Disclaimer & Notices
Copyright: See the prologue.
AN: A quick post. I'm happy to hear many of you still enjoying the story. I've replied to some of the feedback, but I know not everybody. I'm still working on that. Down below are anonymous replies. Thank you for the support and enjoy the update!
AN2: I kept meaning to mentioned this. I am on tumblr now. Feel free to add me. I especially love seeing Clexa stuff getting posted on there. My username is: lilredwings
Anonymous Reviews
Guest (from Jul 12): I try to keep most of the chapters around 5k to 6k words. I'm glad they're long enough for you. Hopefully you enjoy the this next chapter. Thank you for the feedback!
LittleZap (from Jul 18): lol. I'm definitely trying to keep up! There's still plenty more to go with the story. I'm glad you're likin' it. Thank you for the review. :))
SummerStorm (from Jul 18): You're definitely right! Clarke and Lexa are born on the same day, just different years. I agree it is sad, but I think they both have a new start in their own ways. Thank you for the feedback on the last chapters. I'll do my best with it. I hope you enjoy the update and thank you so much!
Website: www . redhope .net
Started: March 3, 2015
Series: One Shot
Hedatu
by Red Hope
Chapter 13
Clarke smiled and bent forward from her spot on the wood bench. She ran her fingers through Ares's soft fur. She played with his ears a few time then straightened up.
Ares enjoyed the attention, but he stayed on the floor, stretched out in front of both women's boot tips. He looked from his friend to Lexa, who was seated next to Clarke. He opened his mouth and let his tongue hang out.
Lexa controlled her smile, mostly. She reached forward and also petted the black, two tailed wolf. She straightened up and briefly watched Ares settle back into his spot in front of them. Slowly, her attention pulled away from the wolf and went to the Senators that gathered in front of them.
Clarke was listening to them talk, but she curiously peered over at the commander. A slight grin shaped across her lips. She was seated close to Lexa, much closer than necessary. She moved her right hand off her lap and placed it flat against the small space between her and Lexa. With her fingertips, she brushed the commander's thigh.
Lexa peered down briefly before she looked over at Clarke. For an instant, she and Clarke traded a silent exchange.
Clarke kept her smile hidden, but she had a glow to her eyes that had been missing for days. As she looked back at the Senate, she thought about earlier this morning. Her decision this morning had ebbed her worries, and she now had direction.
After she and Lexa had returned from the boat ride yesterday, they had gone home and relaxed until dinner. At dinner, Clarke shared her adventure with Octavia and Lincoln. Similar to Lexa and Clarke, Octavia had a grand tour from Lincoln and was impressed with the city. Alex asked the two outsiders what they saw and made suggestions on what to see next time.
When dinner finished, Lexa softly invited Clarke to her room. Clarke smiled at the invite, and she went to her room first. She changed out of her clothes and put on something more comfortable for the night. Ares followed her to Lexa's room. Unexpectedly but pleasantly, Clarke stayed the night. For hours, the two leaders sat in front of the fireplace, on the fur rug, and shared warm cider. They sat close, almost touching, almost brushing skin. They talked about many things from their past until exhaustion took them to bed.
In the morning, Clarke woke up to an empty bed, but Ares popped his head up at seeing his friend awake. He sat up on his hinds and patiently waited for her to get up.
Clarke smoothed out her messy hair during her walk to her bedroom. She quickly took a shower and pulled out a clean, creamy white long sleeve shirt from the dresser. She wore her black jeans again. She took a few minutes to brush her hair and removed all the tangles from the breezy boat ride yesterday.
Downstairs, Lexa and Alex visited with each other. They shared a morning meal and chatted about Alex's ceremony today. Towards the end of their meal, Clarke arrived with Ares. Alex smiled at Clarke and offered to make a meal. Clarke returned to the smile and decided to walk Ares first.
Lexa watched Clarke go after they traded slight nods. She realized they were developing a silent communication that would benefit them later. Clarke loved to talk through things, but Lexa had learned to speak through silence; an old art that Anya taught her early on as a leader.
