"Go on and tear me apart; I don't care if you do. Cause in a sky, cause in a sky full of stars, I think I saw you."

~A Sky Full Of Stars By Coldplay

(Clarke's POV)

"You're all done." Raven smiles, setting down the hair brush on the vanity. "Ten out of ten for sure. Lexa's gonna want to bang the shit out of you."

"Language Raven," my mother scolds.

"Right, sorry." Raven rolls her eyes, stepping back to admire her work.

I have to give her credit, my makeup is perfect and my hair is French braided at the crown and pinned over to one side. All my normal plats removed and my long blonde locks fall soft and shiny around my face.

"Time for the finishing touch," Mom says with new found excitement. Racing over to the closet she pulls out a white dress. It's beautiful but-

"Is this yours?" I run my fingers over the silken material.

"Yes." She nods.

"But how did you-"

"Lexa helped," Mom explains, "she hasn't seen it yet, but not for lack of trying."

"Why didn't you tell me?" I touch her cheek, thumbing away the tear there.

"I wanted it to be a surprise."

"Thank you." I breathe pulling her in for a hug. "It's beautiful, help me put it on." I pull away from her. It pools around my feet as I step into the soft fabric, pulling it up carefully and holding it against my chest so it doesn't fall as my mother does up the back.

"This used to be a zipper," she explains while lacing up the gown. "But since you're a little more endowed than myself Aria was able to give you a more room."

"Remind me to thank her." I take myself in, for the first time it all feels real. I'm getting married... to Lexa.

"Hey no crying," Raven bats at me. "You're going to ruin my masterpiece."

"You look so beautiful baby," Mom runs her hand over my arm soothingly.

"How long do we have before the ceremony starts?" I wonder.

"About fifteen minutes." Raven tells me and I feel the nerves start to kick in.

"Can you see if Lexa's ready?" I ask softly, "I just need to talk to her."

"Yeah, I'll send her over and Raven and I will head down to our seats."

"Ok." I nod.

Mom kisses my forehead and then turns to leave.

"Good luck Princess, you only get one shot at this. But you know, no pressure." Raven gives me a quick hug before following my mother out into the hallway.

When I'm alone it hits me, the crushing wave of panic. In less that fifteenth minutes I'm going to perform a binding ceremony in front of all thirteen clans, what if I mess up? What if I embarrass myself in front of all these people? What if I disappoint her?

"Clarke?" Lexa calls from the opposite side of the door.

"I'm here." I rush toward it, the sound of her voice calming my frazzled nerves.

"You sent for me. Is everything alright?"

"I think so, I just needed you." I ring my hands together.

She sighs longingly. "Are you very nervous my love?"

"No, I sweat like this all the time." I snark.

I don't have to see her to know she's smiling, "me too."

"Close your eyes ok?" I breathe, resting my hand on the cool metal door handle, "don't peek."

"They are closed." Lexa tells me.

I pull open the door, shutting my own eyes, and rush into her arms. They're open and ready, "how did you know that's what I was going to do?"

"I didn't but I hoped," she murmurs into my hair, "and if I was wrong you'd never know."

I melt into her embrace, her fingers dance over the exposed skin of my back, "next time I see you you'll be my wife." I remind her, "there's still time to chicken out."

"I want this Clarke, I will not 'chicken out'." Her quiet assurance helps warm my unbearably cold feet. "This will all be over soon and then we can indulge in a weeks worth of unabridged love making. What do you call it?"

"A honeymoon." I laugh.

"I can't wait for our honeymoon." She squeezes my hips playfully.

"Me either," I capture her wandering hands, "you're beautiful Lex."

"How do you know if you haven't seen me?" She chuckles accusingly.

"I don't have to see you to see you." It's the most complicated yet simple thing in the world. When I think about Lexa it doesn't matter if her eyes are green or brown, if her hair is light or dark, or if she's in this body or the last, because when I look at Lexa all I can see is her heart, her soul. And Lexa has the most beautiful soul.

"I have to get down stairs," Lexa presses her lips to my neck before pulling away, only our hands still connected, "it will look bad if we are late to our own wedding."

"I miss you already." I grip her fingers tighter before letting her slip away.

"Just for a minute, until we meet again." I hear her spin on her heels and leave me alone in the hallway.

"Until we meet again." I breathe, stepping back into the confines of our room, blinking rapidly at the tears that threaten to fall. There's a quick knock on the door, I close my eyes once more before answering. "Did you forget something?"

