Hellooo! I always apologise don't I? lol. I've had a lot of family stuff happen and work and so on, but here it is! Finally Chapter 15, lol ;) Hope you guys enjoy. A couple mentions:

ClexaFan: Oh my! Thank you SO much :) I'm really glad you think so! Honestly when I read your comment it made my year, haha!

Leksa1987: I know :/ if only they had shared a night together huh? Waking up the next morning always has such potential for fluffy softness. I'm glad this fic helps to ease the loss a little, and can provide some happy Clexa moments because really, we deserved so much more! Thank you for your comment, I'm really happy you're enjoying the story :)

ChaoticCharmR: Thank you ;) I am well practiced, lol! :P

Guest: Lots more playful, fluffy and cute Lexa to come :) and Clarke being both surprised and enamoured, lol. Yeah Lexa knows how to be sassy and she'll get to feel a lot more relaxed around Clarke so that side will come out more and more, eventually ;) Thank you for your comment, I really enjoyed reading it :)

Thanks for all the reviews, faves and follows as usual! Come find me on twitter [ ]talented_gemx or tumblr ( .com) if you'd like :) Don't forget to let me know what you think of this one.

Enjoy!

Lexa was being very, very un-Heda like. She knew she was and that's what made it worse. Not on the outside of course. On the outside she was regal and commanding, projecting an air of respect and authority just as she always did. Inside though was a different story altogether. Inside she was reliving her night with Clarke in all its intricate glory and not at all paying attention to Indra and the current state of relations with Skaikru.

Very un-Heda like indeed.

To begin with she listened though, of course. She paid attention to all the pertinent issues as Indra laid them out. Placement of the army around Camp Jaha and various splinter groups positioned further out. Indra's brief and antagonistic interactions with Abby Griffin; who of which being the most antagonistic was anyone's guess. How, in Indra's opinion, ill prepared the camp was generally for life on the ground since she'd had a chance to inspect it, reluctantly of course at the Chancellor's request. Indra surmised their medical facility had something to offer, as did the one called 'Reivon' who spoke without respect but who had more intelligence than the rest of Skaikru put together, seeming to be the only person on the whole metal structure who was aware of how anything worked.

It was then that Lexa drifted off, her eyes glazing over as all that wandered into her mind was the softness of blonde hair and the depths of shimmering blue eyes...

Not that Lexa was overly romantic or anything. Nor was she anything close to a poet or easily enraptured by beauty or the memory of a gentle touch. Not now, anyway. Such things used to affect her years before, and she would struggle to suppress what they could do to her. This was before she became Heda, though. Before her training was put into practice and she became so much harder. Before her decisions started wars and incited bloodshed. Before Costia, of course. Long before the loss of Costia.

Lexa had forgotten how these things went and it seemed true of a lot of things since Costia died, Lexa was now realising. Clarke pulled at her chest before, that much was obvious but certainly not like she did now. Not since last night. Now Lexa felt elated, on top of the world and even a little smug, if she was honest but she also felt guilty. Selfish. Uncertain and maybe even afraid. It was difficult not to instantly fear the worst, of history repeating itself and Lexa knew at least two people who would be quick to point this out.

One of them was giving her the side-eye right then and Lexa was reluctant to meet his gaze. Pius didn't like her relationship with Costia so she was ready for his rant about Clarke. Not that she would let him deter her. Pius advised, he didn't instruct, regardless of what he might say to the contrary. Luna would say something too, Lexa knew, if she was astute enough to pick up on it and in all her years Lexa had yet to successfully keep anything from her. Her childhood friend just happened to be annoying like that.

Before, Anya and Gustus were there to snap her out of such things and keep her mind on matters at hand rather than on pretty girls with captivating smiles and sparkling eyes. They were always able to read the subtle changes Lexa's expressions however now they were gone. Indra was here though, and Lexa supposed she could read her just as well but Lexa knew at least she wouldn't comment on it, unless it directly affected their people. Pius and Luna though wouldn't have such reservations.

Lexa sighed as her attention settled back on her general and she started to listen once more to what she was saying. Indra did know her, didn't she? So maybe she could see. Maybe she was seeing through the Commander right there and then as Lexa tried to catch onto the subject. Maybe Lexa wasn't giving her enough credit; Indra had known her since she was a small child after all, running around TonDC and falling into the mud so maybe she understood all too well the soft set of Lexa's eyes when her thoughts turned to Clarke, instead of the aloof and practiced steeliness that usually went with war briefings.

Lexa straightened as she pondered it, watching with a raised brow and mild curiosity as Indra lifted up a small rectangular black box and then held it out between them. All she did however was return Lexa's questioning look and when a brief silence ensued Lexa knew she had missed whatever it was Indra said about it.

"Are you well, Heda?" Indra asked, still holding up the box. "You seem preoccupied."

Lexa swallowed, clearly underestimating what her general would or would not miss but then she was thrown a lifeline.

"Is it your leg?"

Lexa was immediately relieved and she quickly glanced down at her leg as if only just remembering it was injured, though the wound no longer bothered her.

"Perhaps it is the lack of sleep..." Pius mumbled an interruption causing Lexa to turn to him and fix him with a stern, reprimanding glare. Pius just dropped his gaze however still managed to look irritated.

Lexa clenched her jaw. "Thank you, Pius," she responded evenly if not flatly, letting her old teacher know anything further from him on the subject wouldn't be tolerated. She turned back to Indra. "My leg is fine, thank you, Indra," she returned, her tone softening a little. "Your concern is appreciated. Tell me about the box."

Indra detested repeating herself but deemed this occasion to be an exception. Lexa did seem slightly off kilter but she had suffered an eventful week or so, Dax having filled her in on the attack on the tower the night before. "Reivon informed me it is for communication," Indra responded, looking at the box with an air of disgust as she did when it was originally handed to her. "How this is so I am uncertain. The Chancellor said it would be useful."

"Is that so?" Lexa enquired as her brow remained cocked, Indra just shrugging in place of offering anything further so Lexa took a step forward for a closer look at the strange object. She exhaled a breath, not certain how she felt about Skaikru equipping her people with their technology, regardless of how 'useful' it may prove to be. Lexa cleared her throat. "Clarke will inform us just how helpful this device is," and then she turned to Dax as Indra placed it back on her belt. "You may send for Clarke and Luna," she ordered as she leaned her weight on her palms on her side of the table, glancing over the vast map laid across it. "Unless there is anything else?"

"No, Heda," Indra replied, and so Dax moved toward the door.

"Zeek," Clarke sighed, the apprehension in her chest creeping up on her. "Stop it." It hadn't taken long for her to feel as though everyone knew, that everyone heard her and the Commander the night before and so now were looking at her even more scrupulously than they did before. Zeek of course wasn't helping with his exaggerated silence and the perpetual subtle smirk that adorned his lips whenever she looked at him.

It was of course all in her head but it was making her feel awkward and agitated all the same.

She and Zeek had spent the last few hours in the banquet hall, Zeek introducing her to people she hadn't already met and she found that small talk came easily when conversing with warriors and generals. Her own people were there too and she had explained how her morning was going to be spent with a promise of meeting up with them later. Bellamy still looked like he'd rather be anywhere but there but both Octavia and Kane seemed to be having the time of their lives. She just hoped it would rub off on Bellamy eventually.

Zeek glanced down at her as they continued to walk along the vast corridor that lead to the war planning rooms. "I am not doing anything."

"Exactly," Clarke responded quickly. "Stop it, okay?"

Of course it wasn't as if Zeek ever engaged her in random, unprompted conversation before last night but today Clarke felt it all the more. She was being paranoid, and she was certain it had more to do with the upcoming meeting than what happened the night before. Even so, Clarke was finding it difficult to think of anything other than Lexa's lips against her skin...

Zeek could sense her discomfort and he honestly found it amusing. "Sha, Wanheda."