Breakfast lit up with flavor, just like the other meals. Clarke was use to bland foods on the Ark. She was amazed the difference in quality on the ground. Alex was flattered by the Sky Princess's compliments. Halfway through, Alex had to leave and get ready for her busy day. On her way out of the kitchen, she gave Ares leftovers from last night's meal.
Once alone, Lexa and Clarke curiously eyed each other across the island table. It seemed as if whoever spoke first lost a game. Lexa had a slight smirk when Clarke gave in first.
"Let me finish breakfast before we talk," Clarke pushed off. She had thought a lot about her answer to Lexa. She doubted it would be a quick, easy conversation.
Lexa nodded and folded her arms against her chest. "We have time before the ceremony begins."
"What time does it start?"
Lexa tilted her head. "A couple of candlemarks."
Clarke nodded and finished off her food. She pushed her plate aside and enjoyed the last swallow of water from the mug.
Lexa took the dirty plate to the sink.
Clarke slightly puckered her lips at the gesture, from the commander no less. She cleared her throat and also carried the mug over to the sink.
"Let's go upstairs… where it's private." Lexa imagined Lincoln and Octavia would be up soon. After Clarke's nod, she started out of the kitchen and went back to her room.
Clarke and Ares followed behind. Each step up brought a rush to Clarke's heart. She prayed the conversation went well and that her decision was the best one, especially for her people. She swallowed hard and entered the master bedroom.
Lexa shut the door. Her eyes roamed over Clarke's flushed features, and she knew it was difficult for the Sky Princess. But, Lexa would force nothing. She went over to her desk where she had hung her jacket last night. She pulled it on, and the jacket settled over her shoulders.
Clarke slowly followed in Lexa's wake, quite unsure of herself. She watched the commander vanish past the curtain and out onto the balcony. She blew out a low breath then gathered her courage. Clarke had to give an answer. She zipped her jacket halfway and then moved past the curtains.
Ares followed his human friend onto the balcony. He took a seat to Clarke's left, but his attention was on the water that he could see between the bars.
Clarke leaned heavily against the rail, next to Lexa. She was quiet for a long time as she carefully composed her words. "I'd be lying to you if I told you I was making this decision with just my head."
Lexa remained calm and continued studying the small whitecaps on the waves out on the waterway.
"There's more going on here than just becoming Trikru and your second," Clarke stated. She now studied the commander's stern profile. "There's more going on between you and I than just an alliance."
"I offered you a place as a Trikru and my second," Lexa countered. "Nothing more or less."
Clarke now turned and touched Lexa's arm. "That does not negate the fact there's something building between us." She found hesitant green eyes on her now. "And I don't know what this is… what's going on between us." Clarke indicated the space between them. "But, if this unravels between us then what's that going to do to my place as Trikru or your second?"
Lexa was quiet as she weighed Clarke's concern. She finally stated, "To be Trikru or my second does not require us to be… involved." Lexa was clearly confused by what was building between herself and Clarke.
"I don't think it'll work out that way," Clarke argued. "I'll be by your side day in and day out. Do you really believe I can act as nonchalant as you?"
"You will learn," Lexa countered.
Clarke sighed and argued, "You know me better than that by now." She squeezed Lexa's arm. "You kissed me, Lexa." She had finally said it, aloud. Somehow she felt better just bringing it up between them. "You… not me." She finally had Lexa turned to her, and they were toe to toe. "I… I… I was so stunned. I was so focused on the battle… on getting our people out of Mount Weather." She shook her head. "I never saw any indications from you other than us getting more comfortable."
Lexa gave a low nod.
Clarke sighed and reached forward, taking Lexa's hands into her own. "You have got to do more than your commander nod." She cracked a slight smile, in hopes to reassure the commander.
Lexa clenched her jaw for a beat then softly reminded, "You are not ready."
"I'm not," Clarke agreed. She breathed deeply and slowly let it out. "I'm not ready to just… jump into it and go." She narrowed her eyes at Lexa. "I don't think you quite are either."
