A/N: I'm so sorry for the wait on this. I finally sat down and edited the remaining chapters. I hope you enjoy this. Also, how fucking good is the final trailer for The Ones Who Live? Ugh. I'm beyond ready for Richonne to return to our screens.

The small convoy of dignitaries gather about the Council Chambers as Lord John welcomes them. Lady Michonne stands at his side as he greets the travellers with wide smiles. The Citadel would not usually welcome visitors so soon after His Lordship's anniversary celebrations, but this group of Noble men have come with news from Lord John's borders. Michonne knows they are here to gain favor with the Usurper; John is ready to entertain them.

"I, Lord John, and my wife, Lady Michonne, welcome you to the Citadel," he says, animatedly so, placing a possessive arm around his wife. "I hear you have some news to tell, but since it is not urgent in nature, let me offer you refreshments and rest before I give a leisurely tour of the grounds prior to discussions."

"We thank you for your hospitality, My Lord and Lady," says the group's emissary, before turning to Lord John and asking, "Will your wife be joining us on the tour?"

Lord John looks to Lady Michonne, who is wearing a pleasant smile, and says, "Not at this time. She has other matters of the Court to attend to."

….

The servants make themselves busy when the Lady of the Citadel enters her daughter's chamber. Michonne waits by the door and then gives them their leave. When she and Missy are alone, she moves to sit on the bed. She takes hold of her daughter's hand and strokes it in a comforting matter. Missy waits for her mother to find her words.

"Ready yourself," says Her Ladyship. "We are to leave the Citadel and make haste to the lands of my Father."

Missy gives her mother a questioning look and says, "Why?"

"It is no longer safe here for us. I am leaving your father."

"What do you mean?"

"I no longer wish to be his wife. I no longer wish to be here, at his beck and call – and at his mercy. I am leaving this place, and you are coming with me."

"You're leaving Father for a Tribute? A commoner?"

"It is not as simple as you think, Missy."

"Then explain to me, Mother, because I do not understand what has gotten into you. This is our home. Father provides for us. He takes care of us. He loves us."

The Lady of the Citadel lets out a sigh.

"You are trapped behind these walls. You do not know the full story. Of course you would side with him."

"You're asking me to choose sides?"

"No, I'm trying to get you away from this place. Did it ever occur to you why we never journeyed to the lands of my Father? Why you are locked away? You are a prisoner here just as much as I am, Missy. Just because we bear his family name doesn't mean we are not anything more than servants to appease and delight him. I will not hear anymore insolence from you. Be ready to leave."

Lady Michonne stands and kisses her daughter's hand. She makes her way to the heavy wooden door and then turns.

"I love you," says Her Ladyship. "I love you more than anything."

…

When Lady Michonne returns to her room, she looks at the message from Maggie: Rick is readying the horses for their journey and she will bring Missy to their exit point. Lady Michonne burns the parchment in the flame of a candle. She takes a deep, steadying breath and returns to packing her bag. The Lady has packed lightly: Her documents of identity, heraldry, and a letter from her Father. She is almost ready to flee. Celebrations are in full swing. She will ply her husband with inebriants and then lead him to the Play Room.

…

It feels sordid to be at her husband's side. He is in a jovial mood, hands everywhere on her thighs and her breasts. Taking liberties with groping at her. She sits beside him and takes it. She must not do anything to anger him, especially not now that her plan is so close to being enacted.

The wine is flowing freely and laughter abounds. Lord John makes jest with his visitors as his wife continues to fill his cup. She has added something extra to the drinks – it will not take effect until a little later in the evening. Once it does, she will be ready to leave.

…

It seems as though the night is dragging along at a snail's pace. Guests have begun dancing and fucking. Michonne wants to be rid of this place so badly. Her husband returns from relieving himself and flops down beside her. He places a claiming hand to her leg and gestures to two of the Tributes performing oral sex on one another.

"Are you enjoying the show, my love?" he asks, slipping his hand between her thighs.

"Very much so," she replies, turning to face him. "I would like to get some time alone with you, though."

