Chapter Text
They ate breakfast in bed, in silence.
Clarke thinks that maybe Lexa too was afraid to burst the bubble of denial they had securely encased themselves in. In spite of what her future held though, Clarke felt happy. And when Lexa walked Clarke to the parlour door, where their guards were waiting outside to escort them away from each other, Clarke told Lexa just as much.
The Heda had been off in her own mind for the majority of the morning, smiling sweetly whenever Clarke managed to catch her eyes, but then Lexa would soon drift off again thereafter. Now though, Lexa gazed down at Clarke as though nothing else in the world existed but the two of them.
“We are twice armed when we fight with faith, Clarke.” Lexa sagely declared, nodding to herself and then kissed Clarke till she was too lost to remember to ask if Lexa had meant anything more with that or whether it had just been sound advice.
‘Heda has disappeared’ was the local gossip around town. Nobody knew where Lexa was, nobody had seen her leave the gates of Polis, so obviously she still had to be somewhere inside the walls of the Capitol. Unless Lexa had instructed her gate guards not to say anything... Wrex and Grunt were also missing, which put Clarke at ease a little, but still, they were married now, even if it was new and would only be for the week and was maybe out of pity. Lexa would shit a brick if Clarke just upped and disappeared without a word.
Well Lexa, - and Abby – probably wished that Clarke would do just that, instead of facing Gregor. Regardless, Clarke trained and she had faith that she was doing the right thing. The mood at the Pits was sombre everyday she went there and Clarke’s sparring partners clearly lacked the want to strike at her.
Dead Man Walking.
But Clarke resolutely went to train each day, she discussed with Kane her plans for the Skaikru within the coalition. She introduced him to the leaders who had shown an interest to trade with them and suggested Octavia as her replacement on the Council. Clarke also planned with Bellamy ways to make sure that Guwain and Abel would cease to be a threat to the coalition and to the Skaikru.
Clarke assiduously put all of her affairs in order and the day before the Final Battle, she and her Council, along with Echo and Octavia, went up to the house on the hill to attend the dinner that would be hosted to welcome back all of the returning clan leaders.
Lexa was there. Like Clarke knew she would be. It was the Heda’s duty after all. And Lexa wasn’t one to shirk responsibility. Clarke knew why Lexa had disappeared. She had probably needed time to gather herself, so that she could pull on her stoic mask and ensure it stayed in place while she hosted the dinner and for when she would be forced to watch Clarke battle the Mountain in front of an entire stadium filled with people who thought their Heda unassailable.
Clarke sent longing glances in the Heda’s direction, but continued to speak with Luna, Victus and Hector. She made sure to involve Kane as much as possible, in hopes that they would welcome him into the fold of those loyal to Lexa and stand strong together against anyone who threatened the coalition.
Clarke hated the pity in some eyes and the outright glee in others – Guwain and Abel of course –, but she ignored it all and she kept her head held high and her chest puffed out while she confidently mingled her way through the dining hall.
And when the party was winding down, Clarke told her mother that she would be staying the night and Abby’s eyes instantly watered.
“You look so much like your father...” Abby hoarsely whispered. “You’re as stubborn in your beliefs as he was.” She looked frustrated, heartbroken and proud all at once. “So brave too. And such an endearing idiot.” Abby choked out a sob, but she hugged her daughter goodbye without a word of protest.
Clarke might have gotten some of those better traits from her mother too.
Clarke went straight to Lexa’s room. Grunt had appeared behind her the second she left the dining hall and was a silent escort until they reached the door.
“Be strong, Little Pauna.” He softly grumbled.
Clarke just smiled and wrapped her arms around his large torso in a warm hug, before she slipped into the room.
Lexa appeared a few minutes later. When she saw Clarke on the bed she didn’t waste anytime in undressing. Clarke could only watch the stunning nude form that stalked toward her. They didn’t speak again, what was left to be said that Lexa hadn’t expressed in every kiss that was placed over Clarke’s skin and with every caress of her hands that seemed to want to memorise every part of her?
Clarke fell asleep that night, sated and at peace with her fate. Since she had crashed on the ground, Clarke had lived a thousand years, and to spend her last night in Lexa’s arms, somehow made everything worth it.
Clarke woke up alone the next day and was both relieved and disappointed that she didn’t have to face a verbal goodbye with Lexa. She hurried home to the depressing mood in her house, but ignored it in favour of a long bath. Clarke was dressed in only her boots, leather pants and bindings when there was a soft knock on the door of her bedroom and a throat anxiously cleared on the outside.
