It has been a bit. I took a break for the holidays but here you are! The next chapter of Arkadia: The White Crown! I hope you enjoy it. Lots of plot twists, betrayal, intrigue, and setup. The next 5-7 chapters will be released at least once a week for the next couple months! So please do enjoy. I've been so busy planning travel for this upcoming fall that I've neglected updating as well. I do hope you can forgive me! So please enjoy and don't forget to R&R!

Bellamy sat uneasily at Jon's desk, looking around the room at the faces. He'd brought them all there, including his own sister. He wasn't comfortable with the idea of Octavia being in such a seedy part of town, but he knew no one would harm her while he was watching over her. She had insisted on being involved in what he was planning, and, after much deliberation, Bellamy decided it was best to tell her the truth. She hadn't taken it well and Bellamy couldn't blame her. He didn't really think she'd understand but his sister did know him well enough to see that he wasn't going to back down.

The group all sat in Jon's office, the same one Clarke, Jon, and Bellamy had sat in weeks ago negotiating this very alliance. Now, every family was represented around this small table as the music and laughter raged downstairs in the game hall. Wells, Landell, Raven, Finn, Monty, Harper, Jasper, and Octavia all sat around this table, Lexa in the middle of them all. She had come directly from the road to the club, ready to hear their proposal on how to rescue Clarke. It took some time to explain everything but once they had, she sat in silent contemplation.

"Though I am not opposed to you offering yourself up as a sacrifice," Lexa began, sitting in one of the chairs around the long table that had been moved into Jon's office. "I can't honestly see where this plan leads. Assuming we get Clarke out alive, that still leaves Azgeda with an Arkadian hostage. If my father were to find out that I left the Blake heir in Azgeda to save my friend, he'd never trust me again."

"We have plenty of witnesses that can confirm that Bellamy was willing," Wells piped up, nodding at Bellamy. "And we also have to consider the long-term repercussions. Though I have complete confidence in Octavia, and her potential, I admit that I am still worried about the reaction we will get from Clarke. She won't let this go no matter what you or I or anyone else tells her."

"She's stubborn," Raven affirmed, leaning into her chair next to Finn. "Not unlike you, Bellamy." Raven paused now, sighing loudly. "You're both so set on saving one another that you're willing to get yourselves killed in the process."

"I agree," Jon said, standing from his chair and stretching. He turned to the small bar along the wall now, pouring a few drinks for them. "And we also have to consider what to do about the council. They won't just step aside willingly."

"I can't guarantee that my father will agree with this change in leadership," Lexa affirmed, crossing her arms over her chest. "He has long-standing ties with the Blake family as well as the Griffin. Our treaties, backroom deals, and alliances must be maintained and I'm not confident that you can assure him of that."

"We've all agreed to maintain the status quo," Monty nodded, looking across the table at Lexa as Jon handed him a drink. "We've agreed to maintain the alliance with Polis and all that entails."

"The people will not see this as a fair compromise," Lexa warned, glancing about the faces at the table. "If a Polis delegation initiates a war between Azgeda, her allies, and the rest of The Coalition, an Arkadian alliance will not suit. Half the coalition already think the Arkadian-Coalition alliance isn't worth all the trouble it has caused."

"We can negotiate better terms," Harper offered, watching Lexa closely. "What guarantees would your commander need?"

"I seem to remember Clarke offering a fair deal for the support of your marriage," Lexa sighed, looking down the table at Bellamy. "Does that offer still stand?"

"The commander's personal guard will be granted access to Arkadian firepower," Bellamy affirmed, taking the drink from Jon as he offered it. "We will also hold to our word that Arkadia will, when needed, support the commander against any clan or enemy."

"We'll have to negotiate better terms for traded goods," Lexa demanded, looking back at the group around the table. "The other clans will never support it without incentive."

"Our soldiers aren't mercenaries," Harper spoke out, looking up at Bellamy. "Our soldiers won't fight for gold or the commander; they fight for Arkadia."

"I have to agree," Landell said from his seat at the end of the table. "They're already riled up because of the increased security and the rumor of Clarke's abduction. We cannot force them to fight for their enemy."

"The Coalition is not our enemy," Wells argued, looking from Landell to Harper then back at Lexa. "If anything, we should ally ourselves with the commander and encourage the alliance. It is the only diplomatic way to stop Azgeda's insistence on war."

"Half of The Coalition hates us," Monty reasoned, looking up at Bellamy. "And you'd send our soldiers to die for them?"

"The entirety of our proposal also extends us a position on The Coalition and in conclave as the thirteenth clan." Bellamy pointed, his voice eerily calm.

The room was silent now, the teenagers mulling over the proposition in their minds. Bellamy knew it was a risk, and the commander could deny them, but Lexa had already agreed to speak on their behalf. Even if the marriage wouldn't take place, The Coalition, and the commander, would benefit from an Arkadian military alliance.

"Can you guarantee that the commander will agree to this? That he will convince the other clans to back this proposal?" Jasper asked, taking a large drink from his cup.

"It isn't ideal," Lexa replied, her voice quiet. "In exchange for helping rescue Clarke and approving Arkadia's initiation into The Coalition, all we get is access to guns which, some may argue, we can seize for ourselves."

