Chapter 32

Marie was obviously not really pleased about the fact that Gustus and Indra joined them in the commander's tent a few moments later and she wanted to stay in Lexa's arms.

"Little one, you need to get down for a few moments" Lexa addressed the child in a soft tone, keeping her green eyes kind, as she gently caressed over the toddler's back, hoping to calm her down enough to convince her without new tears. She wanted Marie to look comfortable with them, in case that Markus recognized the child. It was obvious though that Marie was not feeling comfortable at all in Indra's presence and Lexa was not convinced that Marie would feel well with Gustus after what had happened either.

She knew that Marie had taken a liking to a few of the smaller toys Anya had gotten from the villagers a few days ago. She adjusted her grip around the child's small body, picking up a few of the toys as she went through the tent.

"Mommy has to work now" Lexa lowly said to the child, sitting down with her on her throne, too low for Indra or Gustus to catch her words. She knew that Marie understood the meaning of this words. Marie had explained to her that her own parents used to tell her that, if they had to leave and she understood what it meant.

As she had expected, the girl let go of her, when she tried to place her on the ground to her feet. "You can stay here and play a bit" Lexa said to the girl a little louder this time, handing over the few toys to the toddler.

Marie inspected them for a moment "Mommy, p'ay too?" she inquired softly, tilting her head to the side in question as she stared up at the woman.

Lexa shook her head "Not now, little one" she answered in a kind tone, watching the girl for a moment, as she obediently sat down directly in front of her.

Indra had watched the commander handle the toddler in silence. It was astounding to her to see their young leader act so gently with such a young child. She still thought that it would have been the most reasonable decision to let one of their families take care of the child.

"Commander" a voice resonated from outside of the tent.

Marie visibly startled at the for her unexpected shout and she immediately looked up at Lexa, seeking reassurance that everything was alright.

Lexa quickly reached out, lightly caressing over the child's soft locks for a moment, giving her a kind smile, before she leaned back and called out to allow Markus Kane inside of her tent.

Marie had skittered slightly closer to Lexa, so close that Lexa could feel the warmth radiating off of the child's body seeping through the material of her pants. Fortunately, she had taken up a little horse figurine by now and was moving it around in some imaginative scenery only she could see.

Lexa watched Markus enter the tent with attentive green eyes. The moment that the man spotted the child playing at her feet was obvious. The man seemed to falter in his steps for a moment.

Lexa knew that the physical stark difference between her own complexion and the child's pale skin and almost golden light hair, was so strong, that no one would suspect a biological relation on the first glance. She was not certain though if the man was recognizing the child for who she was.

She had not expected though that Marie would look up and recognizes the man "Ma'us" she exclaimed in what appeared to be an almost happy tone.

Lexa's eyes widened in surprise and she felt her heart falling in the pit of her stomach. Although the child had said that her parents had died, it was not clear if she might any other people left who could demand the girl.

Markus' surprise was palpable as well and it was obvious that whatever he had wanted to propose for the sake of his people had completely slipped his mind now.

Marie did not seem to wish to approach the man though as she got to her feet a second later. She turned around, facing Lexa and held up her arms in a mute demanding gesture. The child had done so often enough that Lexa knew exactly what the toddler wanted.

Lexa mutely bent forward, pulling the child onto her lap in practised movements by now. Marie immediately settled herself comfortably on the commander's lap, playing around with the tips of Lexa's hairs.

Markus was watching the scene with unveiled bewilderment "That is Marie Matthews" he said unexpectedly after a moment, breaking the silence.

Lexa inspected him mutely for long moments, letting him squirm visibly under her intense gaze, before she acknowledged his words. "Why would you send such a young girl into a potentially deadly environment?" she asked in a sharp tone. She could not have asked Marie that, aware of the fact that the toddler would not have an answer either.

Markus kind and calm composure faltered and Lexa thought to spot honest remorse on his features. He did seem to sense that whatever he could say now, would not be good for the case of his people "Commander, I wanted to …" he began instead, tone almost pleading as he tried to change the subject.

Lexa raised one of her hands mutely, silencing him midsentence.

"Commander, please, let me lead the troops over the river now" Indra exclaimed in barely hidden impatience. The invaders had killed a few of their own scouts with their blind shooting by now.

"Mommy?" Marie asked in a soft tone, calling for Lexa's attention.

Lexa had not actually expected the toddler speak up, but Markus' eyes widened almost comically at hearing the girl address her so casually, that she thought it actually worth it for now. She looked down at the child questioningly.

Marie just seemed to want to show her something, although Lexa did not fully understand what it actually was. She turned her attention back to Markus, when Marie looked back at the plush lamb in her arms instead as well.

"You have not answered my question" she assessed in thinning patience.

Markus visibly swallowed and it appeared as if he was starting to sweat nervously. He himself had not directly been involved in the decision to include the parentless toddler to the delinquents, but he had not said anything at the council meeting against it either. He doubted that it would make sense to attempt to justify themselves in front of this leader. Although the commander was obviously very young, she obviously held all the power. "The scientists reasoned that all of us would be able to survive in this environment if a child can" he answered truthfully, keeping his tone as flat and emotionless as possible.

It was obvious that his answer had not been the best one, Lexa's green eyes flashed dangerously in response and she nodded towards Indra "Advance over the river" she ordered in an angry tone. It was absolutely beyond her, how people could decide to include a mere toddler in such a dangerous endeavour. Her own people held their youths very highly, as they were their future.

She did not listen anymore to Markus trying to reason with her, motioning Gustus to bring the man out of her tent again, as she stood up from the throne, keeping Marie safely in her arms and carrying her behind the curtain of her sleeping area.

"You will never return to them, my little one" she said to the child in a soft tone, feeling a deep protectiveness bubble in her mind for the toddler.

Marie smiled at her, seemingly a little unsure, as she shily uttered "Lo'e you, mommy", surprising Lexa into absolute speechlessness.