The next day, Lexa informed the Skaikru leaders of the development involving Mason's predicament. It would be viewed poorly for the clan leaders to be present at the boys questioning which was to take place without delay, providing the opportunity for claims of bias to be voiced if his sentence was deemed favourable.
This came as no surprised to Clarke, even as her mother began to frown with displeasure once Lexa had left the room. They both wanted the best outcome for Mason but it was out of their control now.
What did surprise the young leader however, was her mothers proposition regarding how best to spend the unexpected free time they now had together.
Clarke quirked an eyebrow dubiously as she considered the suggestion. "You've already had a tour of the city. What more is there to see?"
They were stationed within the Chancellors temporary accommodation on one of the towers lower levels, which boasted only a dismal view of the world beyond. Still, it provided an adequate setting for the hosts of visitors that graced Polis in a constant tide.
"It's not about the city itself," her mother stated, turning away from the narrow window to meet the girls gaze. "This is your home now and I want to be a part of that. Think of it as some quality time together before I return to Arkadia."
In a sense it was endearing that Abby was taking such interest in her daughters life, even if it was an obvious attempt to take the girls mind away from the troubling events of recent months.
The Chancellor had been unable to ignore the tension that had crept over Clarke in response to the stressful situation. She could not provide a solution to the problems facing the alliance, but she could try to relieve some of the stress from the girls shoulders, even if just for a few hours.
Despite her reservations, Clarke could think of no reasonable excuse to deny the request and found herself nodding in agreement. If her mother wanted to delve into the heart of this turbulent city then so be it. At the very least it would take their minds away from the ongoing interrogation.
The city had been on high alert ever since the traumatic attacks on its residents, but normality was returning to the streets in the knowledge that those responsible had been captured or at the very least fled from the swathes of guards who were swarming the streets with increased vigilance.
In any case, the network of stalls selling a startling variety of goods were back to business as usual. Their owners called out fervently as Wanheda passed by with her guard detail, politely smiling as she continued on her way, ignoring the sweeping gestures towards the range of items laid out on narrow tables.
Wanheda's presence in the city grounds may even have inspired courage in the face of the recent treachery, at least she hoped to provide some semblance of confidence to her people in these uncertain times.
"Quite the reception you get here," Abby noted hesitantly, her gaze sweeping over the bustling scene as the crowds parted like a wave before them. "Is it always this chaotic?"
It was a vibrant energy that could be overwhelming at first, but it was invigorating once you embraced it. Clarke found that she enjoyed the sprawling market on occasion and had bought many supplies from vendors in the past.
"It grows on you," she replied with a shrug, calmly navigating them through the crowd towards a sparsely populated corner of the city. "You wanted to experience the city and Polis is nothing without it's people."
These sprawling streets were undoubtedly the heart of Polis and to experience them was to understand the very nature of the people that called this city home.
Abby was quietly relieved to leave the crowds behind as they veered into an adjacent walkway and wondered where her daughter was leading them. She had pretended not to notice the girls initial enthusiasm fading when they had passed by the courtyard, all too aware of the events that had transpired on the freshly cleaned cobbles. It was tempting to entice the girl into conversation, to distract her from the constant reminder of those who would obliterate the peace if given an opportunity, but the fierce expression and set jaw warned that this would not be received well.
Lexa's reassurances the previous night had calmed the concern that had been overwhelming the young blonde, but it had been replaced with a cold determination to see this treacherous group disbanded in its entirety. Abby could see the change that had taken hold of her daughter, a fierce glint in the blue eyes promising justice for the lives that had been lost and consequences for those that had caused the suffering.
Even as the girl strode through the streets of Polis, swarmed by enthusiastic city dwellers, it was as if she did not see them and Abby could virtually glimpse the torrent of thoughts swarming the girls head in consideration of the future.
It was during this silent contemplation that her daughter's attention was suddenly drawn to figures in the distance but Abby was unable to decipher what was so intriguing about their presence in the city. A light frown creased Clarke's brow as she momentarily forgot about her role as a guide and instead diverted towards the small group, her mother hurrying behind in mild confusion.
A tall, athletic man swung towards the Skaikru leaders when a guard noted the oncoming visitors, the scars marking his face impossible to ignore as the women came within reaching distance. He uttered a brief word to the two warriors at his flank and they melted away into the maze of streets surrounding them.
