NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: I am terribly sorry for the late update. I had chapter two completely finished and ready to be uploaded but when I went to edit it, my computer had not saved any of my work! So I had to completely rewrite over three pages. In conclusion, this is not my original way of writing this chapter nor do I believe it is my best work since I had to rush with the rewriting process because I only had access to working WiFi for a short amount of time. Also, I know most of you might be wondering why no one has spoken in the Grounder language yet. Be patient and I promise that I will deliver. Please, enjoy what I have written for you all and if there is anything you have questions or suggestions on please share! Again, in this chapter everyone is in character but I added a scene in this chapter that did not happen in the show. Happy reading!
I paced around the room while waiting for my mother to show. It had been two days since I made an agreement with Lexa that I would discuss becoming the 13th clan with my mother, who happened to be the Chancellor of my people, and whomever she brought to accompany her. A small desire within me hoped that Bellamy would be coming but I highly doubted that chance.
There was a knock on the door. I said enter. Two guards came in my presence and announced that the Sky People had arrived. I asked for them to be sent to me. The guards bowed, walked out, and left the doors open. I sighed. I couldn't pace in privacy anymore. I had to be strong and show no fear nor doubt about this plan of the Heda. Only a couple minutes past before my mother, Kane, and Octavia marched in my room.
We stood there staring at one another in awkward silence before my mom ran up to me and threw her arms around my neck. I hesitated before wrapping my mother in a close embrace. She pulled back first.
"I was so worried about you, Clarke. What have they been doing to you? You look so thin. When can you leave?" Abby rushed out. I bit my tongue when I was about to tell her my being thin was actually my fault of denying any food the Grounders had been bringing to me, and at that moment my stomach gurgled.
"It's good to see you too, Mom. Hey Kane. Hey Octavia." Kane gave me a confident smile but Octavia just glared at me. Possibly still furious with me leaving a couple of months ago. Who could blame her. My mom was not fooled and seemed disappointed that I had avoided her many questions. She pursued further.
"What has Lexa been doing to you? Answer me this time. Has she been torturing you?" She prodded.
"No, Mom. Nothing like that. They have actually been caring for me better than expected. I was brought to her about a week ago for safety purposes only. And that's why I asked for y/ou to be brought here to Polis. I need to talk to you about something."
I hurried with my explaining about the Ice Nation and joining Lexa's coalition. At first, my mother and Kane seemed to be surprised that the Commander would be brave, or desperate enough, to ask for our help. Octavia hovered by the door in cold silence. No expression. When I was finished, however, she was the first to speak.
"So Heda wants us to become the 13th clan only because she needs help fighting the Ice Queen? I say let's do it." Abby glanced at her.
"We can't rush into a decision without consulting our people first, Octavia. Besides, this could be a trap."
"No. You don't know the Grounders like I do. They wouldn't just offer us to join them like this if there were no probable cause. Plus there could be benefits with becoming part of the Commander's people." Octavia pondered. It was Kane who spoke next.
"That makes sense, and I can see some benefits along with this decision but we can't trust Lexa again. We made a deal with her before and look how she treated that." I immediately went for Lexa's defense.
"She had no other choice. I know that what she did caused us lives and soundless sleep for months. But like she said, if we are to decline her offer the Ice Nation can and will take over Polis and we will be next. This has nothing to do with Lexa. This is about protecting our people. Octavia is right. We need to do this."
My mom and Kane retreated to a far corner and whispered to one other in hushed voices. I took this opportunity to speak to Octavia.
"Hey, how is everything back at home? How is Bellamy?" I asked. She gave me dirty look.
"Like you care. You left us. We're fine. No thanks to you." She walked away and went to stand by the back window. By this time, Abby and Kane were done whispering.
"Okay dear. We will do this. Only for our people. If we smell any rat, we have the right to back out. Now. Tell us what we need to do."
I left the room with my mom, Kane, and Octavia and went to find Lexa. We ventured down the hallway towards the only place I could think of finding the Commander. Her throne room. We approached the grand wooden doors and two guards opened them for us. My heart jumped when I noticed that the Commander was perched in her throne, warpaint and armor complete. We came to a halt in the middle of the room. I took a breath.