"Not without major losses," Finn reasoned, looking to Wells for help.

"On both sides," Lexa pointed, grabbing her drink from the table. "We need to tempt my father with something sweeter."

"Not just your father," Wells pointed, making them all look at him. "The entire coalition, those who aren't firmly in Azgeda's pocket, will need convincing."

"What do you propose?" Harper asked, the suspicion in her voice setting them all on edge.

"We can lower the taxes on exports to the Coalition by half," Wells suggested. "We'll also allow The Coalition to reasonably raise prices on exported goods to Arkadia."

"The guilds won't agree to that," Landell warned, looking up at Wells. "Winter is almost here and the unrest in the north has already caused a decrease in production."

"We can't just let this opportunity slip by," Raven groaned, looking down at Landell. "And we can't let our indecision cause us to make rash decisions."

"It weakens Arkadia's position," Monty argued, looking over at Raven. "But we need to ensure a secure, smooth, and quick transition of power."

"That's another problem we have to deal with," Finn pointed, taking a drink from his cup. "The guilds won't want to back our petition if we're losing them money."

"And the General's won't sign off on it if they think their men are going to be sent into a slaughter," Landell sighed, sitting back in his chair.

"Have you spoken with the guilds?" Jasper asked, motioning toward Landell. "We can't do anything unless the guilds sign off on the petition."

"I have approached the guild leaders about a meeting later today," he replied, folding his hands together on the table now. "But we cannot approach them without some sort of incentive."

"The same can be said for the Military Union," Harper assured, looking over at Lexa.

"We'll have to make some personal sacrifices if this is going to work," Wells reasoned, looking around the room. "The guilds make the most profit from exports to The Coalition but we have to strike a deal that the clan leaders can agree on. That means that the guilds need to be compensated for the loss of business. I propose that the domestic trade between the guilds and the counseling families make up the difference."

"And the other families?" Jon asked, taking a seat in an empty chair at the table. "Most of them have investments in guild trade including my own."

"That is why I said personal sacrifice," Wells pointed, looking around the table. "If we are going to do this, negotiate terms with The Coalition and overthrow the council, then we must all be willing to make a sacrifice for the greater good."

"That's a steep price to pay," Finn replied, looking over at Wells. "Steeper for some more than others."

"Do you have a better plan?" Octavia finally spoke out, all eyes drawn to the youngest amongst them. She was perched at the end of the table closest to where Bellamy was sitting at Jon's desk. Her voice, though smaller than the rest, was resolute making Bellamy smirk down at her. "All I'm hearing are excuses and delays. The Blake family is sacrificing the most for this alliance and will still agree to the terms. Are you all going to sit here quarrelling about money the entire time?"

"It isn't so simple, Octavia," Harper reasoned, looking at the younger girl wearily. "We have to ensure that the people support this decision or else it will all be for nothing."

"Nothing?" Octavia asked, raising an eyebrow at her. "Saving Clarke and brokering a long-lasting alliance with The Coalition isn't nothing. It's everything and we all know that Clarke would agree."

The room went silent again, the heavy words hanging in the air between them. Bellamy noted the discomfort of most of his comrades but also noted that his sister looked even more resolute than he did. The noise from downstairs could be heard through the office door as the group sat silently contemplating their course of action.

"She's right," Wells finally agreed, looking over at Lexa. "Would this be enough to entice the clans?"

"Many of the clans oppose Azgeda," Lexa explained, leaning back in the chair and resting her interlocked fingers underneath her chin. "They see Azgeda aggression as a threat to their own lands. Broadleaf, Delphi, Sankru, Glowing Forest, and of course, Trikru, are firmly opposed to Azgeda. However, Delphi and Broadleaf border The Lake People and Plains Riders who are leaning toward an Azgeda alliance. Arkadian lands stand to be overwhelmed should their alliance prosper. I believe that an alliance, the lowered taxes, and the promise of Arkadian firepower, can assure their support in The Coalition."

"Is that a deal we are all willing to make?" Wells asked, looking around at the faces seated around the table. "Either way, this could lead to war."

"Could," Monty said, meeting Bellamy's eye. "But it doesn't look like we have any other option."

"So be it," Landell nodded, slapping his hand on the table. "I can bring these terms to the guild leaders and I'm sure I can convince them to side with us and sign the petition. They trust me and know I've been working closely with Monty on this."

"You have to keep this quiet," Harper nodded, looking over at Wells. "How can we be sure one of the guild leaders or Generals won't go running to one of the councilors?"

"Jon will go with Landell to talk to the guild leaders," Bellamy instructed, standing from his chair now. "Those who aren't in Griffin's pocket are in ours. Bribe them with gold, land, position, whatever is needed but be careful what you tell them."

"Harper and I can handle the Military Union generals," Finn nodded, looking between Monty and Raven. "You two need to finish the drone. If we're going to have any hope of getting near that castle, it's with that drone."

"And the judges?" Monty asked, looking over at Wells. "Who do they work for?"

"They are split evenly," Bellamy confirmed, moving to stand at the end of the table. "Some answer to Jacob, others answer to my father. They only got to where they are because of our families. The Blake judges can be persuaded to our side, but I don't think the others will comply."

