Two years into Lexa's five-year plan she decided to visit her closet ally and friend King Roan in Azgeda. If she wanted her retirement to go smoothly, she needed the support of another leader and next to Trikru, Azgeda was the biggest delegation.

It wasn't that she needed the support since the ambassadors agreed to let her step down thanks to Raven and Gaia's help, but she wanted to assure her people that they would be in good hands.

It was nearing summertime which was the perfect time to visit the cold lands, but Lexa was also hesitant to go. In the past two years she barley did any travel out of fear of another attack on her home. They had caught the nomads not long after, but she was still cautious.

She was heda after all and she enemies everywhere, silent ones and others who made their selves known. People out for revenge like the woman Clarke had to kill that night two years ago. They found out she was the daughter of one of Ontari's guards, he was executed leaving her an orphan.

Although Lexa can sympathize, she also didn't feel guilty, Ontari's followers chose their path and when they had the chance to help, they refused. As far she was concerned, they earned their deaths. She wouldn't tolerate anyone targeting her family over revenge which is why she was hesitant to leave.

"Lexa, I know you are worried but there is no need to be." It was two days before the trip and Clarke was still trying to assure Lexa, they would be fine.

"What if it happens again and I'm not here?"

"I can handle it." Clarke replied, it took her a minute to bounce back from the attack, but she was in a better state of mind. She was working out her issues and she would never hesitate to protect her family, "Trust me."

"You know I do I just-." Lexa sighed slumping down on their bed,

"I know my love, but you need to do this, and Roan is already expecting you." The blonde caressed the girl face lightly,

"You're right."

"Aren't I always." She smiled,

"There's one more thing." Lexa said hesitantly, Clarke nodding for her to continue "I want to take Reign."

"Really?"

"Roan has a daughter around her age, and I know she is struggling with everything I think it would be good for her to get away."

"I think that's a good idea." Clarke nodded; Reign has been going through a lot even though she would never admit it.

After Lexa announced her retirement to them, they were all shocked but happy, then the realization set in of the conclave and who would participate. Gaia chose the five best Natblida's to start training with Lexa for the next couple of years and the chosen ones surprised no one. Madi of course was one of them along with Elena, Torin, Aden and Reign, and even though they were chosen doesn't necessarily mean they have to participate but if there are no volunteers they must.

For years Madi was the best fighter of the bunch and to a degree she still in but Reign is a close second. She grew to be an incredible warrior and she trained hard for it. Everyone joked that it would be her and Madi in the final round but that was a possibility, and it was starting to affect the sisters in a way Clarke hoped would never happen.

They weren't hateful to each other, but they were becoming distant, instead of the usual laughing and joking there is mostly just silence. Deafening silence. Whenever they had family dinner or did anything that required them to be together it wasn't the same. It was off and everyone felt it.

"Let's talk to her about it." Clarke suggested and Lexa nodded,

When they got to Reign's room, the girl was there sitting at the small desk drawing which made them smile.

"Rainy?" Clarke knocked, "Can we come in?"

"Yes." The girl nodded before standing facing her mom's.

"As you know Nomon is going to Azgeda to visit the King and we were hoping you would join her." Clarke watched as the young girl inspected Lexa who just smiled,

"You want me to go?" She finally said, asking Lexa directly

"Having you as company will likely make the journey not seem so long." Lexa smiled,

"Is Madi going to?"

"No, it will just be you, me, my guards and I think Raven will join us."

"Do I have a choice?"

"Of course, I'm not forcing you. Roan has a daughter your age so I thought it would be nice for you to meet new people outside of your clan."

The room was silent while the two adults watched their daughter contemplate the decision.

"Ok." She mumbled,

"Great! We leave in two days; I'll have your warmer clothes brought from the tower."

"Don't I'll just go get them." Reign said before exiting the room,

"She seems excited to go." Clarke said sarcastically, "I'm really worried about her Lex, she's not herself these days.

"I know but I'm hoping some alone time with her will get her to open up."

"I hope."

The day of the trip Lexa, Reign, Raven and the guard gathered by their horses near the Polis gates saying goodbye before their departure. They knew the Rover would be quicker but neither Reign nor Lexa cared for the cars much so horses it was. The journey to Azgeda would be a day and a half so decided to leave as early as possible.

"How long will you be gone?" Abby asked her daughter in law,

"Just a week nomon." Lexa smiled, "In time for the start of summer."

"We'll have a picnic when you return at your favorite spot." Abby said before hugging the woman,

"I'll be looking forward to it."

"And you." Abby pointed to Reign, "I expect you to radio me at least one a day."

"I will Gigi I promise." The girl smiled hugging the women,

"And make sure Raven doesn't get into too much trouble."

"I won't." Reign said,

"I heard that, I am the adult here." Raven pointed out,

"No really believes that Aunty Rae." Reign replied,

"Whatever."

"I have to get to the clinic; I love you girls be safe and get back soon."

"We love you too nomon."

