Disclaimer: I do not own The 100!
It only took about a minute for us to react; the Ice Queen was almost here. I grabbed my clothes and rushed to the bathroom to change leaving Bellamy with Octavia. When I came out he was already putting on his shoes his clothes already on. We left our room and rushed to Lexa's tent to wait for the Ice Queen to see what will happen.
Once we reached there we went right in the guard letting us through without a second thought. Lexa was pacing by her throne and as she looked up I could tell she was glad that we were there. Bellamy automatically went into soldier mode he rushed to her side and said "they're a bit earlier than we expected, but we're ready for them" he reassured her.
It seemed to calm her down a big, me as well. "I know I just want for us to be ready in case this goes downhill" she said while taking a seat by her throne.
"She'd be stupid to try anything here" said Indra who was like always standing by her side with her game face on.
"Yes, but I'd be stupid not to consider that she comes with a different plan" said Lexa.
I ended up standing by the table where the map was drawn. The hour went by in a blaze, both Kane and my mother came into the tent to see what was happening. In our part of course we were prepared as well everyone who was part of the guard was awake and ready to go. My mom had others in medical bay ready for anything that was coming.
Before we knew we heard the horns, it was the signal that they had arrived. We all rushed out the tent and stood by the gates. Lexa was in front of course but there were many guards who were around her, to protect her. I stood by Bellamy's side staring as the gates opened for the new comers. As the gates opened in came an older looking woman, I was a bit surprised I expected to see a someone closer to our age. I had come to realized that commanders were younger woman who ruled. Next to her was a man with scars around his face, the same scars that the woman had, I guess this was their types of branding they used. There was also a girl about my age with them, she had a hard face that I could tell means trouble.
As they got closer to us I got more nervous, when they reached us they slightly curtsied in front of Lexa and the Ice Queen said "Heda we meet again."
"Indeed we do, let's go to my tent to have a talk" said Lexa while leading her to her tent. I think everyone took a breath at realizing there wasn't a fight straight away.
I silently followed them into the tent anxious to see what was going to happen. Lexa took a seat at her throne with Bellamy and Indra at her side. The Ice Queen took a place right in front of her with the man and girl by her two sides. There were two of her other guards that came in but they stood in the background barely known. I too stood to the side along with Octavia trying not to be too seen.
"I heard you wanted peace" began Lexa meeting the Queen's eyes.
"It is in both our interest for there to be peace" responded the Queen her gaze hard.
"Even if you have to be branded with my mark?" asks Lexa her expression blank.
The queen laughed and said "I was thinking more of a duel, it's in my right that I can challenge you"
We all reacted to that, this was not part of the plan. Indra stepped forward almost ready to kill the Queen herself for saying such a thing. But, Lexa quickly put her hand up to stop her.
"That's right it is in your right" she said with a calm smile on her face.
The queen was now grinning as she said "My son Prince Roan will fight for me, who will fight for you?"
Bellamy quickly stepped forward and said "I will fight for you" I was now shocked I did not want him to fight.
"I'm Heda no one fights for me" said Lexa quickly while standing up. "The fight will be tomorrow at noon, now leave" she added in a much more demanding voice.
They left without any more questions and as they left I studied the Prince who seemed to be twice the size of Lexa and much stronger than her. For the first time I was worried about her, because I did see this going a good way.
As soon as they left Indra quickly spoke and said "Heda, please you must let Bellamy fight for you."
The Commander shook her head and said "No I will be fighting it is decided and I will not change my mind, now leave I must meditate."
Indra looked like she wanted to argue more but went against it and left angrily, Octavia followed right after her. I glanced at Bellamy and meeting his gaze I knew he was saying it was best if we left as well. We started walking out with Lexa said "Bellamy stay for a moment."
Once again our eyes met and I nodded at him saying I would wait for him outside. I walked out the tent leaving Bellamy and Lexa alone. I stood outside for a moment debating whether I should go speak to my mother or just wait for Bellamy here. I had no idea how long he would be in there so I decided to go find my mother and let her know what was happening.
As I was making my way to medical bay the girl who came with the Queen approached me. She said "So you're the sky-person Bellamy unified with" it was really a question but more like a statement.
"You know Bellamy?" I asked trying to read her expression, she had a smile on her face. It wasn't a friendly smile; it was those smiles that scared you because you could tell they were evil.
"Of course we all trained together as children, I'm Ontari the Ice Princess" she said with a smile on her face, again her smile was one of pure evil.
"What can I help you with?" I asked not really bothering to introduce myself.