"Wanheda, this is an unexpected surprise. I thought you were still at Arkadia?"
"I could say the same to you Roan, I assumed that you would have returned to your people by now," the blonde quipped in response, aware that the lack of title would irk him as much as his pointed use of her formal identification had. "In case you hadn't forgotten there is still a certain treacherous organisation to deal with. What are you still doing here?"
It was a precarious game that played out before the Chancellor and she wisely remained quiet as she observed the subtle tension that seeped between the two individuals. The dark haired man stood notably taller than her daughter, but Clarke remained brazenly confident in his presence. Abby could only guess the source of unresolved conflict that lingered between them.
The King smiled wryly to himself, amused by some unfathomable humour that he found in their conversation. "Just finishing up some business in the city, it won't keep me for long."
Clarke nodded sharply, glad to hear that his trip to Polis hadn't been extended immeasurably, but his vague explanation brought little comfort. In an ideal world, the recently appointed leader would be returning to Azgeda territory with a strategy formulated in preparation for dealing with the traitors dwelling there.
"I heard about the precarious situation within Arkadia. I see that it's not only my people who have been swayed by these traitors," Roan continued easily, disrupting any remark from Wanheda when his gaze flicked towards the older woman instead. "I don't believe we've met?"
To her credit, Abby met the King's curious gaze with equal intensity, far from ignorant of the unnecessary political statement that he was emphasising for Skaikru's benefit.
"Abigail Griffin, Chancellor of Arkadia," she responded formally, dipping her head in polite greeting as her daughter went to great effort not to be enticed into an argument that would only escalate the tension. "And you would be?"
"Roan, King of Azgeda and ally to the Commander," he returned with exaggerated pronunciation, his gaze sweeping back to the blonde girl as he spoke. "Your daughter has exceeded all expectations here in Polis. Exceptional leadership must run in the family."
"I'm very proud of her," the Chancellor confirmed, although her existence was already forgotten by the imposing man. "Of everything that has been achieved for the alliance."
A few lone traders skirted by the interaction on their way to the stalls, carefully averting their eyes from the powerful individuals who barely noticed their presence. It was unwise to meddle in other peoples business when in Polis and only a fool would dare to involve themselves in the often troublesome encounters that unravelled in the cluttered streets.
Clarke was still trying to decipher whether the King was being sarcastic with his compliments when he resolutely brushed past them without so much as a farewell, his steps reluctantly slowing when the girl called out sharply after him. "Who told you about the situation at Arkadia? We only returned last night."
"You are not the only ones with sources here in Polis," he finally replied, partially turning his head to be heard although he didn't bother to face them entirely. A pause followed the sentence before he continued in a dismissive tone. "Octavia recently brought me an update from the Commander, I'm sure she left out a few minor details but I got the general idea."
He had barely finished his sentence before continuing on his way and Clarke was yet again forced to call after him, irritated that she was forced to resort to shouting after the King who couldn't seem to get away fast enough.
"Where is she now?"
"On her way to some Trikru establishment the last I heard. I'm not her keeper."
His voice was almost lost to the wind and two guards melted back into existence as the King continued down the empty street, the trio lost from sight in matter of moments.
"He was...intense," Abby commented in the silence that followed, not yet sure what to make of the unusual character.
Clarke was frowning thoughtfully after the retreating members of Azgeda and it was clear that she was not pleased with what she had heard. "Let's go."
She lead them to a spacious building that was adorned with streaming flags brandishing the Trikru clan symbol on faded material and didn't hesitate to enter.
Abby hurried in her daughters wake, maintaining a calm composure as they burst into the bustling room with minimal subtlety, not that her daughter had any chance to maintain anonymity due to her status within the city. The Chancellor could only avoid the curious gazes drawn towards them and pretend that the slight lull in conversation was less notable that she imagined.
The distinct aroma of alcohol was sharp in the air that day and many warriors were leaning against wooden partitions without a spare seat left to occupy them. It had always been a popular establishment but this was uncharacteristically crowded.
"Can I speak to you?" the blonde leader was intoning to a seated warrior with unmistakable urgency. "In private."
