The way Ontari kept looking at her was working on Clarke's nerves. She felt fine, not even sore, although the small scab itched. Lexa was quiet at the moment, at least for Clarke. Ontari was distracted while they tried to get through the morning reports, and Clarke finally asked, "Is she?"
Ontari nodded.
"Lexa, please be quiet so we can work."
She let this happen.
"No, she didn't. This is important. Let her work."
We will talk about it later.
"Later," Clarke said emphatically, and looked at Ontari, who nodded. To make sure she hadn't missed anything, Clarke flipped the pile over and started at the beginning. They were still working their way through them when Marcus arrived. Clarke gave him two messages that she had set aside earlier. They had to do with today's meetings.
He sat at the table with them and watched while Ontari slowly read each sheet of paper. When she finished, she asked Clarke questions to make sure she understood what each said. Clarke sat back in her chair when they finished.
"Clarke, if you don't feel well," Marcus began.
"I feel fine. Yes, I got hurt; yes it's fixed; yes, I'm going to be at the meetings today. The next person who tells me to take it easy is going to be sorry."
Marcus held up his hands. "Your mother said you were seriously wounded."
"She didn't mention the part where I was miraculously healed?"
"She did." He looked at Ontari. "Abby would very much like to examine your blood."
"Don't you think we have enough to do?" Clarke asked.
"I'm the messenger, Clarke."
"Right, sorry. I'll talk to Mom about it later." She shifted toward Ontari. "You don't have to let my mom turn you into her new favorite guinea pig. She's going to be plenty busy with the chips."
"If it will help, I will allow it."
"We'll see what happens. Today's meetings are the last ones. They should go just like the others. We should get up there."
100 – 100 – 100
The meetings were boring, which was a good thing. The ambassadors were relaxed, having spoken with the other ambassadors about what to expect. There was polite conversation, a little testing of boundaries, and Ontari's pledge to act in the best interests of all. When they broke for lunch, Clarke slipped away.
She went to the training ring to find Alba. He looked incredibly relieved when he saw her, and rushed to meet her. "Wanheda, I am so sorry."
"It wasn't your fault, Alba. Accidents happen. I'm sorry Heda and my mother blamed you. I doubt they'll apologize, but they're really protective of me. I came to tell you I'll be here in the morning."
"We will work on keeping your footing."
"Probably a good idea." Clarke looked at her boots, then his. "Should I get different boots?"
"No, it is best if you wear what makes you comfortable. Your foot is the same no matter what covers it."
"Got it. I need to get back before Heda sends guards to find me. See you in the morning, Alba."
He nodded, and Clarke left. She went to the market this time, and got something to eat while she walked back to the tower. She went to her suite and checked messages before heading upstairs for the last meeting.
Ontari and Marcus waited in the meeting room, and soon the last ambassador joined them. Sankru's ambassador was full of questions, and got answers to all of them before he was dismissed. Marcus excused himself shortly after.
"We should go watch the Natblidas," Clarke said. "We need to find the next Fleimkepa."
"Are you sure you are up to it, Klark?"
Clarke turned her side to Ontari and pulled up her shirt. "I'm fine."
Ontari nodded and Clarke dropped her shirt.
"C'mon. Maybe we can play with them."
"I thought we were going to watch."
"We are. But they're still kids. They should have some fun."
Ontari didn't answer, but she walked toward the door and Clarke followed. They didn't talk while they took the stairs to the ground floor or on the way to the place behind the tower where the Natblida took their lessons.
They stood and watched them spar, sword against staff, sword against sword. Aden was paired with the youngest and smallest, Fair from the River People. She was quick and used her size to her advantage. Aden was patient with her, correcting her mistakes and praising her when she did something correctly.
When Titus noticed Ontari, he stopped their sparring and the Natblida ran toward her. Aden smiled at Clarke before greeting Ontari. "What did you do today?" he asked.
"More meetings, but they should be the last for a while. I will spend tomorrow with you."
Clarke watched while Ontari answered questions and asked some. She became more relaxed the more time she spent with them. When one of them asked a question Ontari didn't have an answer for, she said, "I don't know," and waved Titus forward.
The impromptu lesson didn't last long. Ontari paid as much attention as the others to what Titus said. While he spoke, Lexa talked to Clarke. His lessons have not changed. He does not wish to accept that the world is changing. It is changing, Klark, and the next Fleimkepa must understand that. I would choose Fair. She is good with books and words and numbers. She is not afraid even though every opponent is larger. She will challenge Titus. He does not truly believe his days are numbered. He thinks that because Ontari has not yet executed him he is safe. He is not safe, Klark. When you figure it out, when we are together again, if Ontari has not ordered his death, I will kill him for the disrespect he showed you, for immediately breaking his vow to protect you. It will not be long. I would tell you if I could, but I cannot. You must learn on your own, and you will. Jus daun jus drein.
"Klark." Ontari shook her gently.
"Sorry."
"Perhaps you should rest."
"I'm not tired." Clarke looked around. They were alone, the Natblida and Titus gone. "I was listening. She thinks Fair should be Titus' apprentice."
"The little one."
"Yes. She'll challenge him, and she learns quickly."
"They have been dismissed for the day." Ontari raised her hand and summoned a guard. She sent her to bring Fair to them in the garden and steered Clarke in that direction.
"I'll start working with Mom tomorrow."
"Let me know if there is anything you need."
"I will."
"It will be strange, to be apart from you."
"You'll be fine with the Natblida."
"Will you join me for supper?"
"If I can." Clarke looked at a large bush which was full of yellow flowers. "Don't suppose you know that that is."
"No idea," Ontari answered. "There is nothing like it in Azgeda."
"What's it like there?"
"Cold. There are a few large cities, but it is mostly empty space and the occasional village. Lots of forest, lots of mountains. The sky is very different, full of colors at night. The game is much larger."
"Do you miss it?"
"Yes and no. Mostly no." She heard footsteps and looked over her shoulder. Ontari turned around and Clarke did the same. They watched the guard stop, but Fair kept moving.
She bowed to them. "Heda. Wanheda."
"Hello, Fair. Please join us," Ontari said.
"Sha, Heda."
Fair stepped between Clarke and Ontari, who continued their walk in the garden.
"Titus needs an apprentice, a seken," Ontari said. "I have chosen you."
"Because I am too small to fight," Fair answered with a sigh.
"Not at all. You fight very well. But you are better with books, with words and numbers."
"Sha."
"You will continue to train with the Natblida but there will be lessons from Titus, too."
"I'll be there, too," Clarke said.
"Do you not trust me, Heda?"
"Wanheda wishes to be part of your lessons for her own purposes."
"I believe you will do very well," Clarke said.
"Will you talk to me about Skaikru?"
Clarke looked at Ontari, and knew they both heard Lexa saying yes. "Sha, Fair, I will tell you about Skaikru, and let you speak to the others if you wish."
"Mochof, Wanheda."
"Your lessons begin tomorrow after supper," Ontari told Fair. "I will speak with Titus tonight so he is prepared."
Fair nodded.
"You may return to your dorm."
"I would like to speak with Wanheda."
Ontari and Fair both looked at Clarke. "As long as both of you return to your rooms for supper," Ontari said.
"Mochof, Heda," Clarke and Fair said in unison.
Ontari nodded and turned for the tower.