Once Abby was gone all that was left was Clarke and Madi,

"I made this for you." Clarke handed her daughter a small, folded paper, "When me and your nomon travel it helps to have a picture of you girls with me so I can look at it when I miss you."

Reign unfolded the paper revealing a drawing of her, Clarke and Madi and under it the same photo but taken with Raven's camera. She remembers the night the photo was taken, she was 10 and there was a storm, so they were stuck inside. They made up games and danced to the music box before they all fell asleep in Clarke and Lexa's room. It was a good night.

"Thank you, mom." She carefully put the photo's in her bag,

"I'm going to miss you."

"It's just a week, I'll be back before you know it."

"Still." Clarke smiled wrapping her arms around the girl, she was only 14 but she was Clarkes height if not an inch taller, "I love you so much."

"I love you too mom."

Reign watched silently as Clarke and Lexa said goodbye, she hadn't even looked in Madi's direction. She was sure she was only here to say bye to their nomon and Raven and that was fine she actually preferred that. They hadn't talked in a while, not like they used to at least. Now a days all Madi will spare her is a hi or bye and at first Reign didn't understand why her big sister was shutting her out. Then at training one day she managed to beat her, and she finally got it.

Madi was scared Reign would actually beat her, she didn't admit it, but it was possible, and everyone knew it. Some people even wanted Reign to win since as they said she is the commander's true heir. But this isn't a monarchy, and it didn't matter what they thought it only mattered who won.

When they finally mounted their horses, Reign waved one last time at her mom before following the guard. She had no plans to ride next to her nomon because she knew what was coming, instead she stayed to the back and hoped Raven and her nomon would talk amongst themselves.

She didn't really know why she agreed to go on this trip, whether it was to get out of Polis or get away from everything Natblida. Perhaps it was both, Polis was suffocating her and when they left the gates the air was already lighter, and she could breathe.

They rode for a few hours in silence which was surprising because Raven was always talking but today not so much.

"Hod op!" she heard Lexa yell, "Gather water from the stream, we'll break here before we continue."

Reign got off her horse leaving by her a tree while she walked toward the stream sitting on one of the dry logs nearby. She knew it was coming,

"Here." Lexa held out a container of food to her daughter,

"I'm not hungry."

"Then eat it later." Lexa handed her the bowl to put in her bag before sitting next to her, "Your mom is worried about you."

"I'm fine."

"I'm worried too." Lexa added

"You worry for nothing."

"I didn't know that we lied to each other Reign." Lexa sighed trying to get her daughter to meet her eyes.

"What do you want me to say?"

"Whatever you feel even if you think I won't like it."

Reign huffed staring sun reflected stream, she didn't know what to say. Even if she knew exactly how she felt she didn't know how to say it because if she did, she knew how much it would hurt Lexa and she didn't want to do that.

"I'm sorry you feel like you can't come to me." Lexa murmured her voice shaky, "Clearly I failed somewhere along the way."

She closed her eyes as she felt Lexa leave her side and walk back towards the horses, the place wasn't free long as she felt another body occupy the spot.

"Talk to me kid." Raven said pulling the girl into her arms, "What's wrong?"

"Everything is wrong Raven." The girl sighed, "Is it selfish of me to wish she wasn't retiring?"

"Yes." Raven smiled, "But that doesn't mean it's not ok to feel that way. Is this about the conclave or Madi?"

"At this point it's one and the same." Reign rolled her eyes, "She won't even look at me Raven and I don't even want to look at her. This isn't right."

"Neither of you should let this interfere with your relationship, family is first always."

"Not to her." She said wiping her tears, "It's like as soon as she realized I could actually be better than her at something I turned into her enemy."

"Do you want to be Commander?" Raven asked and Reign laughed,

"You're the first one to ever ask me that." She sighed, "I don't even know, it's like she claimed it before I could even understand and now, I don't even know if I'm allowed to want it without my sister hating me."

"I don't know everything Reign and even though it's been almost 15 years grounder culture still confuses me." The girl laughed, "But I do know being Heda is not a trophy or just about being the greatest warrior, it's a position that should be filled by someone who is passionate and brave and cares about our people. If that's you and you do want to be Heda then go for it. Madi is not the only Natblida and no one promised her she would be commander. You have as much right to that as she does, all you need to do is choose if you want to fight for it. And if don't then you choose what you want your life to be, but I hope you don't give up something you want because she wants it too."

"And if I win and she hates me?"

"Despite everything you are sisters, you will work this out." Raven said, "You also have to talk to Lexa eventually, I know it's not easy but she's your mom and she's worried."

Reign nodded even though she had no plans to talk to her nomon about this and she knew Raven wouldn't. Her feelings ran deeper than being pitted against Madi in the conclave, but she didn't want them to know that. She could handle her own feelings.

Unknown to Reign and Raven a sad Lexa watched from a distance as the two hugged by the water and walked back to their horses.

