Chapter Eight
For four days, Lexa spent the majority of her time in Clarke's chambers, including the night times as well. She kept the cup to Clarke's lips; water, juices, teas and broth, she was not yet awake enough for more solid food but Lexa tempted her with small pieces of various fruits, regardless. She applied a balm to Clarke's lips and watched the chapped and broken skin become plump and moist and hoped that this signalled healing and an end to one source of pain at least. She massaged oils into her temples and held her while she slept, comforting her when the nightmares began to show themselves.
Lexa watched the healer tend to Clarke's wounds, while she stood over him, imparting her authority and influence she also accrued knowledge. She asked him to begin articulating his processes, what was the healer seeing, what did it mean and how was it to be treated. Heda asked many questions, how was it supposed to work? What were possible alternatives? Did he have everything he needed? Should they seek medical advice from Skaikru, Wanheda's own people? How much longer?
Each morning after the attendant's attended and the healer healed and Lexa oversaw it all. Once she was sure that Clarke would return to sleep, Lexa would leave for a short time, going to her own chamber to bathe and eat, then going to the Throne room to receive any updates. On the second day, upon speaking to Indra and Gaia, things were a little icy between the three, a little delicate and fragile, but Heda was determined, she relied on them for their advice and counsel but once a decision was made they must get on board.
On the third day, Indra asked after the health of Wanheda and that broke the ice considerably. Heda appreciated that her decision to remain in close contact and to oversee the recovery of Wanheda had been accepted and that they were coming around to the second part of her request, the getting on board. She was in no doubt as to their preferred method of managing Clarke, Wanheda - to kill her. They had both said it, many times, but no more; Wanheda's power would remain her own and Clarke's influence would remain. Come what may.
On the fourth day Lexa was convinced she could see some improvement in Clarke's health and she looked expectantly at the Healer to see if he would confirm it. The infection has been brought under control, her temperature has stabilsed, the wounds were healing, the skin was closing over; the healer nodded at Heda, they appear to have turned a corner regarding her treatment and her health was now decidedly on the improve.
As soon as they were all out of the room, Lexa climbed onto the bed and took Clarke in her arms and held her tightly, "Thank you, Clarke, thank you for holding on," she kissed the back of her head and reaching around she took the first of the cups that were lined up along a small table brought by the bed for this purpose. Lexa coaxed, pleaded and wheedled Clarke to drink the contents of each one over the course of the morning.