Clarke stormed towards the cells with rage in her heart, the face of the fallen victims fresh on her mind. Those deaths had been unnecessary and she would see that there were no more.
"Hey...Clarke!"
Hurried footsteps could be heard rushing to catch up with the blonde who refused to acknowledge the woman. She would not be talked down, not this time. An outstretched hand caught the blonde's arm and successfully spun her around, prepared for the glow of annoyance that burnt within the blue eyes.
'What do you want Octavia?'
The brunette warrior quickly released the tense woman who had little choice but to address her.
'This is not the time to be interrogating a prisoner and you know it,' she responded somewhat breathlessly, having raced after the woman who had not been so subtle about her exit from the courtyard.
'There will never be a perfect opportunity and I'm not in the mood to be gracious to our enemy.'
Clarke's words were clipped with anger and she knew that this was not Octavia's fault but someone had to answer for what had happened today. The brunette recognised the stubborn will and said the one thing that was guaranteed to break through the rash mindset.
'The Commander will wish to speak to you. Why not clean yourself up and calm down before you do something you'll regret,' she advised gently, relieved to see a glimmer of clarity return to the blonde's eyes as she recognised the sense in the suggestion.
After a long moment the blonde woman nodded and began to utter a brief apology.
'Don't worry about it,' Octavia said dismissively, 'these last few months have been tough on everyone.'
Anger continued to burn ferociously in Clarke's chest but she was thinking clearly now. She had no idea what she would have done to draw the secrets from their prisoner but she didn't want to dwell on the possibilities.
With a grateful smile at the warrior, Clarke retraced her steps back to the tower and mentally prepared for the inevitable discussion with her lover. There was much that they needed to discuss.
She emerged from the elevator at the upper levels of the tower and was suitably impressed by how the attending maid covered her initial surprise with a calm exterior, inquiring if she could be of any assistance in an even tone that betrayed no reaction to the woman's dishevelled state. A hot bath was necessary to cleanse the days events away, and the maid hurried to set about preparing the water.
On this rare occasion, Clarke had returned to her old room instead of the chambers that she now shared with the Commander on the highest level of the tower, not wanting to transfer the stench of death and violence to their place of rest.
She stood resolutely by the window and watched the goings on down below until she could look no longer, relieved when she finally turned back to find a full tub of steaming water waiting for her, directing the maid to leave so that she could bathe in peace, firmly locking the door to ensure her solitude.
At a second glance she noticed the trail of faint boot marks mapping her journey into the room and quickly kicked the incriminating items from her feet, abandoning them on the ground to be discarded after her bath. It was quite possible that she had left a similar track throughout the tower and was not surprised when a light knock sounded on the door not a few moments later.
There was only one person who would disturb her at a time like this.
Clarke returned to the door and lifted the latch, silently moving back to the centre of the room as she resumed the task of removing her ruined clothes. The Commander entered wordlessly and shut the door, having already returned to their chambers to abandon her formal war attire and adopt a more comfortable outfit now that the imminent threat had been dealt with.
She dropped a spare change of clothes on the bed for her lover, a thought that hadn't even crossed Clarke's mind as she remained occupied with wriggling out of her stained trousers, discarding them alongside the abandoned boots.
The silence between them was not uncomfortable, it was merely a consequence of not knowing where to begin. There was a lot to say but this was not the time to say it. Lexa approached with gliding steps and brushed her lovers hands aside to grasp the hem of her bloodied shirt.
'We have a lot to catch up on,' she stated, carefully pulling the material over the blondes head and outstretched arms, delicately transferring the ruined shirt to the pile of similarly bloodied items.
'I know,' Clarke murmured, removing the last items of clothing before slipping into the hot water with a sigh as Lexa called for the maid to remove the discarded materials. The heat quickly unravelled the tension of her tight muscles and calmed her racing thoughts as she barely even noticed the maid come and go.
'Are you okay?'
'It's been a long day,' Clarke sighed, recognising the tint of concern lacing the question. In reality it had been a long few months but this was her life now. She had wanted more responsibility and she had certainly found it.
'I have arranged to dine with King Roan over a meal if you would join us. I believe he has some information that may cast light upon what occurred here.'
Lexa stepped around the tub, grasping the washcloth that lay abandoned on the side and drew up a seat beside the blonde who was propped up against the wooden rim, her head back and eyes closed as she welcomed the burning heat.
'You saved two lives today, don't let factors out of your control lessen that', the Commander prompted when her lover merely responded with a slight nod, gently drawing the cloth across a blood stained cheek from where the woman had unconsciously drawn a hand over her face without thinking.