“You have a visitor, Clarke.” Her mother’s voice came through the door.
Abby sounded apprehensive and confused, so Clarke quickly pulled on her shirt, holstered her scabbard around her waist and then drew her sword before she walked out. Her mother didn’t seem scared when she led Clarke into the living room where her friends were all waiting on her to get ready so that they could go to the stadium together.
Frowning, Clarke noticed Indra first, a large leather satchel in her hand, before she spotted the cloaked figure in the room, the one who everyone was staring at. The figure then turned towards Clarke and the hood was lifted off a mass of beautiful brown curls.
“Heda...” Clarke smiled but then frowned soon after. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“The Heda is not here.” Lexa smirked and removed her cloak.
Echo seemed the only one not stunned by the Commander’s presence – or perhaps appearance - and moved forward to take the cloak from her. Lexa nodded her thanks and moved toward Clarke. She was dressed in a long, flowing, white dress, that was so ordinary looking on its own, but combined with Lexa’s body and face and it was just...
“Gorgeous...” Clarke murmured, unable to hide her appreciation of the look or the Heda’s presence. She had thought that it would be better not seeing Lexa before the battle, but she had been wrong. Clarke was grateful that Lexa had come to say goodbye.
When Lexa reached her, she gently grasped Clarke’s wrist and pulled her forward by her hand and then urged Clarke to lower down to sit on the floor. Ever willing to do whatever Lexa wanted whenever the Heda touched her, Clarke obediently sat down Indian style, and watched Lexa lowering next to her.
“It is the tradition of the Trigedakru, that a woman prepares her houmon for battle.” Lexa whispered with a soft smile. “May I braid your hair, Clarke?”
Clarke just nodded, her eyes quickly darting to her friends and mother watching the personal exchange between her and Lexa. She should’ve suggested going to her bedroom.
“Uh... Should we leave and come back later?” Bellamy confusedly asked.
“You are Clarke’s family,” Lexa answered, still focused on her lithe fingers swiftly threading Clarke’s hair, “you will stay and be with her now.” It was said as a request, even when the words were a command. But Clarke knew that Lexa knew that they didn’t want to leave her. So Clarke gave them all a reassuring smile and they settled into their chairs and the walls and cabinets they were leaning against and tried to avert their eyes from the intimate scene playing out on the living room floor.
It was quiet while Lexa diligently worked, until Clarke’s hair was braided back from her face in a few thin braids that met up behind her head and then cascaded down with the rest of Clarke’s long, blonde hair. Indra then handed Lexa some war paint, blue like Grunt’s, Clarke noticed and her eyes fluttered closed when Lexa’s fingertips caressed the cool paint onto her face.
“I have made it the same as mine.” Lexa murmured and shifted back to appraise her handiwork.
Clarke’s eyes fluttered open, dreamily staring at Lexa sitting in front of her and then her brows knitted together before she was completely scowling.
“Leksa...” She cautiously started. “You won’t interfere with this match, right?”
Lexa seemed to ignore the question, slowly rising and wiping her hands on a cloth. Clarke got up as well, suspiciously eyeing the quiet Commander.
“Lexa, if you kill him to save me there will be war. It’s too far into this competition for there not to be. Guwain is just waiting for this opportunity. He and Abel will join their armies and I saw them speaking with Thraxus. I’m worried about the Nomad’s too, they looked pissed when they left and they seemed off last night. They’ll use this and they’ll come after you if you interfere...”
Lexa spun around, eyes stern, yet passionately blazing and unwavering.
“Then let them come.” Lexa growled. And even without the armour and the braids and the weapons and the war paint, everyone could tell that this was the Heda of the Thirteen Clans in front of them. “I will fight them all for you.” Lexa vowed. “My people are your people now, Clarke. Our people are strong and they will destroy those who threaten us.”
“Sha Heda.” Chorused Echo and Indra, and Clarke watched the steel in their eyes and the determined set of their jaws. Yes, they would follow their Heda anywhere.
“And if I told you that I wanted peace?” Clarke asked, tentatively taking hold of the rigid Commander’s wrist. “That I didn’t want war, but I wanted you to finish building that school? That I wanted to move the Skaikru to Polis? That I would die for that to happen now rather than have more innocent people die because of me? Would you respect that?”
