hey guys, Sorry it has been a while. I have not been in the best of health and it has taken a bit of a toll on me. But I'm doing my best to stay updated. Thank you to those who have stayed and followed this story. It really has been a crazy journey for me, and I'm really happy you have been part of it. (Yes my grammar still sucks, im aware lol apologies in advance.)

Chapter Inspiration - Sparklehorse- Piano fire

The quiet before the storm

Octavia laid on the bed watching Clarke check herself out in the mirror. It had taken hours to get the last of the red dye out of her hair. Would she do it again? hell no. The knots and the red dye on blonde hair was a bad combo. A week training with Indra would be more preferable. But it was for her friend, and Clarke did look good. They both knew she did a good job on her hair.

"Do you need help getting ready?" Clarke asked Octavia who was now off the bed shaking the crumbs off her shirt.

"Nah your all good Clarkey. It takes me about a minute to get dressed anyway. Get going, Heda misses you." Octavia said wiggling her eyebrows.

"O. Really?" Clarke turned from the mirror with her arms crossed trying to look stern but failing.

"Don't forget to fix your hair after she-"

"Im going!" Clarke laughed raising her hand to Octavia. "Thank you for letting me get ready in your room. And for getting the rest of that dye out of my hair."

"Id like to say anytime, but that was pure. torture."

"You did an amazing job though, thank you" Clarke hugged her before she made her way out the room.

"GOOD LUCK!" Octavia shouted as her friend closed the door.

Octavia walked over towards the mirror reluctantly. She looked at her reflection and turned to the side to check her stomach out. "Not fat.. Yet" she said, giving her stomach a pat. She had been eating a lot of food since she got to polis, It beat the hell out of the slop packets on the ark.
She grabbed her armour off the night stand where she left it and started attaching the leather armor to her clothing, making quick work of the laces before sliding a dagger into her boot. "Better safe than sorry." She muttered to herself. If she had learned anything recently, it was best to be over prepared than under. And she had gotten so used to wearing armour now, she felt odd without it. It was like it had become a part of her.
She checked her outfit one more time in the mirror, then collected her sword off the bed. She tied it to her back a she made her way to the door, opening it and making sure she closed it shut behind her.

"I do have time.." She muttered to herself. She could see Eska before checking on Raven.

She made her way quickly down the hall to the lift. It was quiet for the day of the ceremony. Everyone had to be there already. But just as she reached the lift, it was unavailable. Some one was already going up.
"Ugh every time." she whined as she tried pulling the lever in vain, causing maid that passed by giggle.

It always was a fifty fifty situation, it was either there, or it wasn't. Simple as that.
And as usual she ended up taking the stairs. She didn't attempt to run as most guards do. Why? Because who wants to run up and down stairs if they can help it.
She passed four guards who were on their way up, probably to the higher levels where the more important guests stayed. Deep down she was thankful she had to only go down three floors rather than three floors up as she hated climbing stairs, it made her more hungry and she ate all her snacks. She needed to get more.
Octavia hopped down the last few steps and reached towards the door handle. The second her fingers touched the metal bar , the door came flying towards her. It moved so fast she barely had time to jump back as the slab of wood hurtled towards her face. She didn't escape unscathed, even though it just missed face, smacking her in the knuckles.

"MOTHER FU-" Octavia came to an abrupt stop as Anya charged through the door.

"MOVE!" Anya bellowed angrily as she stormed past Octavia not even noticing her existence, followed by a guard she didn't recognize.
"You alright Octavia!?" Varrik shouted as he quickly walked down the hall towards her.
"Apart from almost having my arm decapitated and my face caved in. Im good."She rubbed her knuckles. It was definitely going to bruise. "How come your up here?"
"Anya put me here. She wanted a mix up in the rotation." He said as he walked with Octavia towards Eskas room. "I don't mind, Its better than being with the higher ups downstairs." He said as they rounded the corner. "Don't like those sorts. Bunch weasels."
"Exactly my point. Its all full of bull shit people lying and back stabbing one another. Literally."
" You know it. Anyway I best go, General Anya wants patrols in twos." Varrik said he grasped Octavia's forearm in a goodbye and maze his way to his partner who motioned for him to hurry.
"Alright, Take it easy."
"You too Octavia.".

...

Eska slid down the side of her bed until she was sat on the fur covered floor. She bought her knees up to her chest and curled up in a small ball, a ball of safety. She took a deep shuddering breath as she tried to hold back the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. To cry was to be weak, she was a Princess. She could not afford that luxury. Everything had become so complicated and she just wanted some simplicity. She wanted the arena gone, so no one else had to endure the tortures that went with the Queens entertainment.
But she knew she had to accept that there was nothing else she could do to help her mother right now, It was in the commanders hands. But what was starting to get to her was that she clearly remembered her mother telling her to go, If she ever had the chance to run, she was to take it. But now she has done what she asked, she felt guilty.