Clarke sighed, again, and gestured out in front of them with her hand. She definitely preferred it when their relationship didn't involve teasing. "You're being all..." she tried to think of a word and then immediately gave up. "...Whatever. Just stop it." It didn't work however and Zeek's smirk intensified which made Clarke role her eyes. "When's Jael coming back?"

Zeek almost laughed at that and he saw the corners of Clarke's mouth curl up a little. "You do not mean that," he replied and Clarke's smile got bigger.

She sighed. "Just say what you want to say and get it over with."

Zeek shrugged. "I do not wish to say anything. It is not my place."

"See!" She nudged him in the ribs. "You do think something."

He really didn't, but he was enjoying seeing the great Wanheda squirm. "Whoever Heda takes to her bed is no one else's concern."

Clarke closed her eyes for a moment. "So you heard..." she trailed off quietly. She already knew that of course but hearing it aloud made her cringe, a bit.

"The guards almost stormed the room thinking you and Heda were under attack."

Her eyes shot open and she blinked rather furiously, craning her neck up to look at him. "What?!" Although she didn't wait for a response. "Oh God."

Zeek was definitely finding this amusing. "I stopped them."

Clarke swallowed and became irrevocably even more awkward. "Thanks," she croaked as her hand found the back of her neck and she rubbed at her heated skin uncomfortably. Then she frowned. "How did you know we weren't?"

Zeek met her gaze as he peered down at her and his one eyebrow started to elevate.

Clarke tore her eyes away and held up a hand. "Forget it. I don't want to know."

Zeek though wasn't done. "The sounds that followed were definitely not ones of distress-"

"-I beg you to stop talking."

They stopped at a huge set of double doors and Zeek turned to face her, the levity clearly showing on his face. He quickly went back to business, though. "You are ready for this meeting?" he asked as his shoulders went back.

"Not at all," Clarke responded feeling exceptionally flustered and anxious. She cleared her throat and tried to find some composure. "What can I expect?"

Zeek just smiled at her fondly. "I was at the meeting when you and Heda presented the plan for the Mountain," he informed her quietly. "You are ready."

Clarke felt the comfort his words were trying to offer and became a little easier, but not by much. She raised her eyebrows. "I wish I had your faith."

He smiled again as he reached out for the door, Clarke turning to ready herself as she took a step into the room.

Clarke entered the room followed closely by Zeek who closed the door and retreated into the shadows that painted the walls. The dull murmuring of Trigedasleng stopped as soon as she approached the table, all eyes setting on her and it didn't help her nervousness at all. She pulled in a silent breath as she noted the glares from Luna, Pius and Indra but really she didn't expect anything less. Dax's expression was more or less even and when her gaze finally found Lexa's they shared a moment that seemed to last much longer than the few second's it actually did.

Clarke broke it first, her eyes sweeping over the table as she momentarily bit on her bottom lip and tried to gather herself. In that moment all Clarke could focus on was the look of longing in the Commander's deep, unwavering green eyes even though they'd only been apart for a couple of hours at most. The fact she was also wearing Lexa's underwear which were of course rubbing her in an entirely inappropriate way for the situation at hand wasn't helping, either. She had to look away and she swallowed awkwardly as she tried to rid her mind of images from last night, and this morning...

Clarke coughed abruptly and squeezed her eyes shut. "Commander," she uttered after a slight delay, her eyes opening with at least a little more conviction in them.

"Clarke," Lexa acknowledged, the familiar authority in her tone hardening her words so it came out just how Clarke liked to hear it. She raised her chin a little as her shoulders went back, her gaze not leaving Clarke's. "Everyone here you know."

If anyone noticed how the tension raised somewhat upon Clarke entering the room they were respectful enough not to comment on it. Or at least Clarke hoped it was the tension between her and Indra or her and Luna they may suspect, and not what was going on between her and their Commander.

"Yes," Clarke agreed confidently if not a little breathlessly. She turned her attention on Indra who was standing to her right around the circular table. "Indra," she greeted pleasantly, "I take it my people were in one piece when you left?"

There were a couple of huffs around the table and Clarke internally smiled at successfully diverting any undue attention. She noticed the glint in Lexa's eyes and she had to look down again so not to give herself away.

"Yes," Indra responded with clear distaste oozing from the single syllable. "As much as a people who are lost and bewildered can remain in one piece."

A few more huffs sounded but of a different nature and Clarke was more than ready to respond with more sarcasm.

Lexa however was quick to stifle it. "There will be time for this later," she ordered, clearly stamping her authoritative over the proceedings. Her gaze however wasn't harsh and then she looked at Clarke. "Indra ensures me your people are fine, Clarke. With my army for protection they wouldn't be anything else."

"Of course not," Clarke acquiesced with a small smile, not wanting to come across as challenging. "Thank you. My people and I are grateful for your generosity." Clarke wished she could chance a glance at Zeek to gauge whether or not that was too much as she really had no idea. Dax who she considered to be the only other 'friendly' at the table was being less than helpful.

Lexa however simply nodded and then drew everyone's attention to the map laid out in front of them. "Let us begin."

Luna though didn't miss a beat and she had watched it all with rapt enthusiasm. She was quick to note the change between Lexa and Wanheda, it clearly obvious to anyone who was able to read Lexa's micro expressions and she of course was well versed in them but if that wasn't enough, the looks Pius was throwing Clarke certainly confirmed it.

Luna blinked and diverted her gaze to Lexa who was standing on her immediate left, examining the way her face moved as she spoke. Had she really so blatantly ignored her warnings? Had she really just rushed in regardless? Luna found it hard to believe, not that Lexa hadn't listened but that she'd actually let her heart win out over her head. It was something Lexa had sworn never to do again not long after Costia's death and regardless of how many times other people had told her the exact same thing, Luna always thought Lexa's head just wouldn't let it. Least of all she assumed Lexa would know it wasn't the right time. Certainly Lexa and Costia were together much longer when the Queen took her, but Luna could read the signs. The way Lexa looked at Clarke was exactly the same. She only hoped Nia wouldn't get wind of it.

"We wait here," Lexa said as she placed a marker down on the map. "Her army will march this way and we know they are already through the Valley's."

"Here, Heda," Indra spoke up, placing another marker to the east of Lexa's. "There we block off any advancements from the east and we can trap them below the tree line."

Lexa glared at Indra's marker, the satisfaction of cutting down Nia's army flashing through her mind and she couldn't help the sense of glee she felt at the prospect. "Good," she murmured a little darkly.

"How do we know her intent is to attack?"

Everyone's gaze turned to Clarke as soon as the question left her lips, looking at her with furrowed brows and confused expressions.

"Of course she wants to attack," Indra responded curtly.

"No," Clarke shook her head as she tapped the table in front of her. "I mean now. How do we know an attack is imminent?" To her it seemed Nia could be using the army as a distraction. To draw Lexa's attention away and attack from another position, for example.

"We don't," Lexa answered with the raise of an eyebrow. "We know she is marching and has attacked us both. We retaliate by protecting our land and when she crosses our borders we engage." She placed her palms flat against the table and leaned her weight on them. "These are the preparations to decide our best course of action."

Clarke lifted her chin and considered Lexa's answer, for a moment.

"Azizi's scouts returned this morning," Dax added when the silence seemed to last too long. "There are smaller groups of Azgeda here," he continued as he picked up another marker from the side of the table and placed it just north-east of the others. "And here." He placed another marker just further west. "Assume they are strengthening ranks with Ouskejou Kru."

Lexa nodded. "That makes sense."

Luna's eyes narrowed at the map. "My people can reinforce Podakru here," she pointed, tracing her finger along the line of the water. "The enemy will not cross the water easily, even with Ouskejou Kru."

Dax folded his arms. "Assuming they go that way."

"They wouldn't choose the cliffs," Indra offered. "They are too many. That leaves only the Plains beyond the water."

Clarke frowned. "What's this?" she asked as she pointed to a small gulley to the east of the water.

Lexa's gaze followed Clarke's finger. "It is an underpass."

Indra peered over the map at the location in question. "They will either pass through here, or attempt the water."

