CHAPTER 36
Hearing the door of the Commander's chamber click shut Clarke's eyes shot open, confused from sleep she patted her hand out towards where Lexa should be in the bed and she felt a sudden drop in her chest when her hand was met with a cold empty space. She lifted her head frowning looking around the room for her lover and was sourly disappointed to find it empty. With one last ditch attempt at finding her she blew her messy hair out of her face and called towards the large en suite at the back of the room. "Lexa?" And she was met with no answer. Feeling completely deflated she threw her head onto her pillow in frustration and let out a loud groan when her face slapped against the now chilled saliva patch she had produced while sleeping. Clarke wiped the residue from her face and rolled onto her back, she pulled the furs up high over her naked body trying to keep the chill away.
It annoyed her that Lexa had left this morning with no good bye, she was normally above such things but she felt a little hurt that the older girl obviously didn't feel as sensitive as she did. I mean come on, yesterday was unlike anything she had ever experienced now Lexa was giving her the cold shoulder? Perhaps she pushed too much she thought. Perhaps Lexa should be treated like a wild animal who could scare easy.
Moaning again the blonde threw her arms over her face and tried to concentrate on the good. Thinking back on the very rocky relationship she had, had with the Grounder leader in the past she could hardly believe she was sharing her bed and at the very least she loved being there. Her thoughts turned to the beautifully tanned woman, with her perfect curves and flawless features. Her mind reeled as she pictured the hundreds of different greens that pigmented her eyes, so many shades that it was impossible to imagine all of them. Clarke couldn't help the broad smile that crossed her face as she remembered how Lexa's eyes ignited every time she looked at her, how hungry and deep they became when they shared themselves with one another. Her heart rate quickened as she recalled all that they become the night before, she couldn't clear the thoughts from her mind and her body began to respond. Feeling a little embarrassed by her response Clarke sat up and shook her head trying to focus.
She had responsibilities she reminded herself. If Lexa could push their relationship aside for the day to fulfil her duties then so could she! Today she would send word to Arkadia, she would make the appropriate enquiries and she would also find Octavia and make sure she hadn't gotten up to anything stupid.
Finally dressed and letter to Kane and her Mother in hand Clarke headed towards the elevator. Thankfully Byron had previously pointed out where Lexa's most trust worthy post master was situated and she headed directly there to have her message sent out.
Looking around the market idly she received many looks from the people, some were inquisitive, some were looks of disdain and others of pure hatred. Clarke being defiant as she was did not cover up to hide her identity but she avoided eye contact and tried to carry on inconspicuously as possible. She looked at stalls that had beautiful laces and materials, her eye was caught by a beautiful dark red and almost navy blue scarf. The material was unfamiliar to her, it was translucent and delicate something they never had on the Ark ant it carried a stunning intricate pattern through it.
"How much?" she asked. The old woman who owned the stool gave her a quizzical look not understanding. Clarke apologised "Um I don't know how else to say it…"
"Hanch?" Jumping slightly Clarke turned round to see the dark haired Octavia standing behind her speaking Trigedasleng confidently to the old woman. Without consulting with Clarke she leant over and passed the woman some odd shaped tools and thanked the woman as she took the scarf from her with a smile. "Mochof." Clarke repeated with a slight nod and smile before they backed away from the stool.
"You owe me, I traded for those tools yesterday." Octavia said slightly smug as they walked further into the market. The Grounders still hadn't seemed to evolve enough to use currency yet and bartered and traded their way through life it seemed. Primitive but effective Clarke thought. "Lincoln has taught you their language well." She said a little taken back by Octavia's bilingual abilities. "Any chance you could teach me?" Octavia laughed and explained that she only knew the basics and could hardly teach her, however Clarke would love to learn their language, she would love to see the look on Lexa's face when she heard her shpeel out a fluent sentence.
Octavia's inquiring stare wiped the dreamy look off Clarke's face and she cleared her throat not wanting the younger woman to ask questions. "I have sent word to Arkadia about the attack and the threat on Polis. I advised that they should be on high alert. I also asked about whether Bellamy had been found yet."
Octavia's face was grave and she nodded in response, she glided over the comment about her brother and addressed what else was bothering her. "I feel bad being here Clarke, we should be back their helping our people. I mean don't get me wrong I love this place. But our people need us."
