Hey people! Again thank you so much for your follows and reviews they really do give me the kick up the bum to write more so keep them coming! I intended this chapter to be about Nia's judgement but drunk me had other ideas and when i read some over the next morning I kinda liked some of drunk me's ideas so I went with it ... After fixing the many spelling mistakes thank you to whoever invented spell check lol. Now slightly tipsy me has just finished this so sorry for any mistakes I missed or anything that doesn't make sense ... Sober me will regret it in the morning. Also I'm not an alcoholic or anything just wanted to point that out ;) Anyway annoying rambling over let me know what you think and if you want to see the story go a certain way I'll try to do that giving you full credit for any ideas I use and so on. Happy reading! Xx
Clarke and Lexa hardly had time for a quick hello in the following two weeks, Lexa was required to attend many meetings so any free time she had intended to spend with Clarke were now spent listening to the usual complaints and decision making, she had a slight suspicion that Titus was making sure she was constantly busy, he was extremely unhappy when he heard of her attack on the Ice Queen and swore everyone to secrecy about what happened, fearful of what the consequences would be for his Commander. Whenever she was free it was past nightfall and the blonde was already asleep. On the plus side Clarke was looking and feeling a lot better, the. bruising caused by Nia had completely faded and her ribs must of been feeling fine because Lexa had been informed that Connor and Wanheda had started running through the city in the early hours of the mornings.
Now that Clarke had healed her injuries the date of Nia's judgment had been set and was to start the following day, Lexa's mood which hadn't been all that great lately because of her separation from Clarke seemed even worse after hearing the news. Although she wouldn't admit it out loud she knew it was because this meant that Clarke would soon be leaving and returning to her own people, Abby had sent word to Clarke that their mission at Mount Weather was going great although they still had a lot to do and a lot to destroy but everyone was working together amicably, Lexa had been informed of the same by her own people.
Titus was waiting for Lexa when she left her room that morning, she inwardly groaned at his presence, this was either going to be another attempt to keep her busy all day or another lecture and she wasn't in the mood for either one.
"Heda, I thought we should prepare ourselves for tomorrow's meeting?" It sounded like a suggestion but Lexa knew it was meant more as a statement.
"No I don't think so, We are more than prepared and I need to speak to Clarke about some things ... Make sure she has an idea of what to expect.."
Anger flashed across his face just at the mention of her name. "I'm sure Connor is more than capable of taking care of that, your focus needs to be elsewhere Heda-"
Now it was Lexa's face that hardened, she was the Commander and she would decide who did what. "I did not ask Connor to do it though did I Titus? I said that I will do it and I shall! Where my focus needs to be is for me to decide ... I have done all that is required of me and more these past weeks! Today I will speak with Clarke ... Then I will see Nia again, try one more time to get the name of the person who helped her."
"Heda ... With all due respect I think it better you have no more contact with the Ice Queen ... Not after what happened last time, I will try in your place if you wish it?"
Lexa considered the offer, she couldn't say for sure that she wouldn't harm her again and if Nia arrived at the meeting battered and bruised her people might say that she had been punished enough for her crimes and force a vote on wether she should be spared from death ... She couldnt risk that happening.
"Fine." she said with a nod. "Get me the name Titus."
As she was walking away the flamekeeper cleared his throat. "I know you wished to see Wanheda now but Drake of the Marsh people and Claudia of the River people will be arriving shortly ... It could be interpreted as rude if you are not around to greet them."
Gritting her teeth together at the informaton Lexa resisted the urge to swear, usually leaders of other clans didn't arrive until the actual day of the meeting they had come for, she was almost certain this was another diversion tactic of Titus's. Not wanting to give him another excuse to start bad mouthing the blonde she decided to do her duty and find Clarke after she had welcomed the two guests.
Meanwhile Clarke was accepting some water from Jade after her run with Connor, she wore a pair of tight shorts and a tank top which was damp with sweat. Connor may of been short but he was a fast runner with plenty of stamina he pushed the blonde passed her limits and she enjoyed all the things she was learning from him these past two weeks especially when her pain had passed. It also helped keep her mind off Lexa, she had hardly had any interactions with the Commander because she had been kept busy and it had bothered her more than she cared to admit.
