"Clarke Griffin, if you do not get out of bed this instant. So help me God, I will throw a bucket of water on you," Octavia threatens.
This time Clarke doesn't fight or ignore the angry brunette. She knows Octavia isn't bluffing anymore. So much, in fact, there's probably already a bucket of water outside the tent. The only thing saving the blonde from not already being drenched is that Octavia still shares the bed with her.
Instantly, Clarke jumps to her feet. "I'm up. I'm up," she calls out.
Octavia's standing in front of Clarke with her arms crossed, glaring at the now vertical blonde. "We have been doing this for six days, Clarke. Next time there will be no warning." At Clarke's eye roll Octavia adds. "Oh, and I'll be staying with Lincoln from now on."
Clarke's eyes go wide, seeing the smug smirk on the brunettes face. The blonde knows she's no longer safe from Octavia's threats anymore. "Octavia, I promise I'll never fight you about getting up again. Just please do not pour water on me," Clarke begs.
"Maybe," the brunette chuckles, seeing the pout on the blonde's face. "Now, come on. Get your boots, and let's go."
After the first day, Clarke has been sleeping in her training clothes, hoping it would give her a little more time to sleep in. She was wrong. Octavia still woke her up early, but it did help that she didn't have to change out of her already warm clothes. Shifting to grab her boots, Clarke groans as her sore muscles decided to make themselves known.
Octavia snickers at Clarke's discomfort. "How are you not sore?" Clarke questions.
Every day, Clarke trains right along with Octavia, and yet the brunette never seems to be in any pain. If anything, it seems the younger girl thrives off the intense workouts.
"Lincoln gives me massages," Octavia says, winking at Clarke.
"Gross," Clarke states, nauseated as she puts on her boots.
Again Octavia laughs. "It is not. Maybe you could ask Lexa to give you one," she states seductively.
Immediately, Clarke pictures the Commander standing behind her rubbing her shoulders. The image sends a shiver up her spine, and heat pulls to her core. Oh, God...
"Clarke... Clarke," Octavia hollers, getting the blonde's attention again. "Jesus, you two really need to just fuck already," she comments.
"Octavia," the blonde shrieks, face instantly turning red.
"Whatever," Octavia remarks, shaking her head as she leaves the tent with Clarke closely behind.
One thing, Clarke does enjoy about waking up this early for, is being able to see the deep warm colors of the morning sky. Over time she may come customary to them, but she will always think the sunrise is beautiful.
The pair walks side-by-side towards the training ground, and Clarke notices more of her people are out with the villagers. They, too, seem to like to start early in the morning. The Skaikru leader smiles as she witnesses her people settling in with Trikru and the villagers of Tondc.
As the training ground comes into view. Blue eyes immediately land on the Commander's appealing profile. Damn it, Octavia. Clarke curses inside her head as heat radiates through her body. Why did the stupid brunette have to comment about her fucking the Commander this morning?
For the past couple of days, Clarke has been fantasizing more and more about Lexa. Whenever the two are alone, it takes all of Clarke's strength not to jump the woman. Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on Clarke's libido, they're always interrupted before anything can happen. What makes things worse, Clarke knows her feelings are not one-sided. The blonde has seen the same desire in Lexa's eyes.
With her eyes still on the Commander Clarke studies Lexa's body. She's wearing her typical armor and pauldron, but both do little to hide the brunette's physique. After multiple training sections, Clarke knows how fit Lexa is. A warm shiver runs down Clarke's body as she remembers the toned muscles that lie under the Commander's clothes.
As if sensing the blondes present, Lexa turns, and green eyes meet heated blue. Instantaneously, emerald eyes reflect the passionate stare. No longer can Clarke feel the ground beneath her feet or see the world around her. Her complete focus is on the Commander. She wants her. Needs her. And she's done denying it. Without an ounce of free-will, Clarke's legs travel towards Lexa.
Suddenly, Clarke's view is blocked by another as they step in front of her.
"I think I'll be training you today," Anya's voice calls out.