They continued riding and Reign once again stayed towards the back, she could hear her mom and Raven having light conversation, but she tuned it out. Instead she listened to the trees and the birds and any other noises that caught her ear.

It was a technique she learned from hunting, she had a good skill of tuning things out and it helped when catching her pray. She didn't hunt often but sometimes Octavia would take her behind her moms' backs and she enjoyed it. The woods felt like home and she couldn't imagine living anywhere else. There were times she imagined being born on the ark and what that would be like, but she concluded the only thing good about the ark was the view. Life on the ground is much more exciting.

They set up camp for the night Reign choosing to sleep by Raven to Lexa's disappointment. She didn't talk much just ate her food an went to sleep. The next morning, they were up and moving again with just a few hours left of the journey.

Reign spent most of that listening to music on a small music box that Raven gave her, it had earpieces so she was the only one who could hear the music. When she first got it there wasn't much good music, but Raven helped her with that too. Now she has a plethora of different bands and singers on the device. So far, her favorite was a band called Imagine Dragons from the old world. She liked their sound and would often sing the song to herself.

When they finally arrived at Azgeda King Roan his wife Astrid were waiting with a younger girl maybe Reigns age. She had fiery red hair and pale skin that was decorated with a litter of freckles. At first glance Reign thought she didn't look very Azgeda but Reign didn't look very Trikru so who was she to judge?

"King Roan, Astrid it's good to see you again." Lexa smiled greeting the man,

"You as well, we were glad to hear you could come." Roan smiled back, they had formed a friendship over the years and often visited each other's lands,

"Freya it is good to see you again as well." Lexa gestured to the girl, "This is Raven and my daughter Reign."

"It's nice to meet you." Reign smiled at the girl who gave her a look she couldn't describe,

"You as well." She said bowing to Lexa, "It a pleasure Heda."

"The pleasure is mine hainofi." Lexa smiled, (princess)

"Follow me and I'll escort you to your home for the week then we'll have dinner."

They followed Roan to a huge white building which Reign assumed was where the King lived. They were given their own wing of the home and left to settle in.

Reign put her bags down undressed from of riding clothes and sat on the bed, she stared at the photo her mom gave her for what felt like hours before she heard a knock on the door.

"Enter."

"You sound like Lexa." Raven laughed coming into the room,

"She is my nomon." Reign pointed out, "What's up?"

"We're having dinner with the King and his family in 10."

"Ok, I'll be out."

"I'm here to help." Raven got up and went into the girls' bags which didn't surprise Reign at all, this was Raven after all, "Lexa said it's formal."

"Great." Usually Reign would never pass up a chance to dress up, she loved the dresses and the jewels but today she couldn't care less.

"It's not as cold as I thought it would be." Raven commented pulling out a black dress

"Summer is the one time it's a little bit warm here." Reign said taking the dress from the girl and slipping it on, it was comfortable and not too dressy

"Beautiful now let's tame the beast."

"You're not touching my hair; you always tangle it then leave me to deal with it."

"Fine." Raven huffed, flopping down on the bed "I wonder if they have any bars here."

"I'm sure they have taverns like the one back home." She replied, her braids were out, and her curls were messy but a cute messy and she didn't feel like putting more effort into it.

"Will you come with me tomorrow?" Raven asked, Reign always appreciated that her aunt never treated her like a child. Even when she was young, she never dumbed herself down to have a conversation with her and that's why they got along so well.

"Of course, although I can't drink obviously so I won't be any fun."

"It's ok, I need you sober to carry me home." Raven smiled,

"Great."

"I'm joking, we'll eat and talk it'll be nice. Plus, we need to figure out how to fill a week here while your mom is doing boring stuff."

"I'm sure we'll find something."

"Frey's seems nice, you should try and talk to her."

"Maybe" Reign said,

"You're usually more fun you know."

It was true, Reign had a fun carefree attitude most of the time, she loved adventure and loved exploring. But lately it felt like that part of herself died.

"We should go." She checked over her hair one more time before dragging Raven out of the room.

Roans home was nice it reminded her of the fancy palaces she has seen in books back in Polis, there were paintings and so many sculptures decorating the place. She almost wished she'd brought her camera to take pictures, she'll just have to draw it later.

"There you two are." Lexa walked up to the girls, "Reign you look beautiful as always."

"Thanks." The girl said plainly before walking into the dining area,

"Give her time." Raven said grabbing Lexa's hand giving it a squeeze, "She'll come to you."

"She seems to have no problem coming to you!" Lexa said yanking her hand away,

"And?

"And she's my daughter she should come to me first not you!" Lexa said as if it was obvious,

"Well I'm sorry commander I'm sure if it was Madi you'd have made a better effort to actually talk to her!" Raven said before walking off,

Lexa stood there she'll shocked at her friend's words, what does she mean if it was Madi? Does Reign feel that way too? Of course, she does it's why she hadn't opened up to her about anything.

That ends tonight, tonight they were going to talk whether Reign wanted to or not. She needed her daughter to know she cared and apparently, she wasn't doing enough.