"Your stamina has increased greatly now Sky Girl." Connor complimented as Clarke shared her drink with him.
"I've been holding back but now your starting to realise how awesome I am at everything I suppose I can show you just how badly I can beat you on tomorrows run." Clarke shrugged.
Connor scoffed. "Yeah right, tomorrow will come and I will still wipe the floor with you."
"Your going to regret saying that half pint." the blonde smirked.
"Why? Because you're such perfection?" He replied used to her remarks about herself.
"No ... Because you won't be able to get in to the corners very well." She playfully punched his shoulder and laughed at her own joke echoed by Jade and Nathaniel even Connor joined in when he cottoned on.
While all four were eating breakfast together Nathaniel reminded Clarke of her promise to let him show her the small lake at the edge of the city and they were going to swim there for a while. They had become quite a lot closer in the two weeks and his reading and writing were improving every day and Clarke was certain it wouldn't be long until he didn't even need her help anymore, she was extremely proud of him. As they finished eating a figure emerged from behind a neighbouring stall and walked towards them stopping nearest to Clarke.
"Wanheda."
"Titus ... What's up?" She spoke politely enough but Connor recognised the signs from the way she held her body that she was displeased to be in the mans company, he shifted nearer to her his hand automatically resting near his sword.
"I wish to speak to you in private if I may?"
"I'm kind of in the middle of something so just say what needs to be said so we can all get on happily with our day." She replied a little less polite, there was no way she was going anywhere alone with him, not because she was scared she just didn't trust him that much and liked him even less than that.
His face became stony hearing her words and when he spoke he couldn't quite control the annoyance in his tone. "I have respectfully asked for a moment of your time away from others ears Wanheda so instead of being petulant why don't you do as I suggest."
Connor stepped closer to the two of them before speaking. "She said no."
Titus glared at the man before him incredulously. "She will respect me as she respects Heda, she is not even one of our people yet you will pit yourself against me for her?"
"Respect has to be earned flamekeeper ... From what I have seen from interactions between you two there is little chance of that happening. I will say this though ... The Commander has instructed me to ensure Clarke's safety at any cost and I will willingly do so ... Even if she wanted to go alone with you i would not allow it."
"I pose no threat to her." Titus said. "I wish only to make her see reason."
"And I said no." Connor countered. "Do not push me on this Titus you will not like the consequences."
Disbelief was etched across the older mans face. "Is that a threat Connor?"
"Yes." He replied simply, watching Titus calmly but his hand was still resting on the handle of his weapon.
Clarke watched them turning her head so often it was like a fast paced tennis match, finally Titus threw an angry glance in Connor and Clarke's direction before turning on his heel without another word and leaving. The blonde watched him out of sight before turning to Connor with a huge grin.
"Chihuahua" She said happily pointing at him.
"Excuse me?" He replied confused as to why she was referring to tiny dogs while gesturing in his direction.
"Your new nickname ... It's perfect ... Usually your all little and nice ... Sometimes a little sleepy ... Like the occasional belly rub ... But when someone comes near your territory you snap at their ankles before going for the throat." She teased causing Connor to burst out laughing at her description.
"I still prefer shadow ... But I can live with Chihuahua I suppose." He replied happily following the blonde and Nathaniel towards the lake after waving goodbye to Jade and thanking her for their breakfast.
"Thank you." Clarke said suddenly and Connor nodded in her direction, he knew she wasn't thanking him for his acceptance of his new nickname, as she returned his nod with a smile he realised that even if the Commander withdrew her order of protection, which was very unlikely, he would continue anyway ... He definitely considered Clarke a close friend.
A few hours later Connor still had a huge grin on his face but this time it was from watching Clarke acting like a big kid with Nathaniel, the pair had become bored of just simply swimming and the blonde was enthusiastically getting ready to use the rope swing hanging from a strong branch of a nearby tree, going back as far as she could she ran quickly towards the water before jumping on to the rope and at the height of the swing she let go and flipped easily in to the water with a huge splash making Nathaniel cheer happily.