Stumbling and blinking rapidly, Clarke breaks out of her trance before looking up into hazel eyes. Anya gazes down at her steadily, and the blonde's body cools instantly.
Shit, Clarke thinks as she quickly grasps what she almost did. Thank fucking God, Anya stopped her.
Slowly, Clarke nods at the General both as a thank you and for acknowledgment of her statement.
Perceiving the blonde has control of herself, Anya steps away from Clarke, allowing the Skaikru leader to see Lexa again.
The Commander's eyes are cold and locked forward as she grips the handle of her sword tightly. Her posture is stiff and frozen. The brunette can't believe what almost happened. Not only did she let Clarke's desire affect her, but when Anya stepped in front of Clarke. She nearly let the Heda's spirit came out and cut the head off of her General.
Mercifully Lexa had enough strength and logic to control that urge. What she didn't have control over was her craving for the blonde. Had Anya not blocked Clarke's way, Lexa isn't sure she would have stopped the blonde from doing whatever she wanted to do. This was something the Commander could not let happen again. She needed to address this issue and fix it.
But how? She couldn't keep rejecting or ignoring the yearning she had for the blonde it was only making things worse. But she also couldn't publicly take the blonde to her bed either, not after what happened to Costia. Even if Azgeda is part of the coalition now, Lexa did not trust Queen Nia. The evil woman would find a way to get to Clarke, and Lexa would not take that risk.
No, their desire for one another needed to stay hidden and remain a secret to all. Anya, Gustus, and possible Indra and Octavia already knew, but none of them would betray their leaders. Lexa needed to talk with Clarke about this and soon.
"Lexa?" came the familiar voice.
"Yes, Klark?" Lexa answers, focusing her eyes on the blonde standing in front of her.
"Are you okay?" Clarke asks.
Blue eyes search Lexa's face with concern, and a small twitch of a smile flickers across the Commander's lips. "Yes, Klark, I am fine. Anya will be taking over your training for today. I have other matters I must attend too."
Clarke slowly nods but doesn't say anything.
"Good luck," Lexa says with another sly smile before quickly glancing over at her General, who is watching the two of them intently. A slight twinge of sympathy flows through the Commander. She knows what it's like to be trained by Anya, and Clarke is very ill-prepared. Maybe she'll have a hot bath prepared for the blonde later in her tent. It's the least she could do after making her train with the General. And it has nothing to do with having Clarke naked, wet, and alone...
Jerking herself out of her own thoughts, Lexa swiftly nods to the four warriors and leaves the training ring before her mind can do any more damage.
Clarke stares at the back of Lexa as she walks away from the training ground. Apart of her is relieved that she won't have to worry about being distracted by the brunette, but another part is sad to see her go.
"LET'S GO!" Anya yells, drawing the blonde's attention. With a heavy sigh and one last look at the Commander, Clarke jogs off with the General.
XXXXXXXXXX
"FUCK!" Clarke growls as she's thrown to the ground again. The blonde thought training with Anya would be a relief, but now she can clearly see she was wrong. Never again would she complain about being distracted by the Commander training her. Clarke hurt everywhere. She was sure her body would be a canvas of black and blue bruises by the end of the day. How was she going to function tomorrow? She had no idea.
Slowly, and painfully Clarke picks herself back up and readies herself for another attack.
Anya observes the blonde leader as she stands facing her. Well, stand may not be the appropriate word. Clarke's bent halfway over, holding her left arm close to her body, and her legs wobble, barely keeping herself up. The General's pretty sure if she blew on the girl, she would fall over.
"We are done for today," Anya commands, then smirks when Clarke murmurs out 'thank God' as she falls to her knees.
The General knows she overworked the Skaiheda, but it serves the blonde right for what she almost pulled this morning with the Commander. Those two were on a crash course to 'fucktown' if she hadn't stepped in. Anya isn't opposed to the two to get together. Lexa deserves to have someone and what she has seen of Clarke. The blonde is a good match for her. But they need to handle themselves better. So, Anya punished the blonde. She only wished she could give Lexa the same treatment, but since her former second is older and has become Heda. The General has had to reevaluate her training/guidance with the brunette. Making Clarke too sore to fuck will be adequate punishment. Though she is sure, Lexa has a plan to help 'rejuvenate' the blonde later.