After getting her emotions in check she joined the others in the dining room for the meal.

"Lexa how are the preparations for the conclave coming?" Roan asked,

"Well so far, the Natblida's are training but I plan on visiting the other clans through the summer to make sure there isn't unrest."

"Well it goes without saying but you have Azgeda's full support."

"Thank you, Roan it means a lot."

"I myself have been think of passing down the torch." Roan smiled, "In 4 years when Freya is 18, she will become queen."

"A great queen she will be." Astrid beamed, clearly proud of her daughter

"I have no doubt." Lexa replied

Reign listened as they continued talking politics blah queens and king's blah blah, I can't wait for summer blah blah blah. She imagined she could make the conversation more interesting by not listening at all, but that wasn't in the cards for her unfortunately.

"Reign, I hear you're quite the warrior." Roan said to the girl,

"One of our best." Lexa beamed and all Reign heard was one of our best after Madi,

"Before you leave you and Freya must spar." Astrid suggested,

"Sure, sounds fun." Reign said trying to smile,

"I'm sure we can find time." Freya adds,

The rest of the dinner went by slow and when it was over Reign practically ran to her room.

"Hey tri girl." A voice called

Reign turned around seeing Freya following her, her fire red hair was flowing down her shoulders and she was wearing a dark red dress. She was very beautiful, but Reign hadn't formed and analysis on her yet since they haven't really talked.

"Hey Ice princess." Reign said back,

"Want to take a walk with me?"

Reign was ready to say no but she saw Lexa eyeing her and she couldn't chance having to talk to her.

"Lead the way." Reign smiled following the girl out the door.

The sun was setting but it was still light enough to see and there were a lot of people still out. When it came to visiting clans, Reign didn't have much experience, she'd been to TonDC and the glowing Forrest but usually she stayed in the walls of Polis.

"So where exactly are we going?" Reign asked,

"My favorite place, it's just up here." Freya pointed to a hill,

They climbed silently until they reached the top, the view was incredible and showed most of the Azgeda territory. She silently admired the architecture wishing again that she had her camera.

"I see why it's your favorite, it's a nice view." Reign sat by the girl who was laying down looking at the stars,

"It's a good escape." Freya said, "You know I've been trying to figure you out since you arrived."

"No luck?" Reign quirked her brow,

"I'm usually good at reading people, you're more difficult."

"Difficult about sums me up I suppose." She shrugged,

"I'm quite difficult as well." She smiled,

"Maybe it's a trait only the offspring of leaders get."

"Maybe, your nomon seems nice enough."

"I never said she wasn't." Reign replied,

"No you didn't but you've also barely said two word to her since you arrived and if looks could kill she would be dead when she said you were a great warrior.

"You really are watching me then."

"Observing." The girl corrected, "Do you hate her?"

"I love my nomon."

"But?"

"Do you have siblings?" Reign asked, seeing as she hadn't met them today, she figured not,

"No, it's just me"

"Well I have a sister, she's older than me and she's a nightblood."

"You have to compete against her?" Freya asked, "Trikru law is not really something I'm familiar with but it is something I'll have to learn soon enough."

"The way the law is no, I can choose not to compete." Reign sighed,

"Do you want to then?" Freya asks, it was the second time in her life someone's asked her that and she didn't have an answer,

"I don't know."

"I think you do." Freya says, "Maybe you're just scared to admit it to yourself."

"You're going to be Queen, is that something you want?" Reign asks trying to change the subject,

"I'm proud to be Azgeda and I plan to be the best queen this this clan has ever had." She smiled,

"I'm sure you'll be better than the last one." Reign said, "no offense."

"None taken." She laughed, "Nia is not liked or talked about here, your mom liberated us of a dictator."

"Yeah."

"So, are you going to tell me what issues your having with your mom?"

"I don't know we just met maybe you're trying to get information out of me as a ploy." Reign joked,

"Trust me if I was a spy you wouldn't know it." She winked, "But I understand, we have a week to become friends. We may both be leaders some day why not form a bond now?"

"The leader could also be my sister." She pointed out, "Or any other Natblida."

"Nah, I'm counting on it being you." She smiled, "Come on." She held out her hand and Reign took it. "It's getting late the wolves will be out soon."

"I've never seen one."

"They're big and ferocious but there are kind ones, like bear."

"Bear?" Reign asked,

"My wolf his name is bear, and before you say anything in my defense, I was six and he did look like a bear at the time."

Reign laughed, "You have a pet wolf?"

"Yeah, his family was killed by hunters and he was left to die. He had a broken leg and limp, but we fixed him up and he's been with me ever since. Do you have any pets?"

"I have a fox; her name is ash. My mom loves to hate her but she's a very friendly fox."

"We get a lot of foxes here; the wolves usually eat them though."

"It's safe to safe Bear and Ash will never meet then."

Freya laughed, "Yes it's probably for the best."