Surfacing near the edge of the lake Clarke grinned before flexing her muscles playfully and pulling herself out to watch Nathaniel's turn. She put her finger and thumb to her lips whistling loudly after he entered the deep blue water with a huge splash, passing villagers were watching their interactions with amusememt but Clarke remained oblivious to the small crowd that gathered.
"Your very childish sometimes." Connor chuckled.
"The word is fun Chihuahua. ... Lifes too short to be serious all the time." She replied poking her tongue out at him before running forward to take another turn.
After who knows how long Clarke's stomach rumbled hungrily and they took one last swing where Nathaniel was holding tightly on to the blonde's shoulders in a sort of piggy back position before they both done a tarzan impression while flying through the air before they impacted the water below, they sat on the edge of the lake and Clarke noticed a hollow sort of stick in Nathaniel's hand.
"What's that?"
"It's a pea shooter."
"What's a pea shooter?" She asked curiously.
"You take a pea or something the same size put it here." He gestured at the end of the stick. "And then blow it and if you have good aim it will hit whatever your trying to hit ... Me and my friends sometimes use spit balls." He added before blushing slightly, worried that Clarke would find it a bit too childish or something.
Instead she looked at it gleefully. "We so need to give this a go ... You have any peas?"
He shook his head. "No ... But i have paper ... We could do spit balls" He whispered. "We can hide in the tree so we aren't seen."
Clarke was already on her feet and walking towards the huge hiding place, quickly climbing to a higher branch that was thick enough to hold a lot of weight she glanced through the branches and called out to Connor after Nathaniel had seated himself comfortably next to her.
"Can you see us?"
"Barely ... But that's only because I'm looking for you and you know ... Because I'm awesome."
Clarke grinned at his words she was definitely becoming a bad influence on him, she was shocked to find him in the tree with them less than a minute later.
"You suddenly want to get in touch with your inner child?" She teased.
"No but its my job to protect you ... Where you go I go." He shrugged.
Clarke laughed. "I'm sure all the leaves that planned to assassinate me are shaking ... I'm also sure said shaking has nothing to do with the light breeze, it can only be the terror you fill their hearts with."
He shook his head at her sarcasm and watched as she scanned the crowd for her first victim, slowly chewing the small piece of paper Nathaniel handed her, a smile spread across her face as she noticed Titus wandering around close by near the stall selling different fabrics.
"Target acquired." She whispered to Nathaniel. "Two o'clock ... I'm going for the head."
Ignoring the unamused scowl from her guard she took aim and fired, she was partly surprised when her aim was on point as the wet paper collided with the back of the Flamekeepers bald head making him turn quickly to view his surrounding while running his hand over the point that had been hit. Clarke and Nathaniel sniggered together and the blonde quickly reloaded and shot off another round this time hitting him square in the face, she let out a louder laugh when she noticed this one had stuck to his face and quickly shoved her hand over her mouth in an attempt to stifle the sound.
Titus started to walk angrily towards the tree when he heard the noise.
"Shit! Quick hide!" She said nudging Nathaniels knee.
"We're in a tree where exactly can we go?" Connor whispered still trying not to smile, it was a good shot but was still childish and as funny as he found it he didn't want the Commander pissed at him.
"Higher." Clarke said simply as though it was obvious.
They climbed quickly but silently both helping Nathaniel and were hidden in the top branches by the time Titus reached the trunk, none of them dared to move, Clarke couldn't help but have a fit of silent laughter the whole time, the image of hitting him kept playing over in her head even though it was a totally inappropriate time to reminisce. A few minutes later they watched him walk away towards the main building of the city and only when they was sure he had gone did they climb down to leave their hiding place.
Nathaniell kept grinning at Clarke the whole journey back to Jade and commenting on how good a shot she was and how much fun he had today. His sister noticed her brothers excitement and grinned happily as they approached.
"Been having fun?"
"It was so cool Jade, Clarke's hilarious we swam and-"
"Took turns on the swing and stuff." Clarke shrugged interrupting the young boys rant shooting him a warning look, instead of looking disappointed that he couldn't share their adventures he looked pleased at the fact they shared a secret, quickly zipping his lips together playfully he smiled at the two adults before him.
He continued filling Jade in on the details leaving out the spit balls, she nodded along as she listened to him her eyes kept darting back to the blonde standing beside her, Connor noticed the looks but remained silent and when Jade noticed him she blushed.