"Open your eyes sky girl, I have no time for you strange ways. While the Commander may find them charming, I do not." Way to rain on my parade.

Here we go, I sigh. "What the hell are you doing up here Echo?"

"Whatever game you're playing it ends today." She brushes past me to the center of the room.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I close the door behind her, in case of any nosey guests lingering in the hallway.

"Ok then. I suppose you also didn't send me this, is that right?" The queen sneers, waving a beige woven bracelet in my face.

I put my hand over hers, lowering it to her side before I bite it off. "I don't know what that is."

"Congratulations on your marriage, sorry I wasn't able to attend." She tossed the tiny piece of parchment at me, "best regards, the Commander of Death."

This is...I stalk over to my night stand, wretching open the top drawer and pulling out the note that was shoved in the box with Costia's necklace. They're almost identical.

"What are you doing?" She asks, peering over my shoulder.

"You sent this to yourself," I toss it back at her, "this is almost the God damned note, written on the same God damned paper. Now you tell me who's playing games."

"Perhaps I do have something to confess." Her gaze shifts restlessly, "I didn't send the necklace, neither did Roan. He hasn't seen it in months."

"You're lying." I step closer to her.

"Am I?" Her brows pull together.

"If you didn't send it why say you did?" I cross my arms over my chest in irritation.

"You don't believe me now, would you have believed me then?" Echo snaps.

"Probably not." I admit with a shrug.

"I need answers more than I need you to trust me." She says by way of explanation.

"Well?" I demand. "Do you have answers?"

"No," she shifts from her right foot to her left, "all I know is whoever sent these wanted Azgeda and Polis to be at odds."

"If we were watching each other nobody would be watching them." I sigh, it makes sense.

"Exactly, they're watching and they know too much. I believe you and I are being targeted more so than Roan and Lexa but I can't be sure." Echo makes herself at home ontop of the furs of our bed.

"Then what do we know for sure?" I run my fingers over my temples to calm the pounding that's taken root there.

"Each of these were sent as a gift to one of us from the other, each containing a note torn from the same paper, inside each was an article from our partner's past, and the owner of both items are dead." She narrows her eyes at me.

"Is the bracelet hers too?" I can't help but wonder "Costia?"

"No, this bracelet belonged to Roan's father." Echo toys with the token between her fingers.

"What happened to him?"

"It's not discussed much," she admits. "There was an alleged affair, a crime which is punishable by death should the spouse of the wrongdoer see fit. Nia took his head."

"Sounds like she had a thing for that." My brows raise of their own accord.

"That was her way." Echo nods simply.

"Maybe that's why it's not Roan's." I reply without a second thought.

"My husband will still take your head if the need arises. Do not be fooled into thinking otherwise." She scoffs.

"He could have killed me in Azgeda, he could have killed me when he found me on the run, he could have killed Bellamy when he found me and tried to set me free, you could kill me as soon as I opened the door but you didn't. He didn't. You're not bad people, you're just doing the best you can to protect Ice Nation. Sometimes that means killing, but you don't like it. That's the difference between you and Nia. You can still be ruthless, but you can't only be ruthless. That's what makes you a good leader to your people. We can help each other. If this person wants us at each other's throats then we should be doing the exact opposite." I will her to understand, to take me seriously for once because I know I'm right.

"You are smart Clarke of the sky people, you have much to offer in your own bizarre fashion. For that reason I will accept this alliance."

(Raven's POV)

"Can you imagine if they had ushers at this thing?" I lean forward to see past Kyle beside me, down the row to Jessa aside of Bellamy.

"Excuse me miss, are you here for the bride or the bride? Skaikru or grounder? Heda or Wanheda?" She adds on.

"Isn't the point of this whole thing to get rid of sides? So we can all just be one people?" Bellamy narrows his eyes at her.

"You know what? Bellamy's right, this is gonna make us all one big happy family and maybe when it's over a rainbow will come shooting out of our ass." Kyle suggest sarcastically.

"Shut up." I elbow him hard in the ribs. "I think it's kind of romantic. Getting married by candlelight-"

"That's another thing we need to talk about," Wick interrupts motioning to the candelabras surrounding us, "this is a fucking fire hazard."

From the back of the large room the drums begin to sound, pounding loud in my ears and nearly causing me to jump out of my chair.

"Fuck," Jessa laughs, her hand flying up over her heart. "A little warning next time would be nice."

We redirect our attention toward the french doors at the entrance of the room.

"Yumi na teik won sonraun au?" The blonde woman beside the drum line starts to bellow.

