Day 285
TonDC. After five days of discreet riding, Lexa and her squad were finally reaching TonDC. The banquet for the return of the queen would happen in three days and they had yet to find Octavia. The girl hadn't showed up at the place they were supposed to meet and Lexa didn't like that.
"What do we do ?" Logan, one of the three warriors Luna had lend to Lexa, asked.
"Nothing. We wait." Lexa answered through gritted teeth.
Berenice stepped closer "What if something happened to her ?"
"NOTHING happened to her !" Lexa literally spat at the woman. They had been waiting in this clearing for four hours already and the brunette was so tense she couldn't think straight anymore. She didn't care if she was rough, if she looked pissed or if her unrelenting pacing would dig a hole in the ground. "Nothing happened to her. She's just late."
It was Jay's turn to speak "How do you know ?"
"I know it. And even if something had indeed happened to her, there would be no way to know for sure and we wouldn't be able to do anything more than to wait. The ceremony is in three days. Until then, we can't do anything."
Lexa couldn't stand it anymore. She didn't know about these warriors' fighting skills but she had unfortunately discovered how talkative they were. WAY too talkative. She climbed up a tree, sat on a branch and sighed. There was no way Octavia could've been busted now, so close to their goal. No, the girl was late for a reason that had nothing to do with the plan, Lexa was sure of it. Still. The wait was excruciating.
Again the woman wondered why they were waiting. It would be so easy to just charge and attack the queen on her way to TonDC instead of waiting for her to gently join her people and warriors, have a good meal, party and only THEN slit her throat. The odds for Lexa to be killed by Nia's army were high so why not choosing the easiest, and safest way ?
Lexa sighed again. Of course she knew why it couldn't be so easy. If they killed the queen now, in the woods, who'd believe that Lexa from trikru, heda of the twelve clans had killed her and not any random suicidal warrior ? No. Lexa had to SHOW to everyone that she was still alive, able to win, she'd have to show that she is the strongest. With some luck, her people, Nia's and the other clans would believe that Lexa had come back from the dead and wouldn't dare defying her ever again.
Yes. This entire plan had been built on what people could believe. Lexa's predecessor, the last commander, had been a good leader. He had tried to establish some kind of peace between the different clans and Lexa had just finished the job. But she had been too merciful and with her acceptance of strangers, the union she had tried to create with the sky people, her power over the other leaders and even her own people had wavered. But with that simple action, with the queen's death, she could not only deliver her people from Nia's tyranny but also prove that HER ways were best.
Of course it could backfire. Sure Lexa's future reign would be simpler because her people would, or so she hoped, fear and respect her, but what about the next commander ? Under Lexa's command the fear and respect of the commander would be an advantage. But what if the next commander was similar to Nia ? The spirit of the commander would never choose someone like her of course, but what if ?
It was a risk but they had no choice. Of course Lexa had never died and knew deep down, despite her beliefs, that her strength was her own and not the commander's spirit's and if she was here today it was because of an incredible luck. And yes she would manipulate her people, use their faith to gain power over them and she wasn't proud of it but…
"Lorna !"
Lexa's heart stopped in her chest at the familiar voice. In record time her feet were on the ground and her eyes locked with brown, worried, relieved but hurried ones. "Octavia"
"No time for this, come with me." The girl grabbed Lexa by the arm and dragged her forward. Octavia's grasp was almost painful but somehow Lexa found it reassuring and she felt a small smile stretch the corners of her lips. Eventually Octavia let go of Lexa's arm and led them through the forest, to what looked like a small cliff covered in grass and moss. The girl kicked a moss area at the base of the cliff three times and to everyone's surprise, the moss disappeared, uncovering what looked like a small door. "Come on, down there." Octavia said, falling on her knees before slipping in the small entrance.
Lexa followed without a second of hesitation. Where three years ago she would've asked one of her warriors to go first to check the safety of the place, she was now following the girl she called friend with trust and insurance. The woman didn't know when nor what she had changed her that much but she felt that she'd have to thank a certain blonde when all of this would be over.
