AN: Hey guys, I am so sorry I disappeared for so long. My life got really hectic and I lost passion with the story. Recently I received a few reviews telling me to continue and it gave me the drive to pick it back up again. I have gone back and rewritten certain key parts of earlier chapters and this chapter will be completely different than it was before. I am changing the plot and direction of the story so that I am more satisfied with it. I hope you guys enjoy and please do R&R as always.
Today is the day of the merger, the union of Lincoln and Octavia. As such, leaders of the clans had been arriving all day in preparation. So far, Luna of the Floukru and Nathel of the Sankru had arrived. Leaving only Nia of the Azgeda to arrive. The rest of the clan leaders had sent messengers bearing gifts for the Heda and Skai Heda, along with letters of compliance in regards to the merger.
Most of the clans saw the merger as a political move to ensure the safety of the other clans from those who not only made the mountain fall, but are also able to understand its weapons. For the safety of their clans and the assurance of peace, those who did not attend trusted Lexa to lead the coalition correctly.
So, out of the 9 clans not present for the union, Lexa could find allies in most. Luna of the boat people was also an old friend and close companion of Lexa's, helping her in her time of mourning after Costia's premature death. Lisjask, leader of the cave clan, Assadar, leader of the field clan, and Ilala, leader of the mountain clan had already pledged their unwavering allegiance to Lexa as a leader. However, many clans wished to avoid war and allied with none in an attempt to remain neutral.
The merger was not going to upset the allies of Lexa, since they knew her to be a great leader ruthless and caring all at once. However, the Ice Nation was powerful and its expanse was vast. The only reason that they had been included in the coalition was to help destroy Mount Weather. Now that the mountain had fallen, tensions were once again growing strong.
Lexa knew that the Ice Queen Nia would attempt to start a war. She would be ruthless and cruel in her actions, just like she always was. The same woman that sent Costia's tortured and beheaded body back to Lexa, would likely try to wound the only person capable of stopping her from taking over all clans once again. Last time, Lexa was young and inexperienced, her love immature and no knowledge to be gained from its torture by the Ice Queen. However, with Clarke, Lexa was determined to protect their love and her life.
Jus drein jus daun. Blood must have blood.
It was a risk for Lexa to claim Clarke so openly, especially with Nia's arrival soon approaching. But the Commander was making a statement to all clans; that her love is not weakness, that it is strength. Even those that remained neutral in times of conflict could see that any hair harmed on Clarke's head would be avenged with death.
With this on her mind, Lexa walked into their room to meet Clarke. Upon seeing her, the blonde kissed Lexa gently, waves of comfort crashing over Lexa's body. Clarke knew that the arrival of Costia's murderer was weighing heavily on the Commander, her body tense and her eyes showing fear when they were alone together.
"I cannot lose you Clarke," Lexa whispered, taking a moment to look deeply into her blue eyes. She leaned their foreheads together as Clarke grabbed her hand, lifting it up to her chest and placing it over her heart. Lexa could feel the dull thump of her heart, the proof that Clarke was alive and well in front of her.
"You won't lose me Lexa. Nia will pay for what she has done."
Lexa smiled weakly before kissing Clarke fully, passionately, as if this could perhaps be their last. Clarke returned the kiss with fervor, taking over as she backed Lexa against the bedpost. Her kiss became dominating, a desire to prove to Lexa that she would always return to her giving meaning behind the motions.
They soon broke the kiss as a horn sounded in the distance, signaling the arrival of another clan leader. Nia. She was finally here. Lexa had ordered her guard to be on high alert, and the message was passed on to Kane and Abby of the sky people. Lexa explained that Nia would do anything to prevent a merger from forming, anything to take Lexa's place as leader of all clans, leader of the coalition.
As they made their ways to the front gate, Clarke was startled to see the procession entering. There were far more people with Nia than had arrived with any other leader or messenger, and through the thick furs they wore Clarke could see many weapons. What surprised Clarke most however was the beauty of the Ice Queen, her long blonde hair and pale blue eyes giving her the appearance of a very dangerous angel. If not for the cold and cruel undercurrent within those eyes, Clarke would have believed her to be a compassionate person.
"Ah Aleksandria," Nia drawled, "what a pleasure to see you again. It's been what? 5 sets of seasons since we last spoke?"
Lexa tensed at Clarke's side, her jaw locking into place. Her eyes were dark and murderous as she greeted Nia with an abrupt nod. It was then that Clarke realized that Nia had just subtly mentioned Costia's murder, which happened 5 years ago.
"Your guards are numerous Nia," Clarke said. "What cause would you have to bring such an armed assembly?"
Nia's eyes connected with Clarke's, causing a chill to run down Clarke's spine, before she spoke. "I would have thought you would refrain from taking another consort after the loss of your last Aleksandria. Unfortunately, she does not know her place yet it seems. What is your name little girl?" There was a sickly sweetness to Nia's voice that caused bile to coat Clarke's throat as anger coursed through her.
"Ai laik Klark kom Skaikru. Skai Heda."
Nia's eyes widened in surprise before an infuriating smirk returned to create her impassive mask. She allowed an eyebrow to rise before she bowed her head, a false sign of respect that seemed to make the sky people relax greatly.
"It is you who should apologize Nia. Your tongue is loose, and your respect is lacking." Clarke met Nia's gaze with her own, hardened and cold.
"I apologize Clarke. We have all heard of Wanheda, commander of death. Your power is highly appraised by all clans, even Azgeda."
Nia's warriors and horses were escorted to join those of the others as Nia was escorted to her tent. A few of Lexa's warriors moved into position with their eyes trained on the tent. This, Lexa hoped, would prevent the Queen from trying anything before the merger could be completed.
