CHAPTER 4
AN:/ Okay so I just figured out this week why TonDC is named this way! It's because of WashingTON DC! Haha I'm guessing most of you already knew that but yeah thought I'd share the knowledge :P Also I apologize greatly for not uploading for over a month, my holidays suddenly got really busy and I found out that I'm off to University in a few weeks so very busy times! Thanks for being patient guys I really appreciate the reviews and am glad you gys are enjoying the story so far!
'I don't need rescuing mother! I am creating an alliance that you may have just ruined!' Clarke fumed. She couldn't believe her mothers audacity in this moment.
'Clarke there's no reason for an alliance with these savages! Now that you're safe with us we can go back to camp and stay safe together. I can protect you.' Abby argued back.
'No Mum, You're wrong. We need the grounders! Our people are stuck inside Mount Weather waiting to be slaughtered! The people in the mountain are using the grounders blood to filter radiation. They'll do the same to us once they get the chance! Our only hope of surviving and saving the 47 is through an alliance with the Trikru.' Clarke stated pointed back towards Lexa who seemed to take this as an invitation from her betrothed to step forward.
'You cannot seriously be thinking about working with them. Don't be so dramatic. Finn already told us about your message but even he thinks you've been brainwashed by these filthy savages!' Abby spoke loud enough for the Commander to hear. Who now stood mere meters away from her blonde fiancé.
As the Commander lunged forward ready to strike the older woman for her disrespect Clarke was barely quick enough to stop her. Swiftly moving between the two now scowling women Clarke held both her palms out. Calming Lexa down first was Clarke's main priority. The Commander could kill her mother with a mere flick of her wrist.
'Lexa she doesn't mean it. She's just worried about my safety. She doesn't understand the mountains threats.' She pleaded as she took hold of the Commanders hand trying to get through her partners rough exterior.
After many seconds Lexa soon nodded calming her breathing she relaxed at Clarkes touched and stood beside her. However she refused to let go of the blonde's hand. The Commander was staking her claim. The sky girl was hers now. The union had been accepted and only an act of treason may stop the ceremony.
'Mother I don't appreciate the way that you are talking about the Trikru. You will ruin this alliance unless you keep your mouth shut!' Clarke scolded as she swiftly turned back to her mother.
'Clarke I am the Chancellor now and as such you must do as I say.' Abby argued but Lexa was not happy to hear this women try and take her betrothed's leadership away. The Trikru would not accept an alliance with this older woman at the helm. Although Abby was completely oblivious to Lexa's ever increasing fury as she continued. 'You know what an act of defiance against the Chancellor costs Clarke. Come back to camp with us now.'
'Clarke is going no where.' Lexa growled lowly only allowing those in close vicinity to hear. Swiftly pulling Clarke towards her front Lexa held her tightly in a protective manner. This action leaving no misunderstanding towards Abby that Clarke was hers now. 'You will be wise to send your guards away. Unless you wish for me to strike you down where you stand.' Lexa threatened quietly.
Clarke didn't really know what to do anymore. She was now stuck with her back tightly pressed up against the Commanders front, with no chance of movement without discomfort. Yet she also didn't know if she wanted to move. It had been so long since someone physically tried to protect her. Clarke didn't choose to become a leader. Ironically, her own mother who now seemed threatened by the new found leadership, forced it upon her in the first place. All Clarke wanted was to save her people. Although in this moment it seemed that her mother was the one who needed saving. Softly grabbing the Commanders arm Clarke was able to allow some space between the two squabbling leaders, but remained surrounded by Lexa's arms, not yet ready to give up the feeling of safety.
'Perhaps we could talk somewhere private. I have much to explain to my mother.' Clarke questioned patiently as she suddenly noticed her mothers confused expression as her eyes roamed over the two teenagers.
'That may be wise Prisa. We may talk in my shelter, although I will not allow guards. They must leave back towards there own camp.' Lexa stated watching carefully as Abby stepped forward signaling to her men showing that she accepts the terms.
'I will also send a guard to bring the one called Kane to join our talk.' Lexa stated as she began to pull Clarke back towards where they came as she ordered the nearest guard to get on with collecting the prisoner.
Minutes later all four leaders were stood awkwardly in the Commanders tent. Lexa had yet to let go of Clarkes hand, a particular action that Abby hadn't missed and was curious as to know the meaning. Clarke definitely wasn't interested in women as many spoke of her relationship, with the boy named Finn, before the Ark descended. Clarke was obviously under duress and Abby was determined to put a stop to it.
'Commander I would appreciate it if you would let go of my daughter. She does not need you to hold her hand as one would a child. It is not appropriate at such times.' Abby scolded as she glared at the offending hand.