"You think they'd have a translator." Bellamy whispers.

"We used to have a translator." I reply without thinking, Lincoln and what happened to him aren't exactly something anyone is comfortable talking about. Especially with Octavia gone.

"Bell she didn't mean-"

"It's ok." He cuts Jessa off, pulling away from her slightly.

"And will you take a life with me?" The woman behind us leans forward, speaking so only we can hear.

"Woah lady," I turn to her, "first off I don't know you like that. Second, if any of the guards hear you saying some shit like that we're all getting taken away in shackles."

"I apologize," she smiles like she's not a total creep, "you were asking for a translation, I was providing it."

"Oh, sorry," I shake my head, "thank you."

"You're welcome. It is nice to finally interact with Skaikru somewhere other than the battlefield." The woman leans back in her seat.

The song continues as Murphy comes down the center aisle, wearing a long, green, hooded cloak.

"Have you ever seen such a beautiful bride?" I tease, swiping away fake tears; earning me a few light chuckles. Once he stops behind the alter and the second verse begins, Lexa takes her turn down the walkway.

"Oh my god," Jessa breathes in disbelief, and I realize that this is the first time she's ever really seen Lexa, not just the Commander. Let alone Lexa in Ontari's body totally slaying.

"Well we all know who's getting Heda tonight," Wick smirks.

"Tonight the Commander of death becomes the Commander of that pussy," I murmur against his ear.

Kane clears his throat from across the pathway, signaling that he and Abby can hear every word. Good thing we're surrounded by mostly grounders and our wildly inappropriate, yet punny, sexual innuendos are going straight over their heads. I move my fingers to my lips, locking them shut and throwing away the key. We stop perving out just in time to see Clarke. All blue eyes and blonde hair, her mouth tugging up into a smile when she catches the first glimpse of Lexa, who's standing there gawking. Kyle laces our fingers together because he feels it too, the amount of undeniable love seeping into the room. The type of mushy, gushy, feels that make it seem like maybe soulmates do exist and sometimes we do get a happy ending. Clarke comes to stand in front of Lexa, seemingly holding her breath.

"We are gathered here tonight in the spirit of friendship and harmony, both sky people and grounders, to witness the unity ceremony of Leksa kom Trikru en Klark kom Skaikru. I, John Murphy, keeper of the flame, bless this union on behalf of the fallen Commanders. As we merge our lives and traditions the leaders before us have chosen to honor both Skaikru and grounder vows. Wanheda, please begin your oath of loyalty to the Commander."

Pressing the fabric of her dress behind her Clarke drops to her knees in front of Lexa. "I swear fealty to you, Leksa kom Trikru, to treat your needs as my own and your people as my people. For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, I take you to be my wife for as long as we both shall live."

"Do you accept this pledge?" Murphy turns to Lexa.

"I do." The brunette nods.

"Will you accept the brand of this union?" He asks.

"I will." She says with complete certainty.

"Clarke, please rise." Murphy instructs, taking handle of the long metal rod heating in the fire pit. Clarke looks like she might be sick as she grabs it from him, holding the glowing tip between them. Lexa nods, just get it over with. Clarke presses the burning metal into the skin over Lexa's heart. The searing sound it makes, coupled with the smell of her charring flesh, makes my stomach flip but Commander badass doesn't flinch, doesn't even make a sound. Her dark eyes intent on Clarke as the blonde's chest heaves rapidly. After a few seconds she removes the iron, the shape of it marked permanently on Lexa's chest. Clarke practically tosses it back to Murphy, as if holding it burnt her too. "Commander, please begin your oath of loyalty."

Lexa moves to kneel, causing hushed gasps and murmurs to erupt from the people around us. 'The Commander bows no one.' The Commander bows to her. Even Clarke looks surprised.

"I swear fealty to you, Klark kom Skaikru, to treat your needs as my own and your people as my people. I take you as my equal, my wife, my ally, and most trusted confidant. For all my life I will love you and only you. I will serve you and only you as long as we both shall live." Lexa vows, looking up at her from beneath thick, dark lashes.

"Do you accept this pledge?" Murphy repeats, this time to Clarke.

"I do." Clarke agrees.

"Will you accept the brand of this union?"

"I will." She's clutching Lexa's hands so tightly her white knuckles are visible from where we're sitting six rows back.

"Lexa, please rise."

"I can't watch." Jessa hisses, burying her face in Bellamy's chest. He smooths her blonde hair down, his own eyes trained on the floor.