The Chancellor politely stepped towards the table and glimpsed a girl with dark eyes and braided hair, almost unrecognisable from her appearance only a year earlier. Octavia turned her head towards the unexpected visitors and a half smile formed on her lips.
"Chancellor, I didn't expect to see you in here."
The humour in her eyes irked Abby more than she cared to admit but remained silent as her daughter repeated the demand.
"Fine," the young warrior conceded, standing graciously with an outstretched hand. "Abby can take my seat."
Clarke nodded dismissively and turned on her heel to retreat from the bustling atmosphere. Her mothers eyes followed the movement until she was lost from sight. As much as she wanted to be present for the conversation to follow, she knew when her presence wasn't required and turned her attention back to the gathered warriors, relieved to glimpse Lincoln amongst them.
Feeling her calm façade inevitably crumbling, Abby did the only thing that she could, stepping forwards with a matching smile to utter her thanks as the young warrior slipped silently past her.
Suspicious eyes turned towards the Chancellor as she sank into the uncomfortable chair and drew in a slight breath, hoping that her daughter would return quickly.
"We couldn't have spoken in the warmth with a drink?" Octavia muttered, lightly descending the steps onto uneven cobbles as she blew hot air into her hands in hopes of warming them.
Clarke was leaning against the concrete wall and ignored the statement, eager to get to the business at hand. "You spoke to Roan earlier. What did he say?"
The dark haired girl paused in her stride and rose a questioning eyebrow. "This is about Roan?"
"I know you spoke to him today, he told me as much. Did he tell you why he's still here?"
Octavia shrugged and continued her advance, shaking away her initial discomfort at the icy air that was all the more distinct after the warmth from inside the crowded building. "You know what Roan's like, he's a man of his own business. I'm sure he wouldn't be here without good reason and he certainly didn't tell me anything."
"Yes, I do know Roan," Clarke continued, her eyes narrowing. "And I know you, which makes me wonder why everyone keeps providing these unhelpful, vague responses to my questions?"
If Octavia was taken aback by the confrontative tone then she didn't show it, crossing her arms to contain the heat in her jacket as she attempted to offer a measured response. "This is a stressful time for everyone Clarke, but if there was anything of importance happening then you would be the first to hear about it. Not from me and certainly not from Roan."
It was impossible to miss the insinuation. Lexa had always fully briefed her lover before anyone else, as much out of respect as practicality, and there would always be a clear reason for with holding any information. In short, she was probably concerning herself for no reason.
The blonde girl sighed and scuffed her boot against the cobbles, running a hand through cascading hair as she tried to quell the unrest that had grown in her heart. Her only objective was to crush the rebellion before any more harm could be caused, but it was beginning to feel as if she were the only one who felt strongly on the matter.
She paced for a moment before stopping in front of the silent warrior, speaking in a hushed tone despite the vacant street.
"You were there Octavia, you saw what happened," Clarke uttered, unable to forget the brutal attack that had taken place in the public courtyard for all to see. "These are dangerous people. We didn't fight for peace only to be torn down from within. I won't see any more innocent lives lost in a futile power struggle. This ends now."
Octavia nodded her understanding, arms crossed over her chest as she observed the determination gracing the blonde's face and chose her next words carefully. "The rebellion is on its knees Clarke, you saw to that. We all did."
"We may have contained the threat for now but it's vital that Roan returns and deals with the source of this rebellion. Does it not concern you that the longer we wait, the more likely a retaliation is?"
Her frustration was evident and the blonde girl exhaled sharply as she resumed her pacing, unable to shake the feeling that something was amiss. If Roan wasn't taking this threat seriously then it could be disastrous for the alliance.
"Hey, I know that what happened at Arkadia was unexpected but you can't let that distract you from the progress that we've made. Are you listening to me?" Octavia interjected, planting herself firmly in the blonde's path to bring her motion to a halt, her displeasure increasing exponentially.
Clarke pursed her lips but did not respond, eventually dragging her gaze across the crowded building from which the clash of voices could be heard streaming into the street. Conversation between them lulled briefly when a market worker hurried past them, too involved with the task of hauling wares through Polis to even notice the heated exchange that was taking place.
Octavia continued even before the stranger had disappeared from sight, fresh intensity in her voice.