They walked back to the palace just as the darkness started to settle in, when they got to Reign's door, she thanks her for the mini adventure.

"Thanks for taking me to your favorite spot." Reign smiled,

"It was a pleasure."

"Do you guys have any taverns around here? My Aunt Raven wants to go to one tomorrow."

"We have one, it's a couple minutes' walk from here. I'll take you guys."

"You don't have to we should be fine with directions."

"I want to." Freya smiled,

"Cool, then I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

"I'll see you tomorrow Reign."

Reign entered her room seeing the light already on and an angry Lexa sitting in a chair.

"It's late Reign."

"I was with Freya, she wanted to show me around." She tried to ignore the women and get ready for bed, but she knew that wouldn't work. It seems they were actually going to have to talk this time.

"Look at me when you're talking." Lexa demanded and Reign knew better than to sass her back, "Sit down."

"Nomon I'm really tired."

"Now." Lexa said and Reign did as she was told,

"I want to understand Reign, I want to know what's going on so I can help." Lexa said and Reign scoffed,

"I don't need your help."

"Raven said something to me today. She said that if you were Madi I would care more. Do you think that too?" Reign couldn't believe Raven actually said that, "Do you?"

"I don't know what you want me to say nomon."

"The truth."

"Why do you care all of a sudden? Because mom said she was worried and now you are too? You didn't care then so don't care now!"

"Reign you're my daughter I love you and I care always, please-." Lexa paused, "I know this is about the conclave, it is why you won't talk to Madi?"

"Why I won't talk to Madi?" Reign yelled, "She won't talk to me! Maybe if you paid the slightest bit of attention, you'd know that. You'd know that I beat her in a fight, and she stopped talking to me because she scared, I'll be the next commander and not her."

"She knows you don't want to be commander-."

"How would she know that?" Reign interrupted, "No one has asked me everyone just assumed because everyone prefers Madi. No cared if I wanted to it too and I never wanted it to be a competition I never wanted to lose my sister but she barely even looks at me and you barely look at me and the only person who ever believed in me is dead.

The only person that ever said I could be the next commander was Titus and he's gone. Then there's mom who honestly has encouraged me the most, she doesn't care whether I become a healer or a painter she always taught me I could do anything. Then there's you, I remember being so jealous that I couldn't train with you and Madi when I was young and then I finally could and I felt like I finally had something we could do together but I was never good enough for you."

"Reign that's not true-."

"I remember there was one day when I finished training and I was going home, and I saw you training Madi and I was jealous again. I went home and I went to my room and mom came in and asked me what was wrong, and she gave me the advice that made me the warrior I am today. She told me that I couldn't fight for you, that if I wanted to be a good warrior, I had to do it for me so that's what I did. I stopped worrying about if you had time in your day to train me and I started training myself or with Aunt Luna or mom or anyone who would give me the time of day and it was enough. I wasn't jealous anymore and me and you found other things to bond over. Now here we are the favorite child is upset that I could actually be better than her and you didn't even train me. She's icing me out because she feels that being heda belongs to her, but it doesn't. And I know no one asked and that's fine but If I want it then I'm going to fight too, and I don't need your support I've been doing fine without it. And before you say anything I know your weren't intentionally leaving me out I know how much you love me and I love you too nomon I love all of you guys but if your wondering what's wrong with me that is it."

Lexa was shocked she felt disgusted and disappointed in herself that she made her own daughter this way. She made her daughter feel this way all for what? Sure, she had moments with Reign where they trained but not like her an Madi but that wasn't on purpose. She genuinely thought the girl enjoyed doing other things with her.

"I'm sorry I never asked you what you wanted and I'm sorry I wasn't there for you, I failed you." Lexa replied, "And I'll never forgive myself for it, if you decide you want to be heda of course I will support you 100% that goes for anything you do. I do believe in you Reign and I'll spend the rest of my life proving it to you. Seeing you everyday and seeing how amazing you turned out couldn't make me prouder. You remind me so much of Clarke, you're smart just like her and you would make a great Heda."

"She says I'm just like you."

Lexa laughed wiping her tears, "You are in many ways, do you- will you be able to forgive me?"

"I was never mad at you nomon, even when I was jealous, I was never mad. I wanted you to have time with Madi I just wished we could have had that time too. Now Madi hates me and I don't need you hating me too for saying all of this."

"I'll never hate you I can't, I'll talk to Madi she should be supporting you as much as you support her. Same goes for me, and Reign I really do think you'd be an amazing Heda. Titus isn't the only one who sees your potential."

"Thank you nomon." Reign could see how deeply her words hurt Lexa and it made her feel worse. This is why she wanted to keep her mouth shut. "I'm so- ."

"No Reign don't apologize, I asked you to tell me the truth and you did. We'll talk more with your mom once we return." Lexa interrupted, "She radioed, call her back before you got to sleep."

"Ok."

"Goodnight little one."

"Goodnight."

Reign picked up the radio and set it to the correct setting before calling for her mom.

