Lexa's generals stood around the table in her war room as she layed out the plans they had stolen from Matthew's camp. All of their friends were present as well, with Ontari the only member of the war council sat down, having been threatened horrible things by Clarke if she didn't stay off her feet for a few days. Although Lexa knew fully well that it was Raven threatening to withhold sex after two weeks apart that had the Azgeda warrior on her best behavior.

"Ok, Matthew plans to attack in three days time at sunrise, because his scouts have told him that that is when the city is most vulnerable. He will attack with the majority of his army head on, but a small group including himself will strike from within the walls. They will head straight to the tower when the fighting begins so assassinate myself and the other night bloods." Lexa explained quickly, pointing out the markers on the maps, including the safe house that Matthew's men were already getting settled into as they spoke. "Matthew himself is going to be arriving tomorrow so it's important neither myself, Ontari or Octavia leaves this building in case we're recognized."

One of her generals scowled as he looked down at the map, "This man has no honor, assassination is a cowards tactic."

Lexa nodded, "I agree, but if I was in his position I would do the same. Matthew is a natblida, as soon as I fall and my potential successors are gone, the throne is his by default unless another natblida comes forward to challenge him, which is unlikely."

"He would kill his own blood?" Another man asked, looking pointedly at Ontari, who rolled her eyes.

"I am injured not deaf, and yes he would. We are Azgeda, family has never meant a great deal compared to power. And we haven't seen each other since I was a child, I doubt he remembers any more than my name, if he even remembers that much." She said quietly, hiding how much weight she was forced to lean on her arms to keep herself upright in the chair as pain lanced through her side.

Raven rubbed at her shoulder subtle, a silent show of support and comfort which Ontari gladly leaned into.

Indra cleared her throat, pointing at the safe house that was marked on the map, "Clearly the best course of action is to wait for him to arrive and then kill them before a battle can begin."

"No." Lexa said firmly, without hesitation, prompting curious looks from those around the table. "Killing Matthew doesn't guarantee the attack won't go ahead anyway. And besides, he may be willing to use cowardly methods but I am not. There is one way into this building, and when he arrives I will be waiting."

Lincoln nodded slowly, "Ok then, but we should get your students out of the city to somewhere safe, then he can't take power even if the worst happens."

"Which it won't." Clarke cut in immediately, "I have doubted you before but never again. You're going to win this."

Lexa smiled at her, "You all heard her, Wanheda has ordered me not to die, seems I have no choice in the matter."

"So how many men are you keeping with you Heda?" Indra asked her as the others chuckled.

"None," Lexa replied, pointing towards the gate, "All of you will be here to defend my city, I don't want a single warrior from Matthew's army breaching my gates."

Looking up, she nodded to her friends stood to her right. "Clarke, Octavia, Lincoln, Raven and Ontari will be the only ones staying with me. Matthew is only coming with a team of four, including himself, we will be just fine without any additional assistance."

"Heda, that decision could have dangerous consequences, I fell like I need to protest-"

"No." She said softly, cutting of the speaker, "This is my decision, an army is coming, and each and every one of you will be needed to defeat it. Whilst I am here, Indra will lead in my stead."

"You do me great honor Heda." Indra bowed her head, "But I will be uneasy riding into battle without you."

Lexa nodded in acknowledgement of her words, "I know, but it is necessary. I cannot join you until we are finished with our task."

"Then I will lead your armies until you arrive to take over from me." Indra agreed.

"Mochof Indra." Lexa smiled, before waving her hand to dismiss them all, "Now go, the next few days will be difficult, you should all get a good nights rest."

Clarke grinned as Lexa threw herself face first into the bed beside her, lying there unmoving with her face buried in her pillow.

"Long day?" She asked with a laugh as Lexa muffled groan sounded through the pillow.

Rolling onto her side, Lexa looked at Clarke seriously, "It's been a long two weeks, and I have missed you for every second of it."

Clarke smiled softly, shifting down to lie closer to her so their noses where practically touching, "I've missed you as well. I never want to be apart from you that long ever again."

"I will do my very best not to start any more wars then." Lexa muttered sarcastically, "I wish people would check with us first before deciding to attack at the most inconvenient times."

Laughing, Clarke reached out and draped her arm over Lexa's waist, relishing in the feeling of her warm skin resting against her own, "I'm sure they are doing it for no reason other than to spite you."

"It's not a joke Clarke." Lexa insisted, "My enemies are all scheming together to invade my lands at the times when it will cause the most annoyance to me personally."

"You did say you would be bored without conflict." Clarke argued reasonably.

Sighing, Lexa scooted closer slightly so Clarke could wrap her arms around her properly, "I find it hard to relish in this particular conflict when in three days I am going to be killing one of our friends brother."

"Ontari doesn't blame you for what you're going to do." Clarke comforted, as Lexa shook her head.

"Before he was an idea, know we have lived with him for two weeks and gotten to know him. I honestly believe that minus his hatred of me, he would be a good leader, but I cannot allow him to live."

Clarke pulled back, sitting up and pulling Lexa with her before firmly placing her hands on Lexa's shoulder, making sure she was looking her dead in the eye, "Listen to me carefully, because this is important. Have your doubts, feel your guilt, but do not let it leave this room. I mean it Lex, when you face him you cannot hesitate, because he will not hesitate to kill you. Strike quickly and kill him painlessly if that makes you feel better, but do not let him take you away from me."

Reaching up, she placed her hands on Clarke's forearms, tracing her fingertips up and down them, "Ok, I promise, mochof Clarke, I needed to hear that."

Leaning in, Lexa pressed her lips against Clarke's, who returned the kiss eagerly for a moment, before slipping back slightly to lie back down pulling Lexa with her.