'I know, but it doesn't always feel like a victory.'
'Our time here is too fleeting to be wasting it stuck in the past, wondering if we could have acted differently and changed the pattern of events. You did what you had to, what you felt was right, and I think you underestimate yourself.'
Clarke opened her eyes and turned her head to gauge the Commander's expression, smiling lightly at the advice that flowed so easily from the experienced woman.
'How could I argue with such wisdom,' the blonde uttered, her spirits lifting at the kind words. Lexa never failed to make her feel better, even in her darkest moments.
The Commander abandoned the cloth as the final traces of blood were wiped away and leaned in to plant a light kiss on the blonde's lips, letting it linger for a moment before rising to leave.
'You can't,' she responded with gleam of amusement in her eye. 'We'll be in the dining hall when you're ready.'
Clarke watched the woman slip out of her room, once jarring thoughts now calmed after the interaction. Her lover knew better than anyone how she was feeling and how to restore clarity to such irrational thinking.
The heat from the bath was helping her to relax further and she considered how much time could be reasonably spent in the blissful water before joining what was likely to be a politically challenging breakfast meeting.
The joyous news of the successful missions had soon been left behind after the interrogation of the prisoner and horrific events in the courtyard. There was a lot of information that Clarke had yet to process, to even understand, and barely enough time to do so.
If she were to brief both the Commander and King Roan over a meal then she had to order her thoughts before that could be accomplished. She lay in the tub for a few moments longer to mentally prepare, trying to organise her thoughts into a coherent structure.
Vaughn had inadvertently given away far more information than he had known, letting his anger betray his composed responses until he was virtually showering her with vital information that he assumed her to already know.
Most striking were the comments regarding the true Queen who was allegedly to take over this land and rule in their absence. Whatever that meant. It was concerning to consider whether this was a dangerous threat or just some power hungry individual inciting the masses. Whether anything could come of it was not yet clear.
With Nia dead, the prospect of another crazed Azgeda uprising was a sour thought that would only stir up further trouble in Polis, trouble that they did not need.
Furthermore, the crazed man in the courtyard had proclaimed that a reckoning was upon them, that none would survive its devastation. One could only wonder if there was some link between the two, some connection that could bring the pieces together. Perhaps Roan had greater knowledge on the subject that could enlighten the leaders as to the extent of this new threat.
Clarke reluctantly drew herself up from the water before she could change her mind and stepped out of the now murky liquid. She hurriedly pulled on the set of clothes that Lexa had provided, pleased to finally be clean and presentable once more. Her hair required only minimal attention to restore straight blonde strands as opposed to the few matted sections that had been present, carefully working her fingers through the knots until she was satisfied.
The woman staring back at her in the mirror was the embodiment of confidence and control, a far cry from how she sometimes felt but it was what others saw that truly mattered. She smoothed down the fitted top and decided against the jacket, finding the lined material to provide enough warmth already.
Satisfied with her appearance, Clarke left the room with a stifled yawn, hoping that this meal would not be extensive. She had hardly slept over the last few days and was more than ready to retire to her bed.
It had been a a long time since she had last seen the King. Roan had only just risen to power after the death of his mother when they had last spoken. Since then he had reigned over Azgeda and attempted to restore peace to the once divided nation. She could only wonder how successful his attempts had been considering the recent events.
She hesitated for only a moment outside the dining hall, taking a breath to steady herself before quietly slipping inside, instantly feeling the burst of warmth from within. The cool autumn weather was virtually forgotten as a fresh fire fought away the cold air that threatened to invade. The warm scent of food was next to hit her senses, reminding her how long it had been since she had enjoyed a decent meal. There had been no time for luxurious dinner events when the stakes were so high.
Roan and Lexa were already seated, the Commander at the very far end with the King positioned to her left, his legs stretched out as he lounged back into the seat. A platter of food had already been presented before them, an assortment that made Clarke's mouth water.
'Ah, there you are!' Roan called out, noticing the woman's quiet entrance. 'Let us feast and discuss matters before the morning is gone.'
Clarke sat to the Commanders right hand side on the longer stretch of table, smiling lightly as she pulled up the chair. Manners dictated that she exhibit at least mild interest for this meeting even if she would rather be anywhere else.
'A lot has changed since we last spoke,' she said, observing the former prince as he helped himself to the assortment of food. Many months had passed since their last encounter and they were virtually different people now.
'Indeed,' he replied, throwing some berries into his mouth with uncanny precision as he pulled a full plate towards him. 'You have risen to the height of power Wanheda. It suits you.'
Clarke didn't know how to respond to that and silently reached for her own meal as Lexa brought the topic of conversation to more pressing matters.