"The judges only stand to ratify the petition," Wells reasoned, crossing his arms over his chest lazily. "It will be easy to persuade most them; I have enough pull to assure it."

"Then we have a deal," Lexa nodded, standing from the table. "I can present these terms to my father when we return from Azgeda. I meet with the council tomorrow to finalize terms for Clarke's release. I don't believe for a moment that Nia will give in to our demands, but we'll leave as soon as possible so be ready."

"I want everyone to remember something," Bellamy announced, looking at each of their faces. "Clarke may be stubborn, she may be entirely too optimistic, but she is practical. When she asks you why you helped me with this, I want you to tell her the truth. She'll only understand and accept this decision if she knows the truth. She has always wanted this alliance and it was only made possible because of me – don't let her forget that."

"She already knows the truth," Raven assured, a smile spreading across her face. "But if it means that much to you, I'll still tell her."

"She has always been as a sister to me," Lexa nodded, a nostalgic twinkle in her eye. "She will understand."

"Thank you," Bellamy smiled, nodding his head at the room. "Thank all of you for this. I can never repay you for your help; you all know what this will mean so all I can say is good luck. Clarke will be more difficult than I am, I'm sure."

"I'm expected at the Griffin home," Lexa nodded, moving for the door. "I'll fill you all in after the meeting tomorrow."

After Lexa left, shutting the heavy wooden door behind her, the rest of them seemed to relax. Jon moved back to his minibar, pouring some drinks for everyone who had migrated from the table around the room. Octavia came over to stand next to Bellamy, wrapping her small arm around his waist.

"I'm still afraid," she whispered, looking up into his face. "I don't want to lose you."

Bellamy wrapped his arms around her shoulders, hugging her tightly and kissing her forehead. His heart had broken when he'd first told her of his plan, seeing her tears was almost more than he could stomach. Her big green eyes stared up at him now with worry, but he needed to be strong for her. He needed to do this for her, their family, Arkadia, and most of all he needed to do this for Clarke.

"You have to be brave," Bellamy smiled, placing a hand on her cheek gently. "You will be the head of our family soon so remember to always be brave, but cautious. Weigh your options carefully and trust in your friends."

"I will protect our family," she said boldly, her courage returning to her eyes. "So, don't get yourself killed, big brother."

Bellamy only chuckled, wrapping her tightly in his arms again. He felt so proud of his little sister, realizing how stubborn she was; a trait they shared. After a moment he let go of her, taking a step back. The rest of the room seemed to be observing their encounter, most of their faces somber.

"It's really happening," Bellamy affirmed, making them all look at him again. "Don't lose confidence now."

"It's getting late," Wells nodded, setting his drink down. "We can't all leave at once, it will draw too much attention." Wells then walked over to Bellamy, extending his arm with a smile. "Good luck, Bellamy Blake."

"Thank you," Bellamy accepted, grasping his forearm. "Good luck to you as well."

Bellamy said goodbye to each of them as they left, slowly sneaking out of the club one-by-one until the only people to remain were Jon, Octavia, and Bellamy. Jon poured Bellamy another drink, offering it to him with a smirk. Octavia watched the two closely, her curious green eyes flitting between them.

"So, I guess Clarke got the alliances she wanted," Jon nodded, moving to sit on the edge of the wooden table. "Shame she won't be able to enjoy it."

"She'll understand," Bellamy nodded, taking a drink from his cup. "There really isn't any other choice."

"What if the guilds can't be persuaded?" Jon asked, eying him as he sipped on his own drink.

"They've been restless since Clarke was abducted but their unrest didn't start with that," Bellamy pointed. "For months now, they have been losing more money than they've made. With winter coming and The Coalition being on the brink of war, they stand to lose more if they don't agree to this petition."

"The real challenge will be the military," Octavia spoke up, looking between them. "They won't like the idea of fighting, and dying, for grounders."

"The General's understand that we already have enemies within The Coalition," Bellamy nodded, looking over at Octavia with nod. "They can't afford to turn more clans against us. We may have superior firepower, but we don't have the numbers, especially if Azgeda forms an alliance with other clans against us. It is the only real option they have at this point."

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend," Octavia recited, looking between Jon and Bellamy.

"Precisely," Jon nodded, downing the rest of his drink. "I have a lot to do before I meet up with Landell and the guilds later. You two should go home and stay there. The less attention you draw, the easier all of this will be."

"Let's go home O," Bellamy nodded, setting his cup down and turning to his sister. "Mom will be wondering what has taken us so long."

"I'll send word when we've finished with the guilds," Jon assured, downing the rest of his drink. "We'll go from there…"

"Send Kat," Bellamy nodded, looking down at Octavia. "I'm sure there is someone watching my house so your sister coming to visit looks less suspicious than a messenger."

"She's still mad that she can't go with us," John sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "She's also mad that I didn't invite her to this meeting. I wanted her to have plausible deniability in case this goes south…"

"I don't think any of us can claim innocence, even if it does go as we want," Bellamy nodded, motioning for Octavia to come with him. "But I will need her help, even if she doesn't need to know our entire plan."

"I'll send her your way when the meeting is over," Jon nodded, escorting them out of his office and down the stairs.

