Disclaimer: I own nothing

Thank you J. For my nephew G. Love you little man.

The sun was high in the morning sky and there was still no sight of their Heda. Indra had put people to work readying their burning tower and placing the dead amount it so they could send their spirits on. Even before when injured Heda made an early rise as to not show weakness. Indra knew though that her Heda had not been sleeping well recently either, perhaps that was the reason behind her sleep in. By the murmurings of the skaikru she realised Clarke too was missing. Knowing that the skaiprisa was with the Heda last night she wondered if she was still with her.

"Excuse me? Indra isn't it?"

Indra turned to see who was speaking to her and scowled when she recognised Abby, skaiprisa's mother. The other man, Kane, was behind her along with some of Clarkes friends.

"What do you want?"

"I was hoping you might have seen Clarke. I need to speak to her. I also wish to speak to your Commander" Abby looked around nervously, not liking the gruff warrior.

Indra glared at the woman, hating her for her insolence. She did not know how such a woman raised their skaiprisa.

"That is not for you to decide" she informed shortly "I will pass your message on to Heda and Skaiprisa. The decision is theres". With that she walked off leaving a stunned Abby behind

"Skaiprisa?" She asked Kane

"Sky Princess. The grounders hold Clarke in high esteem. To them she is our leader" Kane informed and Abby scowled before turning on her heel and heading back to the Ark. With a quick look at each other the others followed.

Inside her tent Lexa was awake, the pain of her body having woken her. She was watching with nothing short of confusion the blonde sleeping beside her. The previous evening was somewhat a blur. She remembered one of her top warriors revealing the mountain men's alliance offer.

She remembered striking him and coming to her tent and Clarke following her. She also remembered Clarke offering to heal her and the dull throb in her back reminded her of the stinging pain intermingled with the soothing touch of Clarke. She did not know why Clarke had stayed.

She did not want to admit that she had enjoyed waking up with Clarke. Having her warm body pressed against her, her beautiful face next to hers and the first thing she saw in the morning. She did not want to dare hope or dream. Clarke was not ready and she possibly wasn't either.

Two days ago when she kissed Clarke she had been lying to herself, believing there was only a mutual attraction. That she could enjoy the company of Clarkes body without the fear of what happened to Costia paralysing her. But she knew that was not true. If she lost Clarke now the pain of it would be equal, if not more than that of losing Costia. How had this happened? She had worked so hard at closing herself off, of not caring. Of becoming cold and unfeeling. How had one girl from the sky ripped open all her defences and come rushing in?

Footsteps outside alerted her to someone's presence and she recognised the tread of Indra as she hesitated a moment before peaking her head inside. Not wishing to wake Clarke she indicated for Indra to be quiet and beckoned her in. She could tell her warrior was struggling to keep a straight face and wondered if she was concerned about this turn of events or amused.

As the warrior came forward she kept her face impassive and Lexa could not read her.

"Heda" she acknowledged in a whisper "the skaikru request a meeting"

"Oh who?"

"Skaiprisa's mother and her lapdog" Indra informed

"Indra" Lexa chastised even though silently amused at the analogy "Clarke and I will be there once we are both up"

"Sha Heda" Indra nodded and respectfully left the tent all the while wondering what the heck had happened last night.

Lexa turned her gaze back onto the blonde beside her. She didnt want to wake her but she didnt want to dwell on what Abby wanted either. She tried not to let her dislike for Abby overwhelm her. The woman continuously tried her patience and pissed her off. It was only because of Clarke that she was still alive. She had an audacity to summon her to a meeting. Only Clarke may dare do that, and it would cause a few words as it was.

"Clarke" she whispered while gently shaking her shoulder, not wanting to startle her. Unfortunately years of defending herself here and on the Ark had Clarke bolting awake. Lexa hissed when the movement jolted her aching body.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Clarke looked around wildly for danger and some sort of weapon.