"Can you walk, or are you going to crawl back?" Anya remarks looking down at the fallen blonde.
Clarke glares up at the General, "I can walk. Just... just give me a moment." The Skaikru leader huffs.
"One does not have a moment when in battle," Anya comments.
"Okay, Obi-Wan Kenobi," Clarke grumbles, making Octavia snort, and Anya frown at the strange name.
Limping over, Octavia reaches out with her hand to help her friend. "Come on, Darth Vader," the brunette chuckles.
Clarke smiles as she accepts the hand with her uninjured arm. "Thanks," Clarke says once her feet are back underneath her.
"She kicked your ass," Octavia states as they began walking/limping back towards their tents.
Clarke grunts, "Yeah, I thought Lexa liked putting me on my ass. I was clearly wrong."
"I bet Heda likes a lot more than just your ass," Octavia whispers, giving Clarke a wink.
Clarke would have punched Octavia if she wasn't so sore from her beating earlier. "Shut up," the blonde hisses as her face reddens.
The pair break off when Octavia heads towards Lincolns tent, and Clarke heads towards the healers. The blonde has been working with Nyko when she hasn't been with Lexa and has learned quite a lot over the past few days. Maybe she can talk Nyko into letting her use some of the salves and teas.
Staggering into the tent, blue eyes meet blue. Nyko quietly studies the blonde curiously as she leans against the table.
"Training with Anya," Clarke comments, and Nyko nods, understanding.
Promptly, the large man moves to a stack of shelves that has numerous bags and bottles of different sizes. Grabbing a small leather bag and jar, he steps over to Clarke.
"Drink before bed," he says, handing the small bag over. Clarke carefully unwraps the top and looks inside. Crushed dried leaves from a plant rest inside. Clarke recognizes the leaves as a form of pain reliever and sleep aid. She thanks him for the bag and wraps it back up.
Nyko then opens the jar and dips three bulky fingers into the cream-like substance. "Rub on body," he states, pulling out a sizeable amount. The massive man motions towards Clarke's left arm that she is cautiously holding close to her body. Clarke nods, comprehending what he is telling her. Nyko smiles, then plops the salve back into the jar, closes it, and hands it to Clarke.
"Thank you," Clarke smiles back at him.
With a single nod, Nyko leaves the blonde and goes back to his previous work. Clarke continues to smile towards him, and a soft chuckle leaves her lips. He is a man of little words, but Clarke has realized most Trikru people are that way. She has only encountered a few in the village that talk constantly.
Holding the light bag in her left hand and the jar in her right, Clarke exits the healer's tent and heads for her own. She tries to walk as confidently back to her tent as she can, but her body aches with every movement. She's nearly to her tent when a massive male warrior stops her.
"Heda wishes to see you, Skaiheda," the man says with a slight bow of his head.
Clarke wants to groan out at the invite. All she wants to do is relax and care for her injures. Though it seems Lexa has other ideas. Nodding, Clarke follows the warrior, still holding her things.
Once escorted to the Commander's tent Gustus greets her with a nod then informs the Commander she is here. Clarke hears Lexa invite her in.
Stepping inside, Clarke is hit with an aroma of warmth and calm. A slight haze fills the air as Clarke searches for the Commander, but she doesn't see her.
"Lexa?" the blonde calls out.
"In here, Klark," comes the Commander's voice behind the leather dividers.
Nervously, Clarke walks towards the leather curtains. "Uh... Lexa?"
Slowly, Clarke slips through the drapes and is met with a sight she was unprepared for.
Standing in her room behind a large steaming tub, Lexa gazes back at the blonde. Clarke almost thinks she's hallucinating again, but the Commander is wearing too many clothes for it to be one of her fantasies. Before Clarke can ask what is happening, Lexa moves and begins to speak.