Lexa moved her head in agreement, but she remembered Clarke's earlier request to speak. "I am not."
Clarke was quiet then softly revealed, "I am comfortable with… things so far." She squeezed Lexa's hands in silent assurance. "But, my concern is what will happen to me, you, and my position if things fall apart between us?"
"There are no strings, Clarke." Lexa held Clarke's curious gaze. "You will still be Trikru and my second if you lose interest in… a more romantic relationship."
Clarke let out a low breath at the possibility of such a relationship with Lexa. She was startled to hear it for the first time. Somebody had actually said it, and Clarke attempted wrapping her mind around it. After another deep breath, she honestly brought up what she believed about them.
"I think we can navigate through this if we're both open with each other," Clarke explained. "We can't just keep… sitting here in silence about what we feel and think about each other. I know I'm willing to communicate about it but…" Her unfinished words hung as a heavy question between her and Lexa. She squeezed Lexa's hands harder in a silent plea.
Lexa moved her head twice and then finally whispered, "I will try."
Clarke bowed her head and sighed with relief. It made her final decision much easier now. She ruefully smiled at the commander. "Thank you."
Lexa only gave a nod. She watched the tension lines across Clarke's brow smooth away. She had hardly realized how much it did concern Clarke.
After a deep breath, Clarke went back to the original discussion and restarted it. "So, I want to be Trikru and your second but…" She smirked when Lexa raised an eyebrow at her. Clarke quickly released hands and straightened her back. She held up three fingers. "But under three conditions."
Lexa folded her arms and tilted her head. She waited for the three conditions.
"One…" Clarke pointed at the black wolf. "Ares stays with me."
Lexa glanced at Ares then back to Clarke. "Done."
"Second," Clarke started, "I can keep my handgun plus you have to learn how to use it." Just as Lexa opened her mouth, she cut Lexa off fast. "I won't carry my gun forever, just until I'm comfortable with a weapon." She grinned. "And I think you should learn how to use it in case we get into a bad situation where the only weapon around is a gun." She enjoyed Lexa's glare. "It could save your life or mine."
"Clarke-"
"I'm not asking you to carry one or use one regularly. I'm just asking you to learn it." Clarke watched the commander's stoic features. "I can train you away from the other Trikru."
Lexa softly grumbled, but she finally nodded her agreement. "And your last condition?"
"With this whole being your second and all," Clarke started, "I've watched how it works for Octavia with Indra." She shook her head. "I can't be subordinate to you all the time, Lexa. I can get use to calling you 'Heda' and following orders, but we both know I'll want to speak my mind."
Lexa had an amused glow in her features. "You will be my second as a leader in training." She rocked on her boots. "I would expect you to speak." She had a slight grin. "I will be learning as much as you, if we are to co-lead together."
Clarke nodded and smiled at the response. "Good." She nodded again.
"However, when it comes to your training as a warrior, you will do as I say," Lexa stated.
Clarke warily eyed the commander. "Will I look as good as Lincoln?"
Lexa slowly lifted an eyebrow. She considered when Clarke may have seen Lincoln's body. It caused a burn in her chest. "Better."
Clarke chuckled and smirked now. "As long as I can toss you on your ass by the end of my training, I will be happy."
Lexa's calm features were broken by a dark grin. "We shall see." She held out her arm in offer. "Klark kom Trikru?"
Clarke reached up and locked arms with the commander. "Sha, Heda." She matched Lexa's firm grip, in silent agreement to her new allegiance and future.
After the long talk, Clarke felt relief and a sense of control again. Her life had been out of control ever since she landed on the ground. Nothing was certain or safe. Now, Clarke had a place among the Trikru, even if it would require a lot of learning and training. Much of it hinged on Lexa, but Clarke hoped overtime that the Trikru accepted her as a true member. For now, it was a starting point for Clarke and gave her a chance to let go of what had happened to her since she first came to the ground. It was a new life ahead of her.