If spending the morning being interrogated by Anya was not bad enough, the lack of fresh air was worse. She just wanted to be outside again just for a little while.
It was strange really, she was less of a prisoner here than she was in Azgeda. Anya interrogated her, but she never hurt her. It was strange, its like she felt sorry for her.
She had told Anya everything she knew about the Queen and the arena. All the ways in and out of Azgeda she knew about. She also asked her about Echo and others who fought against the queen. To be honest she had no idea Echo would betray the queen. They always seemed to be on good terms. Like they say, things are not what they always appear as.

There were heavy footsteps outside and she lifted her head from her knees as she heard more than one person run down the hall, followed by a loud slam that sounded like a door. Another voice shouted some words that where muffled but she definitely heard the name Octavia. Knowing Octavia was here bought a smile to her face. But then the smile was replaced by panic.

Octavia had come back sooner than she thought and she couldn't see her in this state. What would she think? She was Royalty , not some sad pathetic girl.
She lent on the bed causing it to creak. She lifted herself off the floor and stood before dusting herself down quickly. She didn't have time to change, but she looked acceptable in her travel clothes. It was either that or wear the cloths Thesda had left her, but it felt odd. She moved towards the wall that held a mirror and a wash basin and splashed her face with water as fast as she could without getting her hair wet. Eska took the towel and dried her face and quickly checked herself over just as Octavia knocked on the door.
"Come in." She called as she leapt on the bed and snatched the book she left on the bedside table. Trying to look as casual as possible.

"Hey." Octavia said as she closed the door behind her. "What are you reading?"
"Oh this?" she motioned to the book. And Octavia nodded, standing there awkwardly. "Tales of Endimion, its pretty good actually.

"why is it upside down?" Octavia asked causing Eska to blush realising her stupidity.

"I like a challenge." She replied casually trying to hide her red face. "You can come and sit on the bed you know."

"Do you think you could read some to me one day?" Octavia said as she sat down across from Eska. "My trig is okay to speak, but I suck at reading."

"I can read some to you now if you like?"

"Id love that." Octavia said as she moved closer.

...

Lexa turned to see Clarke enter their quarters, she couldn't help but suck in a breath. She looked stunning.
Her red hair was gone, and the familiar gold was back. She wore it in intricate braids with makeup that enhanced her blue eyes. She couldn't help but smile, she knew she would wear the outfit she chose for her despite Titus's worries.

"Meizen...yu chek au meizen ai hodnes." (Beautiful..You look beautiful my love.) Lexa said as she approached Clarke.

"Dresses look good on you look so.. So different." Clarke said as she scanned Lexa's body.

"You mean I do not look like I am about to run into battle." Lexa smirked.

"I like it." Clarke said as she circled Lexa looking at the black material.."The red cape matches."

"I know." Lexa whispered as clarke circled her closely.

"Are you nervous?" Clarke asked as her eyes consumed her body, scanning every inch of her. Lexa shuffled under her gaze, she could deal with thousands staring at her. But one look from Clarke made her weak at the knees.

"Of the ceremony, no. Of Azgeda making a fuss, yes." Lexa said as she motioned Clarke to sit with her. " Are you afraid Clarke?"

"More anxious I if they disapprove last second and-"

"Clarke," Lexa took her hand. "The vote is can not change that." she said simply. It was true. What is done is done, Only Azgeda could oppose. And them themselves would not be enough to stop the Skaikru from becoming part of her coalition. The other clans approved of the decision. She herself knew it was a wise one. They had maunon weapons on their side, people with good healing skills, equipment and knowledge of tek. She was taking an enemy and making them an ally.

"Good." Clarke said as she planted a small kiss to Lexa's temple making the older girl blush.

"Where is Nyx?" Lexa questioned trying to distract Clarke from her now, very obvious red face.

"She's been hunting She will be with Octavia or Raven. That's if the kids are not feeding her. She will get fat. "

"Understandable." Lexa smiled at the thought of the cat being as fat as a piglet.

"I checked in on Raven, looks like she's having the time of her life. She's sat eating cake and nerding out with a little 's really sweet, he told me he would protect me." Clarke mused.

" You mean Rune, my sisters seken." Lexa handed Clarke a small glass of almond liquor.

"Thank you" Clarke said as to accepted the glass. " I was under the impression she didn't take them."

"She did ..not before him. Its a very hidden topic, for safety reasons as it is a sacred bond, the spirits bought them together."

"What do you mean?" Clarke asked curiously while savouring the sweet liquid in her glass. They had nothing like this on the Ark

"My sister swore an oath to his dying mother, who told her the spirits sent her." She tool a sip from her own glass.
" When I went to interrupt, the Commanders before me ..stopped Told me it was the right thing and was my sisters path. I was not to interfere. "

Clarke raised her eyebrow. "When you said the past Commanders spoke, I didn't think you meant literally."

"I say what I mean ai hodness." Lexa looked confused.

"I don't get it lex. Do they just show up? Like can they speak? Like how we talk?"

"No. They speak to me in my dreams, in meditation. It is like I dream of another world, like polis but bigger. And they appear in front of me and speak to have made two Exceptions when I have been fully alert. And those two occasions it was like loud voices in my head." Lexa tried to explain, It was not easy trying to describe something than only she understood.

"Just twice?" Clarke tilted her head.