'Roan has been investigating the treacherous warriors from his clan who have been vying for an end to the alliance,' she addressed the blonde, ignoring the platter of food in favour of conversation.
Her words were chosen carefully, but her tone conveyed an underlying displeasure that the King had not communicated his suspicions with her earlier.
'I traced their network here and came to warn you of the threat, but you were far more prepared than I gave you credit for,' the King offered, letting the comment slide by unaddressed.
The interception of multiple enemy threats had been a huge success to the alliance but it had become clear that they had not all been apprehended when the bloodthirsty man had decided to take vengeance on innocents in the courtyard. There was no telling how many enemies had managed to escape unscathed. It didn't bear thinking about.
Roan had continued to speak but the blonde hadn't heard a single word as she become lost in her own musings, focusing with effort on the conversation once more as he addressed her directly.
'It was a rather unexpected welcome back to Polis,' he noted, lifting dark eyes to meet Clarke's stare. 'You certainly embodied your title, Wanheda.'
The blonde woman took a long sip of the provided water, refraining from a rash response that would only appear rude and unnecessary. She had no patience for such blunt remarks after all that had occurred.
'Lives were in danger and I did what I had to,' she stated, smothering her displeasure at the use of her alternate title in such a pointed manner. He was aware of her disapproval but did not seem to care.
'I never said that I disagreed with your action, in fact I was suitably impressed by how you handled the situation.'
Clarke inclined her head in thanks, fearing that words would betray her true feelings on the matter. It was coming apparent with every passing second that this tragedy might just have been avoided had the King felt it necessary to keep them informed of the tensions brewing in Azgeda territory. Now they would never know.
'Regardless, we must ensure that this puts an end to the matter,' Lexa interjected, sensing the growing tension between the pair. She would not let this civil meal dissolve into conflict, this was about making peace not starting a war.
Every clan would have to remain vigilant if there was any chance of preventing a similar violation in the future. If the traitors were to strike again then Polis would need to be both well informed and well defended.
'The situation in Azgeda territory is well in hand,' Roan explained, confident in the arrangements that he had made to investigate the treacherous group. 'The majority of my people accept the change in leadership and those who don't will be dealt with appropriately.'
Clarke chewed silently on a handful of berries, eyes fixed to the table as she considered her next words carefully.
'Perhaps you will keep us informed of your findings this time,' she eventually presented, steadily meeting the heavy gaze that turned away from the Commander in favour of the displeased blonde.
Roan arched a thick eyebrow, translating the hidden accusation in her words.
'You believe this tragedy is my fault?'
Tension crackled in the air like electricity and Clarke almost expected her lover to jump in and resolve the situation before any harm could be caused. Rather the Commander merely remained silent, impassively observing the interaction and awaiting its conclusion.
'Yes, as it is mine,' Clarke confessed, maintaining an even tone that wouldn't provoke the man. 'We all share the burden of what happened here and we can not allow it to happen again. An alliance won't save us if we don't honour it.'
Roan mulled over the diplomatic statement, slowly resuming his meal when he realised that the woman was not attacking or accusing him of failure. Perhaps events would have been different had they acted sooner.
'You have my word Wanheda, you will know of any threat in Azgeda the moment I hear of it.'
There was no quelling the fire of fury that raged within the blonde after the horrific events that had taken place that day but perhaps this would go some way to smothering it. If this threat continued to act against the alliance then action would be necessary. Roan was essential to peace with the Azgeda nation and his cooperation would ensure that these traitors would never commit such atrocious acts ever again.
The Commander smiled briefly at the blonde, unnoticed by the King who was reaching for a second helping. She was quietly impressed with how the situation had been handled. Roan could not forget his place within the alliance nor shirk his duties to his Commander, not if he wanted to stay in power.
'Speaking of the alliance, have you considered my offer Roan?'
In preparation for the ceremony to celebrate Skaikru's initiation into the alliance, Lexa had invited all clan leaders and accompanying warriors to join the event. It could only aid in solidifying the peace between them.
'I would be honoured to attend,' Roan confirmed, his well mannered demeanour returning as he addressed the Commander.
Clarke had all but forgotten about the ceremony that was soon to take place within the city. It hardly seemed important with everything else that had occurred but it was an essential part of maintaining peace. It reminded her of the promise that she had made to Lexa, how she would travel to Arkadia herself to accompany her people on their journey.
The event had been rescheduled in light of recent political challenges and had been pushed back. It was due to take place a week later and Clarke was far from excited at the prospect of returning to Arkadia in the next few days. It would be her first time returning to the camp since she had taken residence at Polis.
