down the hall ... If you change your mind-"
"I won't." Clarke said firmly, laying on the bed her back to Lexa making sure she didn't see the tears falling down her face.