Clarke was also more relaxed now that she and Lexa had touched into their relationship. They were missing a lot of details, but they at least acknowledge there was something between them. They could build a foundation for a stronger relationship that may just include intimacy. How they would co-lead and be lovers currently made Clarke's head spin. At the moment, she had to focus on the present because future plans could change in a heartbeat.
The present was what brought her mind back, and the memories from this morning faded away for her. She glanced at Lexa beside her, on the bench in the Senate. She softly smiled at the commander before her attention was pulled back to the Senate. Alex's name was announced, and it stirred excitement throughout the large room.
The Senators were seated in wood chairs that formed a u-shape arrangement. The Senators clapped as Alex was guided to the open space in the center of the wood chairs. The High Senator followed behind Alex and placed a hand to the small of her back. He called for silence.
Clarke and Lexa sat in the front line of benches that overlooked the Senate. Clarke noted how Lexa sat up once Alex came out before the Senators. A slight smile played along Clarke's lips at how much Lexa cared for her sister.
"Today," the High Senator called, "We welcome another member into the Senate." He stood at Alex's side. He was fairly tall and wore a blue tunic with his black pants. "Today Alex, daughter of Alexandria, will claim her mother's seat." He looked at Alex and added, "A long but worthy wait."
Alex took her position in front of the High Senator. She wore a soft yellow dress that hugged her slim, petite figure. She smiled before the Senate and the audience behind them. Her nerves climbed higher, but she had practiced this moment several times over the past days. Yet, she was hardly ready for the crowd that had arrived to see her take her seat for the first time. Alex focused on the one person that had always been there.
Lexa held her sister's eyes, and she gave a supportive nod. She recognized her sister's heightened anxiety to speak out for the first time. However, Lexa believed in her sister's ability to become a Senator and continue their family's legacy.
Alex took a deep breath then finally spoke true. "On this day, I, Alex, the daughter of Alexandria, do swear to uphold and defend the laws and culture of our nation." She paused and hoped her voice was less shaky as she continued the oath. "I will represent my people and give them a voice, without recompense. I will uphold my people's rights, safety, and interests above my own. I swear my true allegiance to this nation and only this nation even during duress." Alex paused then turned and faced the flags that overlooked the room. She gradually knelt down and bowed her head to the goddesses' flags and clearly called out, "I so swear this before Thrigad."
The High Senator smiled and then he held out his hand to Alex. Once she took it, he helped her stand again. "As witnesses to your oath, we welcome you into the Senate, Alex." He held out his freehand and opened his hand.
Alex nervously took the ring that was nestled in the High Senator's palm. She studied the Senate's symbol that was embossed on the ring's top. She easily slid it onto her right middle finger. The ring seemed to settle a weight on her shoulders. Alex looked from the gold ring to the High Senator.
The High Senator still had his smile, and he signaled for Alex to face their people. He placed on hand on Alex's shoulder and held out his other arm. "Please welcome Senator Alex to our council."
Alex was startled by the applause and weak in the knees once those in the audience start to rise to their feet. She had already garnered much popularity with her people prior to taking the place in the Senate. However, the approval and praise was unexpected and overwhelmed her. Many times people called out her name.
"Take your seat," the High Senator whispered into her ear.
Alex nodded. "Thank you." She moved forward and entered the nearest aisle so she could go to the empty seat that waited for her, for many years. For an instant, she caught her older sister's eyes. Even from a distance, Alex could tell her sister was proud of her, and it calmed the last of Alex's nerves. She noticed that Clarke stood close to her sister. Alex failed to hide her grin just as she took her seat.
The High Senator held up his hands, which quickly ebbed the applause. After everybody sat down, he called for the Senate's meeting to begin. He brought up the first order of business.
Lexa released a low sigh then leaned into Clarke's space. "I may leave early. Indra will arrive at any moment." She finally looked at Clarke. "You may stay as long as you wish."
Clarke laced her hands together in her lap. "I'm curious to see some of it." She wanted to understand how the Senate functioned and provided governance over the people, especially now that she would become Trikru.
"You should enjoy your day," Lexa instructed. "Tomorrow we will begin training." She held those curious blue eyes with her own. "At first light."