Lexa was highly amused by the display and let a smirk twitch at her lips as Clarke finally turned to her with the realisation all was well.

Gazes collided and Lexa instantly felt the stir of attraction, her body responding despite the pain. She watched as Clarkes eyes darkened too and knew instantly the feelings were mutual. They were so close, it would be so easy to take what she wanted. Her body and heart screamed at her to do it. Her head yelled just as loud that she had promised. She knew Clarkes body wanted hers but Clarkes heart and mind weren't on par. She didnt want that until it was offered freely. She did not want Clarke to feel guilt.

"Morning" she whispered instead and nearly groaned when Clarkes gaze fell across her lips and a tongue peaked out to wet her own pink lips. Dammit not fair. She needed a diversion "your mother has sent for us. Requests a meeting"

And there was the bucket of cold water Lexa sighed as all signs of arousal washed from her face.

"What does she want?"

"I do not know. Indra informed me" Lexa told her and watched her nod as she hastily slid out of bed and reached for her jacket.

"I need the privy. Get dressed while I'm gone, I'll bring us back food" Clarke paused and looked at her "I will dress your wound again after the meeting"

"You stayed last night" Lexa ignored her words and threw out what she was thinking "why?"

One golden eyebrow arched and a smirk formed on Clarkes lips. "You don't remember?" This brought a laugh, a genuine laugh and Lexa was captivated "you begged me to. Pleaded."

Lexa was stunned "I did not"

"Told you you'd regret it" Clarke winked and headed for the entrance

"I regret nothing" Lexa stated after her, sure that whatever happened that this was the truth. She saw Clarke pause momentarily before leaving. Lexa sat up sharply, hissing at the pull on her back and abused muscles protested. Was what Clarke said true, had she asked her to stay? Her mind was still fuzzy, undoubtedly due to the moonshine she had drunk. It undoubtedly had something to do with the furry feeling inside her mouth too.

Sighing she got up with some effort, stiff and sore. She felt weak from her wounds, the one on her back Clarke had seen and others she had not informed the blonde of. Right then she made the decision to go to the healing pond. She didnt go unless it was required, like now with multiple severe wounds. Clarke was not going to be happy with her for hiding the others. She had no choice though, she was the Heda and had to be strong. She's had worse but not this many at once.

She did her best to ignore the pain her body was in as she went about her morning routine. She found herself caught up in little flashbacks of the previous evening which were a nice distraction to the torture of her body. It appeared she had indeed asked Clarke to stay and worse still had cuddled into her like a small child. What Clarke must think! She paused, though really Clarke hadn't made much of an effort to leave. Lexa grinned, in fact she hadn't argued much at all. Maybe there was hope.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the return of Clarke with bread and cheese and a jug of water which they shared silently while watching each other warily. Once they finished the meal Lexa moved gingerly to the bed to pull on her boots.

"How's the back?" Clarke asked and when Lexa shot her a pointed look she grinned "big tough warrior". Lexa gave an unladylike snort and stood with a mighty effort and bit back a groan.

"I will meet you at the Ark shortly" she stated heading for the entrance of the tent using all her energy reserves to show no signs of her injury. Clarke got that she didnt want to show signs of weakness to her people but seriously?

"Where are you going? She hurried after her.

"You are not the only one with a full bladder" came the reply. Oh. Clarke paused and let her leave. Well that was awkward. Rubbing her face tiredly she gave an exasperated sigh. She was acting like a fool around Lexa. Damn her and her cuteness and her kisses. Damn her own bloody bodies betrayal.

Growling in frustration she squared her shoulders and headed out of the tent, nodding at the two big guards that she recognised standing there. She needed to get herself under control. If she knew her mother at all she knew the next hour or so would be highly unpleasant. Abby seemed to be in full leadership mode again. Something Clarke thought she had sorted. Time to inform her mother she was in charge now.