"I thought after training, you would need to recover and relax, so I had them set up a bath for you."
Clarke is speechless, but that doesn't mean her mind isn't racing. Bath? Training? Lexa? Okay, so maybe her mind isn't really functioning either, but could anyone really blame her.
"Klark?"
Blue eyes close momentarily. God, she loves the way Lexa says her name. It sends a sliver of warmth through her every time. Opening her eyes, Lexa is standing mere feet from her. "Thank you," Clarke breathes out. It's literally the only vocabulary she can think to say right now.
Lexa smiles, and Clarke's heart melts. The blonde could count on one hand how many times she has seen Lexa smile, and each time it sends her into cardiac arrest. The pair stare at one another silently for an eternity, or at least that's what Clarke feels. In reality, it was only seconds.
"I'll leave so you may have some privacy. No one will bother you until you are done. Send for me if you need me," Lexa says.
Need you? Clarke wonders. I need you now. I need your lips on mine, hands on my body, and your clothes off. But as much as Clarke wants that, her body reminds her she can't move without hurting. Plus, they should really talk about what's going on between them.
Taking in a deep breath of the thick calming scent in the air. Clarke's body relaxes. "Thank you," she says again. "Can we talk... later... after I'm done?" she asks.
"Of course, Klark. Just send for me." Again Lexa smiles, and if it wasn't for Clarke's soreness. The blonde would have rushed up to her and kissed her.
With nothing else to say, Lexa leaves, and Clarke stands frozen for a few seconds collecting herself.
The steam from the tub catches the blonde's eyes, and Clarke decides she can think while she relaxes in the hot water. Delicately, Clarke undresses and only whimpers a few times removing her clothes. Slowly, she descends her naked body into the steaming liquid. Clarke groans in relief and pain as the water touches her skin. Once fully submerged, her groans turn into moans. Instantly, Clarke's body relaxes. She can't remember a time she felt so peaceful. Closing her eyes, Clarke lets the warmth and calm wash over her. It's not long till Clarke falls asleep.
XXXXXXXXXX
The water is cold when Clarke wakes up, and it takes her a few seconds to remember where she is. The blonde's not sure if it was the cooled water or something else that woke her up, but either way, she doesn't want to stay in the tub any longer. Getting out, Clarke's muscles are sore but not nearly like they were. She can move her left shoulder without too much pain now. Grabbing the towel Lexa left for her on a side table, Clarke wraps herself up in it. How long was she asleep? She wonders. Looking at the still lite candles, she guesses maybe two hours. Thoroughly drying off, Clarke picks up the jar Nyko gave her and starts rubbing the salve on the muscles that are still sore. The cream-like substance is cool at first, but as she continues to put it on the areas before, begin to warm. The warmth feels nice after waking up in the cold water.
After completing her task, Clarke realizes she forgot one major thing. She didn't bring an extra pair of clothes with her, but she didn't know Lexa would offer her a warm bath either. So really, it's Lexa's fault she doesn't have anything clean to wear.
Not wanting to put on her dirty training clothes, Clarke walks over to the chest at the foot of Lexa's bed. Opening it, she rummages through the clothes and quietly picks out a pair of hide pants and a long sleeve shirt. The blonde decides to wear her underwear and bra since they aren't too dirty before putting the spare clothes on.
The pants fit snuggly, but they are very comfortable. She may not give these back. However, the shirt was not made for her large breast. It fits everywhere else nicely, but if Clarke raises her hands above her head, her mid-drift shows. Electing it's not a deal-breaker. Clarke keeps the shirt on.
Gathering her things, Clarke opts to take her things back to her tent then go out a search for Lexa. As she leaves the Commander's tent. The warrior who came and got her earlier is standing next to the tent flap.
"Oh, hello," she says, surprised that he is standing there. He nods back at her. "Um, well, I'm done in there," Clarke utters. "I'm gonna take my stuff back then go and look for Le- the Commander," Clarke catches herself.