Clarke groaned softly. "Great," she muttered. She focused on the Senate meeting again.
Lexa folded her arms and also listened to the meeting. However, her thoughts started working on plans for Clarke's training as a leader and warrior. She recalled every detail of her own training from Anya. Much of it would benefit Clarke as it helped her grow to become heda. She would do the same for Clarke.
"Our fourth order of business," the High Senator called, "Is related to the bombing of Tondc." He paused from the commotion it caused from the audience behind the Senate. He was standing in front of the main aisle that divided the Senate in half. He held out his hand and landed his eyes on one person in the audience. "Commander, the Senate requests your presence on this matter."
Clarke tore her eyes off the High Senator and looked at Lexa. From the taut lines along Lexa's jaw, the request was obviously a surprise to Lexa. Clarke tightened her hand and took a deep breath. She hoped Lexa could handle the Senate.
Lexa rose up and placed her left hand on her sword's hilt. She stood still for a beat and breathed in the tense air in the room. She tightened her grip on the hilt as she stepped forward and went to the aisle. She passed several Senators on her way to the open floor.
Alex had a deep furrow across her brow. She knew that Tondc was on the agenda, but she had no idea that the Senate wished for her sister's presence. She suspected her sister was unprepared for the Senate's request, but she knew Lexa could easily handle it. She took a deep breath and prayed it went well.
The High Senator nodded to the commander once she came to his side. He then looked back at the audience and called, "The Senate also requests Clarke of the Sky People to join us in this matter." He offered a smile towards the outsider. "If you would so honor us."
Clarke's heart missed a beat then lurched forward wildly. All attention landed on her like a spotlight, and she was a cornered animal about to be fed to the lions. She struggled with her rise of stress.
"Clarke of the Sky People," the High Senator prompted again.
Clarke followed it as an order more than a request. She stood up and stepped over Ares.
The wolf got up, but he was softly ordered to stay. He whined low and remained in a seated position. His dark green eyes remained on his human friend as she entered the aisle.
Clarke fisted her hands and continued down the aisle. She focused solely on Lexa and did her best to ignore the eyes of the Senate on her. She traded a faint nod with the High Senator before she took Lexa's side.
The High Senator still faced the Senate and explained the topic of discussion.
Lexa kept staring straight at the Senate. Her eyes were burning holes into the back of the High Senator. She leaned closer to Clarke and softly ordered, "Dula nou tel ridiyo op. Sha?"
Clarke looked at Lexa and replied, "Sha."
The High Senator faltered in his speech and faced the two women behind him. "Commander, you know Tree slang is forbidden in the capitol building." The High Senator also briefly glared at Clarke of the Sky People once he realized she understood the commander's Tree slang.
Lexa lifted her chin slightly, her only acknowledgment. She still had her hand on the sword hilt, a silent intimidation method.
The High Senator approached Lexa and started, "Commander, the reports from the Tondc bombing show there were over two hundred fifty casualties." He placed his hands behind his back. "An entire village was wiped out by a missile launched by the Mountain Men." He stood a few steps in front of Lexa. "There are also rumors that you had prior knowledge of the missile before it struck."
Lexa was about the reply until she noticed a familiar person enter the room at the main doors. She watched Indra take a post against the wall. Lexa returned her attention to the High Senator. "I did not have prior knowledge of the missile strike."
The High Senator nodded and read nothing hidden on the commander's face. He quickly switched to Clarke and now approached her. "Clarke of the Sky People, you are the leader of your people."
"Actually," Clarke corrected, "I am not the chancellor, who holds the seat of power among my people."
The High Senator smiled at Clarke and countered, "However, you represented and led your people during the battle against the Mountain Men." He held out his hand to the commander on his right. "You arranged an alliance between your people and the commander."
Clarke nodded. "I did at the time." She placed her hands behind her back and clenched them together. She suddenly was reminded of the trials she had seen on television back on the Ark.
"By the way," the High Senator mentioned, "I must compliment you on your negotiation skills. No other leader has been able to so swiftly form an alliance with the commander in the past." He glanced over the commander, who was still stoic.