Bellamy had been thoroughly impressed with the renovations he, and Clarke, had made to the place. What used to be a seedy gambling hall had grown into one of the most popular places in the city. The gambling tables were full every night and the club made a lot of money on their special brew, courtesy of Jasper and his new line of mead and wine. This place catered to all sorts of entertainment and as Bellamy kept an arm close around his sister, he noticed a few curious looks.

"Your guards are waiting at the back entrance," Jon assured, leading them through a small doorway under the staircase into the counting room. It was littered with clerks and accountants, all of them bent over screens and paperwork. Bellamy had to admit that when it came to money, Jon knew what he was doing. He was cautious, organized, and he always checked himself and the numbers. This would be useful in the future, Bellamy was sure.

"Send word immediately," Bellamy reminded before taking Jon's arm. Two men in plain tunics and cloaks were standing outside the open door of the counting room waiting for them. Bellamy nodded at them before looking back at Jon. "And make sure they are all clear on what is at stake here."

"Will do," Jon nodded, saluting him lazily. "Now get home before Aurora sends out a search party."

Clarke sat snuggled in the warm furs by the fireplace as she practiced. Over the past couple weeks Roan had been teaching her more of his language and she was reading, rather slowly, a small book Roan had given her from his father's library. It was a storybook that his father used to read to them, something Clarke hadn't pictured a king doing for his young children. She had perched herself in the large antechamber with the moose head mounted above the fireplace, enjoying this room the most out of all the ones she had been allowed to explore.

It was rustic and beautiful, and, throughout the day, it was mostly quiet. Occasionally Clarke would hear a few guards patrolling the adjacent rooms or the great hall but for the most part, this room was quiet. It also had a stunning view of the river outside the fortresses walls. As Clarke thumbed through the small book, her thoughts raced back to a few nights ago, her doubts about Bellamy and her feelings toward Roan disturbing her from her thoughts yet again. She couldn't completely understand what she felt, or what it meant, but she knew that the future she had depended entirely on Roan's promise. So, she had decided, with much anxiety, to take the logical route. She would support Roan, become his queen until he overthrew his mother, and then return to Arkadia to finally, and genuinely, be with Bellamy.

Of course, she didn't think it would go that smoothly. Clarke expected this plan to take weeks, if no months and so she threw herself head-long into learning about Azgeda. She wanted to learn their culture, their mysterious religion, and their history. She was, as Roan had explained, one of the privileged few to gain access to these things. She'd found that their religion, and mythology, had intrigued her most and was stunningly surprised by how familiar it was to her.

It was as if the Azgeda people took their religion, and symbolism, directly from the ancient humans that had gathered such knowledge before them. Clarke hadn't expected Azgeda to keep the old ways alive in their seemingly barbaric nation, but she had been wrong. Old texts, most of them torn, translated, and barely preserved were from the time before Praimfiya. Old smudged photos and drawings and lessons from a world that, to the people of Azgeda, symbolized hope and prosperity. They had no idea that hidden in their religion, in their world, were remnants of past human civilizations. Clarke wondered if their religion, which praised nature and believed in a small pantheon of gods, was not directly related to the beliefs of Norse or Germanic immigrants that had settled here before. Of course, Clarke was the only one to draw this connection in Azgeda.

As she sat there turning through an old storybook about a god who could drain the seas and wrestle giants, she couldn't help but smile. It was almost relieving to see the past come to life here in a place that, for the most part, unwittingly imitated that very history. She hadn't noticed how much she had been smiling nor did she notice someone standing in the doorway of the great hall watching her. It was only after she'd finished reading about the encounter between gods and giants that she turned to notice the messenger. It was a young woman, her hair tied up on her head in tight braids and long tails, her deep gray eyes taking in Clarke's appearance.

"May I help you?" Clarke asked, her Azgeda dialect still a little thick.

"You've been summoned," the girl nodded, motioning for Clarke to follow her. Clarke didn't need telling twice, standing from the plush bench and stuffing the small book in her long cloak pocket. Roan had, over the past few weeks, gotten her an entirely new wardrobe which, to her surprise, fit and looked very mature on her. She followed the servant across the wide dining hall where, less than a week ago, Clarke had met and dined with the warchiefs of Azgeda.

When Clarke noticed that the girl wasn't escorting her to the training grounds, stables, or library, she became weary. It didn't cross her mind until now, but a summons would probably only come from one person in Azgeda; Nia. As they ascended the stairs to the upper gallery that overlooked the great hall, Clarke paused, noticing that Nia had just walked into the room below followed by three ambassadors, all speaking very quickly to the unhappy Queen.

"This way," the servant urged, nodding toward an adjoining corridor. Clarke followed her down this hallway until they reached an open, and rather ornately decorated, antechamber. "Wait here," the girl instructed, opening a set of double doors for Clarke. The room beyond was simple, warm, and highlighted with tapestries and furs. Clarke only nodded, entering the room and sitting on one of the armchairs near the window. A few minutes had passed before she decided to pull out the book again, losing herself in the story for what seemed like only moments before the double doors swung open again.