"Perhaps both," Luna added.

Lexa folded her arms across her chest. "Both is sensible, an even split. Although perhaps the majority through the underpass."

"So they don't risk as many across the water," Luna clarified, and Lexa nodded.

Slowly a grin formed across Clarke's face. "What if we block it?"

All eyes fell again to Clarke.

"Block it?" Dax repeated curiously.

Indra scoffed. "How would we do that?"

Clarke looked closer at the map. "Is this rock?" she asked as she pointed to the jagged lines alongside the underpass.

Lexa eyed Clarke with interest, wondering what she was getting at. "Yes."

Clarke's grin turned into a smirk. "I know someone who can make it go boom."

They all stared at her, deciphering her words and remembering the report of skaikru blowing up a bridge on trikru land when they first arrived. It made Indra and Pius stiffen a little at the memory but Luna and Lexa just waited for her to carry on speaking.

Dax however did so in her place. "So they would have to cross the water."

"Yes," Clarke continued. "It would buy us more time." She pointed again at the underpass. "A few days for them to double back."

Lexa was pleased but needed to correct her miscalculation. "No," she said with almost a hint of regret, continuing on at Clarke's look of confusion. "A day at most. There will be an advance party sent before the army to detect any obstacles or threats in its path."

Dax turned to his Commander. "A day is better than nothing."

"And it will mean they must all come to the lake," Luna smiled. Not by much of course but it was there. "We can better position our forces and not send any to pointlessly wait beyond the underpass."

Lexa looked at Clarke and was proud of the satisfied expression she discovered in those beautiful blue eyes. "You can make this happen?"

"Yes," Clarke smiled, knowing Lexa was holding back a grin herself. "I'll need to go to Camp Jaha to discuss it but-"

"-You can use this," Indra interrupted, holding out the small black box again.

Clarke was surprised. "A radio?" That was certainly the last thing she was expecting Indra to have.

Indra looked at her firmly. "Reivon gave it to me. For communication."

Clarke did her best to hold back a chuckle but she didn't really succeed. She shook her head a little and grinned. "She's a genius."

Dax grinned at the map, clearly excited by this new plan. He nodded his head. "After that our army can be stationed here," he suggested as he placed another two markers south of the water, "and here."

Clarke looked up and noticed everyone grinning at the map. Even Indra's lips were pulled into a tiny smirk. A thought struck her then, though. "What about Polis?" she pondered aloud. "She won't send her army here?"

For the first time Pius spoke up from his position behind Lexa. "The battle does not begin at the capital," he began. "An unspoken rule between us. Polis is the last settlement to succumb to new rule, and only once the battle has been won."

Lexa was quick to become just as prideful as her advisor. "The Commander does not hide within Polis. It is our sacred city and why the surrounding villages do not know even half its grandeur."

The way Lexa spoke about Polis was uplifting, as well as the way in which she spoke about the Commander as if she herself wasn't, respecting the title more than anything else. It made Clarke feel prideful, too.

"Is Polis the only city like this?" Clarke asked, suddenly curious.

Pius spoke up again. "Azgeda is relatively unharmed but only due to its location."

"It's far too cold to take an army there," Dax offered as if he was talking from experience. His expression then turned sour, however. "It's why the Queen hides there well."

Lexa's lip started to snarl in distaste. "Azgeda is incomparable to Polis," she pretty much spat. "It serves Azgeda and nothing else," and then she sighed as if bringing herself out of it. "But they are right. Unfortunately the conditions are not suited to most of my people," but then her tone lowered again. "If it were the battle would have found Nia sooner than this." Lexa stared at the map like she was imagining what was to come, seeing in her mind's eye how she would strike Nia down and bathe happily in her blood.

"Some battles cannot be chosen, Clarke," Dax said after a few moments, deciding to get back to the matter at hand. "They are opportunist, and this is exactly that."

"We cannot be caught unprepared, however," Luna added, and it was only then Lexa pulled herself from her imaginings. "Nia has waited a long time to strike at us, at Lexa." She then turned her attention to Clarke. "I believe she will try and convince your people to join her and that will be her chance."

Clarke was firm in her response. Adamant, even. "That won't happen."

"And so we strike here," Lexa commanded as she landed her finger on the map. "As soon as she crosses onto trikru land. Take the battle to her while we have the advantage."

There was still something Clarke was unsure about though. "I'm sorry, Commander," she started. "But why do you think she's here?"

Again all eyes turned on Clarke but this time as if she was insane.

"It was only her general at the meeting," she continued, wondering if anyone had actually seen Nia outside of her own borders. "She could still be hiding in Azgeda, getting others to bring the battle to you."

Indra looked down at the map. "She will be at one of these camps," she provided as she pointed to Ouskejou and Delfikru land. "She will not lead her army because she is a coward. But she will be there."

The tone immediately lowered and a definite tension filled the air. Clarke chanced a glance at Lexa and found her scowling at the map just as much as Indra was.

Dax leaned over the table and took in a deep breath, his tone low and dangerous. "If her army should be successful," and then he paused as if the thought left a nasty aftertaste in his mouth. He swallowed bitterly. "Then she will want to be present to claim victory and take her place in Polis."

Luna nodded, after a moment or so. "There is no way Nia would miss such an opportunity." Her gaze fell to the map then, too. "She will be here, somewhere."

Clarke looked at Lexa who was practically seething, glaring at the map as if it were Nia herself. "So we find her," she almost growled, her voice practically vibrating. "And I will cut off her head myself."

Lexa was annoyed. Despite war planning going well for the initial session and Clarke integrating well at the meeting, she was getting more and more infuriated by the second and for a change it had nothing to do with Azgeda.

Well it did. If Azgeda weren't planning an attack and weren't intent on splitting apart the Coalition Lexa would be feeling much easier. But they were, and she supposed it was her own fault for initiating things with Clarke and subjecting their new.. relationship to the rigours of an impending war. A war with the woman who murdered her last love, no less.

Lexa sighed. It definitely had everything to do with Azgeda.

Even if it didn't though, she'd still have to deal with the opinions of her people which would basically be a war in and of itself. It was just exceptionally unfortunate timing that both were happening at the same time.

You shouldn't have kissed her.

Lexa sighed again as she mentally rolled her eyes at herself. She didn't know which kiss her mind was on about. Last night, or the one in her tent preceding the march on the Mountain...

Both!

Of course. Lexa longed for the day when it wasn't unheard of that Heda take a partner and attempt a happy life. She imagined what Anya's face would look like if she could hear her thoughts and she had a hard time keeping the smile from her face. 'Foolish, romantic little Heda,' Lexa heard in her mind. It was what her first called her whenever she spoke about her feelings for Costia.

How foolish she had been, and how the romance was stripped from her.

"Good evening, Heda."

Lexa blinked a few times as the voice pulled her swiftly from her thoughts. It was honestly a welcome interruption. She turned toward the voice and nodded at Marcus who was now standing beside her.

"I trust planning went well?"

Lexa puffed out her chest and pushed out a long, even breath, her hands moving from being clasped to her arms folding together behind her back. "It was only preliminary, Marcus Kane. Your strategies will be welcomed at the meeting tomorrow."

It wasn't what he meant but he wasn't about to correct her. Marcus just smiled, glad of the opportunity to speak with Lexa in relative privacy. "I trust you, Heda."

Lexa glanced at him with surprise. She wasn't expecting such an admission but was pleased by it nonetheless. Having Marcus onside would go a long way in fostering good relations with skaikru, and the benefits of such a friendship certainly weren't lost on her. Lexa liked him, she decided, and so she smiled back at him in return.

It made Marcus relax a little and so he decided to press on with his reason for approaching her. "While you have a moment, I wanted to congratulate you on Polis."

She quirked a brow as she turned to him fully.

"I have explored your city today and talked with some of your people. I'm impressed," he grinned, "and overwhelmed. You must be very proud of what you have achieved."