"Heda, my people have agreed to your proposal. However, they have some terms that must be met before we take part in any sort of oath." I said. Lexa simply stared back at me before turning her attention on my mother.
"Very well. Explain these terms." She spoke in a stern voice. My mom glanced at my direction. I could tell she was still unsure about what we were about to do. She looked at Lexa.
"First, we have the choice of who we send to war. We decide the life our people live. You may be Commander but we will still be Arkadia." My mom demanded. Lexa showed a bit of admiration to my mother's bravery. Not many souls would make demands to the Commander and live to tell the tale. Except for Roan, maybe.
"I agree to these terms. Are there any others?"
"Yes. If we have any feeling of a betrayal coming, we are allowed to back out of the conclave." Kane stated.
"Impossible. Once you make the oath you are one of us. There is no backing out. But, if you have any doubts we may discuss it and come to a compromise. You will not be left in the dark in any decision-making. Is that acceptable?" Lexa proposed. Kane and Abby whispered for a moment and then turned back to Lexa.
"Okay, we can accept that. Those are our terms." Abby concluded.
"These are the terms. Once the oath is transacted you may not back out nor change your terms. There is one more term I would like to add, though. With your permission." Lexa stood and took a few steps down the short staircase that led to her throne. She looked at me.
"I would like Clarke to stay in Polis as an ambassador for Arkadia. She knows the most about my people and I believe she would be an important asset to the alliance. Second to Octavia, of course." She paused to show a smile at the warrior in the corner. Octavia seemed surprised at the compliment and dipped her head in appreciation to the Commander.
"I can do that." I agreed. My mother cleared her throat.
"Um, why does Clarke have to be the ambassador? Why not Octavia?" Abby questioned. I reached for her hand and pulled her closer.
"If there is any idea of a betrayal, I'll be able to see it easier. Don't worry, Mom." I whispered in her ear. She pulled away and made eye contact with Lexa, who was watching the exchange.
"Alright. Clarke can be the ambassador." She took a breath like I had done earlier, "When can we make the oath or whatever it is we have to do."
"We shall hold the ceremony first thing tomorrow. For tonight, Skikru may stay in designated rooms I have available for you. My lady servants will show you out. Clothes for the ceremony have been placed in your rooms. I shall see all of you tomorrow." She turned and went to sit in her throne like before. I followed my mom and friends out of the room and back into the hall. We followed the servants and one by one we were led to our rooms. I bid them good night before heading to my room that I had been staying in.
I couldn't tell you how long I stood at the window staring up at the moon when a knock sounded at my door. I peeled my eyes from the moon and went to answer. Standing in the hall in the dead of night was the Commander herself. My heart jumped to my throat when my eyes took in what she was wearing. Her night-dress was made out of a black silk that revealed her legs, shoulders, and most of her chest. Her paint and braids were gone, leaving an elegant woman in front of me. I couldn't help but smile.
"Heda, what could I do for you?" I stuttered out. Lexa seemed to have second-guessed herself before answering.
"I have something I would like to discuss with you. If I may?" I showed her through the door, closing it once she had entered. She glided to the couch and sat down. I followed suit, but instead chose the chair opposite of her. She began speaking in a low voice, I almost had to strain my ears to hear her.
"The Ice Queen wants your head. She believes that if she kills you she will gain your power as Wanheda. If she can command death, she will be able to take over Polis and there will be almost nothing I can do to stop her." Lexa whispered. I didn't stop myself from laughing, but quickly stopped when I noticed her expression.
"Wait, are you serious? Do you actually believe that if she kills me she will somehow gain my so-called 'ability' to command death?" I jokingly asked. Lexa was on her feet before I even knew what to think and had went to the window. I waited a moment, then got up and approached her. She turned to face me. The moon was illuminating her skin, giving her a warm glow. When did I forget how to breathe?
"That is tradition to my people, Clarke. When we desire a power or ability that another possess, we kill them and therefore taking their power as our own. You are known for your ability to command death, if the Ice Queen had her hands on that power, she would be close to unstoppable. As Heda, I have the expectation to carry out such deed." I took a step back.