"We ripped their operation to pieces and showed them that we're a force to be reckoned with," the warrior insisted, throwing out an arm in exaggerated motion. "The alliance is stronger than ever and the city is safe because of our actions. What more do you want?"
"I want people to start taking this seriously before it's too late," Clarke snapped, her rigid posture and sharp tone conveying just how strongly she felt on the matter.
"What do think we've been doing for the last three months?" Octavia retorted passionately, tilting her head to maintain eye contact. "We fought and we won. Don't diminish our success with your own personal grievances."
Her voice had dropped into an unmistakably darker tone as the shimmering sunlight dipped into a haze of clouds, casting ominous shadows over the world below.
With her patience running short, the warrior brought the conversation to an abrupt close, returning focus to their original topic of discussion. "If Roan was here without good cause then you would know about it. We have enough problems to contend with without you creating more."
Clarke would have said more but thought better of it, biting her lip regretfully when the warrior brushed past her and surged back towards the bustling social arena, weaving through gathered individuals without even seeing them. Caught in her own silent consideration, Clarke didn't notice the girl pausing in the doorway, her eyes fixed on the ground when the warrior glanced back and opened her mouth as if to call out but caught herself at the last minute, settling with a shake of her head before disappearing into the crowded building.
On the cold streets of Polis, Clarke leant back against the chilled stone wall and took a deep breath to centre herself. She had not meant to cause offense but had come no closer to learning of Roan's intentions with the city. What could be more important than subduing the traitors from the very source?
"I wouldn't trust Azgeda if I were you," a voice drawled at the blonde and she fought the urge to roll her eyes as she arched her head forwards to glimpse Murphy leaning in the doorway above her. "Unless you actually believe Octavia's speech."
"Eavesdropping on conversations is hardly a trustworthy act," Clarke noted, returning her gaze to the empty street and listened as the boy slowly descend the steps behind her with heavy footfalls. "What do you know of Roan anyway?"
"I couldn't help but glimpse him going about his business in the city today," Murphy remarked innocently, slowly traipsing across the uneven cobbles towards her. "But if you don't trust me then I'll just forget about it."
It was no surprise that Murphy had used his first day in Polis to his own advantage and engaged with some intelligence work of his own. An hour earlier Clarke may have been tempted to accept this information, but it no longer felt appropriate. Involving herself with underhand sources and informal rumours was no way to unveil the truth.
"I don't need you spying for me Murphy," she warned firmly, pushing away from the wall with intent to step around the smirking boy. "The King certainly wouldn't take kindly to the unwanted attention."
"Just trying to make myself useful whilst I'm here," he insisted, shifting into her path before she could entirely ignore his proposition. "Just let me know if you change your mind, you won't regret it."
His actions would have irritated her far more had she not already dispelled her frustrations with Octavia and simply ignored his presence in favour of avoiding further dramatics. "I won't Murphy, so just mind your own business before you upset the wrong people."
Any smart replies died on the boys lips when the Chancellor appeared in the doorway above them, frowning at the unexpected presence before focusing on her daughter. "Octavia said that you were ready to leave?"
It was a well timed interruption and Clarke nodded swiftly, grateful for the excuse to leave Murphy and his schemes far behind. She ignored the smug expression gracing his face and wondered how long it would be before he found himself in business that did not concern him.
She was certainly in no mood to provide answers as the Chancellor strode through the streets at her side, merely dismissing any questions that sparked into existence until the woman finally realised that her efforts were wasted and fell into welcome silence.
Any concerns about the King could be discussed at length with Lexa in private, but the city tour was far from appealing to Clarke in that moment and she was eager to learn the results of Mason's interrogation, hoping that perhaps some new information had come to light that would raise her spirits.
"Are you going to tell me what that was all about?"
Clarke and the Chancellor were waiting expectantly in the throne room to receive news of Mason's interrogation. Silence had reigned for the last ten minutes but Abby was unable to contain her curiosity any longer.
"It was nothing," her daughter said, but the sharp edge to her voice said otherwise.
Abby stood with hands hooked into her pockets, absently biting the inside of her cheek as she watched her daughters pacing with disbelief. Did she think that was fooling anyone?
"It didn't look like nothing. Octavia was in an even less pleasant mood than usual when she returned and then I find you warning Murphy to keep to himself? Somethings going on."