She leans over and places a kiss to his neck before moving her skillful mouth to his ear.

"Should we retire to the Play Room?" she asks, breath hot on his skin, as she covers his hand and guides it to her naked sex.

He stares at her with a fire behind his eyes and says, "Yes, My Lady. Lead the way."

…

It is easy, Lady Michonne muses, to fool a man who thinks only with his male appendage. It took less than ten minutes to get her husband to their pleasure chamber, strip him of his garments, and tether him to the cross. He is blindfolded, gagged, and slapped across the face for good measure. He is struggling against his binds, but Michonne does not waste time relishing in her own satisfaction. She changes her attire and slips out of the room.

…

Even though they are under the cover of darkness, Lady Michonne still feels anxious as she waits for Maggie and Missy with Rick.

"This is taking far too long," says Michonne as she squints her eyes and strains to see if they are approaching.

"Should I go and find them?" asks Rick, eager to leave this place, too.

Just as Michonne starts to answer, Maggie rounds the corner and runs to meet them.

"Where is my daughter?" asks Michonne, looking fraught. "Where is she?"

"My Lady, Young Miss refused to come with me," Maggie explained.

"What?"

"She didn't want to come. She doesn't want to leave. I – I'm sorry, My Lady."

"I have to get her," says Michonne as she makes to rush away.

Rick grabs her around the waist and says, "No, My Lady. You can't. Could be a trap. It's too dangerous."

"She's my child!" Michonne all but screams. "I can't just leave her here!"

"I'll come back for her," says Rick, trying to calm his Lady. "I promise. But we've gotta get you away from here. He won't hurt her, but he will hurt you. Please, My Lady. Trust me. I'll return for her, but we need to get you as far away from here as we can."

"I'll protect her," says Maggie, placing a hand to Michonne's arm. "I swear to you I will protect Young Miss until Rick can get her, but he is right, My Lady. Lord John will show you no mercy. You need to leave."

…

They ride in silence, pushing their horses to the brink to put as much distance between them and the Citadel. They will be safe once they reach the First Bridge. They will be far away from John's reach. They will be close to the border. All of Michonne's focus is on making it to the Bridge. There is no space in her mind for much else in that moment. It has to be one step at a time. One thing after the other. Ride with haste and make it to the Bridge.

They round the last bend and hope spreads in Michonne's chest. They are so close. It has been so long, and Lady Michonne does not remember if there had been lamp posts on the Bridge before, but she can see the light calling her forward. Calling her closer to freedom. She pushed her steed to gallop faster, racing toward the light.

…

He knew of her plan all along. He fucking had to. Evidenced by his guards waiting for her and Rick at the First Bridge with fire torches in hand. It is not the light of liberty, but the flames of oppression. The rage inside of Michonne makes her deaf to their demands. They have weapons drawn. She and Rick do not have a fighting chance. Still, she reaches for her sword. Draws it. Climbs from her mount. Faces them.

They have the audacity, his audacity to threaten Missy's life if they do not return. The fight drains from Michonne, and she yields. Everything is a cruel game with John. He allowed the illusion of hope just long enough for Michonne to think she would be free of him. Would she ever be free?

xXx

The filthy cells are no place for a Lady of Michonne's standing. No place for anyone, really. It is a small mercy that she is imprisoned on her own. The cell is dark and cold. Michonne's mind is racing with worry for what might happen to her daughter; what might happen to her Tribute. Surely John the Usurper would want to prolong her suffering. Surely he would not do anything to harm the ones she cares about without having her there to witness such atrocities. That alone gives Lady Michonne some comfort. Still, sleep does not find her.

…..

The sun seems almost too bright as Lady Michonne and her Tribute are forced into the Arena with two guards at their backs. The amassed crowd seems to be of two minds: Half are looking shocked at seeing their Lady in ropes, the other half are screaming for blood.

The cheers die down when Lord John takes the dais. He keeps his anger hidden under this façade of nobility. Michonne sees right through him. She always has. It is one of the reasons why he kept her so close; kept such guard over her. Watched her every move. Had his spies dedicate all of their waking moments to knowing what the Lady of the Citadel was doing. His obsession with her knew no bounds.