Clarke felt ill after the High Senator's dirty praise. She slotted her eyes at him. "The commander and I worked our alliance one very long night." She had a sly smirk that rattled the High Senator.
For a beat, the High Senator gathered his resolve and pressed forward with the discussion. "It was also your idea for one of your people to go into the mountain so that the acid fog could be shut down." He tilted his head.
"Yes," Clarke agreed.
The High Senator briefly glanced at the commander before he looked at Clarke again. "I will ask you what I asked the commander. Did you have prior knowledge of the missile before it struck?"
Clarke held her ground and replied, "I did not."
The High Senator nodded then turned around and started towards the Senate. He folded his arms and faced the two women again. "The reports state that just before the bombing that you rode on horseback from your people's camp to Tondc." He tilted his head. "You rode at a full gallop, in quite the rush."
"I was late for a meeting," Clarke easily explained. She then took a step forward and asked, "Is there a point to these questions?"
The High Senator smiled and neared the two women again. "Yes, it is to establish the events that led up to the bombing of Tondc and the death of hundreds of people… our people."
"My people were there too," Clarke coolly informed. "Everybody suffered from the bombing."
"Needlessly, I suspect," the High Senator remarked.
Lexa stepped forward and stated, "You overstep, High Senator." She narrowed her eyes at him. "Tondc falls under my jurisdiction."
"Many people of Polis have loved ones that reside in Tondc." The High Senator frowned and amended, "Or rather they had loved ones."
"There are always casualties of war," Lexa reminded the Senate. She scanned the various faces of the Senators until she looked at the High Senator again.
"Only because you failed to forewarn our people," the High Senator accused the commander. "People from Tondc saw you and Clarke enter a building and not leave. It was directly hit by the missile. Later you both are seen again in the village and unscathed by the bomb." He looked between the women and demanded, "Please enlighten the Senate how this is possible?"
Lexa went to speak, but she was cut off by Clarke's louder voice.
"I knew about the missile before it struck," Clarke declared. Her voice filled the room, even when people began to speak up. "I kept the information to myself so that I could keep my spy a secret."
Lexa turned to Clarke and hissed, "Shof op."
Clarke ignored the command and instead further divulged, "Then I lured the commander from the village under the pretense that there was an issue with the army." Her last words allowed for the Senate and people to throw questions and demands in the air. Clarke looked at the angry commander in front of her. She conveyed a silent apology, but she could tell the Senate wanted to burn Lexa at the stake for what happened in Tondc.
"It is true then," the High Senator breathed.
Lexa faced the Senate and grounded her teeth at Clarke's attempt to protect her. "Clarke told me about the planned missile strike." Her words silenced many. "I made the choice to lose Tondc to the missile rather than lose our only chance to defeat the mountain."
The High Senator stared in amazement at the two leaders. He considered what the truth was because both were obviously protecting the other one. He suspected the truth rested somewhere in the middle of both their lies.
Clarke was breathing hard and was ready to leave the capitol building. She looked from the out roar of the Senate to the commander.
Lexa met Clarke's eyes, and she held warning in her features. There was a long lecture coming up later. She gritted her teeth when the Senate centered their fire on her and Clarke. She would defend their decision to sacrifice Tondc for the war.
"Nearly three hundred of our people died, commander," the High Senator declared. His angry features were trained on the commander.
However, Lexa remained stoic other than the slight fire in her eyes. She was hardly moved by the High Senator's outrage, which was merely a grain of sand compared to the mountains she had battled in the past. Before she could speak, Clarke beat her to it.
"We made the best decision at the time," Clarke argued.
The High Senator glared at the outsider, who had helped the commander make the final choose to sentence Tondc to its destruction.
"The Mountain Men would have known we had an inside man in their facility if we evacuated the village." Clarke glanced at Lexa, who was allowing her to speak for them. "It was an ugly decision, but it was the best one."
"You destroyed more than just a village," the High Senator started. "Generals from other clans died and soon those alliances will break."