Lexa was even more surprised. She had never been congratulated on her own city before and it made her feel oddly prideful. Polis of course was built over many years and was not the sole work of any Commander, but of course Marcus wasn't to know its history. Perhaps one day he would like to learn it, she pondered.

"Thank you," Lexa responded after a moment, his easy and optimistic smile rather contagious. "But I did not build Polis. I am however proud of what it has become." She looked back out over her people then who flooded the hall before her. "My people know peace and while it is a strange concept for most, I am determined to keep providing it for as long as I am able."

Marcus nodded, his own hands moving to clasp behind his back as he followed Lexa's gaze. He could see why people admired her, and why as it seemed those closest to her would follow and protect her so earnestly. She had a vision and would deliver it as if nothing else mattered and he could understand that. Marcus had a vision for his people, too.

"I apologise if this is presumptuous of me, but after this battle, what then?"

Lexa swept her head to the right as she continued to observe her people, noting that Marcus was obviously concerned for his people too, curious about what would come next and she liked that he thought that far ahead. Most could never see past the next battle. "Then we look to the future," she replied without much preamble, her gaze involuntarily falling on Clarke all the way down at the other end of the hall. She was laughing with her friends and it made the corners of Lexa's lips tick up.

Marcus turned back to her and abruptly cut off her view. Her gaze hardening as her jaw clenched, just a little. "Forgive me again, Heda," he began and Lexa thought his politeness almost bordered on annoying. He would make a good diplomat, she considered. "I know we have more immediate concerns but I know I would feel better going into this war, knowing there is peace between our people and that we are on the same side, both in and out of battle."

Lexa tilted her head a bit and raised her chin an inch in the process as she considered his words. It was a moment before she responded. "I wish your people no ill will, Marcus Kane. I am however uncertain if you can reciprocate."

"We can," he replied quickly, nodding his head. "And will." He took a step closer then, and paused before he carried on. "Which brings me to a proposal."

Lexa cocked her brow, once more surprised. This she certainly wasn't expecting.

Marcus sucked in a breath and held his hands up between them. "If skaikru wanted to join your Coalition, would you grant it?"

Lexa's eyebrows quirked up once but other than that she managed to hold onto her expression. She suspected perhaps that they may form another alliance at some point, but not the initiation of the thirteenth clan. Though it would be useful for her to have a hand in governing skaikru but she wasn't at all convinced they would welcome that. Marcus may have toured Polis and liked what he saw but that was a far cry from the intricacies of joining the Coalition. It was clear he had no idea what he was saying or asking, or inviting.

She frowned a little before she replied. "Your people want this?"

"Some will need convincing but, I see what you have here, what you've built. More conflict isn't the best thing for either of us. We have knowledge we can share, technology. I'm sure we would prove an asset to you, Commander."

As much as she knew it shouldn't be the first thing to cross her mind and before she was quick enough to push it right back out again, Clarke flashed across Lexa's mind and just how much easier it would be if skaikru were a part of the Coalition. Not by much, of course, but it certainly wouldn't hurt. "I have no doubt," Lexa replied after a moment, before she sent her mind back to business. "There are rules however. Laws, as well as contributions to and cooperation between all clans." She eyed him a little more closely, then. Certain he would change his mind once he was aware of all the implications. "This you must consider and agree to before such a proposal can be made."

Marcus nodded. "I understand that. Just a promise of a discussion once this battle is over, a ceasefire between our people so we can return home, regroup and then move forward." He paused for a few seconds as he took in the Commander's neutral, stoic expression and he was certain he saw hope there. Maybe even some relief and so he held out his arm and hoped his faith wasn't misplaced. "Do I have your word?"

Lexa didn't move an inch, her arms still wrapped behind her back and she thought that for once, maybe, a peace treaty could be forged without the need for more violence. It would certainly be a first but she didn't allow herself to hope, she did however meet his sincerity with what it deserved. She reached out and clasped his arm in return. "You do."

"Heda."

Both Lexa and Marcus turned toward Luna who had approached from through the thick of the crowd. They relinquished their grip and Lexa inclined her head as Marcus took a step back.

"Ai gaf chich kom yu op, beja Heda."

Marcus smiled and somehow knew it was his cue to leave. "I will leave you. I appreciate your time, Commander. Thank you."

Lexa watched him walk away and never thought she'd think it but, she wished he had stayed. "What is it, Luna?" she asked, her shoulders straightening as her hands went back behind her back.

"Can we speak in private, Heda?"

Lexa knew what that meant and she felt herself deflate, a little. "No, we cannot."

Luna was surprised. Lexa hardly ever denied her request for an audience. Not when there wasn't anything pressing happening at least. She stood there and just blinked at Lexa a few times until she finally turned and met her gaze.

"What is it you wish to discuss?" If Lexa's tone was a little clipped she wasn't sorry for it.

The crowd before them parted a little and opened up to reveal Clarke standing with Bellamy, Octavia and now Marcus who had just joined them once again. Lexa's eyes caught Clarke's and they shared a barely there smile before she heard Luna exhale a breath next to her.

"I hope you know what you are doing," Luna said quietly, sure enough that she wouldn't be overheard by anyone else.

Lexa clenched her jaw and her grip on her arms behind her tightened, somewhat. "There are more important concerns here than Clarke and I," she breathed with a hint of exasperation, her tone low enough to be dangerous.

Luna paused for a moment. "Are there?"

Lexa sighed, then, not wanting to get angry with her friend as she knew Luna was only acting in her best interests, as well as those of their people but it was tiring, having to doubt and then defend the way she felt. Again she wished for a time where Heda's people would allow her to be happy. It was something she was going to have to change, she knew. At some point, and she had absolutely no idea how.

Lexa cleared her throat. "Yes."

Luna though was more than ready to play devil's advocate. She stepped closer to the Commander and spoke almost directly into her ear. "Are you certain they won't make a deal with Azgeda behind your back? You did betray them after all."

Lexa though, didn't even flinch. "Clarke would not."

Luna turned her head and bore her gaze into Lexa's profile, Lexa outright refusing to meet her eyes. She didn't appreciate being challenged in this manner, nor did she enjoy being spoken to as if she wasn't Heda and didn't carry the spirits of each past Commander within her. After a good few moments Lexa turned her head to meet Luna's gaze and it appeased Lexa a little, the worry in her friend's eyes rather than any stark opposition. Lexa reminded herself that Luna cared not only for their people but she did for her, too. The person, and not just the Commander.

"Marcus Kane is also here," Lexa began, her tone a whole lot friendlier. "He has expressed an interest in joining the Coalition-"

"-Even if you could trust him, would the clans stand behind another alliance?"

"Luna you were at the meeting. Most of the clans support Clarke and those that do no will fall behind me once Nia is dead."

"And what of your people? Your own advisors?" They both glanced over to Pius at the same time almost automatically. "Will they support your relationship with Clarke?"

"So Clarke is your concern," Lexa sighed heavily. "Again I remind you, Luna, the battle with Azgeda is our first priority."

Luna wasn't sure if she should voice the next thing on her mind but she did anyway, after a slight pause. "But is it yours?"

Lexa's gaze turned to stone then, childhood friend or not. She tensed her shoulders and let the fire burn in her eyes at her utter distaste for Luna's words.

Luna swallowed as she took a slow step back, watching as the ferocity rose within her Commander and she knew she had crossed the line, then. "Apologies, Heda," and then she sighed. "I worry for you."

"If people would worry less for me and more for the matters at hand I would be more confident going into this war." Lexa's tone was like lead and this time Luna didn't even dare look up. Lexa turned to her, the fury in her expression unmistakable. "Do not concern yourself with issues you have no business in, Luna."

"Yes, Heda," Luna responded quietly. "Just please, be careful."

Lexa's eyes widened and then she abruptly turned on her heel, throwing Luna one last death glare before she strode off, not wanting to run the risk of saying something she would likely regret. She felt the anger gather in her shoulders and tighten in her chest, the irritation irking her more than it ever usually did.