"Well, well, well," he says gesturing toward the Arena. "Who would have thought it would come to this? My own wife committing treason against me? Yet, here we are."

"Where is my daughter!" Michonne yells, struggling against her binds, kicking the guard who holds the ropes and breaking his leg; the crowd reacts and erupts while John sends another guard to restrain her. "My daughter, you swine! Where is she?"

"This is behaviour does not suit you, Wife!" he spits back. "You should be thankful our child is not here to witness it."

"Bring her to me. I want to see her."

"You are in no position to make demands of me, Michonne. You are charged with treason, and will be punished according to the Laws of the Land. You will fight to the death in this Arena. Only if you emerge triumphant, will you see our child."

"No. I will not fight until I see her," Michonne says defiantly. "I will lie down and die right now if you do not bring her to me. I want to lay eyes on my child, right now!"

Lord John lets out a huff, and then turns to one of his guards, sending them away.

"Your staunch demeanor is one of the reasons I love you, My Lady," he proffers, sardonic. "You will have your wish."

Moments later, Missy is brought to the dais. Her eyes wide when she sees her mother standing there bound.

"Here she is," says John, placing a menacing hand to Missy's shoulder. "Now, tell our daughter how much of a traitorous whore you are, Michonne. Tell her and all of my people what a charlatan and harlot you are."

"Fuck. You," Michonne replies, lifting her chin, and then, "Missy, I love you. No matter what happens here today. I love you and always will."

"Enough!" John reprimands, grabbing Missy by the back of her neck, causing the young girl to cry out in fear.

"Unhand her!" Michonne screams, struggling against the two guards holding her in place. "If you hurt her, I will kill you."

"You will do nothing," John says with a laugh. "Time for your punishment. Michonne, Lady of Whores, you are sentenced to a fight to the death. Your opponent: Your Tribute."

…

"Hold up the blade, Rick," Michonne says, as she stands there with her sword in hand. "Fight me!"

"No," Rick replies, keeping the weapon at his side.

"Fight me, Tribute!" she commands while swinging her blade at him; Rick moves away, dodging her attempt.

"No!" he replies. "I will not raise a hand or weapon to you, My Lady."

Michonne lets out a scream of anguish and draws her blade back, high above her head. Just as she goes to swing it in Rick's direction, he drops to his knees and lays down his blade.

"I surrender my life to you, My Lady."

"Get up, Rick!" she demands, on the verge of tears. "Get up and fight me."

"I surrender my life to you, My Lady," he says in earnest, blue eyes glazed with tears as he looks into her deep brown. "I surrender everything I am to you."

"Rick."

"I make this sacrifice for you," he whispers before giving Michonne a soft smile.

"Enough of this farce!" John booms from the dais, before grabbing Missy and dragging her down through the crowd.

"Stop, John! Don't hurt her!" Michonne pleads.

"Kill your precious Tribute or I will make you suffer," he spits, while holding a blade to their daughter's neck.

"Mommy," Missy sputters as fear encompasses her whole being.

"Kill him or you'll never see Missy again," John threatens, and Michonne sees red.

"You gutless coward!" she spits as she straightens her stance. "Threatening the life of my child because I chose someone else over you? Because I chose myself over you? You are pathetic."

"Watch your mouth!" he screams, pushing Missy aside and holding his sword in Michonne's direction. "I own you."

"No man owns me," she replies defiantly. "Not my father, not my Tribute, and least of all not my worthless husband. If you want so bad to possess me, then raise your fucking blade and fight me yourself, Usurper John, Lord of Nothing and No One."

The sound that falls from John's mouth is unintelligible as he swings his sword in Michonne's direction. She parries the blow and strikes back at him. Guards descend on the scene and incapacitate Rick, but the fight between the Lord and Lady continues. They each trade brutal blows back and forth. Lady Michonne is reminded of why John was such a ruthless usurper – he is still a skilled fighter. His blade barely misses her arm, cutting her flesh and causing her to falter, as he kicks his long leg out and connects with her chest. She falls to the ground and drops her weapon.