"Clarke," Roya smiled, closing the door behind her with a thud. She walked over, placed the tray she was carrying on the table with a clink, and grinned. She then placed a hand on Clarke's shoulder and sat down across from her. "I feel like I haven't seen you in a while."

"Since the banquet," Clarke nodded, making sure to bow her head respectfully.

"You've picked up on our manners it would seem," Roya whispered, glancing at the book Clarke had started stuffing into her jacket pocket.

"I've been learning a lot lately," Clarke admitted, hoping Roya didn't mind her accent.

"Your accent isn't bad," Roya replied in English, smiling over at her. "It is a difficult language to learn. So, I have some news for you."

"For me?" Clarke asked, trying to keep the anticipation out of her facial features. "That's a first."

"Well, Roan will find out soon and I wanted to be the first to tell you," Roya smirked, her eyes hardening slightly. "Small pleasures, Clarke." Roya then sighed, pouring them each a drink from the tray.

"Where to begin," Roya hummed, raising her glass to Clarke. "I believe it is best to tell you the new news, and then work backward from there." She set her glass down now, crossing her legs and leaning back comfortably as she surveyed Clarke.

"You've got my attention," Clarke nodded, sipping from the cup and setting it down as well.

"Your friend Lexa, she's coming to Azgeda with a Coalition delegation to work out some sort of deal for your release," Roya nodded, watching Clarke like a wolf circling a helpless doe. "We have affirmed that we will consider this but cannot guarantee that a deal can be struck. You understand, I assume, that we cannot just let you go. After all, your residency here is required if we're to maintain an Arkadian and Azgeda alliance both financially and militarily."

"I have no problem with remaining in Azgeda," Clarke replied, interlacing her fingers in her lap. "And I'm sure that once Lexa, and her delegation, affirm my kind treatment, and position, here in Azgeda, there will be no need to strike a deal."

"I knew we were of a similar mind," Roya smiled, Clarke sensing the danger behind those pleased, but always calculating, eyes. "You see, I personally think you'd make an adequate, if not excellent, Queen. Your smart, charismatic, witty, creative, and caring…"

"But," Clarke finished, a smirk on her lips as Roya's twitched with amusement.

"But," Roya continued, taking her cup in her hand again. "There is the matter of my position here, in Azgeda." Clarke remained silent, watching the woman across from her. It was eerily quiet, the clink of Roya's metal ring against the cup the only sound over the moaning winds outside.

"Are you suggesting we make a deal?" Clarke finally asked, watching her soon-to-be sister-in-law.

"I have a deal for you," Roya affirmed, taking a big drink and then setting the cup back down. In an almost majestic, and reflexive way, Roya leaned forward, elbows on her knees as her deep blue eyes hooked into Clarke's. "How would you like to return to your family, to your beloved Arkadia, and to your lover, Bellamy Blake?"

"I don't understand," Clarke replied, almost too quickly. "Why would you offer me this? What is the catch?"

"It's simple really," Roya replied, a truly frightening, and natural, smile coming over her face. "Did you ever wonder how, or why, the coalition knows so much about Azgeda? Did you ever stop to think that there could be more to it than gathered intel?"

"I don't understand… Azgeda is a part of the Coalition. Is it not natural for allies to understand, and respect, their separate cultures?" Clarke just watched her baffled, unsure of what she was getting at. Was this some sort of trick question to get her to slip up?

"You've known Lexa for what, most of your life?" Roya asked, nodding her head slightly. "Well, so have I. You see, she and I have been training together since we were old enough to hold a sword." Roya smirked now, her hands slowly raising to Clarke's cheeks. Clarke didn't dare move, or flinch, as her warm and surprisingly gently hands held Clarke's face. "We attended the same tournaments, the same games, the same schools and over all that time our friendship has always been a secret."

"No one other than the two of us know about it because to us, it is no one else's concern," Roya explained, her voice growing tighter, her hands harder. "Perhaps you can understand our feelings for one another. But I feel it is necessary to put it into perspective for you and to really drive home the point." Clarke felt the discomfort in her jaw and cheeks as Roya squeezed a little tighter.

"We love each other," Roya confessed, her voice hard but her words earnest. Even through all of her was hard, cold, and calculating, Clarke could see the desperate need and fear in Roya's eyes as she stared back at her. "And I would do anything to keep Lexa safe but the only way I can do that is to get rid of you."

Clarke's eyes went wide, and she struggled to pull back from Roya but Roya didn't budge. The intensity of Roya's grip didn't loosen on her face as her nails dug into the skin slightly. Then, as Clarke was pulling back from her grip, Roya let go, smirking playfully at Clarke. "You are dangerous to both Lexa and my family and so, we must, as Lexa would say, choose sides."

"What have you chosen?" Clarke asked, touching her hand to her cheek gingerly.

"Lexa has a plan to get you out of here," Roya confirmed, leaning back comfortably. "The night the delegation is to banquet with the royal family, I will create a scene. One of Lexa's servants will smuggle you out, to a residence in the city and from there you will have a long, and difficult trek south to your beloved Arkadia."

"And I'm supposed to believe you?" Clarke asked, no longer trying to hide her skepticism.

"You have two choices," Roya replied, pulling a small piece of worn, but recognizable parchment from her pocket. On it was the black wax pressed into the simple infinity symbol of the commander, the seal unbroken. "Trust Lexa or trust my family. It seems a simple choice."