Lexa’s eyes glistened and had Clarke not forgotten that they stood in front of a room full of people, she would’ve been surprised that Lexa allowed them all to see her so vulnerable.
“Ai...” Lexa looked conflicted between love for Clarke and duty to her people. That she was willing to go to war for Clarke, said so much. It made Clarke even more determined to do her best that day.
“Trust me, Leksa.” She whispered, pulling the suddenly frail looking woman closer to her. “I need you to trust in me. I want peace. I’ll fight hard because I want our people to be safe. And even harder still to keep you safe.” Clarke leaned up and kissed Lexa on her forehead. She then gently caressed the soft hair at the nape of Lexa’s neck, coaxing her to look up again. “Let me protect you.” Clarke asked and gently wiped the tears off of Lexa’s cheeks. She smiled warmly when she got a jerky nod in response.
Lexa sniffed once, and straightened her back and reached a visibly shaking hand out to Indra, who started passing Lexa pieces of armour.
“This is yours...” Clarke frowned. She had stared at Lexa long enough to notice every singular piece.
“Yes.” Lexa rasped, sliding them into place. “They are stronger, but lighter than yours are and shouldn’t be too difficult to adjust to.”
Clarke was very aware that this wasn’t the first time that Lexa had dressed her in armour before she went to face a Mountain. That day felt like a lifetime ago. Clarke felt like an entirely different person. She felt like Lexa was an entirely different person than who Clarke had thought her to be at that time. But had Lexa changed at all though? Or was it just because Lexa had become more open toward Clarke after meeting again in Polis?
Clarke watched while Lexa buckled up the remaining straps and finally slipped on the shoulder guard which had a long blue cape hanging from it, instead of Lexa’s usual red.
“Blue for the Sky People?” Clarke smiled, somehow feeling more confident with Lexa’s armour on her.
“Blue for your eyes.” Lexa murmured, focused on making her final adjustments and not yet noticing Clarke’s bright cheeks and bashful smile.
Clarke’s gaze caught her mother’s then. Abby was staring at Lexa with a mixture of disbelief and warmth and understanding that made Clarke’s heart clench. It was probably in that moment that her mother finally realised that Lexa didn’t want Clarke in this tournament anymore than Abby did.
Clarke looked down again when a dark leather Binding Bracelet was attached to her wrist. It was only then that Clarke noticed that Lexa was wearing one too. Luckily, before Clarke could throw herself into Lexa’s arms and sob her heart out, the Heda took a step back and appreciatively raked her eyes over Clarke, who stood instantly taller at the perusal.
“I have to go now, Clarke.” Lexa softly lamented after soaking up every inch of her.
Clarke nodded jerkily, but kept her shoulders squared and her back straight. She would stay strong for Lexa. Even when her heart ached when Lexa reached for her cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders again. But instead of going to the door, Lexa walked to where Clarke had left her sword on the floor and went to retrieve it.
“You are Clarke of the Sky People.” Lexa’s voice was steady as she sheathed the sword into the scabbard at Clarke’s side. “The Little Pauna of Polis.” She smirked and looked up into Clarke’s eyes while she caringly took the blonde’s hands into hers. “Your hands can kill, but they can also heal...” She rubbed her thumbs in circles on Clarke’s palms. “And they... caress and they love...” Lexa’s smile turned lopsided and Clarke’s heart started to pound in her chest. “Your soul is brave...” She continued, reluctantly letting go of Clarke’s hands. “...and your heart is strong.”
Lexa licked her lips and cupped Clarke’s cheek with a trembling hand. “You have made our people proud, Clarke.”
“Sha Heda.” Clarke heard her friends agreeing with the Grounders in the room and her chest swelled with pride but nearly exploded at Lexa’s next words.
“You have made your houmon proud.” Lexa softly declared and placed a lingering kiss to the corner of Clarke’s mouth. “Ste yuj, Steltrona.“
Be strong.
“Sha, Heda.” Clarke whispered back, cupping her hand over Lexa’s still on her face. She held on until she was forced to let go, when Lexa reluctantly stepped away form her and turned to walk out of the door.
“Pauna, Pauna, Pauna, Pauna!”
The chanting had started the second Clarke stepped down onto the field to make her way over to the dais where the leaders sat. Many eyed her with respect as Clarke held her head high and showed no fear. What was there to fear when her fate had already been decided?