"Only if they're looking for a fight," Clarke countered. "Nobody can argue that our decision enabled us to free those that were locked up in cages... being bled to death." She sensed her minor control breaking thanks to the Senate's accusation. "People who were from multiple clans." She shook her head. "Because we all know that it would have kept going on for generations if it wasn't for my inside man."
The High Senator was still mad, especially at an outsider that helped decide on the fate of the people from Tondc. He took a step closer towards Clarke, but he was cut off by the commander.
Lexa settled a warning look on the High Senator. "Are there any further questions?" She tightened her grip on the sword hilt, just enough to catch the High Senator's attention.
The High Senator tensed and quickly looked up from the weapon. With a stiff lip, he finally replied, "No, commander." Behind him, the people's clamor filled the room.
Lexa stepped into the High Senator's space and leaned into him. "Do not ever question me like this again." She contained the threat on the tip of her tongue, but she held murder in her eyes as she stared down the High Senator. She took a step back then turned her head sidelong towards Clarke. She gave a faint nod of order.
Clarke conceded and followed the commander down the aisle. She grimaced at the dark tension that rolled off Lexa like waves. For a brief instant, she caught sight of Alex, who seemed at a loss about what had happened this morning. Once out of the aisle, Clarke whistled for Ares.
The wolf hopped up and hastily went to his friend's side. Together, they started to the main doors.
Indra went to the doors and waited for her commander. She shouldered a door and held it open as the commander surged through it. She warily eyed Clarke and especially the wolf. She considered when the commander and Clarke reconnected again. She rolled off the door and took the commander's left side.
Lexa hardly noticed the quietness of the rotunda. Her head was loud with anger, and she pushed through the main door.
Clarke wanted to demand what had happened back there with the Senate. She had truly enjoyed her visit to Polis up until this point. She matched Lexa's furious pace down the steps and onto the sidewalk.
"Lexa." Clarke attempted to get the commander's attention. She was ignored so she quickly grabbed Lexa's wrist.
The commander sharply turned to the Sky Princess. She heard Indra's dagger brush against its sheath. "Hod op," she ordered her general.
Clarke forgot that Indra was with them. She looked from the general to the commander and asked, "What the Hell was that back there?"
Lexa took a deep breath and looked at Indra. "Gon we."
Indra lowered her hand from the dagger and left the pair alone on the street. She gave them enough space but still waited for the commander.
Clarke waited until Indra was out of earshot and looked expectantly at Lexa.
"The Senate has merely overstep their authority," Lexa stated.
"Overstepped?" Clarke echoed. She pointed back at the capitol building. "We just had our asses handed to us. And why?" She lowered her hand. "Because they think we made a bad call."
"It is easy to criticize our decision from the safety of Polis," Lexa agreed.
"Cushy safety," Clarke muttered. She was both upset and annoyed by what happened in the capitol building. She was about to ask more until Lexa stopped her.
"We will discuss this more later." Lexa studied Clarke then quietly yet sternly stated, "You should have not spoken the truth, as I asked you."
Clarke opened her mouth, but she used a lot of restraint and held her tongue.
Lexa was mildly impressed and decided to relent, for now. "Return to the house. I will be there after I visit with Indra."
Clarke nodded and looked down at the general. "She will have a lot of questions."
"That is for me to handle." Lexa continued down the sidewalk towards Indra.
Clarke and Ares followed alongside and moved around a few other people.
Lexa turned to Clarke once they were near Indra. "You remember the way back?"
Clarke gave a low nod.
Lexa returned the nod and watched the Sky Princess continue with the wolf. She then shifted her attention to her general.
Indra had a slightly curious expression after the silent exchange between the two leaders. She narrowed her eyes at Lexa. "You did not mention that Clarke of the Sky People would be joining you."
"It was unplanned," Lexa replied. She offered nothing else.
Indra held her silence about Clarke's company with the commander. Instead, she joined the commander on the walk towards the west gate. She knew the commander wished to speak about recent news and plans. After the Senate's accusations, Indra suspected that Lexa would rather leave Polis sooner than later.
To be continued.