Clarke almost snatched the letter from Roya, inspecting the seal before cracking it open to read the unmistakable handwriting. It was Lexa alright and Clarke had to reread the letter more than once to full grasp the truth of this plan.

Clarke,

I will arrive a few days after you receive this. Be ready. I am coming to get you. Your friends are waiting. I will explain everything when we meet.

Lexa

"So, what will you do, princess of Arkadia," Roya teased, refilling both of their cups. "You realize that you can't let Roan know anything about this, right? After all, his ascendency to the throne depends heavily on your marriage."

"Roan is the rightful king," Clarke replied, making Roya grimace. "He cares for his people and is the only clear choice. I have confidence that he can do this without me."

"Is that your decision?" Roya asked, a bit shocked at her response. "Betray my brother, who I am positive has fallen for you, and leave the throne of Azgeda behind in exchange for Bellamy Blake?"

"Did you expect me to be tempted by power?" Clarke asked, a coy smirk forming on her lips. "I think you've underestimated me."

"Overestimated it would seem," Roya nodded, raising her glass. Clarke mirrored her before they each took a drink. "Now, I must prepare for this little expedition," Roya affirmed, standing from the chair. "You keep your mouth shut, and keep doing as you have been, and we'll have a perfectly mutual neutrality between us that, I admit, comforts me."

"You won't harm him, will you?" Clarke asked, standing as Roya turned from her. "Roan will still be king?"

"Who else?" Roya asked, glancing at Clarke over her shoulder. "My mother may be a complicated, power-hungry witch with a distaste for the pleasures in life, but I am not her. I don't feed on the chaos, on the unexpected. I'm a simple woman with simple pleasures and one of them just happens to be a mutual friend of ours."

"You're not stupid," Clarke pointed, unsure if Roya was being honest. She did have an equal claim to Roan's crown and was never easy to read. "What is stopping you from hurting him, from denying him his crown?"

"You want the truth?" Roya asked, her voice quiet and dangerous. "Not very much but unlike you Arkadians, we value our family bonds."

Roya then turned from her again, opening the double doors before her and disappearing down the hall. Clarke stood there a moment, going over everything, the note from Lexa still clutched in her hand. Could this be her chance? Her opportunity to go home? And what about Roan? Would he be safe here, would he still be able to enact the coup against his mother if she left? Clarke didn't have any more time to consider that right now; all those feelings, all that familiarity of Arkadia and Bellamy came rushing back to her. Whether she regretted it or not, her true feelings had taken over and she had to get out.

Clarke hadn't realized she'd been standing alone in that room for a long while. Her mind was racing with regret and longing and standing there was all she could do to stop herself from crying and screaming with happiness. She felt the anticipation and excitement coursing through her veins and even though the pit of her stomach was heavy with guilt over Roan, she knew in her heart where she wanted to be. That, she knew, was her test of faith. She had been presented with the opportunity to truly choose and her heart had taken over for her.

Roan was a wonderful, kind, caring, and absolutely stunning man with all the good qualities any girl would want - but he wasn't Bellamy. She knew, if given time and distance she could fall in love with Roan, be his queen, and have his children but her heart knew that she would never truly be happy without Bellamy. She had finally, forcibly, faced that fact the moment Roya offered her Lexa's letter.

Clarke squeezed the letter, crinkling it in her palm before noticing a servant walking down the hall, directly toward the room she was in. Clarke stuffed the piece of paper into her pocket with the book and met the servant with a nod. The servant moved past her after a slight bow to clean up the cups and tray that Roya had left behind. Clarke, however, nearly sprinted for Roan's rooms. She had to get ready to leave on a moment's notice. She had to make a plan just in case things didn't work out, and most importantly she had to maintain her relationship with Roan. He couldn't know that she was planning on leaving or that Roya had anything to do with it. She almost ran into a guard as she rounded the corner toward the staircase that lead to Roan's tower rooms. He only nodded at her as she threw him an apology and ascended the wide but winding staircase.

Once she reached the corridor outside Roan's chambers she paused, taking a deep breath to not look out of breath, or excited. She didn't know if he'd be in their rooms or not and she didn't know if he had heard the news about the delegation yet. She just knew that when, or if, he decided to tell her, she would have to look surprised and conflicted. He had to believe that she wanted to stay with him and she wasn't entirely sure how to do that. She'd been content to help him so far, to go along with his plans and she felt that if she deviated from that, at all, he would know something was up.

She stood outside the door for a good minute, breathing slowly and deeply before finally feeling relaxed enough to go inside. When she did she noticed that Roan's solarium door was open, and he was rummaging inside the room. She could hear him moving objects and pacing across the floor and at one point, heard him mutter various Azgeda curses.

"Hello?" Clarke called casually, strolling slowly up to the open door. Roan almost appeared instantly, smiling crookedly.

"Sorry, I'm just trying to find my old training daggers. I thought that you might want to learn the basics of a melee weapon," he confessed, turning back to the empty solarium. "I could have sworn I kept them in here with my elk skins."

"I think it'd be fun to learn," Clark confirmed, moving to sit on the plush bench in the middle of the room. "And practical."