"Sha. The night Nia requested to join the coalition. I wanted to kill her for what she had done to Costia." Lexa saddened. "They stopped me and told me I should not kill her, I should do what was right for my people and be the Heda they needed. " Lexa hesitated. "They told me that thousands should not be sacrificed for the revenge of one."

"Sad, but wise words." Clarke looked out to the window deep in thought.

"Are you not "weirded out" as you people say?" Lexa questioned.

"No not really.I dream of my dad all the time. I know he watches over me, I feel it in here." Clarke held her hand over her heart. "Plus." Clarke said with a sweet smile. "I'm always open minded."

"You are very wise. " Lexa moved her glass to the table and took Clarke hand. "You fight even when all who stand with you lose hope. Your like a flame that never fades. Even when I first saw you, I knew there was more to you than the eye could see. You are like a brave Lion."

" I remember when we first met." Clarke started to lead Lexa back gently towards the sofa. "I'm not gonna lie not what I expected when I requested to meet the Commander.."

"What...what Did you expect to find Clarke." Lexa questioned as she continued to retreat, unaware of the destination until her calves hit the fabric of the sofa.

"A man." Clarke smirked.

"I am no man."Lexa growled offended making Clarke smile.

"Was I what you expected?" Clarke questioned as she sat on Lexa's thighs rather than taking the space beside her.

"No.. You are much different to the person I was informed of." Lexa held Clarke's cheek and placed a loving kiss on her lips. Just enjoying the moment of peace together.
They sat together. Clarkes head resting on Lexa's shoulder. They knew they only had a little amount of time before the ceremony. But they just wanted to spend it together.

"You know, You didn't have to send a message for me to be here lex, I assumed we was meeting here regardless." Clarke said playing with her fingers.

"What message? You where the one who asked me to meet you in your quarters." Lexa questioned with confusion. It was Clarke who asked her here. Has Clarke gotten confused?.

"I didn't send any message Lex. You sent me one."

Lexa tensed up as she held on to Clarke with an iron grip." Clarke, you didn't send a message?" Lexa questioned quickly as she moved Clarke off her lap.

"No." Clarke caught up to Lexa's wave length and drew her gun from the strap on her thigh.

"You are sure?" Lexa moved quickly to the bed where her sword lay ready for the ceremony.

"Yes." She said taking the gun off safety and moving to Lexa's side.

"Clarke what exactly did the message you received say?"

"She said something like Heda wishes to meet you in your quarters before the ceremony." She said quickly as Lexa checked every room.

"Speak low, walls have ears." Lexa said as she opened the main door outside. There were no guards. She closed it carefully making sure to lock it.

"When you came in where there guards outside?"

"No, I assumed you sent them to the ceremony. Fuck." Clarke gripped her gun tightly. "If this is an attempt on our lives I don't understand is why they want us together, surely that would be more of a struggle. Why not kill us one by one."

"It was not there intention... Think share a room, but no one knows that. "

"They thought I would be in the west wing." Clarke confirmed

But why? Why would Clarke be sent to her room, and she be sent to Clarke's? What would the point be of it all. it made no sense. Was it a kidnap attempt? an assassination?

"Something is off Lex..."

Right before Clarke could finish, a huge explosion erupted outside, causing the floor to tremble. Both women ran to the balcony. A dust cloud filled the air near the north wall, followed by screams and a flood of Azgeda.

What happened to the defences? Floukru was also out there. They were all capable warriors, it was not possible.

Then Lexa's stomach fell. There was no mistake what those noises were.

"They have guns. How do they have guns."Clarke whispered.

The game had changed.

Lexa turned to look at the door."Quiet ai hodness." Lexa muttered back as she crept to the door. She put her ear against the wood and listened.
Cries and sword clashes could be heard down the hall. Getting closer and closer. How? how were they here, in the tower.

Clarke took a few steps back as the shouting was now clear. They were screaming for Heda. Warning her. An enemy was here.
Lexa ran from the door and pulled Clarke into her bathing room and handed the blonde her dagger. She knew her gun only held so many bullets. She then looked a scared Clarke in the eyes and gave her an apologetic look. "Clarke I need you to stay here. Shoot anyone that comes through that door-"

"Don't you not letting you go out there alone, that's insane!" Clarke snapped as she gripped her arm further. If the adrenaline in her body wasn't present , it would have been painful.
Before they could argue further they heard the door start to break as someone smashed against it. Knowing it could be the last time , Lexa pressed her lips against Clarke's stunning the younger girl before pushing her across the room.
"Wigod op ai hodnes. Mebi oso na hit choda op nodotaim."(Forgive me my love. , may we meet again.) Lexa said as she swiftly slammed the door shut before locking Clarke inside. She lost Costia, she would not lose Clarke. Lexa's attention switched from Clarkes protest to the clicking of boots.

"Clarke ." A familiar voice echoed outside the room. "Come on out."
Lexa held her breath as the person made there way into the sound of metal on stone filled the room a as the intruder dragged a weapon across the floor. Lexa watched in disbelief as a familiar face appeared around the corner.

"Its you?"