Lexa sat on her Antler Throne, hair braided, war paint and armour on, and still it couldn’t mask the nauseous look on the Heda’s face. Lexa was barely able to look at Clarke when the blonde came to stand in front of her.
“Winnes set raun bakon kom givnes.” Clarke boldly declared. “Ai sonraun laik yu sonraun, Heda.“
Victory stands on the back of sacrifice. My life is your life, Heda.
When Lexa’s chin quivered, Clarke bit hard on the inside of her cheek, spun around and walked away, before the people – and more specifically the clan leaders - could see their Heda crying.
Clarke returned to her family, her mother sitting to the side, softly sobbing in Kane’s arms. They’d said their goodbyes already. Her friends told her that she should focus on winning instead of saying goodbye, but Clarke just laughed and hugged them anyway.
“Remember to stay out of reach and let him swing and miss.” Echo hoarsely whispered and tightly hugged Clarke against her, in spite of still recuperating from her near fatal injury.
Clarke had to gently pry herself out of the strong grip and luckily Bellamy was there to embrace Echo or Clarke was sure that the Azgeda would’ve gone and battled the Mountain on Clarke’s behalf.
Clarke flashed them all a big grin that only seemed to make them sadder, before she walked to the fighting ring and waited for Gregor to return from his obligatory honouring of the Heda and the clan leaders.
When Gregor finally stood in front of Clarke – looking larger than ever - a vicious sneer was spread across his face.
“I’m going to take my time with you, Pretty Girl.” He eerily chuckled.
And that was the one thing Clarke had dreaded. That Gregor would make her friends and mother and Lexa watch while he chopped her body up into tiny little pieces. Guwain had probably put in a special request for that.
The Mountain’s axe actually seemed larger than it had before, but Clarke recognized it as the same one. Gregor hadn’t even bothered with cleaning Dane’s blood off of the blade.
Clarke grew queasy again when she remembered what had been left of the brave Floudonakru warrior. Clarke didn’t want her mother to have to attempt to prepare a body that had been mutilated like that. She should’ve made better arrangements for her funeral, was Clarke’s last thought before the giant axe came rushing at her.
She instinctively ducked out of the way, her sword hand striking out at the back of Gregor’s arm in automation. She drew blood and the crowd cheered, but Gregor was coming at her again an instant later. Clarke spent the next few minutes jumping out of his way. He was faster than he appeared to be and Clarke’s instincts were so honed that on another vicious swing, instead of ducking, she mechanically – unfortunately - used her sword to block the powerful strike.
Clarke’s hands wrung as though they had been electrocuted, at the impact that broke her sword in two and sent the top piece flying through the air and the other falling to the ground, jolted out of Clarke’s hands by the massive blow. There was no time to pick it back up as Gregor chopped at her again and Clarke was forced to leap back.
She quickly drew a dagger from her pants and held it up, it suddenly felt so tiny. Gregor must’ve thought so too, because he laughed loudly at the sight while he continued to menacingly advance on her as Clarke backed up. Seemingly amused by a thought, Gregor chuckled and threw his axe down. He then grinned menacingly and motioned with both hands for Clarke to come at him.
The Little Pauna bristled, her heart thundered in her chest. Clarke knew it would be a mistake, but he stood in between her and her broken sword and right next to the axe she would probably struggle swinging if she was able to get passed him and pick it up. She wished that she had Lexa’s skills with a dagger, so that she could just throw him in the eye with it… Clarke needed to find a way to weaken him enough so that Lexa would stand a chance. That was her purpose here.
“Come here, Pretty Girl.” He smirked. “Don’t be afraid.” He sinisterly coaxed and since her only other option was running away, Clarke geared up ran at the Mountain.
She flew threw the air, aiming her dagger for his heart but he caught her mid-flight as though Clarke weighed nothing and his giant hand instantly wrapped around her throat. Gregor then punched her hard against the side of her face and Clarke thought that she might’ve blacked out for a second, but as soon as she realised that she was still conscious, Clarke started wildly kicking at his stomach, and managed to finally stab the dagger into his shoulder; desperate to wound him before he strangled her to death.
Gregor only growled in irritation and lifted her higher. Clarke was getting dizzy from lack of oxygen and she was sure he’d given her a concussion. Blood was freely flowing over her left eye from a cut at her brow caused by his knuckles, but Clarke mustered all of her remaining strength and then with a mighty uppercut, she punched Gregor underneath his chin. She manically laughed when he spat out the piece of his tongue that he had bitten off at the unexpected impact of Clarke’s fist.