"Heda said you may want to take your things back but to inform you to meet her back here when you are done," the guard states.
"Oh, okay," Clarke replies, and again the massive man nods. Every time she thinks she has something figured out, Lexa is already three steps ahead of her.
It's not long tell Clarke is back in front of the Commander's tent again, but this time Gustus is there to meet her. He doesn't even bother informing Lexa she is here and just opens the tent flap for her. "Thank you," Clarke expresses, stepping inside.
Lexa hears Clarke come in but doesn't turn around to greet her. Instead, she continues to look at the maps on the table. For the past two hours, she has been going back and forth on what to do about Clarke and her feelings towards the blonde woman. Every 'what if' scenario has been tormenting her, and Lexa doesn't know if she can handle herself if any of those were to come true.
"Lexa?" Clarke calls out softly.
The Commander almost laughs at how just Clarke saying her name makes the walls she has been building for the past two hours crumble. She'd probably have better success trying to stop The Great River from flowing.
Turning, Lexa faces Clarke and is stunned when she sees her wearing her clothes. Green eyes rome over the blonde's body. Clarke shifts on her feet self-consciously as Lexa examines her.
"Uh, sorry. I didn't have anything clean to wear after so..." Clarke states anxiously. "I can take them off."
At this, Lexa looks up into blue eyes and arches an eyebrow at her statement. Clarke's cheeks burn red. "I mean... Fuck!" The blonde determines talking is not something she is going to do anymore right now.
Lexa's lips twitch into a soft smile, then flattens out. "It is okay, Klark. My clothes fit you... well, kind of," Lexa chuckles the last part.
Clarke looks down at her chest and the shirt that is spread skin-tight there. She, too, begins to laugh at the ill-fitted shirt.
Both leaders relish in the moment until Lexa speaks.
"What did you wish to talk about, Klark?"
"Oh, uh..." Clarke falters, then rubs the back of her neck. The edge of her shirt rises, and Lexa's eyes dart down towards it.
The soft pale skin of Clarke's side becomes visible, and all Lexa wants to do is reach out and touch her there.
"That," Clarke remarks, dropping her arm, which also drops the fabric back over her body.
Lexa looks back up at Clarke. "What?" she asks.
"That," the blonde says again. "What's going on between us?"
Lexa turns back towards the table, "Trouble," she replies, looking down at the maps again.
"Yeah, I got that. What are we going to do about it?" Clarke asks.
"Nothing," Lexa answers coldly, still facing the table. She couldn't look at Clarke, not now. She needed to be strong for both of them and end this between them. She would not go through that pain again as she did with Costia. She couldn't.
"Nothing?" Clarke queries. "Nothing is what lead to this morning, Lexa," the blonde's voice now angry.
"That will never happen again," Lexa growls out, facing Clarke again.
Clarke is beside herself at this point. All the lingering looks and heated stares. They didn't mean nothing, and they wouldn't mean nothing.
Stepping forward, Clarke closes the space between them only for Lexa to step back. No, you're not going to run from this, Clarke growls inside her head. With two quick steps, Clarke backs Lexa into the table.
"I know you feel something for me, Lexa, and I'm done running from it."
Lexa wants to push back, but to do so would mean she has to touch Clarke, and if she touched Clarke now. She wouldn't be pushing her away but pulling her in instead. Green eyes lock onto soft pink lips before her.
Clarke witnesses Lexa's eyes gaze down at her lips. Taking a breath, the blonde closes the gap between them and rests her forehead on Lexa's. Both leaders can feel the warm breath of the other on their skin.
"I'm done running," Clarke whispers before closing her eyes and leaning in.
"Heda," calls Gustus.
Clarke jerks back from Lexa instantly and turns to face the guard who is now entering the tent.
Simultaneously, the Commander pushes herself off the table and squares her shoulders towards her guard. Black swirls at the edge of her emerald eyes.