Several Hours Before the Merger
Nia paced around her tent, a complex look of determination etched into her face. The young man that leaned against the post at the far end of the tent did not go unnoticed as Nia walked furrows into the dirt floor. He was rugged, a large scar running down the left side of his face. His hair was long and dark, his every feature a stark contrast from the woman before him.
"If I can kill the Skai Heda, I can absorb the power and essence of her. Her medical magic, battle prowess, the hundreds of kills she has claimed; all of it will be mine if I kill her. That is the way of our people. Aleksandria will mourn her death, she will wish to avenge her death, and I will challenge her for her place as Heda."
"There is no way to reach the skaiprisa. Word has it that she even sleeps in the bed of Heda. The only moments where she is vulnerable are those when she is within or around the Skaikru. They do not protect her as well as they think. To take Clarke, we must attack during her stay with Skaikru, and this will cause war between them. Clarke's people will blame Trikru and Aleksandria will blame them for letting her go without protection. Of course, she will also come straight for you Nia. You cannot escape her wrath twice." The low rumble of the man's voice indicated years of suffering and strength; lives lost and battles won all by his hand. His eyes were piercing as they tracked the cold gaze of the woman in front of him.
"I will have what I came for, Roan" Nia exclaimed, her voice eerily low and calm for such a blatant threat. "When the time comes, I will challenge Aleksandria for her position. If she dares defy my challenge, our armies will be outside waiting for her. I have convinced others, rogues, assassins, and the so-called "neutral" clans of the coalition to take the side of our army if war is to come of this. If she defies me, she will be faced with overwhelming odds. And do not think that I have no plan for skaikru if the challenge is denied. Kidnap the girl; paralyze the skaikru with the threat that one movement of attack or intervention results in Clarke's head in a bag. If my challenge is denied, Clarke will be taken from them. Aleksandria is weak for her. She will not attack and neither will Skaikru if we take the girl. Either way, by tonight, I will be the new leader of the coalition. And you, Roan, my son, will take my place as head of the Azgeda."
Meanwhile
Lexa tilted her head back with a smirk as she watched Clarke continue their training in the privacy of the large training room within the mansion. With Nia so close, Clarke had decided to put Lexa's mind at ease by working harder than ever.
"My Trikova Gona," Lexa praised, wrapping her arms around Clarke's waist. Their eyes tracked the last throw of Clarke's training for the night, smiling when they both realized that it was nearly perfect in its aim.
"I had a bit of an advantage," Clarke smiled as she turned in Lexa's arms to look at her. Lexa's arms were loosely draped around Clarke's waist, Clarke's finding home around Lexa's neck as was their usual.
"Mmmm, but before I took you into my training room for extra, secret sessions, you were already gaining the title of the shadow warrior." Lexa leaned forward, pressing her lips against the smooth skin of Clarke's forehead as she whispered, "I had to make sure that you could protect yourself. We have spent months together now. You have purposefully shown fault in your open training, just as I asked. Nia and the public do not know the extent of your abilities and we are going to keep it that way. I cannot lose you Clarke and I am waiting for the moment when she tries to take you from me."
Instead of answering with words, Clarke leaned back slightly, tilting Lexa's downturned chin up so their eyes could meet. Thousands of emotions flitted between them silently, allowing them to express everything without words. Before Clarke had truly gotten to know Lexa, beyond the façade of the Commander, she never would have thought that the woman would be so affectionate, so talkative.
Clarke moved forward, connecting their lips in a familiar soft embrace. Lexa sighed into the kiss, pulling Clarke further against her. Their kiss was one of languid reminder, a way for them to make their presence and intention to stay known. Worry slowly left Lexa's body, the tension in her shoulders relaxing.
"Let her try Lexa. You have the support of my people, well the leaders of my people at least. You have the support of the coalition. You rule not by fear as I once assumed but by compassion and incredible strength. Your people love you. Nia stands no chance against that." Clarke traced the contours of Lexa's face with her fingers, lightly drawing patterns down her girlfriend's strong jaw.
"I know that I have the support of most. But there are others who doubt me, who wish to overthrow me. Some have carried this desire with them my entire life. I have honored my people Clarke, and I will always honor you. No matter what, I will fight for you." Lexa's eyes bored into Clarke's, an internal flame consuming the forest within their green depths. "Let her come. Let her try. You are my chosen and I will always fight to come home to you."
On the outskirts
Nia walked with purpose and authority, her head held high and her stride long. Those who watched her pass through the village took notice of the way in which she commanded respect, watched how her thoroughly built guards escorted her and followed everyone's movements with their dark eyes. She was threatening; she was fear. Where Lexa led with compassion, moving through the town with familiarity and attention, Nia led with a cold gaze of ruthlessness.
But for a group of people who had spent their entire lives in a culture founded on war, battle, sacrifice, and the notion of jus drein jus daun, some viewed Nia as a necessary new front of leadership. Lexa had once led with the same ruthless nature, proud and fierce in battle, never bowing to her foes and taking that which was desired by her. With Clarke however, Lexa had finally met her match, her weakness. Her armies defied grounder rules and her people were allowed more leeway than another grounder clan would ever be allowed.
So, with this is mind, Nia set off to cement her position in the upcoming hours. As the sun began to fall, dipping its head below the horizon, it cast a preliminary glow against the ground before darkness fully fell. And through all of this, Nia's shadow could be seen, going from tent to tent and house to house, mingling with the shadows of every member of the Council.
"It is done, Roan. In an hours time the Council will come together to oversee the union of Lincoln and Octavia. During this time I will call for a vote of no confidence. By single combat, I will take my rightful place on the throne of the coalition. Lexa is weak. With her death will come my rise to power, and yours. King of the Azgeda and my 2nd."
"It is time," Roan declared as the horns of the merger sounded around Polis.