The Commander merely scowled back as she once again pulled Clarke tight against her chest. Allowing the blonde to make herself comfortable this time round. Slowly leaning down towards Clarke's ear she began to whisper. 'I believe now to be a good time for that discussion ai prisa.'
Lexa knew what such an action would do to her partners mother and revelled in the fact that her reaction was as expected. Abby could barely contain her rage as she watched the Commander molest her daughter. Clarke however was content to rest in the Commanders arms. She still didn't understand why but with the Commander Clarke felt safe. Even though she had known the Commander for as little as a few hours. Nodding in response to Lexa's statement Clarke began to explain the past 48 hours with an input from Kane to help calm her mother as they spoke of the grounders cell.
'I've accepted a proposal mother. An alliance has been agreed.' Clarke finished as she stared at both her mother and Kane as they looked at the teenager with shock across their faces.
Finally getting over the realization that her daughter had saved their people. Abby realized that alliances meant compromise. 'As great as this all sounds what's the catch?'
'Like I said. I accepted the Commanders proposal.' Clarke stated as she leaned into the Commander further. Partially out of spite towards her mother. Clarke understood that as realization hits her mother, she would not be pleased. Yet this knowledge simply encouraged the blonde to continue with the ceremony.
'A ceremony will be held here, in TonDC, tomorrow. You are welcome to join. All Skaikru are welcome.' Lexa stated with a tone that didn't allow for any resistance from the sky people. 'Once the union is complete our people become one. We shall take the mountain and rescue our people. The union cannot be delayed now that a proposal has been accepted. Only acts of treason may disturb such sacred ceremonies. Clarke will become ai Kwin to all, leading beside myself.'
Once again shaking herself out of shock Abby began to rage once again. 'Clarke you cannot be serious? I thought you were in love with that boy Finn?'
'Any sexual relations outside of a union are shamed and as such are punishable to the standards of their people. Love is weakness. This Finn dare touch my betrothed at the sake of his own hands. Tomorrow Clarke will become mine as I shall be hers.' Lexa growled as she once again became territorial in front of Abby.
'You don't need to threaten everyone I talk too.' Clarke whispered as she glanced towards her betrothed before turning swiftly back around.
'This is absurd. Kane please explain to my daughter how stupid she is acting.' Abby continued, unable to bare the thought of losing her daughter for a third time in one year. 'Clarke, please don't do this. I can't lose you. Not again please.'
Meanwhile Kane stood silently taking in everyone in the room. Clarke seemed unnerved with the situation as she stood in the Commanders arms whilst Abby looked ready to breakdown. 'Abby, I'm sorry but the choice is Clarke's and if she thinks she is up to the union that is her decision. She isn't a child anymore.'
'Finn and I are over. He's Ravens. At least he was.' Clarke stated as she suddenly became aware of the dire news she heard at the mountain.
Through everything that had occurred in the past two days Clarke hadn't had time to process her friends death. Tightening up Clarke couldn't help but shake as she held back the tears that threatened to fall. The Commanders surrounding arms suddenly constricting Clarke felt the need to run. With her breathing becoming erratic and her eyes starting to see dark patches she couldn't seem to concentrate on her betroths words. Seconds later she was out like a light.
'Prisa is everything alright?' The Commander questioned as she noticed the blondes rapid change in breathing and posture. Then the sudden change as if she had no strength left in her body, the blonde collapsed straight into her betroths arms.
'Guards! Someone get me a Fisa!' The Commander ordered quickly as Abby scrambled forward to look at her daughter.
'I'm a Doctor. Let me look at my daughter.' Abby commanded as she stared down the other woman in a panic. The Commander in her own worried state simply stared before coming to the conclusion of trusting her soon to be mother-in-law. Placing her betrothed carefully on the nearest table.
After a quick check over Abby was overwhelmed with anger. 'Why has no one checked over her injuries? I need to treat her wounds. She's lost a lot of blood and none of you have treated her! This Commander is why I don't trust you. Now please get out while I treat my daughters wounds.' Abby fumed as she began to take off her daughter's top to get a proper look at her injuries. However as the Commander remained in place Abby turned to shout yet again until she saw the worry on the Commanders face. Confused by this Abby simply turned back to her daughter and continued to check over the injuries.
With a lack of sleep and the blood loss added to Clarke's worry of Raven, the blonde simply couldn't hold onto consciousness.
Abby was able to clean and stitch up most of the open wounds ensuring they would heal. Although a particular wound down her forearm seemed to have been reopened many times and needed more care. The wound had once again been reopened yet Clarke did not complain throughout their whole discussion. Although with her shirtsleeve saturated in blood, it was obvious it had been open for a few hours minimum. Luckily it was not infected though. It took Abby a few hours to complete her work but by the time she had finished and covered her daughter back up Clarke was beginning to stir awake again.