Gustus bows his head as he sees the change in Lexa's eyes and remains perfectly still. The Heda's spirit can sometimes have a mind of its own, and the massive warrior does not want to challenge it. He should have been more cautious about stepping inside so soon after announcing himself, but he assumed Lexa had heard the commotion outside her tent and would be waiting for him. He would not make that mistake again. If he lived past today.
Lexa closes her eyes, briefly forcing the Heda's spirit away before opening her eyes again and focusing on Gustus. She's furious he interrupted her and Clarke, but he wouldn't have unless it were important.
"Speak," Lexa demands tightly.
Gustus glances up and sees the Commander's eyes are back to normal. Safe from the Heda's spirit, he fully stands up but remains quiet and looks at Clarke warily.
Lexa notices the look and knows the information is either about Clarke or something to do with her people, but she is in no mood to be denied information no matter what it is.
"I said speak," Lexa growls.
Gustus bows his head again and answers in his native tongue, "Two Skaikru boys were caught outside the village making some kind of poison."
Clarke's face has gone from shock to confusion and back to shock since Gustus came in. Recognizing her people's name, the blonde turns to Lexa. "What did he say?" She asks urgently.
The Commander's face is free of any emotion as she looks back at Clarke. "Gustus says two of your people were caught making poison," she states.
"What," Clarke shouts, looking between Gustus and Lexa. "Who?" She asks, directing it towards Gustus.
After a nod from his Heda, the large man barks out a command, and Clarke watches as Monty and Jasper are pushed inside the tent by another large male warrior.
As soon as Clarke sees their faces, she has to fight the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose. Monty and Jasper are capable of many things, but making a poison without her telling them too isn't one of them.
"What did you two idiots do?" Clarke asks like a mother who is scorning her two children.
Monty's and Jasper's terrified faces light up when they see Clarke. Both instantly start talking at the same time.
"We were making-" Monty.
"We were bored-" Jasper.
Clarke cuts them both off by raising her hand. "Monty, you explain," she demands.
Monty sticks his tongue out at Jasper, and Jasper goes to retaliate but is blocked by the giant Trikru warrior stepping between them.
Lexa and Gustus exchange a look that clearly indicates they're dealing with children and not adults. Lexa remains quiet and waits for the Skaikru boy to reply.
Monty clears his throat then answers. "Jasper and I got bored, so we found some things that would help us make moonshine. We didn't want anyone to know about it, so we snuck out of the village to make it. Plus, the whole process kind of stinks anyways. We've been checking on it for the past couple of days, but today we got caught."
Clarke shakes her head, "Clearly," she mutters. Drawing the boy's attention, Clarke tries to express the type of danger they put themselves and Skaikru in. "Look, I know you think what you did is very mundane, and in hindsight, it is, but you went against Heda's and mine's orders. They thought you were making a poison. Had I not been here, you could have been executed for treason against Heda."
Both boy's faces go ghost white at Clarke's words. Blue eyes share a quick glance with green, and Lexa grasps that Clarke purposely exaggerated her words to scare the teenagers into submission. The blonde knows Lexa wouldn't have executed the boys without fully investigating the situation.
Monty's and Jasper's frantic apologies pull the leader's interest to them. Holding up her hand, Lexa stops the anxious boys. She studies them for a moment. Neither one looks at her as she does.
"What is, 'moonshine,'" she asks, unsure if she said the foreign word correctly.
It's Clarke who answers her, "It's an alcoholic drink that makes you act stupid if you drink a lot of it."
Lexa nods her head. She's familiar with such type of drinks. However, her people call it wine and ale. Curious as to what this drink is, Lexa, asks, "Were you able to make some?"
Monty and Jasper both nod eagerly. The male warrior between the two boys pulls out a glass bottle from inside his jacket and hands it to Lexa. The Commander studies the clear liquid inside. It looks like water, but when she uncorks the top, a foul fragrance hits her nose. Nope, definitely not water, nor could it be mistaken as water once opened.
"It'll put hairs on your chest," Monty comments with a wide smile.
Lexa's eyebrow arches as she complicates how a drink could put hair on her chest, and why would she want to drink something that did that?