"Rainy! Your nomon says you were out." Clarke said on the other end.

"Freya, Roans daughter showed me around."

"I'm glad you're exploring; I know it's late and you're probably tired I just wanted to hear your voice."

"What have you done today?" Reign asked and listened to Clarke's story about the kids in her class and how the ambassadors annoyed her which was nothing new. Her and Clarke were close, they understood each other most time without words but she knew her mom was worried about her and she wanted to confide in her, but she didn't know how.

"Reign if something was wrong you would tell me, right? I'm sorry if I haven't felt approachable but you can always come to me."

"I know mom and when I get back, I promise we will talk, for now I just want to forget all my problems."

Clarke sighed, "Vacations are good for that, Madi says hi."

"No, she doesn't." Reign replied and she heard Clarke sigh again, "How's Kas doing without me?"

"He misses you; this is the longest you've been apart in a long time."

"Tell him I miss him too" Reign smiled thinking of her best friend,

"I will, any plans tomorrow?"

"Freya is going to take me and Raven to the local tavern for lunch."

"Don't let Raven drink."

"I'll keep her on a short leash I promise." Reign laughed, "They have amazing art here, it made me think of you."

"I'll have to come see it one day, maybe you can draw it for me."

"I already took a picture in my mind to sketch it!"

"That's why I love you so much!"

"I'll call you in the morning we can get ready together."

"I'll be waiting, goodnight baby girl I love you!"

"I love you too mom."

She sighed finally laying back on her bed, this is not how she expected the night to go. Talking with her nomon did help but now that her feelings were out there, she didn't know what would happen. A problem for tomorrow, tonight sleep.

LEXA

Lexa quietly left her daughters room letting her wife and daughter have their moment. This is what she wanted for the last few months, she wanted Reign to open up, but she never imagined this. Never did she think her daughter was feeling neglected even in the slightest by her. How did she let this happen?

"Lex?"

She snapped her head up noticing Raven standing in front of her not noticing the tears running down her own cheeks.

"Come on." Raven wrapped her arm around the women leading them to her room, when they got there Raven sat her on the bed waiting for her to say something. Anything. "Look I know you're mad at me but you're still my best friend so tell me why you're crying."

"I told Clarke I wouldn't be a good mom." Lexa sighed, "I told her before Reign was born, I wouldn't be, and I was right."

"Lexa you're an amazing mom, please tell me this isn't because of what I said."

"You were right, Reign said it to me herself, she thinks I favorite Madi over her but that's not true. I love them both so much and I thought I shared my attention between them, but I didn't and now my own daughter-." She sighed, "I failed Raven."

"You didn't, look I love Madi but me and Reign always had this connection." Raven smiled, "She's like this little firecracker and as you know I love my explosives, so I gravitated towards her. I know her and she loves you more than I can ever say, the way she looks at you is like you're a god. She idolizes you and she understands that maybe Madi needed more attention than her and she's not upset about that. She is upset because no one's ever asked her what she wanted they just assumed. I asked her yesterday if she wanted to be commander and she said it was the first time anyone's ever asked her. Now there is pressure because in 3 years one of them could be commander and she feels like she can't want it without losing her sister. Maybe there are issues between you and her, but this is about her and Madi and we all need to support both of them."

"I wish neither of them were Nightblood's." Lexa mumbled,

"Me too." She sighed, "But they are, if I can give you any advice. Use this trip to bond with Reign, she loves spending time with you and I'm sure deep down she's excited to have you to herself for a week."

"I will, thank you Raven." Lexa hugged the girl,

"Never thank me, we're family and this is what we do."

REIGN

The next morning Reign woke and radioed her mom as she got ready for her day, they didn't talk about anything in particular just talked and laughed until Clarke had to go teach her class. They made promises to talk later before they ended the call.

Soon Raven joined her in her room as they waited for Freya to show them to the tavern. She hadn't talked to her nomon since last night and a part of her didn't want to. All her feelings were out on the table and she didn't know what to do next.

Bury her thoughts about it?

For now, yes, but she always dealt with her problems and she was never one to run away from them, but this was different.

"Here let me." Raven said motioning to the girl's braids, "I promise I won't tangle it."

"Fine." Reign relented letting the women brush out her curls the braid left,

"Clips?"

She silently handed her the clips and watch her style her hair in a half up half down style. Seeing as she usually loses a comb in her hair by now, she was doing good.

"So is Freya nice?" Raven asks,

"She is, nicer than I expected."

"That's good."

"Did you talk to my nomon?" Reign asked hesitantly,

"I did."

"Does she- is she ok?"

"I think she just wants you to know how much she cares about you." She smiled,

"I do know." She sighed,

"I told her, and if she comes to you and asks to spend time on this trip say yes."

"I don't think she will, I haven't even seen her all morning."

"She's meeting with Roan I think." Raven placed the last clip in the girl's hair, "All done, and I actually did good!"