She laughed and said "Oh there's nothing you can do for me but it's probably best if you get to know us, we're going to be here for a while."
I was about to respond when someone yelled "Ontari mother wants to speak with you" it was the Prince Roan. Ontari gave me a last smile before walking towards her brother. It seemed like her brother was better at keeping his emotions controlled, his expression was always a blank one.
I continued with my journey towards medical bay and once again I found Kane there with my mother.
I made noise so they'd be aware I was there, I'm not really sure I'm prepared to see something I don't want to see.
"What happened in the meeting Clarke?" asked my mother straight away while walking towards me. I glanced around making sure there wasn't anyone listening before speaking.
"The Ice Queen has challenged Lexa to a duel" I finally said after a moment of silence.
They both looked a bit shocked but it was Kane who spoke next he said "What does that mean?"
"Well the Queen's son will fight for her, and Lexa didn't want anyone fighting for her so she will be fighting him herself" I explained in a rush.
"Is that even allowed? I thought no one could question the Commander" said Kane with a worried expression on his face. I knew that he was one of the people who came to care for grounders, he actually believed we were part of their clan now.
"Yes she is allowed to challenge her" I said answering the question.
"When will this duel happen?" asked my mom.
"It's going to take place tomorrow at noon" I said taking a deep breath feeling anxious for what could happen.
"Is there anything we can do?" asked Kane in his concern voice. I shook my head in response, because this was out of our hands.
"Clarke" I heard Bellamy's voice behind me, I turned around and met his eyes. He gave a short nod at seeing Kane and my mother in the room with me.
"You should go rest, it's going to be a long day tomorrow" I said to my mom and Kane as well.
I think because Bellamy was there they didn't ask any more questions. I made my way towards Bellamy and we both walked out the medical bay together. I wanted to ask him about his conversation with Lexa, but I decided to wait until we were in our room.
We walked in silence there weren't many people on a few of the guards. It was probably around two in the morning, and I was feeling very sleepy.
We finally made it to our room and again in silence we changed and got into bed. My head was resting on his shoulder when I finally asked "What did Lexa want to speak with you?"
"She gave me a few instructions on things" he responded while pulling me closer to him.
"Are you worried about her?" I asked in a whisper. The room was dark the only light came in through the window because they blind were a bit drawn. The moon was bright tonight and so it allowed some light into the dark room.
"I always worry about the safety of my Commander, but she's a warrior she can take care of herself" he said also in a whisper I could tell by the tone of his voice that he was dosing off already.
I decided not to ask any more questions because I knew that at dawn he would be waking up. I too started to dose off and I slept but I dreamed of only nightmares.
I could see the dual happen Roan's face with a look of murder in his eyes. I could feel that I was scared and that there were tears in my eyes. I realized the tears were because Roan's opponent wasn't Lexa but it was Bellamy.
I wanted to scream out and tell him to stay away, tell him not to fight. But, I found I couldn't speak and only watch. Their fight was like a dance, a dangerous dance. One seemed to have the advantage at one point but the other soon followed. It was an even match and it was hard to tell who would come out victorious.
The crowed was also going crazy there was yells and screams from everyone. Ice Nation was cheering for Roan and the rest of the grounders were cheering for Bellamy. There was an intake of breath among the crowed and I glanced at the fight again.
I felt my heart drop, Roan managed to get Bellamy on his back with his sword at the opposite side on him. He had a spear in his hands and his intentions were clear. He approached Bellamy with that murderers look and planted the spear in his chest. There was blood everywhere and that's when I screamed.
"Clarke wake up" I heard Bellamy's voice say as he was shaking me awake. I opened my eyes and came face to face with Bellamy's dark eyes. I felt relieved that it had only been a nightmare but I still had tears in my eyes.
I glanced out the window and I could see the sun coming out I knew it was dawn already. "Don't leave yet" I said to Bellamy as I came closer towards him hugging his torso.
"I must go help prepare Heda for her battle today" he said while pushing my hair out of my face.
"Please" I begged while hugging him tighter if that was possible. He groaned and I knew I had won.
"Fine, I'll stay until you go back to sleep but I must leave after that" He said while stroking my hair.
I snuggled closer to him and closed my eyes. "What was your nightmare about?" he asked suddenly.
"Losing you" I said already falling asleep. I think he said something else but I was already fast asleep by then.
x
The next time I woke up the sun was shining bright in the sky and I knew it was time to get up. Bellamy of course was already gone; he was probably with Lexa. It was a strange relationship that they had it was almost like Bellamy had another sister with her. Though grounders barely showed emotion I knew he cared about her. But, it was genuine friendship that they had.