Clarke chuckles beside her, "No, Heda. It's a figure of speech. What he means is the drink is very strong and probably tastes awful."
"I could add fruit to later batches. It will help with the taste," Monty states confidently.
Intrigued, Lexa nods to Gustus. "Get us some cups so we can try this Skaikru drink." As the mammoth bodyguard leaves, the Commander turns back towards Monty and Jasper. "How are you able to make such a drink?"
Both boys promptly launch into a spell of words trying to explain how the moonshine is made—each one talking over the other one. Lexa doesn't even attempt to understand what they are saying but gives them her full attention. Well, not full. Out the corner of her eye, Lexa can see Clarke looking at her and can feel the heat from the look.
Just mere moments ago, she and the blonde almost shared their first kiss. Lexa wanted it. She wasn't going to deny that. She wanted Clarke's lips on hers. They were so close.
Gustus walks in, holding four cups, then sets them out on the table. Lexa hands him the bottle, and he pours out a small amount in each cup. Monty and Jasper quickly grab two of the cups, both seeming rather eager to drink the concoction. Clarke picks up hers and calls out "Cheers," which is echoed by Monty and Jasper.
All three teenagers throw back their heads as they rapidly down the drinks in their hands. Lexa nearly laughs out at the sour faces all three Skaikru make. Clarke coughs and groans as she squeezes her eyes shut. Monty and Jasper blink rapidly as they pucker their lips. Monty lets out a low whistle through his lips.
Lexa picks up the last cup and follows suit with her own cheers. She mimics the three and downs the drink in one shot. The bitter liquid burns her tongue and mouth, but she keeps her face neutral. The hostile drink sets her throat and chest on fire. If it was possible, Lexa might think she could breathe out flames right now. But, again, she keeps her face expressionless.
"Wow," Monty whispers, drawing Lexa's attention. "Heda's a badass," he murmurs with a smile, and Jasper nods vigorously in agreement. Clarke chokes back a laugh and tries to hide her smile behind her hand.
Lexa arches another brow at Monty. What is with Skaikru and their strange sayings? Sensing the comment wasn't disrespectful, Lexa decides to ask Clarke about the word later.
Setting her cup down, the Commander clears her throat. "Your moonshine is a bitter drink compared to our ale and wine, but it will be a great thing to trade between our people. However, you must start making it inside the village. Let a villager or warrior know what you will need, and they can get it for you. I would like to monitor the process and request that only a few bottles be made at a time. Our people are still new to one another, and the trust between us is very fragile. Today could have gone very differently had I or Clarke not been here."
Monty's and Jasper's face fall, remembering Clarke's words from earlier. "Would we really have been executed?" Monty asks softly.
Lexa exchanges a quick glance with Clarke. Not wanting to contradict the blonde's previous statement, the Commander states, "To go against your leader's orders is treason. You were also found making something that my people knew nothing about. As I said before, the trust between our people is fragile, and even a small incident like today can break that trust. I do not believe you were trying to be harmful to my people or others, but our laws and orders are there for a reason and must be followed."
Both boys hang their heads. "As punishment for your disloyalty, you will clean the horse's stalls for two weeks." Instantly, their heads jerk up, and stare at Lexa in shock.
The Commander stares back at them silently. Gradually, the boys begin to smile. Lexa knows the delinquents have been fascinated by the Trikru horses. She often sees them gawking at the massive beasts. Lexa figures after a few days of cleaning the stalls, their enjoyment will quickly fade. She also expects the mischievous boys to get into a compost fight with each other, which will only further their torment. Two weeks of smelling like manure will teach the boys to behave.
"After you finish your two weeks, you may begin making more of your moonshine." Lexa finishes. Monty and Jasper look at one another.
"Dude, we get to work with the horses," Jasper says excitedly.
"I know," Monty replies, just as excited.
"Then you better go before the Commander changes her mind and makes you do something else," Clarke declares, making the two boys look between themselves and Lexa. Monty and Jasper nearly tackle the other, trying to get out of the Commander's tent.