It seemed that the Commander had remained stood by her betrothed throughout the whole ordeal as she silently contemplated how reckless she had been. Feeling she should have noticed sooner. The Commander only stood by watching as Clarke awoke and spoke softly to her mother.
'Raven? Mom, what happened to her?' Clarke questioned as she awoke, confused as she lay topless on top of a table.
'She's fine honey. We found her at the dropship, theirs permanent damage to her left leg but she's alive. Now lets focus on you.' Abby whispered as she clutched her daughter's hand. 'You can still come back with us.' Abby tried one last time, hoping her daughter would be too confused to disagree.
'I can't. I need to do this. Where is the Commander?' Clarke questioned as she now looked at the empty tent. It seemed as though the Commander had slipped away before the blonde could notice.
'Clarke you should come with us. She obviously doesn't care for you and she never will. You've obviously been brainwashed and I can't just sit by and watch you throw away you're life.' Abby continued realizing the Commander was no longer around to threaten her life. This was the perfect chance to get Clarke out of there.
'This would never have even mattered if you hadn't sent the 100 down here in the first place!' Clarke fumed. 'It's you're fault I'm in this mess. You killed Dad and let me believe it was my fault for trusting Wells. You threw my life away mother. For once I'm taking back control. Now if you'll excuse me I have a wedding to prepare for.' Clarke continued as she covered herself up and left the tent in search of the Commander.
Opening the tent Clarke noticed that most of the sunlight was disappearing and the urge to find her betrothed increased. As she set off she also noticed that one of the warriors began following her everywhere. 'Why are you following me?' She questioned impatiently.
'Orders of Heda. You are to be protected at all costs.' He stated as he stood close behind her.
'Where is the Commander? I wish to speak with her.'
'Heda went to speak with her generals mere minutes before you left. She will be in the war tent not to be disturbed.' He stated once more in a dull tone hoping to deter the sky princess.
'Well I wish to see her. Show me where the tent is before I search each one myself.' Clarke demanded. If Lexa was speaking to her generals does this mean that the alliance is off.
Unsure how to proceed the grounder warrior merely stood in shock. Either way the leader would find her way to the Commander and it would be in his best interest to have her arrive safely. Which is unlikely to happen if she intrudes in many people's homes. 'Right this way prisa.'
'What does prisa mean exactly?' Clarke questioned as she remembered the word from the Commander.
'Princess' The grounder replied as they came to a halt outside a seemingly large tent. However it was not as large as the Commanders own quarters. 'Heda is in here.' He continued, oblivious to how Clarke fumed at the nickname, as he nodded to the guards in greeting.
'Thank you… sorry I never caught your name?'
'I am Penn.' He stated before letting her continue through towards her betrothed.
Inside the tent there was much noise, as the grounders all seemed to be arguing all unaware of the new comer. That is all except the Commander. Instantly noticing her betrothed Lexa stood up from her place and walked to greet the blonde. 'Ai prisa, I'm sorry I could not stay. Are you alright?' Lexa questioned nervously, she hoped Clarke would not hold a grudge on her lack of treatment.
'Don't call me that.' Clarke fumed as she remembered how life on the ark was. With others mocking her, calling her a princess because her parents were on the council.
'I am sorry Clarke of the sky people. I will admit that your blackout was indeed my own fault due to carelessness. I should have had a fisa check your wounds.' Lexa replied as she misunderstood Clarke's anger.
Clarke understood that she had confused her betrothed and tried to fix it. 'No, I'm not bothered by the blackout. I just don't want you calling me that.' She tried.
'I see but is that not the name your people have given you? Anya assured me you were known amongst your people as the Skai Prisa.' Lexa tried to understand.
'They simply wished to mock my family's status and our quality of life. I don't wish to be reminded of such things.' Clarke explained quickly as she noticed the room began to quiet.
'Mockery is not the product of a strong mind Clarke. I can assure you I meant no offense, merely as an appreciation of your beauty and status.' Lexa charmed as she took hold of Clarkes hand. 'Besides tomorrow you will be known no longer as ai prisa but ai kwin.'
'Well in that case I suppose one more night as a princess wont hurt.' Clarke smirked as she realized the name sounded almost southing coming from Lexa.
Lexa swiftly turned nodding to the eavesdropping generals sending them on their way as she returned all her attention back to the beautiful blonde in front of her.
'We are to be joined as one tomorrow Clarke. We must rest. Come I shall take you to my quarters. I will sleep elsewhere for the night ai Prisa.'