She found herself at the drinks table so she grabbed a cup of wine, tightening her fingers around it before she took a sip or two. She then released a calming deep breath and it seemed to help her settle, a bit, and she tried to tell herself that Luna's words weren't the last she would hear on the subject and she would have to stop behaving so defensively over Clarke.

"Hey," she heard a voice say just over her shoulder and suddenly Lexa couldn't help the smile from gracing her lips.

She turned to find blue eyes staring almost fondly at her. "Hello, Clarke," Lexa returned, and she was happy to see Clarke's face brighten at her words.

Clarke took another step closer. "You okay?" she asked, noting the Commander's rather tense stance. "You walked over here kind of quickly."

Clarke was concerned for her and Lexa couldn't deny the feeling that evoked in her chest. Gone was the anger and now she just pretty much felt silly, as if she were a child speaking to her crush for the first time and not the Commander of twelve clans who had just been debating war strategies. She also had to remind herself that they were standing in a room surrounded by about one-hundred of her people, too, and she couldn't just gaze lovingly all evening into the eyes of her...

Lexa swallowed as she cut off her brain from going any further, her heart already having started to thud a little harder in her chest. "I am much better now," she replied softly, her lips still grinning due to the next few minutes she could spend in Clarke's company.

Pius had been watching Lexa for some time, his face expressionless but inside he was a torrent of conflicting emotions. He wanted Lexa to be happy, of course he did. The woman he had known since she was a child and was certainly unlike any other he had ever met, the leader of course better than any he had served before her. She was unique; a revolutionary, both strong in heart and in mind and able to command and lead both armies and nations alike. She united the clans, the first Commander to do so and not only did she bring peace but she was also able to sustain it.

Lexa kom trikru was a legend; she would become legendary and Pius was certain out of them all, aside from the first Commander Lexa was the one history would remember most. There would be teachings about her, annual celebrations in honour of the great Commander who brought change and revolution and peace.

Pius was proud. Lexa had lost so much yet still she didn't waver. She remained strong in her ideals, dealing with whatever life and the burden of command threw at her with poise, elegance and fierce determination. She was her people, she was Polis and she never once wished to stray from the path of what was best for her people, no matter her own personal cost.

But then came Klark.

She worried Pius. There was no other way to look at it. The whole of skaikru worried him but the way Clarke was working her way into Lexa's affections would surely endanger their plan for the future of their people.

Pius sighed. Clarke was already in her affections, of course that was obvious. The time for backtracking and words of warning in Lexa's ear were well passed. Lexa was certainly not one to let her emotions show and especially in public. She was well schooled at not showing anything of what she was thinking or feeling but for those who knew her, those who knew the Commander inside out like Pius did well, it was clearly written all over her face and he had absolutely no idea what to do about it.

"You look strained, Pius," Indra commented as she came to a stop beside him, following his gaze and knowing exactly what he would be thinking about. They watched as Lexa and Clarke conversed quietly together, careful enough to keep a respectful distance between them but obviously getting along very well. "Do not tell me you are concerned for the battle with Azgeda. Heda will be victorious as she always is."

Pius was well aware Indra knew the real reason he seemed 'strained', as she put it. The two of them had known each other for a very long time. Even though he knew it was unnecessary he relaxed his expression even further, his hands clasped neatly behind his back as he continued gazing forward.

"I worry for her," he said softly, as if there was nothing more he needed to say.

Indra glanced sideways at him and then back at the Commander. He had felt similarly when Lexa's feelings developed for Costia and many a time she had walked in on a heated conversation between teacher and student, Pius preaching about how Heda's heart should belong to only her people. She couldn't help but foster a small smile at the memories before she quickly evened out her lips. It seemed Lexa was a revolutionary for Heda's line in more ways than just battle and leadership.

"Heda is old enough to look after herself," she finally replied just as softly. There was no way they could afford for this conversation to be overheard by eavesdropping ears.

"Clarke distracts her," Pius continued quickly as if he hadn't heard Indra's response. "She does not know our ways," he flexed his jaw. "She will bring trouble."

Indra agreed, of course. It was no secret she wasn't a fan of skaikru and Clarke in particular. The girl was impulsive, disrespectful and far too challenging. At least Costia was one of them and understood the way of their people; she knew what would be expected of her and what Lexa could and couldn't do. Clarke was something else altogether and Indra knew that was what Pius would be thinking.

Even so though, Lexa was their Heda and she was a damn good one. She had lost so much, too, not only Costia and her parents years before her, but also more recently her closest friends and advisors. Indra had always felt protective over the Commander whom she'd watched grow from a small trikru child but now she also felt another obligation; a certain responsibility. Gustus and Anya had followed Lexa everywhere, always at her side whenever Heda needed but now those places were empty. She and Pius were all Lexa had left and Indra knew Pius would be disapproving enough for both of them so however much she didn't agree, however much she wished skaikru had fallen on the other side of the world she wouldn't let her Heda go unsupported.

"It is not for me to have an opinion on who Heda goes to for comfort," she said carefully as she felt Pius' eyes fall on her. Honestly it really wasn't.

Pius raised his eyebrow in disbelief. "And if that person affects her command?"

Indra didn't have an answer for that. Well she did but it would be counterproductive to her argument so she remained silent, keenly gazing upon Lexa as she tried to keep a smile from her face at something Clarke was saying to her. Yes, she could certainly see why Pius was worried.

"It may not be your place," Pius continued, "but it is mine to guide and advise her."

"Leading Heda from Clarke will not affect their relationship," Indra replied after a few moments, turning to look at her friend. "Only yours."

Pius wasn't fond of that and his jaw rippled with it. He turned his head and met Indra's gaze. "You cannot tell me you believe her to be a suitable partner for Heda." The heat in his eyes was unmistakable.

Indra had to bite back her initial response. She was certain any partner would not be good enough for Heda, as far as Pius was concerned. "I hold little regard for the skygirl," she said with a heavy sigh, the intent in her eyes stepping up a few notches. "But it is my duty to serve Heda, support her actions and reinforce her decisions," she paused for a moment. "As is yours." Pius didn't like that either but she pressed on nonetheless. "She has always made good decisions, that is why she is the best Commander we have ever had. Unless you no longer believe in her-"

"-Of course I do," Pius interrupted curtly. He would not be accused of anything so traitorous as losing faith in his Commander.

"Then do your duty, Pius," Indra said firmly before her expression softened. "Besides, hasn't she suffered enough?"

Pius pushed out a breath. He knew how she had suffered, perhaps better than anyone. His eyes quickly met the floor as he remembered Lexa in the months after what happened to Costia. Above all else, he didn't want that part of history to repeat itself. "I do not wish to see her hurt."

Indra felt his sadness, too. "Then protect her, as we all do."

For a moment Pius let his emotions show on his face. His expression falling as his brow furrowed and his eyebrows arched, a little. "I am just fearful for where Clarke may lead her. We are so close to our goal, Indra. Once Nia is removed from power then our people will know uninterrupted, widespread peace."

Indra knew this of course. She knew the plan as she was there when Lexa constructed it, she didn't think Pius was finished though and so she waited for him to carry on.

"Something no one has known since the dawning of our world. Skaikru could destroy all that."

Indra actually did smile, then, albeit slight. Thinking Lexa would let Clarke steer her away from her life's work was absurd, even if she was falling for her which by all accounts it seemed like she already was. Pius' concern may be warranted, but faith in what Lexa wanted to achieve and her delivery of it surely was not. "I never thought I would hear you underestimate Heda, Pius."

Pius swallowed and seemed if anything a little hurt by Indra's words. He wasn't underestimating her, was he? It wasn't Lexa who he was doubting; only Clarke. Why wasn't that obvious to anyone other than him? Before he could respond though Indra carried on.

"Until Heda acts as if she is putting the needs of her people last then you should let her be." She narrowed her eyes at Clarke and then sucked in a heavy breath. She really hoped what she was saying was true. "I do not believe she will."

"What is it, Pius?"