Clarke shakes her head as she watches them leave, "They're like toddlers."
All three Trikru warriors nod in agreement. "I can't wait to see their faces when they realize what cleaning the stalls mean," Clarke adds, winking over at Lexa. Who swiftly looks away, but not before Clarke sees a pink tint on her cheeks.
Gustus clears his throat, then bows his head towards Lexa. The other warrior follows suit, and then both men leave.
Inside, the tent becomes quiet again as Clarke and Lexa are left alone. Neither one looks at the other, both lost in their own thoughts, but both thinking about the almost kiss.
Clarke is unsure about what to do. She wanted to kiss Lexa. She freed herself to do it, but maybe she was wrong too. Every time they get close, something happens. Maybe life is telling her to stop.
Lexa, though, is thinking about Costia and what happened to her because Lexa loved her. She can't go through that again. Not with Clarke. Things with the Skaikru leader are so much different than it was with Costia. Maybe it's because of the Heda mark or maybe because Clarke is a leader too. Either way, Lexa doesn't know, but she does know she can't lose Clarke the way she did with Costia.
"Klark," Lexa speaks softly. She needs to tell the blonde why she's fighting her desire. "I had someone who was taken from me. My enemy thought they would know my secrets because she was mine."
Clarke turns to Lexa, but the brunette isn't looking at her. Instead, she's facing the table again and looking down at the maps.
"Her name was Costia. She was tortured, and when those that took her found out, she knew nothing. They shipped her back to me in boxes." Lexa grips the edge of the table, remembering each box. "The last one held her head."
Multiple emotions went through Clarke as she listened intently. Anger was the largest of them all. "Who," Clarke growls.
"Azgeda, Queen Nia ordered the kidnapping, torture, and delivery."
"How is she still alive?" Clarke questions.
"Kongeda," Lexa replies. "All crimes against a klan or person before joining the Kongeda would be forgiven."
"She killed Costia then joined the Coalition," Clarke whispers as a statement, not a question.
Lexa nods her head once.
"Fuck," the blonde murmurs. She can't imagine the pain and strength it would have taken not to fight back and demand justice. Clarke's not sure she would have been able to hold back. "That won't happen with me, Lexa," Clarke says, finally understanding why Lexa has been refusing to acknowledge what's been going on between them.
"Klark, your peace alliance is with Heda, not the Kongeda. Until your klan is a part of that. You are not safe from Azgeda or any other klan that wishes you harm. I would not be able to declare war on them with the other klans. I could, however, challenge any who harms you or your people. It would be my right since you are under my protection."
Clarke sighs heavily after Lexa's statement. She has no idea when the Ark will be coming down to Earth, and only then would she be able to talk about Skaikru joining the Coalition. For now, Lexa and her people were the only ones keeping them safe. "Lexa, I understand the danger and the risk, but I can't keep ignoring these feelings I have for you, and I don't think you can either." The Commander doesn't say anything, but Clarke doesn't need her too. She knows Lexa feels the same.
Blue eyes stare at the brunette as she continues to look over the maps. Clarke sees the two empty cups and bottle of moonshine. "I think I need another shot," the blonde utters.
Lexa's head whips up so fast Clarke's not sure how she didn't give herself whiplash. Alarm is written on the Commander's face.
"Drink, Lexa. I need another drink," Clarke claims, looking at the bottle and cups on the table.
Green eyes follow blue then relax when Lexa grasps what Clarke is saying.
"I'll join you," the Commander comments.
As Clarke pours the clear liquid into each cup, Lexa observes the blonde. Every thought in her head tells her to run to leave for Polis and forget Clarke, but her heart and body say no. It didn't matter where Lexa went after this Clarke was apart of her just like she was apart of Clarke now. Things were never going to be the same.
After handing a cup to Lexa, Clarke holds her cup up and says, "To change."
"To change," Lexa echos, and both swallow the vulgar drink.
"Klark, what's a badass?"