I dressed in my regular attire and left as soon as possible, I wanted to find Lexa and check up on her. Over these past few days I had begun to like her as well, she was very harsh at times but it knew it was all for the good of her people. Now we were part of her people and I knew she thought about our safety as well. I can't blame her in some of her decision because perhaps I'd do the same if I were to be in her position.
As I left my room I headed straight towards Lexa's tent I knew Bellamy would be in there with her. Before I could go in I was stopped by Octavia.
She said "It's best if you don't go in there right now" she gave me a small smile.
"Why?" I asked while glancing towards the tent, there were two grounders guarding the entrance.
"Lexa is preparing for the battle and only Bellamy can help her with that" she explained while walking me towards the eating area.
Again I asked "Why?" I was a bit confused.
"He's second in Command, I don't know it's always been this way" she explained while pushing me to sit on a chair while she went to grab us some food.
It's strange that after all this time I still don't know a lot of things about their customs. When Octavia came back she had a tray with coffee and a fresh fruit.
"What happens if Lexa loses?" I found myself asking.
"There will need to be a new Commander" stated Octavia while taking a sip of her coffee.
"Bellamy?" I asked once again picking at the fruit she got me.
"Only if he gets chose in the conclave" she said.
"I thought he was her second, doesn't he automatically become Commander?" I questioned again.
"No. He still has to be chosen in the conclave, being second for a Commander means he'll take her position if she is unwell or until the new Commander is chosen. But, he is her choice for the next commander." She explained once again to me.
"What if he doesn't want to be the next Commander?" I asked, and I could tell my question threw her off guard for a minute.
"I guess he doesn't have to participate in the conclave, but I doubt he would do that. He's always known that if anything were to happen to Lexa she wants him to be the next Commander." As she finished her sentence I nodded in response.
This was all very interesting I always thought the next Commander was chosen automatically by the current Commander but apparently not. Who knows what even happens in these conclaves as they say. I wanted to keep on asking questions but I knew this was not the time. It seemed that the battle was quickly approaching and I was feeling more anxious by the second.
As we were done eating we went to the fighting pit where the battle will take place. There were plenty of people there already, the Ice Queen was sitting on a chair surrounded by her people with a view of the pit. Roan was waiting there already as well, he seemed calm and was checking his sword.
We heard the sound of a bell and we knew it was time for this duel to begin. The crowed started parting to let Lexa in. She was dressed in all black with her warrior clothes, there was a swords strapped to her back. Bellamy followed right behind her and they both had blank facial expressions. Although you couldn't read what they were thinking, they looked very menacing.
Lexa stood opposite of Roan and withdrew her sward, he did the same. They faced each other but didn't attack, that is until the bell rang once again. That's when the Ice Queen yelled "finish her son" and they both charged at the same time.
I was almost scared to watch what was about to happen but I also couldn't look away. Though Lexa was much smaller than Roan she was a very skilled fighter. Bellamy came to stand next to Octavia and I, and I suddenly felt the urge to hold his hand. I didn't follow through with this because I knew it wasn't appropriate.
They both seemed evenly match and as Roan's sword met with Lexa's I could tell she was losing her ground. As she was being pushed back with force she took a hold of Roan's sword with her free hand, the blade cutting into her skin. She barely winces at this and gained advantage at hitting him. They continued with their dance evenly until Roan beats Lexa's sword out of her hand and she's left lying on the ground.
He reaches her getting ready to go for the kill, but just as he's about to Lexa rolls to her right and avoids the blow. She quickly gets on her feel and takes a stake from a guard's hand going towards the Prince. They fight once again and this time it's the prince who is on his back, she points the spear at him but before she stakes him the Ice Queen yells "If you lose you die a coward not a prince."
What surprises me is that he asks for Lexa to end it, to kill him. She looks him in the eyes and said "blood must have blood" in their native tongue, but instead of killing him she throws the spear into the Queen's chest and yells "Long live the King"
Everyone is shocked at what just happened myself included. Bellamy rushes towards Lexa and takes her away before someone decides to counter attack for quilling the Queen. The Prince is still on his back not having gotten up yet. Finally, his sister rushes to him and tells him to get up, which he does and he too looks shocked. I try not to look at where the Queen was sitting at because she's now drowning into her own pool of blood. As the people are trying to figure out what to do both Octavia and I rushed out to find Bellamy and Lexa.