Clarke fixed her mother with an exasperated look before shaking her head dismissively and resumed pacing the width of the room. She was in no mood to explain herself.
"I may not know exactly what's going on with you," Abby began, stepping forwards in hopes of gaining her daughters full attention. "But I'm your mother and I can tell that somethings weighing on you. This life and the responsibility that comes with it is difficult for anyone to take on, even more so when you want to fix every problem that comes your way."
She wasn't entirely wrong. Clarke had always been driven to vanquish any problem that she encountered but it could be difficult in situations such as these when there was no simple solution at hand. Even as a child it had been the same, but this time there was nothing Abby could do but be there for her daughter.
"Clarke?" the older woman added when the girl remained lost in thought, stepping into her path decisively to bring the repetitive pacing to an end. She reached out a gentle hand to cup the girls cheek and offered a supportive smile.
For a moment it appeared that the blonde girl was going to offer a response but the large doors were thrown open before she had a chance and shrank away from the kind gesture instead.
"It's fine, really. Just leave it," Clarke insisted, flashing a brief smile before she drew away and turned her attention to the Commander who was closing the distance between them.
Abby let her arm fall with a hint of disappointment but had little time to dwell on the moment as she focused on the matter at hand. If the Commander had any thoughts about the unexpected interaction then she said nothing, her gaze flicking between the two woman who waited for her announcement.
"Mason cooperated fully and told us everything he knew," she began promptly, clasping her hands behind her back to address the two women. "Which in truth was not a lot, but his honesty has been noted."
"Has a sentence been passed?" Abby inquired with concern, wanting only the best for a boy who had been influenced by the traitors. He was not a bad person at heart, he had just followed a dark path.
"Yes. The boy was remorseful and made a full confession. It is my understanding that he was coerced into treacherous actions against Clarke, which ultimately proved to be harmless, and so it has been decided that he will return to Arkadia under terms of imprisonment. Upon serving an acceptable sentence and undergoing necessary evaluations to assess his loyalty, we will consider his release back into the population."
It was better than the death penalty that Abby had half been expecting and she was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. After all, it was an attack on a Skaikru member which traditionally made it their responsibility to deal with the accused. This was no ordinary Skaikru member however, and the Chancellor was more than aware of how eager the feared Commander would have been to exact her revenge on anyone who dared to oppose the blonde leader. There would have been considerably less leniency if Clarke had been injured during the attack.
"Thank you Commander," the Chancellor offered, breathing a sigh of relief that she would not have to carry news of execution back to camp. "I will see to it myself that he knows just how fortunate he has been today."
The Commander's intense gaze was fully trained on Clarke even as the Chancellor spoke, a private signal passing between the two of them that Abby didn't even try to comprehend as she revelled in the joyous news. She had long since given up trying to decipher the frequent glances and subtle gestures that passed between the leaders, sometimes without conscious effort through the unbreakable bond that had formed.
Finally tearing her eyes away from the silent girl, it didn't take long for Lexa to brief them on what had been learnt during the formal questioning, a polite gesture of solidarity rather than an urgent discussion. It had already been assumed that the Ark inhabitants increased independence beyond the perimeter fence had ultimately led to the boys encounter with the traitors but importantly he had been the only one to interact with them at the time.
Abby would need to carefully consider the repercussions of Skaikru presence beyond their walls but with winter fast approaching it allowed enough time to consider what steps would be taken to prevent a reoccurrence of these unfortunate events. Regardless, there was nothing to be done about it at the present time and so the Chancellor excused herself to visit the boy in his cell which the Commander graciously allowed.
Clarke watched the doors glide shut after her mothers departure and suddenly found herself the sole focus of the Commanders stare. On many occasions this would be a pleasurable sensation, to be the very object of a persons undivided attention was a special occurrence, but the arched eyebrow and set jaw predicted something quite different.
"Let me guess, Roan had a word with you?" the blonde said with a hint of anguish, pursing her lips at the incredulity of the man.
"He expressed that you might be doubting his commitment," the Commander summarised, unwilling to go into length about the conversation that had taken place.
"If Roan's got a problem then he can talk to me about it," Clarke insisted forcefully, tilting her chin to meet her lovers gaze. Her irritation was not aimed at the Commander and they both knew it.