"I know what you mean, it's hard because things are slow burning over here in Polis, but I know that we can do what's best for our people in the long run here O. I hate to admit it, but I need you here, I can't do this alone." The younger woman gave a half smile and gently punched Clarke's arm before they were interrupted by one of Lexa's guards.
"Wanheda, the Commander wishes to see you." They looked at each other and Octavia followed closely behind Clarke. "I'll be OK O, honestly. She probably wants to go over plans."
"Yeah well she invited me here herself, therefore she can include me in her schemes." She stated strongly. Clarke inwardly groaned at not being able to be alone with Lexa.
They followed the guard who ushered them into the elevator and they were surprised to only be taken half way up the tall building. Everyone knew that the Commander usually occupied the top two levels and rarely ventured out into other parts of the tower. They stepped out cautiously and Clarke noticed Octavia grasp the hilt of her sword as they ventured down the corridor. Two guards stood outside a large room at the end and neither of them blinked as they walked towards them. Both feeling as though this may be a trap they looked at each other and Clarke drew out the dagger from her belt and they silently counted to three before barging through the doors ready to fight.
As she launched herself through the door Clarke could hear her heart beat thumping in her ears, she scanned the scene as quickly as she could and felt immediately mortified at the sight in front of her. Lexa sat at the back of the room around a large timber circular table with a look of shock and amusement on her face. Also sat around the grand table were nine smaller bodies with faces that equally matched the Commander's amusement. Hushed snorts of laughter could be heard from around the table at the two foolish Sky girls fixed in place holding their weapons in the air.
"It would appear the mighty Wanheda has come to slay our already prepared hog roast…but by all means please." Lexa gestured barley able to hold back a laugh as the children round the table roared at their Commander's rare joke. Clarke could feel the heat rise to her face and blushed at how stupid she must have looked especially as she was merely invited to dinner. She quickly stowed her knife away and approached the table giving an awkward wave to the audience in front of her.
"Natblida's this is Wanheda the Commander of Death, Clarke Kom Skaikru, Ambassador of the Thirteenth Clan." Still not used to her many formal titles she still felt a little silly responding to them but out of respect she bowed her head to the children and finally met Lexa's eyes. From where she stood they looked fantastic, whether it was the lighting or Lexa's mood, they shone brightly as she continued to speak.
"And I would like to formally introduce you to the Night blood children." She motioned across the table at each one of them as she recalled their names. "This is Aden, Eric, Pratack, Aaron, Gremma, Met, Dannal, Zara, and Que." When she spoke the last name a fair haired girl who couldn't be older than six crawled closer to Lexa shyly. The Commander spoke to her softly in their own language and the small girl sat back on her own seat smiling embarrassed.
Feeling her pain Clarke stepped forward and greeted them again with a wave. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, I know we haven't had the chance to say hey." Some of the children exchanged looks across the table at the interesting Skaigirl, this was the first one they had come into contact with anyone from the sky and her use of words was unusual.
"And this is Octavia Kom Skaikru, she is a warrior and a guest in my house." Lexa's tone had hardened as she introduced the younger woman clearly annoyed at her unwanted presence. Lexa clicked her fingers and a servant came running into the room with another chair for her to sit on. Clarke was pleased that Lexa's mood had been untouched by Octavia's presence and she was glad she was there, she felt terribly outnumbered even if she was up against children.
The food provided through out dinner was exquisite the hog roast was delicious and cooked to perfection. Clarke had her fill no longer feeling shy. The conversation around the table was mainly about the giant sky box she had grown up in and the children found it utterly fascinating how they had grown up never seeing a real tree, or lake. Their questions were relentless but she didn't mind, it was nice for her to recall her childhood although she couldn't help but feel bad for Octavia who had no such fond memories. The night wore on and some of the younger ones appeared as though they would fall asleep in their chairs.
Lexa was engaged in a deep conversation with Octavia, she wasn't really sure what it was they were discussing but they looked content enough. Clarke had immensely enjoyed her evening and meeting these beautiful children under Lexa's ward. Their manners were impeccable and their ability to speak English was astonishing. She couldn't help but fall in love with each one of them especially little Que, who's rosy face and giggle lit up the room. All of their personalities were fantastic and they had her actually belly laughing at some points in the night.