We basically run to Lexa's tent and once we're there the guard let us right in through. We find Lexa standing by her table of food drinking her rich wine. Bellamy is pacing in front of her, he looks quite worried unlike her who looks extremely calm.
"Heda you weren't supposed to do that; they can attack us now" he said while standing still for a moment facing her.
"They'll be stupid to try, now they know what could happen if they go against me" she responded with anger in her eyes.
"What will the other leader of the clans say?" questioned Bellamy again, his pacing had started again. The question was almost to himself not really towards Lexa.
She answered it anyways by saying "they will say nothing, now they know that they must follow my decisions."
I didn't know what to say so I just stood watching their exchange. When Lexa saw that Bellamy wasn't going to ask anything else she said "Tell Roan to come see me, I must speak to him."
Bellamy only nodded and left the tent following her orders without question. I wanted to go with him but something told me it was best if I just stayed here.
Lexa looked at me and said "You and Bellamy worry too much, I have things under control" she had a smile on her face.
I didn't have time to respond because in came Roan followed by both Bellamy and Ontari. Like before he had a blank expression so it was difficult to guess what he was thinking. I'm sure he was upset that his mother had just been killed, but he could also be relieved it wasn't him who was dead.
"Heda" was all he said while he bowed in front of Lexa, who was now sitting at her throne once again.
"You are now King of Ice Nation, but you will bow to me as I am your Commander" said Lexa in her dangerous voice.
I could see Roan lock his jaw but he bowed deeper and said "I serve you, Commander"
"Like hell we serve this bitch!" yelled Ontari as she made for a grab at Lexa.
Bellamy quickly stepped in front of her and drew his blade, at the same time Roan held her back by the waist.
"I will make sure my sister stays under control" said Roan while giving Ontari a warning look.
"I'm sure you will" responded Lexa her face hard.
"We will be marching back tomorrow" announced Roan meeting Lexa's eyes.
"I want you and Ontari to go back to Polis with me" she said.
Ontari again stood up about to say something when her brother quickly pulled her arm and said "Of course Heda, when will we be marching?"
"We will begin our journey in two days" responded Lexa.
Roan bowed to her once more and made Ontari bowed as well before exciting the tent.
When they were gone Lexa faced us and said "I expect Bellamy to come with me this time, he has spent enough time here with you it is time he returns to the capitol where he is needed."
I looked at Bellamy with a questioning look, to which he met and said we would talk about it later. He had warned me before that eventually he would have to return to the capitol I just didn't think it'd be this soon.
"I have to go check on my mother" I said thinking of an excuse for leaving, before they could say anything I ran out of the tent.
It wasn't completely a lie I did go see my mother, I was kind of hoping Bellamy would follow after me but he didn't. I got some strange looks as I basically ran towards medical bay. I rushed in through the doors and got a bewilder look from my mom.
"What's going on Clarke?" she asked with a worried look on her face.
"Lexa says she's leaving in two days back to Polis, but she expects Bellamy to go with her. She says he's spent enough time here already." I explained in a rush.
"Do you have to leave too?" she asks.
"I don't know" I said because I truly didn't, perhaps she expected me to go with them as well. Even if she didn't I don't want Bellamy to leave.
"I'm sure you don't have to leave; it's going to be ok honey it was bound to happen eventually" she says with a soothing tone.
This caused me to be angry and I said "yes mom, but it doesn't mean I want Bellamy to leave."
She was about to say something but as she glanced at someone behind me she closed her mouth. I turned around to see Bellamy standing there, motioning for me to follow him.
"I guess I should talk to him" I said as I walked away from my mother.
I followed Bellamy and we ended up in a supply closet, this way no one would her us talk.
"I won't make you come with me, but I can't stay here with you either" he quickly said while facing me his back against the door.
I thought over about what he said. I was glad that he was giving me the choice, if this had happened when we had first met I'm sure he would have made me go with him. I also understood that he had to go, he told me this from the beginning his stay in the camp was only temporarily. The question now was if I was willing to leave?
"I have to think about it Bellamy" I said and for a second his expression was one of hurt to which he quickly changed back to being blank.
"Okay" was all he said, he brought my face up to his and kissed me briefly before walking out closing the door behind him.
Once I knew he was gone I rested my head against the door, I had no idea what to do. I wanted to go with him, but I also wanted to stay with my people. This was going to be a hard decision to make.
AN: Thank you guys so much for all your reviews, I can't believe it's over 100 now! Like i've said reviews are my motivation to write. Thank you also for the favorites/follows.
Like always let me know what you think.
P.S. The show is getting quite intense. I can't wait for the next episode.