The blonde drew in a breath and turned away before her frustration could overpower sense, moving towards the raised throne that dominated the room and stared at the curved wooden components as she brought her emotions back under control.
"Why is Roan still here?" she finally continued, glancing across her shoulder to where the Commander was waiting silently.
"He has some business within the city to take care of before he leaves, he will be departing in a matter of days."
"That's what everyone keeps telling me," Clarke huffed, spinning slowly on her heel with growing suspicion. "What business could be more important than dealing with the traitors that cost innocent lives?"
There was a beat of silence as their eyes locked with conflicting intensity, until finally Lexa gestured for the girl to follow her beyond the throne room. Clarke complied with equal curiosity and confusion, matching her lovers long strides until they arrived within their shared chambers on the uppermost level of the tower.
"These are the reports I received this morning," Lexa explained, gesturing to an array of scrolls that were present on the wide table. "Read them."
For the next ten minutes Clarke scanned through the scrawled messages until she finally placed the last one back down onto the wooden surface with a light sigh. "What's your point?"
"Sangedekru, Trikru, Azgeda, Yujleda, all clans are reporting the same observation."
"That opposition against the alliance has decreased dramatically since the success of our operation and there have been no acts of violence incited by the newly discovered group of traitors since the horrific display in Polis," the blonde leader reeled off in a flat tone, the words committed to memory after reading the same conclusion on every document.
Lexa waited for her lover to process the information before speaking again. "Exactly. The operation was a success and whatever remains of the traitors are broken with the disruption of their network. So why do you act as if we are still on the brink of war?"
The paper rustled as the blonde glided her hand across the ink stains and stared at the mesmerising patterns rather than meet her lovers questioning gaze. She wanted to share the Commander's belief that the nightmare was over, but there was a persistent doubt that this was only the beginning.
"Too many people have died for this," she uttered, hands clenching into fists at the memory of the merciless attack in the courtyard. "These traitors want more than just power, they want destruction and chaos."
She had not seen anything like it before, individuals who were willing to give up everything and anyone to see the alliance crumble. It was terrifying to consider and Clarke could not imagine a future where it became a reality.
"The reports are clear about our success, we have won this battle."
"Until they regroup and try again! This could be the greatest threat we have faced in the history of the alliance and no one seems particularly worried about it, especially the King."
This time it was Lexa who grew serious, stepping forwards to capture the blondes eye, reaching out an arm to gently pull the girl away from the scrolls.
"Do you think we sit here idle, waiting for their attack?" she urged, the conflict clear on her face as her mouth set in a firm line. "I did not want to stress you further last night but I won't keep it from you any longer. There have been developments to our strategy."
Clarke was surprised by the intensity in the woman's voice and her eyes widened as she listened to the admission. She had not even considered the possibility that Roan remained in the city under the Commander's instruction but his vague responses would suggest that there was more at stake than he was letting on.
"Whilst I was travelling between villages to assess the threat myself, it became clear to me that a similar network of our own could be created in place of the traitors web. That is what we have been setting up. A defence of sorts to ensure that nothing of this magnitude takes place again."
A week ago the Commander had returned to the city with Roan at her side and it had since been a mystery what the King was doing so far from his territory.
"You and Roan have been coordinating the creation of this network," Clarke said slowly, her mind clearing as she realised what this meant. "The traitors originated from Azgeda, so its vital that Roan oversees the connection between our territories."
Lexa was nodding as her lover continued to process this revelation and watched as she sank down onto the couch with a gentle sigh. If anything the news of this defence was liberating, it offered a solution to the possibility of history repeating itself even if it was only early days.
The King couldn't have expressed this private knowledge in public and it was a conversation best engaged with the Commander. It stung Clarke to learn that she had not been informed of this progress earlier, but considering how she had been dealing with the threat at hand it had undoubtedly been for the best.
"I didn't want to present this to you before we had fully committed to it's existence, but I see now that you should have been informed. You may not trust Roans intentions all of the time, but know that he is collaborating with us to provide security for our future," Lexa assured her, aware of the unmistakeable conflict that had been present between both leaders over the past few days. "Remember, no-one can know of this network or it will be useless to us, not even your own clan can have knowledge of its existence."
