A HUGE thank you to Redhead17x for brainstorming with me on this! This fangirl's got some fantastic ideas that'll have you out of the writer's block rut in no time! :)
Chapter 12
The next few days fell into an easy routine for Clarke. She cooked meals, carried water, tended Bryce, and fell asleep next to Bellamy Blake every night. It felt good just being the two of them.
Bryce was thriving under the constant attention, Bellamy telling him stories and teaching him little things here and there. It felt like they were a real family, untouched by the hardships that had once hung above their heads like threatening storm clouds.
The snow had stopped the day before, and was gradually beginning to thaw at the sight of the sun that had finally appeared that morning. Bellamy was still asleep after a rough night. His leg had pained him the night before, keeping both of them up into the wee hours of the morning.
Clarke sat in her rocker; Bryce lying on a blanket at her feet playing with some little wooden animals Bellamy had carved him. She was just about to get up and check on her patient when a soft knock sounded on the thick wooden door.
For a moment she was fearful, but then she heard Lincoln's voice and breathed a sigh of relief. She opened the door, finding the large man bundled in a plethora of furs with funny contraptions strapped to his feet.
At her questioning appraisal of his footwear, Lincoln smirked.
"Snow shoes", he explained, "They keep your feet from sinking into the snow, making it easier to walk."
"Interesting", Clarke smiled as she ushered him in, "What brings you so far from camp?"
"I came to check on the three of you, and I have a matter of importance to talk over with Bellamy."
Clarke nodded, wondering at the solemnity of the situation.
"Why don't you wait by the fire while I go wake up Bell. I'll fix you some tea as soon as I'm finished."
The blonde made her way into the other room, surprised to find Bellamy still asleep. She approached the bed, overwhelmed by the peaceful sight.
His features were relaxed, making him look so young and innocent. His dark curls were riotous, a few falling across his forehead in silent rebellion. His lips were a smooth line, soft and enticing.
She placed a gentle hand on his chest, her thumb running back and forth across his skin.
"Bell", she whispered, not wanting to startle him.
His eyes opened slowly, his dark orbs struggling to focus.
"Lincoln's here. He needs to speak to you."
She saw the panic that entered his gaze and she quickly sought to reassure him. "Octavia's fine, I've already asked."
Clarke watched him nod, and then struggle to sit up. She retrieved his shirt from one of the pegs on the wall, trying not to focus on how his muscles rippled as he pulled the fabric over his head.
Bellamy watched her go, not missing the faint blush that stained her cheeks. He heard her quietly call to Lincoln, and then the other man was filling the doorway.
"Lincoln", he greeted.
"Bellamy", the Grounder said with a nod, "What happened?"
"Fought off a panther, broke my leg, and rode out a blizzard with Clarke and Bryce", Bellamy said with a grin.
Lincoln simply shook his head before beginning to pace.
Bellamy watched him, wondering what was on the other man's mind. He didn't have long to wait because Lincoln soon stopped, turning back to speak.
"I can't stay in Camp Jaha any longer", he said quietly.
"Ok…"
"The people there look at me like I'm some kind of threat, and it's hard on Octavia. She feels closed in and she misses you. I was wondering if she and I could finish your cabin and move out here. I know we discussed building our own, but it doesn't appear that you'll need yours", the man ended with a smirk.
"Sure, you're welcome to the cabin. Clarke says I'm stuck here for another six weeks to eight weeks anyway."
"There's one more thing, Bellamy", Lincoln said seriously, "That was only part of my reason for coming here. My second, was to ask for your permission to marry your sister. I know I don't deserve her, but I love her with all my heart and I want to spend the rest of my days seeing that she's happy and cared for."
Bellamy stared at the man before him, taking in the firm set of his jaw and the honest glint in his dark eyes. With a sigh, he nodded.
"You make her happy, so I can't object. I wish you two the best, but if you hurt her even the Princess won't be able to stop me from beating you to a bloody pulp", he said with a dangerous smile. Then he noticed the way that Lincoln began to squirm under his scrutiny. "There's a third reason, isn't there?"