Once at the Ark entrance she paused to wait for Lexa, nodding at Lexa's people as they nodded respectfully at her. That had changed. They respected her before because Lexa did. Now they seemed to respect her on her own after the war. She continued to watch them and their interactions with her own people. Though still stilted there seemed to be more ease and comfort in the interactions.

Another grounder went past, nodding respectfully and Clarke offered him a smile.

"They respect you now" Lexa's voice came from behind her as she stepped out from behind a tree and walked towards her "if I fell in battle they would follow your orders"

"Don't talk like that" Clarke frowned and one of Lexa's eyebrows shot up "I don't want to contemplate it"

"However it is the truth." Lexa nodded and stepping away gestured for Clarke to lead her into the Ark "this was just one battle Clarke. There is always war here"

"Just a little ray of sunshine today aren't we" Clarke muttered and ignored Lexas confused look as they stepped into the Ark.

Several minutes later they were seated around a table with Abby and Kane. Octavia, Lincoln, Raven, Bellamy, Wick and Jasper were there also to her surprise and looking a bit sheepish. Wtf? Indra had arrived shortly after them with a couple of head warriors declaring the clan needed representatives too and ignored Lexa's look.

"Ok mother you called the meeting. What do you want to talk about?" She asked and her mother immediately turned to Lexa.

"I've been made aware of the offer of alliance the Mountain Men made you commander and while I am happy you declined the offer I am worried" Abby paused as if searching for words "I am worried what becomes of our alliance now. What will become of it in the future"

"Our alliance stands. As one clan. Our people will stay and make a permanent camp" Lexa informed not liking her word challenged.

"I'm sorry but that is not good enough. You can easily leave. Go rebuild TonDC. Go to Polis, form another alliance with a clan we mistrust" Abby continued and Lexa could feel her ire growing. Clarke too seemed uncomfortable.

"My word is my oath. TonDC is destroyed. It would take too much to rebuild there. If we return to Polis we would lose our land to another clan. Beside which Polis is not big enough to accommodate us all" Lexa grit out "I plan to make a permanent structure here for myself. My people can do the same or live in tents. Camp Jaha is now our home. Clarke knows this. I do not have to explain my actions to you"

"As chancellor to our people..." Abby began but Lexa cut her off with a laugh

"You delusional fool. You still harbour the belief you are the leader. You are weak and narrow minded. If not for Clarke and the respect I hold for her you would have met my sword a long time ago" Lexa hissed angrily, infuriated with the woman. She just didnt get it. A gentle touch to her arm had her turning to Clarke and she could see her own anger returned. She wasn't the only one Abby had pissed off. Clarke then turned to address her mother.

"Mother we are no longer on this Ark in space. You are no longer chancellor. You certainly aren't the leader. It's time for you to let it go. I grow tired of it and will no longer put up with it. Do not defy me again" she informed and had to hide a smirk as Abby's jaw dropped open in shock. Kane nodded to her respectfully while her friends grinned. She glared at them "you lot need to keep your traps shut. If you have an issue from now on bring it to me"

That quickly wiped the smile off their faces.

"I trust Lexa. We will join our people as a clan. We can teach them our ways and learn from them how to hunt and fight"

"But what is stopping them leaving. At any time. Tomorrow, five years or ten. We would be vulnerable without them" Abby pushed and Clarke sighed. While it was obviously a legitimate concern of her mothers she had no such concern. She trusted Lexa. It was Lexa herself that spoke up.

"I respect Clarke as a leader. As your leader. I would not betray her. Nor would my people. If I died in battle they would follow her orders. This I know" she informed a stunned room. Indra and the fellow warriors were hardly surprised and nodded their approval and understanding at the silent order their Heda had given them.

"I would not betray you either. If I was ever to fall my people will follow you and Bellamy" Clarke offered in return shooting Bellamy a look. He seemed surprised by her words but gave her a nod of understanding. She then turned to Lexa.