"I wouldn't feel comfortable if my queen didn't have some form of self-defense," Roan chuckled, turning back from the solarium into the antechamber where Clarke sat. "There are some practice weapons in the armory below. We'll check them out after dinner, okay?"

"Sounds good," Clarke nodded with a stretch, trying to remain casual. All the while her mind was racing with what to do, or say, next to keep him from being suspicious.

"I do have some news for you that may work to our advantage," Roan nodded, moving to lock the doors to the hall outside. Once he did he turned to her, Clarke noticed a sultry, gentle look in his eyes. He moved to sit next to her on the bench, Clarke forcing herself to remain close to him as he sat down.

"What's the news?" Clarke asked as he stared down at her.

"My mother has informed me that The Coalition is sending a delegation to Azgeda to discuss terms for your release into their custody," Roan explained, Clarke slowly letting surprise overtake her features. "Lexa is acting as envoy so I believe it would be the perfect opportunity to finally enact my coup."

"In front of the Coalition delegates?" Clarke asked, shock truly overtaking her features.

"Yes, with the Coalition delegation here, my mother will be entirely focused on them. She is weary of spies and tricks so while she is worrying about Lexa, I can rally my supporters," Roan whispered, a smile spreading over his lips. "It can be a bloodless and almost instant transfer of power without complication. With Lexa here to negotiate for the Coalition, we can truly discuss your release and my ascension as King."

"And you have enough influence, and support, to do it?" Clarke asked, feeling uneasy. It would make Lexa's escape plan much harder to pull off in Roan is also taking action against Nia.

"I do," Roan admitted, a bashful look overtaking his features. "But, I want to sincerely ask you something and, if you refuse, I will understand."

Clarke could feel the hairs on her neck stand on edge, the way Roan was looking at her making her frightfully uneasy. "What is it?" Clarke asked, keeping the warble from her voice.

"Would you seriously consider accepting a marriage proposal from me?" Roan asked, inching slightly closer to her. "I know we didn't meet under desirable circumstances, and I know you cannot fully trust me yet, but I am sincere when I say that I want you to be mine."

Clarke couldn't stop the blush that came to her cheeks, or the way she looked away from him in both shyness and shame. How could she respond to this? He was being earnest, and she had struggled, for a couple weeks now, with the choice between Roan and Bellamy. Her heart screamed at her, Bellamy's soft touch and deep brown eyes lighting the fire beneath her skin. But Roan was so close, so noble, and so desirable that she had to use all her willpower just to steady herself. How could it be that this decision, this choice, came to her from two fronts on the same day? How was it that what she was so sure of only a few minutes before had suddenly stood on shaky ground?

She cursed at herself, trying desperately to think of something to say that wouldn't alert him. She had to do something to keep his suspicions away and the longer she sat there in silence, the harder it was to untie her tongue with an answer. Roan noticed her apprehension, the moments turning into seconds, and watched her earnestly, a sort of fear flickering over his light blue eyes.

"I don't know how I feel yet," Clarke finally said, being as honest as she could be. "I don't know what I want and I'm never this indecisive."

"I understand," Roan affirmed, smiling slightly. "I didn't mean to throw all of this at you, but you have to understand, I want to protect you. I don't know what has come over me, or what you've done to me, but I feel like everything I've ever worked for has somehow come down to you."

"I was sure about what I wanted before all of this," Clarke admitted, looking up at him with soft eyes. "Before I knew you, before I left Arkadia, I knew what I wanted and who I was. But now, being here, with you, has made me question all of that."

"I won't make you answer me now," Roan nodded, placing a hand on her forearm. "But, Lexa and the others are going to be here within a few days. I would like to know your decision before their banquet."

Clarke just nodded, squeezing his hand over her forearm. It was a quiet few moments, both considering one another, before Roan placed a gentle, but promising kiss on her lips. She blushed again and this time he chuckled, brushing his thumb over her reddened cheek.

"So," he finally said, moving to stand. "How about we get something to eat and drink from the kitchen and practicing throwing knives?"

"Is that all you like to do?" Clarke asked, standing with him. "You're out every morning on a hunt, you come back and eat, then you're right back at it again, going into the town and practicing in the yard."

"I attend my business after I eat," Roan nodded, motioning out the window. "You think it is all servants, tax collectors, and politicians who keep this city running?"

"So that is where you disappear to?" Clarke smiled, moving to the bedchamber to grab a more practical jacket. The long cloak she had been wearing was far too heavy to practice in. "I didn't picture you handling the business side of things."

"I don't," Roan smirked, leaning against the door frame of the room. "We keep our business simple here in Azgeda. I make my rounds, ensuring all of the soldier's barracks, workers quarters, and food stores are balanced and adequate before I dine with my captains at the inn in the afternoon. We keep our meetings long and filled with ale and coin."

"And what else do you enjoy doing, besides hunting, drinking, gambling, and officiating state business? Do you draw? Play an instrument? Sing?"

"I usually like, and encourage, the company of women," Roan replied, his voice almost too silky. "We do what we are best at, right?"

"So, I see," Clarke smirked, buttoning up the smaller fur lined jacket over her chest. "Is that all you enjoy doing?"