"It won't leave this room," Clarke confirmed and for the first time in weeks she felt a positivity in her heart that had recently been absent. There was no shame in being afraid for the fate of her people, for the entire alliance, but it had been unravelling her for the past week and it was time it came to an end.
"What happened here in Polis was unthinkable," Lexa added in a softer tone, crouching in front of her lover as the tension between them faded. "What you saw will not soon be forgotten. Just know that we will not let it happen again."
Clarke nodded solemnly and looked down at her feet. "The last few months have been stressful for everyone. I shouldn't have been so eager to challenge Roan or-"
Lexa hushed her with a finger placed firmly on the blondes lips, smiling knowingly at the unnecessary apology. She had seen the girl slowly beginning to unravel under the intense pressure and was pleased to glimpse a shine of confidence returning to the blue eyes.
"You don't have to explain yourself to me Clarke, you just wanted what was best for our people. I understand."
In that moment Clarke could have cried, so overwhelmed by relief and gratitude that she didn't know what to say. Instead, she leant her forehead against her lovers and savoured in their closeness.
No longer would she let her fear of this toxic group hold her back, prevent her from acknowledging the advances that were being achieved through the alliance. Perhaps one day, far in the future, these traitors would attempt to shatter the peace once more, but they would find themselves facing a deadly force if they dared to revive their cowardly plots.
If it was a war they wanted then it was a war they would get.
Clarke departed soon after their conversation, intent on joining her mother to speak with the imprisoned boy, her worries dissipated and mind centred on what really mattered. She could've sworn her steps were lighter, free from the weight of constant doubt and concern for the future. It was time to live in the moment and take every victory that came their way.
The large throne room, normally humming with muted chatter or raised voices, was eerily quiet with only the Commander present under the high ceiling. She drew lazy patterns over the wooden arm of the throne as she reclined against the high wooden curves behind her, staring sightlessly past the gathered seats lining either side of the room.
Her mind was far from the present, head resting back against the wooden structure until the door swung open with a muted creak to interrupt the peaceful moment, her hand ceasing the thoughtless motion as she instinctively shifted into a pose more suited to that of a Commander.
Roan strolled into the throne room, exuding confidence as he advanced over the extended strip of red material lining the floor, seemingly immune to the heavy gaze that warned of his error.
"Did she suspect anything?" he inquired lightly, tipping his head to the side when he finally came to a stop in front of the throne, wisely refraining from advancing further as he scrutinised the woman's expression.
"Fortunately for you, she did not."
Dark war paint accentuated the muted irritation shining from bright green eyes, conveying just how she felt about the King's lack of regard for her precise instructions.
"I was very clear about the level of discretion that I expected from you," the Commander continued sharply, rising from the throne in a slow, precise movement that left her towering over the King. "I hope you have good reason for disturbing me without a scheduled meeting Roan."
"You should not be so quick to doubt me Commander," the King urged, standing tall beneath the intense observation and even managed a half smile in light of his success. "I had the boy, Murphy, running in circles all day. He was nothing but a minor nuisance and his interference caused no disruption. Everything has been taken care of, as I promised you it would."
His unwavering assurance was unbecoming at times but well earnt, if anything Roan was a man true to his word and Lexa had no reason to doubt him, not yet at least. She nodded swiftly and congratulated his effort, a pointedly minimalistic remark after his failure to remain inconspicuous.
"You did well, but you should leave now before Clarke returns."
The King inclined his head, showing no indignation at the abrupt dismissal and began a swift retreat from the throne room.
"You're more than welcome Commander, give Clarke my best," he announced, turning the handle and slipping through the doorway without a backwards glance.
A moment later it was as if he had never been there and the Commander lowered herself back onto the throne and let the tension seep from her posture. Clarke would not be informed that the King had visited and she certainly wouldn't be receiving his message.
Silence reigned once more and Lexa cast her irritation aside as she resumed the circular motion of her finger against the worn wood, lost in deep thought. Events were transpiring just as she had planned and it wouldn't be long before everything fell perfectly into place.
Thanks for reading this chapter! Apologies for the delay but I'm sure you can all understand that it's been a crazy Christmas!
This story has my complete attention from now on so look out for more updates!
Leave a comment and let me know what you thought :)