'A room will be provided for you in the meantime,' Lexa insisted, extending hospitality to her honoured guest. Despite their differences, he was still King of Azgeda and deserved a certain level of respect.
The two continued to converse for a while longer as Clarke remained quiet and listened half heartedly, pushing food around the plate thoughtlessly. She had contributed sufficiently and the prospect of her return to Arcadia had further incited a lack of interest in this pointless conversation. It was nothing personal against the King. In fact Clarke had found herself taking quite a liking to the man of few words and found him far preferable to the previous ruler of Azgeda.
With his stomach full and the meeting complete, Roan politely excused himself from the meal, ready to retire to his temporary chambers after his extensive journey.
'It was a pleasure to speak to you both again,' he incited, scraping the wooden chair back over the floor. 'Commander. Wanheda.'
Roan inclined his head to each of them in turn before exiting the dining hall.
Clarke couldn't help but be relieved at his absence, abandoning her futile efforts at appearing interested in her food and slumped back into the chair. Lexa observed her with an inscrutable expression, recognising what was weighing on her lovers mind.
'You have a few days yet until your return to Arkadia.'
It was not the timeframe that deterred the blonde from the upcoming journey, but the knowledge that it was a secondary priority in comparison to the conflict that had taken place between the alliance and these traitors. There was much to be done and Clarke would rather remain in the city rather than waste time acting as a diplomatic envoy at Arkadia.
'I could be of more help here, to you and the city.'
'The threat has been dealt with. Peace between our people must be maintained, it is more important now than ever before.'
Lexa spoke the truth. With the alliance in such a precarious position after these attacks, peace between the clans was more important than ever before. Only in unity could they defeat these traitors and dismantle their plans.
The reluctance was clear to see on the blonde's face and Lexa was yet to determine the exact reason for it.
'Take a day to yourself and prepare for the journey,' she suggested, sympathising with the weight of responsibility that her lover carried with her. 'It will be good for you to see family and friends again.'
Perhaps a visit to her old home was just what the blonde needed. A reminder of the people that she was fighting to protect, those that she had left behind to pursue a position within Polis. It would be a welcome break from the political unease that had been rife throughout the city, but there was no guarantee that the camp would not be experiencing its own problems.
Clarke lifted her eyes from the table and Lexa was pleased to see a familiar shine of life returning to their depths. 'I'll send them your best wishes.'
Lexa huffed a laugh at the prospect. 'They'll be honoured, I'm sure.'
'They should be,' Clarke replied with a small smile, both women far from oblivious to the lack of fond emotion directed towards the Commander from the inhabitants of Arkadia. There had been too many altercations between them to expect anything more, but it was a relation that required extensive work.
The Commander didn't need Skaikru to adore her, only to follow the Alliance rules and respect her leadership. Clarke could see to the rest. There had been no recent altercations with the newest addition to the alliance but it would be interesting to learn how attitudes within the camp had changed over the past few months since Clarke had remained in Polis.
'Anyway, it's been days since I've slept for more than a few hours,' Clarke admitted, her voice echoing with fatigue as she stretched and rose from her chair. 'If there's nothing else?'
Lexa shook her head, unwilling to keep the woman any longer when she was clearly in need of rest. 'Get some sleep, you'll need to be well rested before your journey.'
'What about you?' Clarke replied, unable to abandon a sense of guilt that she was leaving her lover to deal with the aftermath of events in the courtyard.
'I have some public inquiries to address and some minor political concerns to rectify, nothing that I can't handle.'
The statement was vague but Lexa had intended it to be so, not that the tired blonde noticed either way, smiling lopsidedly and nodding in appeasement before slipping out of the room.
A few moments passed as the Commander waited for the woman to reach a reasonable distance before calling to the guard stationed outside. He entered without pause as his leader pushed aside her untouched food and stood to address her subject.
'I want full reports from every warrior who attended the courtyard this morning. Have them gathered in the throne room within the hour for my inspection.'
The warrior nodded his understanding and left to carry out his instructions.
The Commander may have been dismissive of the brutal events with her lover, but she was eager to investigate the matter further. Despite Roan's assurances of control within Azgeda territory, she could not sit back and ignore the treacherous schemes that had been unravelling within Polis recently. If the city were at risk then there was no time to waste, action had to be taken and someone would have to pay.
First hand accounts of the violence would affirm Clarke's description of what had taken place and shed light on how it had been allowed to happen. Once that had been dealt, a visit to the cells was in order to speak to the captured prisoners. This Vaughn in particular had been noted to have extensive dealings with the traitors and he had yet to suffer the consequences of his actions.
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