Clarke saw the change in her friend and stepped towards Jade her hand resting on her shoulder. "You ok?" She asked concerned.
"Fine." Jade nodded avoiding her gaze. "Lunch?"
Before anyone could accept her offer a tall heavy set guard with a deep scar down the left side of his face and dirty blonde hair that just touched his shoulders walked towards them, his blue eyes fixed upon Clarke as he got closer and when he spoke his voice was softer than expected. "Greetings Wanheda, Heda has sent me to find you and ask you to meet her in her room as soon as your are ready."
Clarke's stomach felt as though a thousand butterflies had just entered it, after what felt like forever she was going to see Lexa and hopefully for more than just a quick hello, nodding her head and doing her best to suppress the huge grin threatening to appear on her face she replied. "Ok I'll go there after I've changed out of these wet clothes."
He nodded respectfully in her direction and threw another nod in Connor's direction before leaving.
"Sorry, We'll do lunch another day?" Clarke suggested glancing at Jade and Nathaniel apologetically.
Jade's smile seemed forced as she nodded in agreement and Nathaniel was openly disappointed that the blonde had to leave so soon. Ruffling his hair and offering a smile as she walked away was the best she could do, her excitement at finally seeing Lexa was building with every step.
Before she could enter her room Connor stopped her with a touch to her elbow. "Listen after the threat against you is gone I won't be around to guard you any more ..." He hesitated as he tried to choose his next words carefully.
Clarke looked at him slightly confused and then grinned. "Your not going to get all soppy on me are you?"
"No ... I want you to do your best not to find yourself alone with Titus ok?"
The blonde frowned at his words a serious expression now on her face. "You think he poses a threat to me?"
"I don't think he would harm you but ... He has a way with words Clarke ... A talent for making people see things how he wants them to see them ... Don't give him the chance to influence your decisions. That's all I wanted to say." He shrugged turning his back to lean against the wall next to her door.
"Ok ... Ignore everything Titus says to me ... I'm sure I won't find that too difficult." She grinned before walking into her room to clean up and change.
Once she was ready she headed towards the Commander's room in a pair of old jeans and dark top, her hair now in a simple braid that Jade had taught her to do the previous week. Knocking her stomach flipped when she heard Lexa's voice call out for her to enter. Opening the door she slowly walked in to find other people were also in the room, Lexa and Titus were standing next to a tall dark haired man with a beard and piercing green eyes, an athletes build and a toothy grin, while a bored looking woman with deep brown eyes and very short brown hair eyed the blonde curiously from the chair where she was seated.
"Clarke ... I would like to introduce you to Drake of the Marsh people and Claudia of the River people, they have arrived early for the meeting tomorrow and insisted on meeting Wanheda before they went about their business."
"It's nice to meet you both." Clarke said as politely as she could trying to remember Lexa's lessons.
"And you Wanheda." Drake grinned walking forward with his arm extended and gripped Clarke's lightly. "I must say I enjoyed the show earlier."
"Show?" Clarke questioned with a glance towards Lexa who was watching her with no expression on her face.
"With the young boy ... Jumping in the lake." Drake explained.
"Oh ... I didn't realise anyone was watching." Clarke replied not sure if her having fun was seen as a bad thing or if the leader of the Marsh people was teasing her.
"It's refreshing to see a leader that lets her hair down occasionally ... More of us need to do so, maybe then they wouldn't be wound so tight." He grinned his eyes twinkling.
Clarke wasn't really sure how to respond so just smiled gently and kept quiet, Claudia got to her feet and offered her arm aswell which Clarke gripped.
"I have heard much about you Wanheda." She greeted her voice surprisingly deep. "Your bravery when you were taken by the Ice Queen has been described as nothing short of impressive."
Clarke shrugged off the compliment. "The scariest thing I had to endure in her company was her breath." She joked forgetting her need to be serious.
Both leaders chuckled at her words, Claudia seeming more at ease instantly. Lexa stepped forward drawing everyones attention. "Now that introductions have been made I'm sure you have much to do and I need to speak with Wanheda in private."