Once inside, a man Lexa didn't know welcomed her, bowing his head. If the covered in moss piece of wood in his hand was anything to go by, he was the one who opened to them. She looked around her and must have seemed impressed because Octavia was sporting a way too proud smirk. But Lexa wouldn't let her the occasion to brag "So why were you late ?"
"Ok so I'm taking you to that super cool lair and those are your first words ?"
A lair ? All Lexa could see was a house. Well what seemed like a first floor of a tiny house. They had entered through a window into a room apparently situated under the roof. The entire house was buried in the ground, making it invisible from the outside.
"I admit it. You did well Octavia." Lexa said, with a nod, amused.
"Huh. Of course I did, who do you think I am !" Octavia answered with a huff, bumping her shoulder into Lexa's. "Come on, follow me." she adds, turning on one of those weird skaikru 'flashlights'.
"And you think I can merge in ?"
"I think so. They won't try to check who you are, they will have way too many things to take care of." Loukas, the ice nation warrior that had welcomed Lexa, explained. "I can't say it's safe, but that's all we have anyway."
Lexa nodded. That's all they had.
"Disguise it is then…" Octavia concluded in a sigh. She stood "Lexa," cleared her throat "Can I… Can I talk to you in private ?"
"Yes." Lexa stood and followed Octavia upstairs.
"Clarke was there yesterday. She is alright and would like you to spare Kolah if possible. She said he is a good boy who shouldn't suffer from his mother's actions."
Lexa nodded. She agreed that Kolah is not his mother and Lexa wished for him to take over the throne after Nia "I will not harm him." Lexa said softly "But I will not protect him either."
"Yeah of course. Maybe I can take care of that part. Also…" Octavia paused and narrowed her eyes "I um- Thank you." She finally said, scratching the back of her head "For the notes and… Taking care of my daughter."
Lexa bowed slightly with a smile "I have a lot to tell you." Her words made Octavia's eager eyes sparkle. Lexa sat down cross legged and started "She seems to share a weird bond with Feisripa."
Day 288
Two hours. For two hours Lexa had been keeping watch in front of Nia's tent.
She was restless, her knees burning from carrying her tense body for so long. The banquet was ready, the table, the boar, the wine, Lexa, everything was ready but Nia, her son and Clarke were still inside of the tent.
Lexa couldn't help but grit her teeth, nervously clench and unclench her fists at her sides. At this point she was seriously wondering if storming inside that tent wouldn't be in fact the best thing to do. She chased away the thought quickly though because they had a plan. They had a plan and she couldn't be reckless. Not now. Not so close to her goal.
And that's when she heard it. Heard the tent flap move.
And Clarke's voice.
Lexa's heart froze in her chest as warmth spread through her entire body. God how she had missed her. It cost her all her determination not to throw herself at the girl and hug her. And maybe confess. And kiss her too. The brunette's eyes searched Clarke's body from head to toe to make sure she wasn't harmed. Lexa sighed in relief when she realised that the girl seemed well but then her eyes widened.
Something was missing on the girl's head. Her hair. Her scalp was bare but... But black.
They had tattooed her...
They had shaved Clarke's hair and tattooed Nia's symbol on her skin.
Unforgivable.
Lexa felt rage and anger boil in her veins, shake her core, melt her bones. She held back a roar. A guard eyed her so she relaxed momentarily. Her gaze followed Clarke and her smile to where she sat at the banquet table next to Kolah. The boy was talking eagerly and even though Lexa couldn't hear his words she knew he couldn't be spiting out the poison of his mother. Clarke's smile was true.
Lexa didn't know for how long her eyes stayed focused on the two surprisingly relaxed figures but it was too long. Her foot was nervously tapping the ground where she stood and damn why was Nia taking so long !?
As if the woman had heard her, she finally exited her tent.
Lexa's breath caught in her throat. That was it. Nia was in front of her again for the first time since the river and she would kill her. This time she wouldn't lose. This time she'd avenge Costia and Indra and all the people she had lost because of this heartless woman.
Nia hadn't changed. Light blond curly hair, white paint around icy blue eyes, and small bones on her forhead. When the Commander had once carried bones, death on her gloves, SHE was wearing it on her face, bearing it with pride for everyone to see. The bones weren't important in themselves. It could be bird tiny bones or boars tooth, even horse's skulls, none were less important than the others. The message was always the same.