"There are many, many things that I enjoy doing," Roan whispered, making Clarke freeze. He was standing right behind her. "Both with and to women…"

"And you suppose that I would enjoy these things?" Clarke asked skeptically, stepping away from him with a playful smirk.

"You seem like you might," Roan admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Perhaps, but I was promised a lesson with melee weapons," Clarke replied, walking past him with a satisfied smile. "Perhaps, one day, you could take me on your rounds. I've not been hunting in a very long time and I'd like to get to know you, and your people, better."

"Consider it a date," Roan replied, following her back into the antechamber.

Clarke kept the thoughts of Lexa, Roya, the coup, her escape, and Bellamy from her mind the rest of the day by focusing on Roan and the proper technique of using daggers. Though she hadn't perfected the art of the bow, she was confident in her ability to use one, at least while standing still. Now, she had to learn how to use daggers; a skill she believed would help her in the very near future.

"The council has approved terms for the delegation to Azgeda," Lexa explained, looking around the group. "Four of my warriors have agreed to stay in Arkadia so that you can accompany me."

Bellamy, Jon, Landell, Raven, Monty, Harper, and Wells had all gathered in Jon's office again, finalizing their plan for the next day. Lexa would lead the expedition to the Arkadian border, where a platoon of Azgeda warriors would lead them to their southern fort town. From there they would be escorted, eyes covered, to the next checkpoint. It was a very careful, and tedious trek north to the Azgeda capital. For the final leg of the journey, a trek of wooded and rocky road awaited them for which, much to their dismay, they would be blindfolded for. Lexa did not know exactly how long of a trek this last leg was, but she was sure it would take them at least 3 days to arrive in their capital.

"Bellamy, Jon, Harper, and Finn will be in disguise as my Trikru bodyguards. You won't speak, you won't engage with anyone else on the trek?"

"What about the drone" Harper asked, knowing full-well that she would be the one operating it once they left Akradian lands.

"It has a radius of three kilometers," Raven explained, looing between them. "We had to shorten the radius so that we could make the drone smaller making it harder to spot. It is camouflaged but I don't recommend you fly it in broad daylight."

"It'll map the route back for us, correct?" Jon questioned, looking over at Monty.

"It will," he assured, motioning to his handheld. "It will send the data directly to a specially designed watch that, to most people, looks like an old relic but controls, and programs, the drone wirelessly."

"So, it is settled," Bellamy sighed, looking between them all. "We leave early tomorrow morning for Azgeda. Get some sleep tonight because I doubt that any of this trek will be easy."

"I'll meet up with the four of you just outside the northern gate, at sunup," Lexa instructed, her voice slightly on edge. "I'll have Trikru uniforms and face paint waiting for you when you arrive."

"And the council?" Wells asked, motioning to Landell. "The guilds and the generals have all agreed and signed the petition we presented to them yesterday. The judges are set to affirm it in the morning."

"We'll assemble the embassy guard after the judges have affirmed the new council," Landell continued, motioning to Monty. "You, Octavia, Wells, and I will then inform the council of our decision and, if we need to, we'll take them into custody."

"And you're sure the embassy guard is on our side?" Monty asked, glancing at harper.

"Yes, the captains have been informed by the generals and are firmly in support of a new council," Wells nodded, looking at Lexa. "When you return with Clarke, she will be sworn in as will Harper and together, the six of us, will declare the alliance with the Coalition, and clans that support the commander."

"Keep my sister safe," Bellamy instructed, looking between the faces around him. "Keep my family and keep Clarke out of harm's way. That is the only request that I have."

"And you make sure to stay alive," Jon warned, punching Bellamy in the arm. "That's your side of the bargain."

"I'll do what I can," Bellamy smirked, nodding over at Lexa. "Thank you for helping us."

"I've been waiting a long time to see this new world that Clarke has been talking about," Lexa replied, a smile on her lips. "I think it is time we finally gave her ideas a try."

"What should happen if you fail?" Raven asked, making the room go silent. "If Clarke can't get out or doesn't make it back here. What, then, should we do?"

"Press on," Bellamy instructed, looking over at Wells. "Choose a family to fairly represent Griffin interests and bring them into the fold. Choose wisely though; not everyone will be supportive of this new plan."

"It won't come to that," Wells affirmed, looking over at Lexa. "We can't let it, understand?" Wells looked over at Finn now, his eyes drifting between Jon, Harper, and Bellamy. "You three have to make sure she makes it back and Bellamy has to make sure that they stay focused on the hostage that they do have."

"I can cause quite a commotion," Bellamy admitted, nodding simply. "And Clarke will make it back; she's too stubborn to die."

"I have every confidence that we can get her out, and safely home," Lexa confirmed, turning to look out the window at the dark street below. "My informant has assured me that she is ready, and willing, to come home."

"You are sure she doesn't know that I am coming?" Bellamy asked, worried that Lexa wasn't telling them everything.

"Positive."

So, how was it? The next few chapters will be out every week so keep watching! Also, I'm going to experiment and cover more than two points of view in a few chapters that are upcoming. We'll see Jon's, Roan's, and Wells' POV in upcoming chapters! So I hope you enjoyed! Please R&R!