Bowing before the Commander then nodding in respect towards Clarke which she returned, the two guests left the room followed by Titus who hadn't spoken a word the whole time. Finally the two women were alone, Lexa studied the other woman carefully and noticed a few bruises that hadn't been present when she had last seen her but before she could ask Clarke spoke breaking the silence.
"They seem nice."
The Commander shrugged non comittaly. "They are the more ... Laid back of the leaders I suppose ... Which was lucky considering the activities they witnesses from you today." She spoke disapprovingly.
"It was just a bit of fun Lexa." Clarke replied defensively frowning at her tone.
"Titus didn't think so." Lexa countered raising her eyebrows.
"Well Titus has a major stick up his arse doesn't he."
"He has just informed me of some of the things you do for fun Clarke."
The blonde rolled her eyes. "Whatever he said there's a good chance I didn't do it."
"So you didn't shoot him with spit balls from a tree like a child then?" Lexa asked as she faced toward Clarke her hands clasped behind her back.
"Ok ... That I did do but I have a very good reason for doing so."
"Care to elaborate?"
"I don't particularly like him."
Lexa huffed slumping her shoulders and throwing her head back in disdain. "Clarke ... It was unacceptable, wether you like him or not he is the flamekeeper and that automatically earns him a certain level of respect. Instead of acting like a child just stay out of his way from now on ... And i expect you to apologise for what you did."
"What? ... No way."
Lexa fixed the blonde with a glare. "Yes ... You will, you behaved childishly and now you must act like an adult and apologise for your actions."
"He's the one acting childish running here to tell on me."
"Enough Clarke." Lexa demanded holding up her hand for silence before turning away.
"Enough Clarke." The blonde mocked under her breath.
"You acting like this is not doing you any favours ... You need to act like a leader ... You need to gain their respect, it's important." Lexa reminded her. She didn't want the first conversation they had after so long to be a lesson but agter hearing Titus's complaints she thought it better to get it over with so they could continue with their day relaxed instead of bringing it up later an ruining the mood.
"Yes I know."
"Good ... So what have you been doing in my absence?"
Resisting the urge to tell her to just ask Titus, Clarke shrugged. " Not much just allowing a select few to be in my presence. Nathaniel's been with me a lot ... I'm teaching him to read and write ... Jade's been feeding me and Connor's a laugh. We work out together most days now and we played chess a few times."
Lexa grinned. "How did it feel to lose?"
"Who said I lost?"
"You beat him? ... He is a very skilled player."
"I'm just full of surprises." Clarke frowned. "What have you been doing anyway? ... Apart from meetings."
"Nothing that's all I've been doing. A drastic change from having my food stolen and no sarcastic insults thrown at me." Lexa teased trying for the playful banter that had become the normal way for the two women.
Clarke threw her hand to her heart dramatically. "Ok number one ... I never stole your food ... I earned it thank you and number two ... That sounds like a boring two weeks so you have my apologies I never realised your life would be so dull without me."
The comment was too close to the truth and Lexa didn't know how to reply, her heart literally ached at the thought that Clarke would soon be leaving and everyday would be like the past two weeks except this time there would be no glimpses of the blonde at all and no daily reports confirming she was safe and well.
"So why did you want to see me?" Clarke asked breaking through the Commanders thoughts.
"... I wanted to make sure you were fully prepared for Nia's judgement tomorrow." Lexa explained her fac e void of expression to hide how she was actually feeling. She gestured for Clarke to take a seat, once they were both comfortable side by side on the sofa she continued to speak.
"I believe Drake and Claudia will be on our side, they dislike the Ice Nation just as much as us. Everyone else will be on the fence so may need a little convincing if a vote is forced."
"Why would a vote be forced?"
"The Ice Nation may object to you killing their Queen Clarke, when you make if clear that you demand her life they will try to force a vote for her to be set free, this is why it has been important for you to earn their respect ... You also need them to see you as a good leader of your people for future business."
Clarke looked surprised. "Lexa ... I never said I was going to demand her life ... Maybe banishment from the lands but I won't kill someone else ... There's been enough death lately and I certainly won't take a life when they can't even defend themselves. That would make me exactly the same as her."