"Stop! Stop this!" yells Missy as she runs toward her parents.

John swats her away with force and the teen falls to the dusty earth.

He kicks Michonne's sword aside and stares down at her. He raises his blade to finish off his wife, and then says, "I loved you, Michonne. I love you still."

"This is not love," she replies as she stares up at him, eyes fixed on his. "This was never love. And if this is to be my last breath, I want you to know this one thing: I despise you."

John's jaw clenches and his eye twitches as he lifts his sword high above his head, ready to level all of his shame and hate and rage at the mother of his child. Just then, he feels a stabbing between his shoulders.

Missy has stabbed him with her small knife. Not deep enough to kill him, but it is enough to get him to stop. When he turns to see the culprit, Michonne gathers up her weapon and gets to her feet. With one precise movement, she rams her blade through Lord John's back until it pierces his heart. She withdraws the blade and he falls to the ground clutching at his chest. Michonne takes hold of Missy, shields her eyes, and then finishes John off. He dies there in the dirt – Lord of No One.

xXx

The people gather in the main Courtyard. Times are uncertain, and they are all seeking certainty. It has been one day since Lord John has died. One day since Lady Michonne has assumed rule of the Lands she has inherited by right of being his lawful wife. One day since the hubbub has ceased. The crowd waits patiently for their Lady to emerge and set their minds at ease. Silence washes over the audience as Lady Michonne steps out onto the balcony to deliver her address.

"Thank you for your patience," she starts, garnering everyone's undivided attention. "A new day is upon us. A new era. Gone is the way of servitude and cruelty. Gone are the ways of the Usurper. I am heir to this Citadel and I will bring this new day to the light with your help, if you so wish it. If you want to leave, you may. But you will not be allowed to remain on my Lands plotting against me. Those who choose to stay are welcome. Tributes are released from their ancient duties. Everyone who wants to go home, do so. You are free."

…..

Lady Michonne finishes her final Council Meeting for the day and retires to her quarters. Her new Sherrif's Deputy, Maggie, gets her there safely, before returning to aid Sherrif Morgan with securing the Citadel.

She enters her chambers and finds that Rick is still there, guarding the door to the room in which Missy is sleeping. He stands when Michonne steps inside.

"Is everything okay, My Lady?" he asks as she moves closer.

"Yes," she replies, as she falls into his arms. "Yes, thank you."

Rick wraps his arms around his Lady, drawing her close and breathing in her scent. She rests her head against his shoulder and allows herself to be held. Allows herself to let down her guard and be vulnerable with him.

"I am glad this is over," she whispers softly.

"I'm just glad you're safe," Rick replies, holding her tighter.

She draws back just enough so that they can look into one another's eyes. Michonne cups Rick's face, running her palm over the scruff of his beard.

"Thank you for everything," she says, before placing a chaste kiss to his chapped lips. "For all you have done for me."

"I would do it all again in a heartbeat," Rick says as he presses his brow to hers.

They stay like that for a beat before Lady Michonne speaks.

"I told everyone to leave if they so choose. You should, too, Rick."

He pulls back and searches her eyes.

"I want to be here with you," he says plainly.

"I want that, too," she proffers sincerely. "But your work here is done. Your duties as Tribute are over. You can return home. You can do whatever it is your heart desires."

"My heart desire you and you alone," says Rick as he takes Michonne's hand and kisses her knuckles.

She smiles at him and leans in to kiss his mouth.

"I had to make sure," she replies. "I had to give you the opportunity to choose if you want to leave or stay."

"Whatever you want is what I'll accept."

Michonne nods her head and says, "You must ride and seek out my Father. I sent a messenger, but I do not trust that his journey here will be safe unless I know that you will be by his side. Will you do that for me?"

"Yes, My Lady," Rick says. "Anything for you."

A/N: One more chappie to go! Thanks for reading and reviewing. I love you all x