Bones were death and Nia was proud of its weight.
Lexa snarled under her mask. She looked up to where Octavia was supposed to be. The dark clouds in the sky weren't offering enough luminosity for her to see the girl but she saw the signal, the short light call.
The queen was sitting at her throne when Lexa stepped in front of the table. She fought the urge to look at Clarke when she heard her gasp, instead focusing her eyes to those she hated the most.
Warriors surrounded her when she drew out her sword, then held it horizontally, silently asking for a duel.
Nia raised a curious eyebrow. "Who are you ?"
Lexa smirked and torn her hood and mask off her face "Long time no see Nia."
The woman frowned, reminding Lexa that unlike Nia's, her face had changed a lot these past few months. But then, then the woman realised.
Nia's widening eyes and falling jaw were the most satisfying emotion Lexa had ever seen on the woman's disgusting face. She recovered way too quickly to Lexa's taste though and as she stood she stated "Lexa."
Lexa puffed her chest, lifted her chin defiantly as surprised gasps and whispers were filling the air around her. "Ice nation !" she called, turning to the crowd circling her "I am Lexa from Trikru, Heda of the twelve clans and your leader and I order you to lay down your weapons and surrender !" she said loud enough for the whole, now silent TonDC, to hear.
Swords and spears lowered but the warriors grip on them were still tight.
"You lost at the river Lexa. I'm in charge now." Nia Hissed "Warriors ! Listen to your queen !" she screamed "And step back !" Lexa would be surprised if the mischievousness in Nia's eyes and the smirk on her lips weren't that obvious. The warriors obeyed and widened the circle they formed.
"You want a duel Lexa ? You'll have it." Nia stated, throwing the rather large table on the side. Kolah and Clarke stood and hurried to find themselves a spot in the crowd where they could watch without being in the way.
Nia discarded her cloak and coat. Lexa mimicked her and soon they were both bare arms and sword in hands, in fighting stance.
Adrenaline shut down Lexa's fear to boost her determination and curl her lips into a wolfish smile.
"I came to kill you." she growled proudly.
"You came to die." Nia answered, throwing her first attack.
Swords clang and Lexa took a step back. Nia was strong and experienced, but Lexa wouldn't lose.
Everything went fast, metal crushing against metal, sometimes slicing through flesh, sending red to stain the now muddy ground under their feet. The rain had started heavy, wetting the ground and everything around them, making it easy to lose her footing.
And earth betrayed Lexa. Her foot slipped and she fell, one knee on the ground. Nia smirked and attacked from above. Lexa blocked her blow just in time but Clarke screamed "LEXA !"
Nia paused for an instant and Lexa saw realisation wash over the woman's face. "So that's why you kept throwing her glances huh ? She's your new toy ?" Nia bent down, pushing with all her weight on Lexa's sword and she whispered, teeth showing "How does it feel to see my mark on the woman you love ?"
Lexa roared and pushed up. Nia, a little surprised, stepped back but yelled "I wonder if this one too will scream your name as I tear her nails away from her pretty hands !"
Using Lexa's loves against her. It was expected, sneaky and so, SO Nia. Yet Lexa couldn't help it "Don't you dare !" she replied, launching a strong, desperate attack forward.
Nia blocked and countered, making Lexa stumble "You should've heard Costia's voice when I dug a hole in her flesh and scratched her thighbone for hours !"
*Shut up !* Lexa's grip on her sword tightened and she threw herself at the woman once again.
Nia dodged though and managed to cut through Lexa's shoulder "Her face was so pretty when I pealed her, inch by inch !"
The wound on her shoulder was deep but Lexa couldn't care less as she screamed *I said. SHUT. UP !*
"I wonder how Clarke will sound when she'll get pleasure from my bloody hands after I eviscerated you..." Nia added before attacking again.
For the last time.
Lexa saw the blade too late.
'It's over.' she thought.
But a voice called her name desperately and her body reacted on its own.
Lexa fell on her knees to dodge the blade attacking her from the side, efficiently destabilizing Nia. Then with all the force she could give, Lexa threw her sword up and sliced.
She felt the sharp metal cut through an arm and... A spine.