Now it was Lexa's turn to look gobsmacked. "Please tell me your joking. You can't seriously be suggesting we just let her go?"
"Banishment- "
"Banishment will not work!" The brunette interrupted angrily. "You think she will just disappear without any objections and be gone forever? ... Don't be so naive. ... She will gather an army and strike again and again until she gets what she wants! Killing who knows how many more Innocent people in the process! Taking her life will save hundreds of others Clarke."
"I can't kill someone who can't even defend themself Lexa." Clarke repeated. "I'm sorry I just can't."
Lexa got to her feet and began pacing the room. "If you don't. ... Then I will."
"That's not your decision ... It's mine and my minds made up ... You told me I'm not a monster ... So stop trying to get me to act like one." Clarke said softly before getting to her feet.
"It would not make you a monster it would make you smart."
"How many times do you think Nia said the exact same thing?"
"IT'S NOT THE SAME!" Lexa shouted her patience finally running out, how could the blonde make such a ridiculous suggestion. Her outburst caused Connor to enter without knocking his sword already drawn.
"Everything ok Heda?" He asked noticing it was only the two women in the room.
"It's fine. Leave." She ordered with a wave of her hand.
"Are you sure?"
Lexa glared at him. "Are you questioning me? I am Heda! If I tell you to do something you do it without question or suffer the consequences do I make myself clear!"
Connor fell to his knees submissively. "Of course Heda ... My apologies."
"Now get out."
Clarke made her way to the door aswell but the Commander grabbed her roughly. "Not you ... You will stay until I have finished what I have to say."
"Until you've made me do what you want you mean." Clarke countered raising her chin in defiance as the door closed softly behind her bodyguard.
"Your people are the thirteenth clan now ... That means you are under my rule, I am your Commander too ... Are you going to defy me?"
"I'm not going to do something I think is wrong just to make you happy." She replied trying to ignore the strong grip on her arm. "Now let go of me."
"No." Lexa growled.
"Lexa! Let me go!" She said struggling to free her grip but Lexa just held on tighter, the more Clarke struggled the closer they became until their bodies were practically pressed against eachother, the feel of Lexa so close made Clarke's body react in a way that had nothing to do with anger or fear, the Commander heard Wanheda's breath hitch a second before the blonde shoved her hard against the wall and kissed her passionately drawing a deep moan from the brunette, the blonde wasn't as strong as her but she was still surprised at the strength she showed, Clarkes hands which were now free tangled themselves in Lexa's hair holding her in place as she continued her attack on the Commanders lips. Every kiss was more demanding than the last and Lexa returned them just as hungrily, her own hands running the length of the blondes body pulling her closer as though afraid she she would suddenly stop. Lost in the feeling of Clarke's lips against her own after so long of wanting this her hands wandered around her waist and down lower until she was squeezing her behind none to gently, the action caused them to be pressed even closer against eachother sending shockwaves through them both and then Clarke let out a gasp before biting down on Lexa's bottom lip and drawing it out while pushing the long leather coat off her shoulders and on to the floor. Lifting the blonde off the ground she felt a shudder pass through her body as Clarke wrapped her legs around her waist while she walked them towards the bed before falling on to it.
Coming up for air Lexa gazed in to the dark blue eyes beneath her that were heavy lidded from lust, their breathing was loud and chests heaving from desire, the brunette ran her thumb across Clarke's swollen bottom lip softly trying to compose herself.
"Clarke ... Are you sure this is what you want?"
Instead of answering she flipped them over so she was on top and removed her top and bra quickly rendering Lexa speechless her gaze no longer lingering on Clarke's eyes.
"Does that answer your question?"
Lexa's mouth had become too dry to make a response and she could only nod as her hands began to explore the soft skin above her. Clarke leaned forward running her teeth lightly over the brunettes ear lobe before whispering.
"I do have one complaint."
"What?" Lexa replied huskily certain she would do anything for her in this moment.
"Your overdressed." She teased now running her lips across her jaw line until she bit down on her neck causing the Commander to arch her back and groan.
"Ok ... Lets fix that."
a/n Just one small thing about chess changed thank you sailor sayuri! Honestly I didnt mind you pointing it out would of been more embarrassing if I left it in there lol! X