She knew she had broken her wrist, maybe a finger too, but it was so fucking worth it.
Gregor roared again, blood and spittle flying out of his mouth and then he threw Clarke through the air. She landed awkwardly on her left wrist and ankle to overcompensate for the break in her right hand and from the blinding pain, Clarke thinks she might’ve sprained or broken both of those limbs too. She rolled though as she met the ground in an attempt to absorb some of the impact, and eventually came to a rest on her back. Completely exhausted and gasping for air. Her body felt broken, her left eye was almost swollen shut and sand was caked into the blood and sweat all over her face.
The punch Gregor had given her, still had her head spinning and her ears ringing and made her body feel heavy, almost numb. Had he somehow managed to break her spine?
Clarke was still desperately sucking in big lungfuls of air, when she felt a large shadow moving over her, to see Gregor – blood flowing down his chin and over his chest – having retrieved his axe. He had that creepy smile on his face as he loomed over Clarke and lifted the axe above his head as though he was preparing to chop a piece of wood.
Clarke closed her eyes and let out a soft breath. She prayed that Lexa would be able to beat him, that he would be stupid enough to pull out that dagger and become weakened by bloodloss before getting treatment. Clarke prayed that her mother would be fine. That she and Lexa would take care of each other and then crazily chuckled at the thought, before she sobered again. Lexa and Abby would take care of each other, Clarke assured herself, eyes still closed as she let go of the heavy weight that had rested on her shoulders. The Skaikru would be fine. Her mother would be fine. Echo would be fine. Lexa would be fine. Clarke had done all that she possibly could.
Her fight was over.
Clarke was startled out of her Zen-like state of acceptance by an earsplitting clank of metal on metal. She jerked her eyes open and half lifted off the ground in surprise. Ironically, she noticed Gregor’s confused face first and then followed his gaze to a spear tip, hooked underneath his axe at the base of the blade. Clarke painfully scrambled to sit upright when she noticed the intricate braids that decorated the back of Lexa’s head, while the Heda stood, commanding and rigid, as she stared down a giant.
“Don’t do this, Lexa.” Clarke croaked out, her throat sore from being choked, wondering if she was dead and whether this was just some afterlife shit happening in front of her. She attempted to get to her feet and thought that she had succeeded, but then realised that it was Nyko who had gently lifted her up in his arms.
Looking around, Clarke could see her mother and Echo were at her side and the clan leaders had also made their way over. Guwain was standing next to Gregor now and smirking at Lexa like he had just been named Heda in her place.
“Stop it, Leksa. I can keep going.” Clarke mindlessly tried to save the situation.
Everyone ignored her.
“Heda, this is unacceptable!” Guwain exclaimed, taking a step forward and promptly found the sharp tip of Lexa’s lance pointed at his throat.
“Bak op.” Lexa snarled. “Everyone here knows how frequently I have tolerated your subtle threats, Guwain, question me now and I promise that I will smile down on your corpse before the sun sets over Polis this day.” She growled out her warning and the man was smart enough to step back.
Wrex and Grunt easily positioned themselves in between Lexa and the Mountain, while the Heda lifted her head to address the curious crowd.
“My people!” Lexa shouted and the loud murmurs that had spread across the stadium instantly quieted. “Clarke of the Sky People will not be continuing this battle!”
There was a surprise buzzing from the crowd, but Clarke guessed that it had more to do with Lexa having stopped the match herself rather than them actually wanting to see her head bashed in with an axe.
“She has lasted longer in this tournament against warriors with more experience than she has years!”
Murmurs of agreement this time.
“She has only been training as a warrior for four seasons and yet she was victorious against the best that the Twelve Clans have to offer!”
More soft agreement and Clarke felt that Lexa was really exaggerating her feats.
“As Heda I see the potential of a great warrior and an even greater leader for our people!”
Lexa explained why she had stopped the match and watched a few other clan leaders nod in agreement.
“Your Heda has chosen her houmon!” Lexa loudly and confidently declared, much to Clarke’s surprise. “And I will not have her die today!”
There was silence for a split second and then the crowd erupted into applause and wild cheers. Even the clan leaders, save for Abel and Guwain, offered congratulations. No one – not even most of the spectators - seemed the least bit surprised at the revelation.