Green and Blue gazes met in mutual understanding and as it lingered everyone in the room realised exactly the how and whys of that understanding. Everyone but Abby who was highly obtuse.

"There needs to be more. Something signed. A written agreement or law"

"I am the law" Lexa snarled angrily "what I say goes. My word is oath" she was fed up with the Insolent woman and her hand itched to take her sword and be done with her.

"There is always a merger" Indra piped up and the room suddenly became silent as everyone turned to her. Indra tried not to gulp under her Hedas thunderous glare.

"Shof op" (shut up) Lexa warned.

"What do you mean merger?" Abby asked and Clarke thought she already knew and stared at a stony faced Lexa in disbelief.

"I think she means marriage." Kane interrupted "between the two leaders of a clan. Thereby merging the clans as one"

"No" Abby gasped horrified. She wouldn't have her daughter marrying some savage. It was barely acceptable they were friends and they needed Lexa's clan to survive but marriage was unacceptable.

"It would provide both clans with the security they need" Indra stated knowing she was pushing her luck but also knowing she spoke the truth. She also knew it would be the push Heda needed to get over Costia and move on with the skaiprisa.

"No" Lexa roared jumping up then hissing in pain as her back twinged and swaying as her strength waned.

"Lexa" Clarke was quick to stand and grab her as she paled. No one dared move enrapt that Lexa dared let Clarke touch her. Indra looked on, knowing then that her Heda was more injured than she let on. She shot warning looks at the other warriors. They nodded understanding not to mention the Heda's injuries outside the room.

"Im fine" Lexa hissed and straightened. They shared a long look and Clarke knew she wasn't but knew asking in front of the others would be pointless. She would ask once she got Lexa alone and demand to check for other wounds. This was way more than just a back wound. So instead she dared to ask

"What would a merger mean?"

"No Clarke." Lexa insisted "you are not ready, I promised you" Lexa grit her teeth as pain racked her body and a burning fire raced through her veins. "I will not break that promise and you must come willingly, not coerced." She grimaced and Clarke watched her with concern while ignoring her words for now.

"You need more salve" she frowned.

"No. I must go. This meeting is over" she informed and breaking free of Clarkes grasp left the room, concerned blue eyes following her.

"Clarke what is wrong with her? What did she mean she promised you and you need to go willingly?" Abby stood and questioned her daughter.

"None of your business" she turned to Indra "I need to heal her. You are in charge for the next few days. Do not disturb us. Bellamy you too"

Both nodded respectfully and Clarke hurried after Lexa ignoring her mothers calling after her as she hurried to find Lexa. As soon as she stepped out of the Ark she heard her name called from the trees and found Lexa there sitting on top of a horse wearily. Nyko stood holding the reigns.

"Nyko?" She hurried towards him

"You need to get her to the healing pond. It's about two hours away directly east. Your passage should be safe" he handed her her freshly stocked medical bag and she looked at him confused. "She has more injuries she has not shared. I know you are injured too. I will bring further supplies later. You will need to stay there for a few days"

"How will I find the pond if she passes out on me?" She watched Lexa in concern realising she was weak. The saddle bags on the horse seemed to be bulging with supplies of food and water and she could see Lexa's sword strapped to the back.

"There are four guards further in the woods. They will guide and protect you. Once at the pond they will afford you the privacy you need. I will be up by days end with some camping equipment. You need to go now"

Clarke nodded knowing by his tone she had no time to delay "Tell Indra and Bellamy to take care of the dead. Get Bellamy to get you some antibiotics and bandages to bring up. I will see you by sun down"

"Yes skaiprisa" he nodded then assisted her to mount the horse in front of Lexa. She ignored the sensation of Lexa wrapping her arms around her and leaning against her back as she took the reigns, glad now for her private riding lessons Octavia had given her.

"Hold on Lexa" she told the Heda and when the grip on her tightened gave the horse a sharp kick and lead it into the trees where their guards were waiting.