"Are you saying that you plan to kill me? Just so you can get ahead of the Ice Nation? Is that what this whole 13th clan business is about?" I started to back away when Lexa shot out and took one of my hands. I froze.
"No, Clarke. It is expected for me to do that, but I could never harm you in that way. I have come up with another plan for us. One that will not only save your people, your life, and also my role as Commander." Lexa said. I allowed her to gently stroke my hand with her thumb before breaking the contact. She seemed disappointed but made no moment to force the affectionate action again. I pretended to had overlooked what she said about not being able to harm me, and instead asked a different question.
"Okay. What will we need to do?" I asked. Lexa went over to the couch and sat down once again. Instead of the first time, I sat beside her.
"Since you possess a power than many are craving, I have come up with an idea that insures that I have gained access to that power but also keeping you alive. I need you to bow to me during the ceremony, displaying to the public that you swear your power and ability to me." Lexa rushed out in once breath. It took me a moment to understand what she was asking. My head wanted to become angry and lash out, but for once I allowed my actions to be governed by my heart. I allowed myself to take Lexa's hand again and play with her fingers. I could feel her body go stiff, giving me full power over her hand.
"So you're telling me that the only way of saving my life and yours is to bow to you? Did you honestly think I would do that?" I asked while I ran my finger over her palm. I could hear her struggle for words. Who knew playing with someone's hand could gain so much response?
"If you understood why you had to complete that task, yes." She murmured. I frowned.
"I guess it makes sense. But this doesn't affect the terms on the agreement, does it?" She shook her head.
"No. This is only for something personal. For me. For you. I need to know if your life will be safe." I stopped playing with her hand and got up. I paced for a bit, pondering every pro and con for this arrangement. I came to my conclusion.
"Alright. I'll do it. Only because you said it is the only way we can save our lives."
After a brief discussion on what I would need to wear to the ceremony and going over basic traditional actions for the Grounders, I bid Lexa a good night and quietly closed the door behind her. I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. Tomorrow was going to be a long day.
The sun had only began to rise when a servant entered my room. She bowed low then explained that she was there to prepare me for the ceremony. She couldn't be older than ten years of age. Her dark black hair hung to her shoulder blades. No braids. No tattoos.
She drew me a bath and stood waiting while I washed myself. Her eyes stayed low and her hands clasped in front of her stomach. I grew curious about this girl.
"What's your name?" I prodded. She glanced up, unclasped her hands and put them to her sides, and then spoke.
"Ezra, Wanheda." She spoke with purpose and then resumed her past position. My heart ached for the girl for such an unknown reason.
"Hey, there's no reason for that. You can relax around me." I said gently. She shook her head and remained silent. I noticed her hands were shaking a bit.
"Why are you shaking, Ezra? It isn't cold in here." I questioned further. She took up her "speaking" position.
"I am afraid of you, Wanheda. I have heard of your past actions and they frighten me. I do not wish to offend you. Please, enjoy your bath. I will fetch your clothing." She bowed low again and briskly walked out the bathroom. I sat stunned in my bath. This little girl whom I had never met was afraid of me. All because of what I did at Mount Weather. I felt my insides cave in. When would these memories be forgotten? I felt tears form in my eyes. Ezra entered the bathroom once again and requested I get out so she could dress me.
I tried finding the words that I could say to comfort Ezra, but nothing in me could summon the words. Instead, I allowed her to dress me in a dark green gown. She then proceeded to braid my hair in extravagant loops. She had me sit in a chair while she gently painted on my face. When she was finished, I looked in the mirror. If I didn't know any better, I wouldn't have recognized myself. My hair was pulled back so you could see my face. Around my eyes were green wings reaching the sides of my temples, making my blue eyes pop. My lips were covered in red paint that I assumed was their version of lipstick. I made a mental note not to lick my lips.
I heard music starting on the floor above me. It sounded like a woman singing with drums lightly being played in the background. Ezra cleared her throat.
"Wanheda, the ceremony has begun. Please allow me to escort you to the Heda's throne room."