Lexa quieted everyone again with a raised hand and turned to Guwain even as she addressed the crowd.
“Gregor of the River Clan will be awarded victory of this match and winner of this tournament! As such, I will now exercise my right to challenge him!”
Raucous cheers went up again and Clarke started to struggle in Nyko’s arms in protest, but her throbbing head spun and she felt like throwing up or passing out, or both.
“Heda! Heda! Heda! Heda!”
“Do you accept, Guwain?” Lexa asked so only those on the field could hear. “Or do you wish to challenge my decision?” She sneered in a way that looked as though she really wanted him to.
Guwain just nodded amicably, then glared at Clarke as though he had really wanted her dead. But he would still be getting what he wanted. Lexa would still be facing the Mountain.
“Good.” Lexa firmly stated. “I will take a few moments to see to Clarke. Your warrior may rest and treat his wounds during that time. We will begin shortly.”
Then Lexa handed her lance to Indra and walked over to Nyko and extended her arms, he tenderly transferred Clarke over to Lexa with a soft smile. Clarke looked up into big green eyes, not even hearing the crowd screaming their lungs out at the display. Lexa gingerly walked her back to the dais, cradling Clarke with the care one would take with a newborn baby and gently sat her down on the Heda’s Antler Throne.
“Your mother has gone to retrieve her medical bag.” Lexa whispered, accepting a wet cloth from Nyko who was busy setting up his own supplies. “She and Naikou will make you all better.” Lexa murmured, while tenderly patting the blood and dirt off of Clarke’s face.
Clarke just stared at her in wonder, until her injured head finally caught up to the reality of the situation.
“You shouldn’t have done that, Lexa.” Clarke whispered.
“I should not have let you face yet another Mountain while I chose to protect my people.” Lexa firmly responded, but her eyes flashed with guilt as they rapidly took in Clarke’s injured face.
Clarke realised in that moment that she had truly forgiven Lexa for choosing to save her people that day. What she hadn’t realised was that Lexa might be struggling to forgive herself. Clarke’s chest warmed even as it ached for Lexa. But Clarke knew the Heda, so she didn’t focus on the past, and instead asked about the future.
“Won’t there be repercussions?” Clarke anxiously wondered.
“You have lost your match and I have challenged the winner of the tournament. What is there to question?”
Lexa had a point. It wasn’t like she’d interfered and declared Clarke the winner, or killed Gregor. She’d just stopped Clarke from dying… Whatever talk there would be after, wouldn’t be that difficult to handle. Lexa hadn’t said that they were married, only that she had chosen her houmon. But surely everyone could see the matching Binding Bracelets they wore? And given how everyone seemed to already know of their relationship, no one would bat an eye if Guwain and Abel were to start looking at technicalities. So it all came down to whether Lexa would equitably defeat the Mountain. If she pulled that off, then their secret marriage shouldn’t matter.
And yet still, Clarke didn’t want Lexa going out there.
“Please don’t do this.” Was all Clarke could say, realizing what it must’ve felt like for Lexa to sit by and watch her fight every time. Lexa was obviously way more skilled than Clarke was, but Gregor was a whole other animal. Clarke’s ears were still wringing from that one punch.
Abby returned then, looking torn between giving them a moment and seeing to Clarke. When Lexa noticed her, she immediately rose and Abby placed a firm hand on Lexa’s shoulder and then gently squeezed. The two women stared at each other for a moment and then Abigail Griffin smiled at the Commander and Lexa actually smiled back.
Clarke beamed at the two of them, not even caring about how much it hurt her face.
Lexa cleared her throat, schooled her features and nodded stiffly at Abby and then looked to Clarke again with a serious expression that wiped the happiness instantly off of the blonde’s features.
“I have to go.”
“I hate it every time you say that.” Clarke sighed.
“But have I not always returned to you, Steltrona?” Lexa smiled charmingly.
Clarke could only sniff, tears blurring her vision, even as her heart flipped at the truth of the statement. Lexa tenderly wiped her tears away while they streamed down Clarke’s cheeks and then bent down to lovingly kiss Clarke on her lips.
“Be strong, Lexa.” Clarke’s breath hitched and she clung to Lexa’s hand, but let go when the Heda gently pulled out of her weakened grip.