Lexa always knew when her advisor entered the room. His feet were silent of course but there was a distinct, heavy air that followed him around. Lexa had been alone in her throne room, mulling over the day's events and trying to focus on the battle to come. It had been a while since she needed to second guess the Ice Queen but she found it was something her mind was used to doing. Hopefully soon it would be something she'd never have to consider again.

Pius felt a little awkward but he did well not to show it. Indra's words weighed heavily on his mind and he was at odds with how he was going to broach this conversation. "You seem troubled, Heda."

Lexa was stood just room side of the thin material that hung down in front of her balcony, staring through it and at Polis as her thoughts ticked over. "War finds us again, teacher," she sighed with a slight shrug of her shoulders. "I fear there will always be just one more war." She felt rather at odds, in that moment. It had been growing throughout the day and not even her brief chat with Clarke earlier was able to settle her mood. She felt as though Pius was about to make it even worse, too.

Pius relaxed his shoulders and clasped his hands behind his back in his usual posture. "After this one, Heda, there should not." He of course didn't know if that was true, but he knew Lexa needed reassurance right then.

Despite it Lexa turned on her heal to face him, an eyebrow raised in disbelief of his words.

"Not on this scale," Pius continued. "Squabbles between the clans perhaps but a war such as this?" He shook his head. "Nia is your last great enemy and when she is defeated our plan will be complete."

Lexa scoffed quite loudly and shook her head, her gaze dropping from Pius rather uncharacteristically and scanning the floor. "Then we shall have peace," she responded with a note of bitterness in her tone.

It made Pius worry all the more. "Yes, Heda."

Lexa pulled her lips to the side as she looked up at him. "You truly believe that." She didn't really know why he was holding back. She knew he was there to scold her about Clarke, about taking her to bed and to warn her about caring for her too much in the face of an upcoming battle but honestly, she really wasn't in the mood for it. Did he not think she worried about that enough herself?

Pius was reluctant to answer. He knew her relationship with Clarke could lead them all into another war as soon as they were done with this one. Perhaps skaikru would mount an offensive as soon as the Azgeda army had weakened theirs. Perhaps Clarke's own people would use Heda's affection for her against them. Perhaps they were even building bombs and other weapons they couldn't understand at this very moment, all in preparation. Who knew?

Lexa scoffed again. "Of course not," she muttered before she turned to gaze across her city once more. After a moment she sucked in a breath and pushed her shoulders back, her hands clasping delicately behind her back as she raised her chin and settled her demeanour. "You have something to say, Pius," she announced loudly, like she was addressing any other subject. "Then say it." It was an order.

Pius exhaled. He held such affection for the woman in front of him. She was the product of so many advisers and teachings, a formidable combination of history, knowledge and power of which he had probably contributed the most. Sometimes she was almost like an extension of himself, but then at others she couldn't be more different. Perhaps that was one of the best things about her he pondered momentarily, a glimmer of a smile touching his lips. A leader who wasn't afraid to be herself and make difference, and what a difference she had made.

It was however in his job description to remind her of what her purpose was and what the mantle of Heda demanded. "Heda," he began, with a slight tremor in his tone. "The attack in the tower, you defended Cla-"

"-Don't, Pius," she said quietly and dangerously, not waiting for him to finish. "Just, don't." She knew exactly what he would say; that her life was not hers to use in defence of someone such as Clarke. That Clarke's life was expendable and hers was not.

Pius clenched his teeth together. "Your people are your duty-"

Lexa turned abruptly, a look of fire in her eyes as she accentuated every word with the bluntness in her tone. "I do not, wish, to hear it!"

Over the years Pius had witnessed Lexa angry more than once, and at him directly more times than that so still he continued on, determined to make his point. "You protected her as if her life was more important than your own," he said as Lexa pushed out an angry breath and started to pace the elevated platform where her throne sat. "That is unacceptable."

Lexa was having a hard time keeping a lid on what she was feeling. It was rare for her, to feel as though her emotions were about to explode out of her chest and she was helpless to stop them. She paced more intently as her jaw clenched and try as she might she just couldn't settle her breathing. Of course she protected Clarke, anyone would have. An experienced fighter shielding an inexperienced one was common sense, and human nature but she knew as well, Pius had a point.

It was like all her years of training came back to her at once, the speeches and teachings of the role of Heda and what was expected of her. What she was expected to do, what her duty to her people was and how her life was not her own. It belonged to her people, and therefore she should think of it and live it as such.

Lexa stopped moving as she squeezed her eyes shut and exhaled a sharp breath. Even though she knew all this, they were talking about Clarke and she was different. She was a second chance and under no circumstances would Lexa pass that chance up, as much as she knew she probably should. As much as she knew it would be expected. Lexa would lead her people just the same, she would be the uncompromising, determined and fearless Commander she always was. She would not shirk her responsibility but she would not sacrifice Clarke for it. Not again.

When she turned to glare at Pius her eyes were full of all the words that she hadn't said. They shone with the memory of all the people that she had lost, and all of the heartache she had subsequently felt. It was full with as much emotion as she had ever showed her teacher and when she spoke her voice shook with it. "I cannot lose her," and then her expression became like steel. "I will not."

Pius swallowed and then he blinked. The last time he saw such emotion from his Commander was after Costia's death, when she was enforcing her command from behind a mask of pain and loss. He felt a wave of emotion wash over him although his expression didn't falter at all. His duty was to advise and steer the Commander so she would deliver her responsibilities no matter what, regardless of who that Commander was. He was bound to the office, not the person yet he was conflicted. Standing in front of him now as he stared deeply into her shining green eyes he saw the teenager of a few years ago, broken and crumbling as she mourned her lost love behind closed doors. Away from prying eyes and just as it was then he found it hard to deny his attachment to Lexa, not Heda, which certainly wasn't the way of things at all.

Lexa swallowed painfully. "Not again."

Pius blinked a few more times before he raised his chin once more, preparing himself for what he was about to say. "I believe after this war, when Nia has fallen..." he began, stopping briefly as Lexa seemed to steady herself as if resigned to what her teacher was about to tell her. It surprised him sometimes, how well Lexa could swallow up her feelings and become such a blank slate whenever she needed to but then he supposed, he had taught her well. He took in a breath. "...We devise a plan to induct skaikru into the Coalition."

Lexa was startled. She wasn't able to hide her reaction to that and she looked at Pius as if he had grown another head, her eyes wide and her mouth dropping open, just a little.

Pius was surprised at his words as well. It really wasn't what he expected himself to be saying but there it was. It seemed his feelings won out to duty sometimes too. "It is the only thing we can do to ensure peace."

Lexa was doing a very good impression of gaping at her advisor and it took her a good few moments to snap herself out of it. She blinked a few times and if anything she felt dazed, and rather floored. "I was not," she started, her voice a gravelly whisper. "Expecting that.. from you. Pius."

Pius watched her struggle with his words and he honestly felt a little overcome himself. His love for Lexa was always there, just never discussed. "I disapprove, I think you know," he began with a slight edge to his tone which then broke as he swallowed. "But how can I deny you this?"

Lexa didn't know what to do. Suddenly she didn't know how to stand or how to hold her shoulders and of course her expression was quickly slipping from her control. Pius was never sentimental, not ever, and she had no idea how to handle it.

"It is as if you are my daughter, Lexa. I will support you with my last breath."

Lexa sucked in a breath and it shook in her chest. Her eyes so suddenly full of emotion she had to stiffen herself to prevent it from escaping. She swallowed and then she licked her lips, her eyes darting to the floor then to the walls and finally to the ceiling, anywhere but at her teacher's emotional expression. Lexa had been prepared for arguments, confrontation and even hostility but not this. Never anything even remotely like this and the fact that he called her by name was something in itself. He never used anything other than her title, and definitely not when he was addressing her personally.

Eventually she turned her eyes on him, shining as they were and when she spoke her voice was thick like fog but gentle. "You have denied me many things," she breathed, now a little stronger.

Pius clenched his jaw and nodded his head. That of course he knew. "Not this time," he responded. "I want you to be happy. You deserve it."

