Ch. 4 NEW BEGINNING

As she stood in front of the Commander trying to digest what she must do a thin blonde girl stepped in. She looked younger than Octavia and her big blue eyes were childlike and innocent. It appeared she was holding clothes as she stood behind the Commander.

"Tonight I have prepared a feast for my guests. This is Meka she has served me well for many years; she will now be serving you." Meka bowed respectfully and stepped towards her. Meka's aura was calming and sweet, just like her smile. "You will no longer be a prisoner Octavia. Meka will help you learn our ways and customs. If you need anything please ask her."

Octavia stepped forward to question the commander, but Meka politely stopped her and shook her head.

"I'll take good care of her Commander," Meka called as the Commander turned to walk away. The commander then stopped at the doorway turning her face slightly towards them.

"Think about your people Octavia. I'll see you tonight." With that, she left. Octavia had been so awe struck by the commander she didn't realize she was still staring at the door. Meka startled her when she began speaking to her.

"Don't let her intimidate you; I've known her since we were children. She may look like a merciless tyrant, but she is truly a great leader and a wonderful person. Being the leader her people need comes with a price. I just hope someone can break through those walls she has set around herself and love her for her true self. Even though she believe she must sacrifice everything for the good of her people, she needs to learn that her happiness is also worth fighting for. So she believes in you staying here with us will bring peace back to our lands."

Octavia couldn't help but throw a glare at her. "By forcing me to stay." Octavia corrected. Instead of getting angry with Octavia, Meka just smiled as she finished tying a bow under Octavia chin that held the cloak to her body.

"There are things I will let the Commander tell you, but this is more than keeping you as a trophy."

Octavia finally started to inspect what she had on. It was a beautiful green satin cloak with a silver trim and lace that matched her eyes. Meka finished adjusting the cloak around Octavia's body and placing the hood over her head. It had piqued Octavia's curiosity how the Commander could be so ruthless and downright scary but be so loved by her subject. Is there another side to the Commander she didn't see.

As Meka escorted her out of the prison into the streets, all eyes were on them, but instead of the hatred, she expected she saw excitement. Groups of girls and women would whisper and giggle as she walked by. "What's all that about?" She asked Meka as she nodded towards the giggling girls.

Meka smiled gently "There have been rumors about the Commander stealing away a beautiful princess to keep the beauty for herself. They aren't wrong, are they?" Meka gave her a small mischievous smirk, but Octavia's face was full of shock. They couldn't possibly mean her. She always knew she was pretty and her family had always been in roles of leadership, but she was no beautiful princess.

"I'm no princess or beauty."

"Try to give yourself some credit Miss. We have all heard the stories of the beautiful Warrior Princess that fights alongside her men." At the statement, Octavia blushed. Her brother had told her countless times to stay out of the fight and stay protected in the settlement, but how could she abandon her family. After her parents passed away the clan adopted the two siblings and they were never hungry or without love. When Bellamy had asked for the citizens to help protect their families she too took up arms. The entire clan was her family, and like her parents before her, she would fight to the death to protect them.

On the other hand, people like Meka, or Lincoln made her wonder what was so different between the two clans. Both of them respected and never mistreated her, neither did the people they pass, so why did she hate them so much to begin with? Maybe her enemy isn't as savage as she had come to believe. Maybe they could live together peacefully.

Just as she was finishing her thoughts she was standing in front of a large castle. How had she missed it? She glanced all around and noticed how the tall trees seemed to cover it and protect it. They then entered through a large set of doors, and inside the castle was breathtaking. The high ceilings, the beautiful sculptures, and artwork that decorated the halls were beyond beautiful and so elegant.

The castle was so big she had lost her sense of directions after Meka had led her down so many hallways and turns. Octavia could easily get lost, but Meka suddenly stopped at a door quietly opening it. The room was huge! It had a large bed, a small sitting area, and even dressers and mirrors! In the corner, she could see a beautiful fireplace with a painting of a landscape above it. The room was decorated in golds, reds, and whites. She walked towards a dresser cautiously opening one of the drawers to see that it was full of clothes.

"Those are gifts from the Commander."

She hadn't noticed Meka standing behind her looking down at the clothes with her. It was like nothing she had ever had before. How could the Commander give her gifts? Her thoughts were interrupted again.

"Miss please rest. Tonight will be very eventful and you need your strength. I'll be back in a few hours to help you get dressed."

Octavia just nodded, walking towards her new bed. It was a large bed with a beautiful red and golden tapestry comforter. Four large posts reached the ceiling from the frame and loosely white veil hung from them. She ran her hands through her hair as she laid down on the soft bed. Anxiety started to weigh on her until her head hit the pillow and her body melted into the sheets. The bed was so soft and inviting that it didn't take long for her worries to drift away as she fell into a deep sleep.