“Take care of her.” Lexa instructed no one in particular, but Abby, Nyko, Octavia, Echo and Bellamy all nodded nonetheless. Even Wrex, Grunt and Indra, who stood around the Antler Throne as though they were guarding a sacred treasure, nodded as well.
Clarke watched as Lexa lazily and skillfully twirled the lance that Anya had given her in her hand, while the Heda waited for the Mountain to make his way back to the battle ring. But then Clarke turned her head to the left side of the dais and looked toward Guwain and Abel seated at the end of the row.
“Guwain!” Clarke called toward the man and both he and Abel turned to her with matching sneers. “I hope you remember our conversation. I will be sure to deliver on my promises now.”
Clarke grinned madly at the fear in their faces, and sat back on the throne to focus on Lexa again, ignoring the questioning looks from everyone who had noticed the exchange. Bellamy had various eyes on those two, so Clarke wasn’t worried about them pulling anything during Lexa’s battle. She actually hoped that they would do something stupid, so that they could be instantly shot down because of it.
The crowd was in way better spirits now than they were when Clarke had faced the Mountain and Clarke thought that their faith in their Heda was probably a good sign. But then again, their faith in their Heda was almost blind. They thought that Lexa could do anything.
“Why isn’t she wearing any armour!” Clarke suddenly cried out and moved to get up, but was restrained by a firm hand from Octavia on her shoulder.
Clarke had absently been admiring Lexa’s toned arms when she realised that the Heda was only dressed in a tight dark vest and leather pants.
“So that she can move easier.” Octavia supplied.
And yes, Clarke could’ve figured that out for herself, but she had been hit in the head by a giant fist and almost choked to death only a few minutes ago.
“Still.” Clarke answered. “If he hits her…”
“Even with armour the blow would be debilitating.” Bellamy responded, reluctant to upset Clarke further, but out of all of them, Clarke knew best what the Mountain was capable of.
“Heda is excellent with a lance.” Indra stoically reassured while she kept her eyes on Lexa, much like Clarke was. Well maybe not as ‘appreciatively’ as Clarke was.
“We have been training this past week.” Wrex offered as well and Clarke realised where Lexa had disappeared to.
“The length of the weapon would allow her a wider reach without getting too close.” Echo told Clarke from where she was sitting at the base of the dais next to Bellamy, while Abby and Nyko quietly saw to Clarke’s battered body at either side of the throne.
“You could’ve given me a lance too, Ekko.” Clarke mumbled and her friend chuckled.
“Are you able to fight with a lance, Little Pauna?” Echo smirked and Clarke blushed.
Her mild concussion was definitely messing with her brain.
“She can do this right?” Clarke asked no one in particular.
There was a long pause and Clarke’s panicked face must’ve been obvious, because Lexa glared at them from all the way in the battle ring and everyone rushed to offer reassurances. Clarke just sighed and hoped Nyko would finish strapping her sprained ankle already, because she was sure she’d be running back onto that field to fling herself at Gregor if it even looked like he was going to hurt Lexa. She could grab Bellamy’s gun and just shoot him a few hundred times. Coalition be damned, Clarke would send missiles at all of them if she had to. And at that thought Clarke took a sip of water, because her rage was clearly getting the better of her again.
Lexa had warned to not make decisions while angry.
Clarke was shaken from her thoughts when the lance and the axe met in a loud clank heard even over the cheers of the manic crowd. As Echo had said, and as was smartest, Lexa stayed well out of the Mountain’s reach and waited for Gregor to attack.
Clarke thought that she might’ve fallen in love all over again as she watched the confident way that the Heda moved around the Mountain. Each time that Gregor swung, Lexa would deflect in the direction of the blow with the tip of spear and then swing it around to stab at his torso.
Soon there were various bleeding wounds all over the giant and long gashes across his back. Lexa moved her body with the grace and speed of a panther as she lithely danced around Gregor with a dogged patience and flawless precision.
Gregor growled in agitation at not being able to get a hit in, especially when he was sporting so many bleeding wounds, and his swings became wild and reckless as he blindly tried to strike at Lexa who was somehow all over him, without ever being near enough. Clarke slowly rose from the throne in anticipation.
Gregor had lost a lot of blood and he was clearly getting tired. The fucker was getting tired!