Lexa's mouth dropped open as she tried to fathom something to say but words it seemed just vanished from her. Such sentiment she had long since stopped receiving and she had told herself she didn't need it. She didn't need anything like that. Not since Costia died but now there was Clarke and she was finding herself a little more open to it but from Pius, well there was absolutely no way her mind was taking it all in.

"Thank you, Pius," Lexa whispered after a moment, completely at a loss for anything else to say.

Pius cleared his throat and his voice if anything became faintly firmer. "It is my duty to stand by you, and I shall."

Lexa was able to gather herself and she held herself straighter, a thought suddenly leaping to her mind. "It is your duty to serve Heda, Pius," she said as her shoulders went back once more, her gaze becoming steelier. The Heda part of her didn't need or crave Clarke after all, not like she did. "Not me."

Pius regarded her for a moment and he felt proud for everything she was. It wasn't just him of course, many others had watched her grow and had influenced her but she was without question one of a kind. Never a Commander like her had there been and never would there be again. Lexa wanted to change things for the better so maybe it was about time Pius trusted her vision completely and just let her run with it. Within reason, of course...

"You are Heda, Lexa. You are one and the same. What pleases Lexa, pleases Heda, and pleases me." He thought for a moment, considering his next words carefully before he continued on. He drew in a breath and let it power his words. "Perhaps it is time for change."

Lexa's ears pricked up, at that. Her eyes widening quite a bit, too.

Pius shrugged his head to the side. "You really are remarkable, Heda. No one has done what you have and this should continue. I expect you to outlive me."

A smile formed on Lexa's lips as she raised her eyebrows knowing how unlikely that was. "I believe that may be asking too much."

Pius smiled a little too, the very corner of his mouth quirking up. "I do not."

They held each other's gaze as Lexa took in a breath, her chest feeling as light as she could ever remember it, at least in Pius' presence anyway. It hung there for a while, a certain sense of tranquillity and understanding between them and although Lexa knew it would end just as abruptly as it came, she took the opportunity to relish and savour it.

It was a strange relationship with Pius, one blurred by the line that ran between herself and Heda. As she pointed out to him; his duty really was to guide and direct Heda regardless of how many vessels the Spirit occupied. He was to treat them all the same, regardless of clan or allegiance and just support the agenda that accompanied the title but here he was, swearing his support to Lexa and that meant absolutely more to her than she could ever hope to express.

Finally Pius pulled his eyes away as he took another step forward, his tone suddenly much sterner as his jaw rippled beneath his skin. "Still..." he began and Lexa automatically hardened where she stood. "...Until Nia has fallen I think it is foolish to further things with Clarke. Nia cannot-"

"-I know," Lexa interrupted him, her chest suddenly feeling tight again. Of course she already knew. Nia couldn't know anything about her and Clarke and Lexa could only hope she hadn't already found out. She turned to her balcony and stared out into the night sky once more.

"So what do you plan to do?"

Lexa swallowed and it scratched at her throat. "Protect her," she answered lowly and with hardly a moment's hesitation. "So she cannot fall into Azgeda hands. You know what to do."

Pius nodded and then slowly bowed his head. "Yes, Heda."

"The Polis army is prepared Heda," Dax informed her, having spent the last few hours briefing them and giving out preliminary orders. "Ready for your command."

"Good," Lexa returned, her arms folded behind her back as she gazed out of her window and over Polis. She hadn't done much else through the entirety of Dax's report. "And the armies of the clans?"

"Marching."

Lexa nodded. She knew her furthest army would reach its position within a few days.

"Most of trikru is still stationed outside Camp Jaha."

Lexa sucked in a breath. Her pieces were falling into place and after the meeting tomorrow everything should be finalised. "Good," she said again after a moment.

Lexa remained exactly where she was and continued to stare out over her city. It had been a demanding day, one of revelation it would seem and she still wasn't quite over her conversation with Pius. She was still surprised and shocked by it all at once but she tried not to dwell on it.

"Will that be all, Heda?"

Lexa exhaled slowly and then she turned, taking a few steps toward her general. "Yes, Dax. You may leave," she replied softly. "Thank you."

Dax bowed his head and kept his eyes low. "Sleep well, Heda," he said before he turned on his heel and left the throne room.

That was something Dax always wished her if he was her last appointment of the evening and she was still getting used to it, if she was honest. Gustus never did, he was only ever personal when the situation commanded it so Dax was apparently a little softer than his mentor. Not that it was a bad thing, just.. different.

"Hey."

Lexa looked up to find Clarke standing just inside the double doors to the room.

"You okay?"

Lexa couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips as Clarke smiled at her in return. She closed the door and then walked forwards a little shyly, slowly closing the distance between them.

Lexa pushed out a huge, stomach crunching sigh. "I am fine."

Clarke just threw her a look and a small smirk adorned her lips to go with it. She closed the remaining space and took a step right into the Commander's personal space, her thumbs hooking into the tops of her back pockets. She raised a solitary eyebrow and waited for Lexa to carry on talking.

Lexa shook her head a little, thinking again of Pius. Her lips weren't sad though and her whole demeanour lit up due to the fact that Clarke came to find her to see if she was okay. She could definitely get used to it. "My people... they are trying, sometimes."

"Ah," Clarke acknowledged, only guessing at the conversations Lexa must have had that day. "Anything I can do to help?" she asked, bottom lip clenched between her teeth.

Lexa felt a sudden rush in the centre of her chest and when Clarke shuffled closer, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to the side of her jaw Lexa had to close her eyes to control her body's reaction. She swallowed and let out another shallow breath. "Perhaps."

Sometimes, just lately, Clarke didn't know what was coming over her. Right then she was struck with the urge to help Lexa relax knowing the day had been stressful enough and the next few wouldn't be any better, either. She laced her hands around Lexa's waist and started to nuzzle at her neck, massaging the soft skin with her lips as she felt the Commander melt into her.

Honestly though, perhaps Clarke craved some comfort too. She was scared about the immediate future and the coming war. For what Nia might do to her people if they were captured but she just didn't want to think about it. Her mind instead wanted to focus on the passionate, protective and gentle Commander from last night with her soft lips and gentle touch, and Clarke was more than happy to succumb to it.

After a few moments of Lexa leaning into Clarke's caress, basking in the happiness and need that she was in danger of getting swept up in she wrapped her arms around Clarke and pushed her fingertips into the small of her back, bringing them back again to rest against her hips.

It made Clarke stop and she pulled back a little, her eyes glancing down as she tried to peer beneath Lexa's suddenly downturned expression. "What is it?" Clarke asked in a whisper, her brow furrowing with concern.

Lexa was a little emotional but she was adamant not to let it show. She wouldn't, or perhaps couldn't even though she wasn't very good at hiding things from Clarke anymore, and she suspected she was getting worse at it with each passing second. She grit her teeth though and hardened her voice, her desire not to show weakness automatically kicking in. "I am being selfish," Lexa answered, her voice although hard was also quiet. Her eyes shining but only just and it was her lower lip that gave her away more than anything else. Clarke watched it tremble and couldn't help but knit her brow together in concern. Lexa swallowed and traced the lines of Clarke's expression with her gaze. "I do not want you to get hurt."

Clarke caught on all at once and was amazed at how open Lexa's expression was right then, even though she could tell she was trying to hide it. Her eyes were wide and her mouth slightly agape, such a look of vulnerability and Clarke could almost picture Lexa then, young and barely able to carry a sword all lost and alone in the world. It practically made her heart ache. "I won't," Clarke replied firmly, her hands moving up so she could rub at the back of Lexa's upper arms soothingly. Was this Pius' influence, or Luna's? She was sure Lexa didn't need to hear from those closest to her how Costia had died, again, but she was certain one of them would've brought it up.

Lexa's eyes seemed to get even more expressive. "You cannot know that."