"Yes, there is. Bellamy, Lexa will be angered by Clarke's outburst. She's going to be looking for any legitimate reason to end the alliance. You're clandestine relationship would be just the thing she'd need to undermine Clarke's authority. It is Grounder custom to go through the ceremony of rings before beginning a life together. To do otherwise is thought to be disgraceful."
Bellamy sighed, "So, what are you suggesting?"
"You need to marry her", Lincoln said quickly.
Bellamy's eyes widened, that hadn't been what he'd expected.
"What?"
"Before you overreact, hear me out. Your union would solidify your claim to leadership, as well as save the alliance. I know you care for her, and she for you. That little boy idolizes you. You could make it work, Bellamy."
The dark haired Rebel sat in silence for a moment, mulling over the other man's words.
"Give me some time to talk to her", Bellamy answered finally.
"The snow should thaw in four days time. There isn't much left to do on your cabin, so I'll bring a crew back and finish it. When I come, I'll also bring Kane and Abby. The marriages can be performed then."
Bellamy simply nodded and then watched as the man left. He knew he should feel cagey about the thought of marriage, but the only thing that worried him was that Clarke would say no.
However, no wasn't an option.
"Hey Princess", he called.
She made her way into the room, a cup of tea in each hand. She presented him with one, and then wrapped her hands around the other as she took a seat on the edge of the bed.
"What did Lincoln need", she asked.
"He and O are moving out here. I gave them my cabin", he said, watching her face for any reaction.
He found none as she simply nodded, "That will be good. It'll be nice to have them out here with us. Plus you need to stay here."
Bellamy tried not to read too much into her words, but found the thoughts of domestic bliss to hard to push away.
"There was one other thing, Clarke, and I want you to hear me out before saying anything, alright?"
Clarke nodded and Bellamy continued.
"Lincoln said that Lexa is going to be searching for a way to dissolve the alliance and oust you from your throne", Bellamy said dryly, "Lincoln says that me living here with you will give her grounds to say that you are a disgrace sharing your life with a man not your husband."
"Bellamy, we're not…", Clarke said a blush rising on her cheeks.
"I know, but undoubtedly the Grounders believe that sharing a home is sacred, and not to be entered into lightly. Lincoln says that in order to save the alliance and maintain our roll in leadership, then we have to get married."
Bellamy watched as her eyes widened with shock, and her mouth hung wide open.
"We can't…"
"Yes, we can. I love you Clarke, but this doesn't have to be some big romantic gesture. It's a business arrangement. If it grows into something more, fine, but if not then at least we'll give Bryce a stable home and our people a stable alliance."
Clarke carefully considered his words, hesitation coloring her words.
"Bell, I can't marry you! It's not right! You deserve better."
Bellamy took her hand in his; using the only tactic he knew to convince her.
"We don't have a choice, Clarke. The fate of our people rests in our hands. As leaders we have to do what's best for them."
He felt terrible for making this more about duty than love, but he believed that love would come later. Right now he had to convince her, and he knew no better way than to prey on her sense of responsibility.
Finally she nodded, her blue eyes dark with determination.
"You're right", she said tiredly, "No matter what we have to do what's best for our people."
Bellamy smiled, cupping her cheek with his calloused hand as he drew her gaze to his own.
"I can't really kneel, Princess, but I want to do this right. So, Clarke Griffin, will you marry me?"
He watched as a soft smile curved her lips, her love for him clearly evident in her eyes.
"I would be honored to become your wife, Bellamy Blake."
With a smile, Bellamy leaned forward capturing her lips with his own. The kiss wasn't long or passionate, but it did hold promise- a hope that he and the woman he loved could find happiness and the peace they so desired in the shelter of each other's arms.
Thanks for reading! Please review and tell me your thoughts! :)
Wright: Thanks for the review! Bryce is precious isn't he! I was pretty happy with Bryce's declaration about Bell's living arrangements lol I could totally picture him saying all that and it was just too cute to pass up! Yeah, with these two it sometimes takes some drastic measures for them to see things in a new light! I'm glad you liked the kiss! I was afraid I'd rushed it, so I'm glad that worked out. Happiness will be slow in coming, but as always I promise a Bellarke happy ending! :)