Nobody noticed Clarke moving because they were all intently watching Lexa, expertly cutting down the Mountain, piece by piece. Clarke’s heart hammered against her chest when Lexa became more offensive in her movements. Striking out against the large axe with loud thundering blows, sweat dripping down her face and glistening across her long, toned, arms. The Heda loudly cried out each time her lance collided with the axe, each hit seemingly more powerful than the strike before it.
Clarke was already off the dais when Lexa let out a fierce battle cry as she struck at the axe one final time to expose Gregor’s body, and then swiftly lunged upward to spear her lance straight into his throat. Lexa then ripped the spear tip out again and lightly moved out of the way, watching as the Mountain came crashing down at her feet.
Clarke had already memorized the image of Lexa with her lance impaled into Gregor’s neck. Her mind was set on finding some bricks and building a massive wall with her bare hands. Clarke would then paint a mural on it, for the people of Polis to forever remember their Heda, and what she had done that day.
“Heda! Heda! Heda! Heda!”
Lexa stared up into the screaming crowds for a moment, chest heaving, still tightly clutching onto bloodied lance, before she raised her free hand into the air for silence.
“Let it be known throughout the clans, that the Heda will not be defeated!” Lexa’s voice boomed across the stadium and was answered by another deafening roar from her people.
She looked almost angry in her intensity, Clarke thought, and continued to unsteadily wobble her way to the battle ring, ignoring the way her heart madly fluttered and her stomach violently clenched at the passionate posturing happening inside of the ring.
“Let it be known that the Heda fights for her woman; that she destroys in her name, that all who seek to harm the Heda’s houmon will die for their foolishness!” Lexa cried out, thrusting her lance into the air and driving the hysterical crowd even louder and wilder.
She then turned to Clarke, noticing the blonde’s shaky approach. And when Clarke was about three feet away, a very sweaty Lexa, instantly fell down onto her knees. “Let it be known that Aleksandria kom Trigedakru, Heda of the Thirteen Clans, will love and protect Clarke of the Sky People, until her fight is over!”
The people went insane at that, but Clarke didn’t even notice them.
She grinned widely at Lexa, grabbed onto her shirt – ignoring the pain in her wrist - and tugged until Lexa stood upright again after gently having placed the lance on the ground. They had both made it out of the fucking tournament alive. Lexa had found a way to save Clarke, Clarke’s reputation and her people, from war – for now at least. Lexa would’ve saved Clarke even if she did have to go to war. Lexa had promised to protect her always and Clarke knew that she would do the same for Lexa.
Fuck Abel and Guwain. Lexa had just challenged anyone in the clans to question her commitment to her houmon. Clarke knew that once the visiting clans left Polis, they would spread word of what had happened that day. By the end of the week, Gregor would’ve been three times bigger and Lexa would’ve speared him three times faster. And so the legend of the Heda would continue to spread amongst the people and only foster their respect and faith in her.
“Was it always your plan to stop Gregor from killing me?” Clarke wondered.
Lexa shook her head ‘no’ still a little breathless from the fight and screaming at the top of her lungs.
“I had spoken to my allies and told them that I intended on killing Gregor before you could fight him. They agreed to support me should Guwain retaliate.” Lexa explained. “But then you begged me not to interfere… And asked me not to go to war and to trust you today. And I thought that I should respect the decision that you had made.” Lexa looked to Clarke who nodded for her to continue. “And then I saw his hand around your neck and I did not care about promises or your pride any longer.”
Clarke laughed and wrapped her arms around Lexa’s neck, feeling as though her heart would burst with love for the woman at any second.
“But you could’ve told me that you had this tournament in the bag from the start.” Clarke playfully rolled her eyes, unable to stop madly grinning though. Her injuries and pain all but forgotten in that moment.
Lexa had of course told Clarke that she would be fine against Gregor, albeit a little too late. But Lexa hadn’t known that Clarke would not concede against Garrus to have said anything sooner.
“Few things in life are certain, Steltrona.” Lexa murmured regardless, as her eyes lovingly flickered over Clarke’s face. “But you did soften him up for me a little.”
Clarke just laughed again, unable to remember I time when she felt so light and hopeful.
“It’s kinda weird now to call me Steltrona when you’ve clearly caught me.” Clarke smirked. “You’ve just declared it in front of an entire stadium full of people and soon all of the clans will know that Clarke of the Sky People is yours.”
Lexa just smiled brilliantly and stepped closer into Clarke’s body, gently wrapped her arms around her and pulled Clarke in for a kiss that was filled with relief and joy and promise.