Clarke tilted her head to the side, her voice warm and soft. "Just as I don't know you won't get hurt." She knew exactly what was running through Lexa's head and so after a moment she slid her palms along the underside of Lexa's jaw and cupped them at the sides of her neck. "I know it's a risk, Lex," she tried to implore, watching as green eyes flickered a million times. "But it's one I'm willing to take."

Lexa was torn. She wanted this, she wanted Clarke more than anything but there was no way she'd survive if she lost her. Absolutely none. There was no way her heart could take it.

"Trust me," Clarke whispered, urging the Commander closer.

And then Lexa gave in. She fell into the kiss and let Clarke sooth her concern with the gentle push of her lips. She made Lexa tingle, the way she kissed and touched her and there was no way Lexa was going to push her away. Not now, and not ever. She'd just have to figure out a way to make sure Clarke was safe but that was definitely a task for later.

Lexa moaned into the kiss and enveloped Clarke in her arms, holding her flush against her body and promptly annoyed that her coat and light armour were in the way of feeling her properly. Clarke's hands quickly distracted her though, easily slipping from her neck and getting lost in her braids and across her shoulders.

Clarke gently bit on Lexa's bottom lip and she delighted in the small gasp the Commander released in response. Lexa stood there motionless, her brow slightly furrowed at the need that coursed through her, her hands pulling Clarke's hips as close as she could. She felt the stresses of the day start to fade away, the only thing she cared about being the press of Clarke's arms around her, the warm puffs of air against her lips as Clarke breathed and the heat that was radiating between them.

Lexa swallowed and couldn't help the small noise she made at the back of her throat when she breathed. She was filled with need and she suddenly didn't want to be in her throne room at all.

Clarke didn't wait for any further encouragement. She kissed Lexa again and swiped her tongue across her lower lip, soothing her bite but also craving entry. Lexa granted it immediately and it quickly became passionate, Clarke feeling a surge of electricity spark in her chest and settle deep in her gut. She was struck again by how little she was thinking about this and what it would mean. The implications would run deep for both of them and their people but she quickly ignored it. Put it all away for consideration later because when Lexa was like this with her, she really didn't care about anything else.

Lexa grabbed Clarke tighter and held her firmer. Her one hand sliding up Clarke's back to support the force of her kiss and the other moving down over her ass. She squeezed as she felt Clarke's tongue flick against the roof of her mouth and she hummed in quiet appreciation, savouring the sensation that made her blood rush before she pressed forwards into the kiss, taking over as her tongue explored madly and her fingers gripped Clarke even harder.

Clarke groaned, her fingers digging into the back of Lexa's head as she held on tightly and gave in completely to the Commander's desire. She felt it too, her whole body all of a sudden on fire and she wanted Lexa there and then. She didn't care where they were and honestly ever since she first time she saw Lexa sitting her thrown she had wanted to straddle her on it.

Lexa pushed Clarke back a few paces, everything suddenly turning into a frenzied rush and all Lexa needed was to feel the heat of Clarke's skin against hers. Her hands moved along Clarkes body, up her sides and then to the collar of her jacket as she went to push it from her shoulders-

"Heda!"

The doors flung open before either of them realised what was happening, both more than a little dazed as they were slow to move apart from each another, Lexa's hands still on Clarke's collar as she turned to face the intruder.

Dax froze where he stood; several paces just inside the double doors with a look of sheer horror on his face. He swallowed as he licked his lips, his eyes moving between his Commander and Clarke as he wished desperately he could relive the last few minutes of his life.

No such luck, however.

Lexa clenched her jaw and was suddenly present in the situation. Her eyes were dark but her expression turned to stone as she moved a stride away from Clarke and towards her general, her hands clenching tightly at her sides in fists before she clasped them sternly behind her back.

There was silence for a moment as Lexa glared daggers at him while waiting for him to explain his actions. Clarke was still disorientated, her breathing a little ragged as she tried to calm the intensity in her chest. She rubbed anxiously at the back of her neck as she turned to give Dax her attention.

Finally Dax coughed and considered if the coming battle didn't kill him, then his Commander surely would. That was twice now he had interrupted them, he pondered. Twice. Jok. "Moba Heda," he bowed his head, not daring to look back up for as long as he could avoid it. "Ba ai gada meija imfou in."

Lexa's expression screamed murder. Her breathing was heavy with frustration and annoyance. "Yu beda," she grumbled.

Clarke stepped forward, looking at Lexa and then to Dax. "What's wrong?"

Dax regarded her but then turned back to Lexa. "The scout from the eastern cliffs has returned. They are advancing."

Lexa's eyes widened; it was far too early, but if the enemy was advancing it would be five days at the very least for them to reach the closest encampment.

"Which cliffs?" Clarke probed, unsure as to what Dax was referring.

Lexa though, of course already knew.

Clarke turned to her. "Which cliffs?" she asked a little more sternly.

Lexa met Clarke's eyes and Dax lowered his to the floor. "The enemy is advancing on Camp Jaha."

Clarke took a step back. "What?" She turned to Dax. "When?"

Dax straightened. "Yesterday."

Clarke quickly became angry. "When will they get there?"

"Three days," Lexa responded sternly. She regarded Dax. "Alert the clan leaders, the meeting must be brought forward. Gather them in the war chamber."

"Sha Heda," Dax bowed before he turned and left the room, careful to pull the doors closed behind him.

Clarke was looking at Lexa astounded. "Forget the meeting!" she demanded.

Lexa cast her eyes to the floor as she readied herself for Clarke's reaction.

"Lexa," she began, rounding the Commander so she could stand in front of her. "We have to warn them. I have to ride back to Camp Jaha-"

"-No."

Clarke was shocked. She blinked a few times as she took a step back, wary of Lexa's steely expression as she looked up from the floor. She shook her head however, undeterred. "No?"

Lexa's jaw rippled beneath her skin.

"Lexa they're my people."

"Clarke," Lexa sighed, her demeanour becoming minutely softer. "You will not. You are needed here in this meeting." Clarke still looked shocked so Lexa tried to become more reassuring. "It must go ahead, then we ride for Camp Jaha."

"Lexa-" Clarke protested, the panic rising in her chest.

"-Your people have an army to protect them," Lexa interrupted her firmly. Skaikru were protected and she needed to make Clarke realise that. "With this meeting we put all our pieces in place," and then she gestured at the ground. "That is the priority-"

Clarke though wasn't having it. "-My people are my priority, Lexa."

"And you do nothing for them by abandoning this meeting." Lexa said as she tried to control her anger. Clarke wasn't the reason for it after all, it was Nia's impeccable timing and her desire to recapture what she and Clarke had started but knowing it was long since lost. Clarke not being able to see her point though wasn't helping. "Nia will expect you to leave and that is her plan."

Clarke glared at her as her emotions started to get the better of her. She was furious. How could Lexa not let her warn her people? It was absurd.

Lexa could see she wasn't getting anywhere but they really didn't have time to stand there arguing about it. She needed to close it down and get Clarke in the right mindset for the pending discussion. "You are not to leave until the meeting is done," she instructed, probably a lot more fiercely than she intended. It was too late however to reverse her tone. "Then we go together." Lexa sucked in a breath and then tried for a compromise. "You may use the radio if you wish but we will be there before the enemy arrives regardless."

Clarke wasn't appeased and she felt like retorting something about not needing her permission to use her own damn radio. She clenched her teeth together and felt her blood start to boil beneath her skin. "Is that an order, Commander?"

Lexa levelled out her jaw and exhaled a steady breath, her statue growing as she allowed her presence to envelope the room. "Yes, Clarke," she responded evenly. "It is."

Translations.

"Sha, Wanheda."

"Yes, Wanheda."

'Ouskejou Kru'.

Blue Cliff Clan.

'Podakru'.

Lake People.

'Delfikru'.

Delphi Clan.

"Ai gaf chich yu op, beja Heda."

"I want to speak to you, please Commander."

"Jok."

"Fuck."

"Moba Heda. Ba ai gada meija imfou in."

"Apologies Commander. But I have urgent news."

"Yu beda."

"You better."

"Sha Heda."

"Yes Commander."