Reign looked in the small mirror admiring the style,

"This is good, it's a miracle." She smirked and Raven smacked her in the arm with the brush. "Ow."

"It's what you get." She smiled hearing the door knock, "Maybe it's Lexa?"

Reign quickly went to the door secretly hoping it was her nomon, but it was Freya. The girl had a long red hair in two braids, black training pants and a tight red shirt.

"Hi." She smiled,

"Hey."

"You guys ready? This is the best time of day to go to the Tavern."

"We are." Reign nodded motioning for Raven to follow, "Thanks for doing this by the way."

"I want to, we don't get many guests so it's nice to have new people around."

"Well lead the way Ice Princess."

"Reign?"

Reign turned around seeing Lexa with a small smile on her face, she looks awkward and it's not something she's ever seen from her nomon.

"Are you going out?" Lexa asked,

"Freya is showing me and Raven to a tavern for food, if that's ok."

"Of course, Maybe when you get back, we can go for a ride, there is a place I would like to show you."

"I would like that." She smiled,

"Ok, have a nice time." Lexa smiled before walking off,

"Everything ok?" Raven mumbled to her,

"Fine." She nodded,

When they got the Tavern it was pretty busy, there were a lot of warriors drinking and women dancing. It wasn't like the taverns they have back home, it was livelier.

"This definitely beats Jaspers bar." Raven comments as they find a booth in the back, Jasper had made quite the turn around over the years. He sought out grief counselling and even met a woman now he's married and happy. Not long ago they opened a bar in Polis, he wanted it to look like an old-world bar and it almost does.

"Is it always this crowded?" Reign asks the red head,

"Usually yes, people love to drink and with no wars or conflict there isn't much else to do in the free time."

"I'm sure you know a lot of people here." Raven said to the girl,

"I would say most of the people in here I do know yes."

"Good so you can tell me which one I could take to bed tonight."

"Raven!" Reign sighed and Freya laughed,

"Who do you have in mind?" Freya asks,

"How about." Raven scanned the room until she came across a dark-haired women sitting at the bar, "Her."

"That's Dani she's married with two kids but if you don't mind infidelity she'd be down for a good time."

"Really?" Reign asked,

"Yes." Freya laughed,

"Hm, maybe I can push my morals aside as a last resort." Raven smirked, "How about her." Freya's eyes landed on a pretty blonde with ice hair standing near the bar talking to another woman.

"That's Klara she is one of our best warriors in Azgeda, she has a very tough exterior but secretly she's a sweetheart."

"Married?" Raven asks,

"Nope."

"Kids?"

"Nope." The girl repeated,

"Then I guess I found the one."

They ate there food and Raven drank her alcohol that Reign allowed since apparently, she's the adult. The conversation was fun and lighthearted, Freya adored Raven she thought she was the funniest person she's ever met. Which Raven is pretty fun, so she didn't fault her for that.

"Ok be honest, do you think I'll get rejected? She looks pretty badass." Raven peaked over at the woman.

"She tough like I said but something tells me she will like you."

"I guess this is it ladies, I'm going in." Raven chugged the rest of her drink before walking over to the woman.

The duo watched as Raven started talking to the blonde flirting elegantly, even touching the woman's hair. They couldn't hear what was happening, but Klara looked to be enjoying Raven's attention even laughing at something the brunette said.

"Looks like it's going well." Freya points out, "Raven is very pretty I'm surprised she isn't unavailable."

"Raven is very hard to tame."

"I believe that." She smiled, they watched as Raven walked back over to their table a grin on her face.

"Klara's going to show me around a bit, will you be ok?" she asked Reign,

"I'll make sure she get's home." Freya answers,

"Thanks, you're the best wing woman ever kid." Raven winks before joining the blonde,

"Wing woman?" Freya asks,

"It's like helping someone romantic." Reign answers, "It's a SkaiKru term."

"Interesting."

When they decided to walk home it was already mid-day and the weather was amazing. Perfect for riding and she was excited to do it with her nomon.

"Things seem better with you and Lexa." Freya said as they walked side by side,

"I think it will be better with time."

"I'm glad."

Back home Reign was well known, she was the daughter of Wanheda and Heda born from the ground and sky and that got her a lot of attention. She didn't mind it, but it also brought along many people who pretended to want to be her friend just because of her parents. That made it hard to make friends so in truth Kas and Ali are her only real friends and they're her family.

Looking at the girl walking beside her who has been nothing but nice she wonders if they can be friends too. Freya is the daughter of the King, to her being the daughter of the commander isn't that big of a deal. She doesn't care about that so what they have could be genuine, usually she wouldn't take the chance to find out, but she had a good feeling about her. So why not let her in?