I want to look away, I want to close my eyes, but for whatever reason I don't. I don't look away as the metal sends smoke up from Clarke's skin, I don't look away as she struggles in her attempt to stay still, I don't look away when the tortured cry she's been biting back slips past her lips. I don't look away until it's over and I wish I had.

(Clarke's POV)

I'm still reeling from the sting of the brand when screams erupt from the ground below us. I follow Lexa over to the window, staring down at the streets of Polis. The market carts have caught fire, the villagers like tiny ants beneath us. "What the hell is this?" I tug on her arm to get her attention.

"It appears our guests from Azgeda have finally arrived." Lexa's lips curl up over her teeth, enraged.

"We will not be subjected to these allegations," Echo protest, rising to her feet, "the king and I are here in good faith."

"We need to do something." I insist.

"We will," Lexa agrees, "do you trust me?"

"Yeah but-" I begin to argue.

"Guards take out these assassins." She instructs the armed men along the outer walls of the grand room.

"Sha Heda." They respond in unison.

"We need to finish this." Lexa tells me, taking my hand and guiding me back in front of the alter. "As the spirits of the Commanders before me have chosen me, my spirit has chosen you. Yu gada yu rein in kom ai sheidjus." You are worthy of my nightblood.

"Just as the Commander's spirits guide you, they will now guide me. Yu gada yu rein in kom ai skaijus." You are worthy of my sky blood.

"Oso tai choda kom op jus." We bind ourselves in blood, Lexa says as Murphy presents the dagger to her.

"Hod op." Shouts a woman in the row behind Raven and Wick, moving quickly to her feet and holding a blade against Bellamy's throat.

"State your name," Lexa growls, taking a protective step in front of me, poised and ready to attack.

"I don't answer to you." The woman scoffs in response.

"Clarke do it." Bellamy insists, his eyes glued firmly on Jessa.

"We need to finish this now." Murphy agrees.

"Do it and he dies Wanheda." The woman holding Bellamy sneers.

"Ok," I put my hands up, "nobody has to get hurt." I won't let anyone else die for me.

The doors at the entrance of the room swing open for a split second and then in the blink of an eye the woman in question is on the ground. "You talk too much," Octavia huffs, securing the intruders hands behind her back.

"O?" Bellamy stammers at the sight of her.

"Hey big brother," she smiles, helping him to his feet. "Miss me?"

"Every second," he pulls her in for a hug. "What are you doing here?"

"Well I wasn't going to come, I guess my invitation got lost in the mail," Octavia turns to eye me accusingly as they pull apart. "But there's been talk all over about crashing the greatest wedding that's ever been, figured I'd tag along. Now I'm glad I did because someone needed to save your asses, you're welcome. I bought you some time but still, I'd hurry if I were you."

"Clarke." Lexa draws my attention as she makes a clean cut down the middle of her hand. "Oso tai choda kom op jus," she says before passing the blade over to me with a nod.

"Oso tai choda kom op jus." I slide the cool metal across my palm then press it firmly against Lexa's. We bind ourselves in blood.

"As the power of two now becomes one, the physical ties cease to bind, two souls forever entwined, no member of the living nor the dead shall separate this union." Murphy announces, its over. We did it.

Lexa leans in, cupping the back of my neck and kisses me once, softly. "This really is a beautiful dress." She sighs, pulling away and dropping to her knees, using the dagger to slit the dress, taking off a majority of the bottom length and discarding it behind us. "But as you've said, dresses are impractical in times over war." She repeats the action on her own gown. Each occupant of the room gathers the weapons they discarded upon entry. "Warriors of the thirteen clans, tonight we defend our land. We spare those who are willing to retreat in peaceful surrender, and put an end to those who will not."

"Someone has to stay with the prisoner." I remind her, as the people around us become more restless.

"I've got it covered," Raven says, "Jessa and I will stay here."

"We're with you." Bellamy tells me, loading up the magazine of his gun as Wick follows suit.

"I want answers, but if she gives you too much trouble don't hesitate to put her down." Before Raven has time to respond the soldiers are chanting, raising their weapons into the air in a battle cry.

"Jus drein jus daun! Jus drein jus daun! Jus drein jus daun!" I want to correct them, tell them that blood must not have blood.

"Your people are hungry for you to lead them." Echo reminds me. Sometimes blood must have blood, maybe there will come a day when that won't be true. We fight for that day, we hope for that day, but that day is not this one.

I draw my sword from my sheath, "together we lead our people."

Lexa nods tightly, making our way to the head of the group. "Masta ai aus." Follow me.