Lexa was raising a fine team of leaders she thought, and as the idea popped into her head the light feeling in her heart came crashing down. These were night blood children, they would have to fight to the death in a conclave when Lexa died. They would have to kill one another to ascend to the throne, their own brothers and sisters. Clarke felt sick as she looked over the dysfunctional family, how could Lexa do this? Breed them to murder each other? How could she allow this to happen?
She stood and pushed her chair away suddenly needing to be away from the situation, away from Lexa. "Excuse me I'm not feeling well." She headed for the door.
"Clarke? Are you Ok?" Lexa was by her side before she was even able to turn the knob.
"Yeah, I just need some air. I'm fine. You stay here. I'll see you tomorrow Commander." She avoided her gaze and slipped out of the door before Lexa's could utter another word. She ran down the corridor and headed to the guest quarters on the seventh floor. Her room had been seldom used since her return to Polis, but tonight she was grateful for the space.
Again Clarke lay on her bed conflicted in turmoil over her feelings about Lexa. She was a fine woman with outstanding accomplishments behind her but there were parts of her that Clarke didn't understand. Ideals that she may never be able to condone. Decisions that were too harsh, Clarke needed time to heal from the mountain, she needed to not be reminded every day about the harsh reality of the world she now lived in.
As she cried softly on her pillow there was a gentle knock on the door. She wiped her eyes and approached the it warily. She took a deep breath and pulled it open to find an elegantly dressed Lexa stood in her doorway. She wore a simple black night gown that hung loosely but accentuated her womanly figure at the same time. Her face was unreadable, she didn't look angry but she was difficult to read. Clarke invited her in silently and sat down gingerly on the edge of her bed, Lexa followed suite and simply looked at her.
Realising that Lexa was not going to start the conversation Clarke could barely form simple words in her mouth. They sat in silence while Lexa waited patiently for Clarke to explain why she left so abruptly.
She swallowed hard. "Wh…How…I mean, how can you allow the Conclave to go ahead after your death?" she managed. Now the flood gates where open she stood angrily and paced as she ranted, flailing her arms dramatically. "Lexa they are children! If you died tomorrow then they would all be forced to murder each other! Children Lexa!" Her raving went on for some time and the Commander merely watched her with a stoic expression. This time her eyes had gone dark and blank, when Clarke realised that the girl in front of her looked as though she couldn't care less she stepped forward. "Jesus Lexa don't you get it?!"
Her question seemed to have done it and the brunette stood tall, the look on her face showed nothing but hurt and her eyes glazed with tears. "Don't I get it?" she repeated. "Clarke have you forgotten how I ascended? How the previous Commander's spirit chose me?" Clarke's anger extinguished almost immediately at the sight of Lexa. "These are my children, I have had them in my care almost from the day I took Command. How can you think that of me? That I am ok with this? Our ways are harsh yes, but I love them. The conclave is the law Clarke. It is the way things have been done for nearly a hundred years."
"Yes but so was blood must have blood. And you changed that. Your legacy is going to be peace Lexa. You could change the law of the conclave and none of them need die. I am sorry, I never meant to judge you. But maybe think about what I have said?" As she asked she placed her hands on Lexa's arms and the taller girl allowed herself to be drawn into a tight hug.
They stay like that for some time then they drew apart and looked into each other's eyes. Clarke felt so over whelmed yet again she couldn't stay away any longer and she leant forward and pressed her lips to Lexa's, the kiss was soft and lingering. The Commander stepped in closure and drew Clarke into her arms holding her tightly, in one swift move she hauled the Skai girl up as though she weighed nothing and picked her up clean off the floor. Clarke delightfully wrapped her legs around Lexa's waste and threaded her arms around her neck. Their need for each other now grew and Clarke opened her mouth so she could feel Lexa's tongue against her own. Lexa walked forwards and gently pushed Clarke's back against the wall as they tasted each other. Mind reeling Clarke tore at Lexa's back as the other girl began paying exquisite attention to her neck and collar bone. A moan of pleasure escaped her throat as she pulled back on her hair so she could crash their lips together once again. Clarke couldn't always make sense of her feelings but all she knew was how right it was to be in Lexa's embrace.