"To answer your question last night my sister Madi has wanted to be the commander since she was young, being born I grew seeing her and my nomon train and I couldn't wait to do that." Reign explained, "When I got older me and my nomon never really trained together separately like her and Madi but saying that there were a few times when we did. As I got older, I realized maybe Madi needs it more than I do, not the training but the attention. She's adopted and there are many people in Polis who never let her forget it and I didn't want her to feel that way because she's my sister. So, I never complained about nomon not training me because I knew it would take time from her. Instead I worked heard and trained with others in hoped she would notice that I was a good warrior too. You wondered why I was being distant with her when we got here, and I guess it's because she's retiring, and my sister hates me because I could beat her and in way, I was blaming her for that. If she wasn't giving up her title this wouldn't be happening or if she showed me the same attention, we would be closer but I'm realizing neither of those things are true."

"Are you and your sister close?"

"We are, she was 8 when I was born but she's always looked out for me. She taught me how to hold a sword and how to swim. She's my best friend." She smiled, "But right now it doesn't even feel like we're sisters."

"Maybe you need to have conversation with her, a real conversation. If you're as close as you say you will be able to fix this. I know it may be scary but talking is the first step."

"For someone who doesn't have siblings you're very good at giving advice." Reign smiled at the girl,

"I'm very intuitive Reign, my mind races to fix every problem."

"My mom is like that."

"Wanheda?" Freya asks and she nods,

"Her name is Clarke; you remind me of her a little. You're very outspoken like her."

"I've made It a point to idolize all great female leaders and your moms are on that list. I love my dad and he's a great king, but women can be great leaders too."

"I agree."

They arrived at the house and were once again in front of Reigns room.

"Thank you for everything today, most of all for listening to my familial problems."

"I meant what I said Reign I think we could be good friends." She smiled,

"I'd like that."

"Tomorrow we are holding a feast, I hear you're quite the dancer."

"Have you been talking to my nomon?" she asked,

"Maybe, she's visited here many times and talks of you a lot." She smiled, "Perhaps I'll see you there."

"I'm sure I'll make an appearance."

"Good." She smiled, "See you later."

"Bye."

Reign quickly changed into her riding clothes and boots and headed to her nomon's room. She didn't know what she wanted to show her or how this would go but she hoped it wouldn't be awkward. Regardless of Reigns feelings her and Lexa are very close, even if they didn't train together, they did many other things like dancing, reading, riding and so much more.

If anything, she wanted to reassure her that she was an amazing nomon to her, that despite how she feels Lexa never neglected her in the way she might think.

So that was her goal during this hangout she just didn't know what Lexa's was.

After she was dressed, she made her way to her room

Meanwhile back in Polis Clarke was leaving the school after her last class when she noticed Madi sitting by the training grounds. Under further inspection she realized the girl was watching Aden who was talking to a girl.

Madi hadn't discussed her relationship with Aden just that she didn't want to be romantic with him and staring at her now Clarke wasn't sure if that was true.

"I know that look." Madi looked up seeing her mom and took a deep breathe,

"There is no look." She sighed,

"Then tell me, what is it that your doing?" Clarke asked as she sat next to the girl,

"I'm sitting here thinking."

"Thinking about?"

"Everything, my life, the conclave, Aden, Reign, nomon you."

"Let's start with your life, what in particular are you thinking?"

"That I have no purpose, that maybe I've been too focused on wanting to be commander that I haven't thought of what else I could do with my life."

"It's not too late." Clarke pointed out, "3 years may not seem like a long time and in a sense it's not but it's still enough time."

"What if I'm not good at anything else?"

"You have to try first Madi, you're amazing at so many things."

"I'm only good at fighting."

"I know that's not true, but you could always join the guard. Now let's talk about Aden, what happened?"

The girl sighed looking back over at the boy who was now laughing with this girl who she didn't know.

"Nothing really happened, I made a decision, and I don't regret it. I liked Aden I have since I was 9, I might've even loved him, but I don't want a relationship with him. I want to be with someone who isn't a Nightblood, someone I can vent to who doesn't view me as their biggest competition. I want normalcy as weird as that may seem."

"It's not weird at all." Clarke smiled, "I understand, luckily you're only 22 and there is plenty of time to find someone just like how you described."

"Maybe."

"Now something I've been wanting to talk about for months but we've all been avoiding. You and Reign."

"What did she say?" Madi asked,

"Nothing, she won't talk to me or nomon and I'm worried, I'm worried about both of you."

"I messed up." Madi sighed, "I knew there was a chance we could end up fighting against each other during the conclave but now its real. Now we're the two best fighters and things aren't good. She's better than me and that scared me so I pushed her away and then I kept pushing until we could barely look at each other and now she hates me."

"You're her big sister Madi, she could never hate you. I worried this would happen, I worried you both would want to fight but after years of seeing you two together I knew you wouldn't let it come between you."

"You were wrong."

"There's still time for me to be right." She smiled, "I love you both and I know how much you two love each other, if you don't fix it now both of you will regret it in the future."

"I don't know how to fix it."

"I've learned that having an honest conversation with someone can make a world of a difference."

Madi nodded at her mom's words wondering if a conversation was enough to save her relationship with Reign. She hoped it would be words couldn't describe how much she misses her little sister.