BROKEN BONES • THE 100 [3]

ii. AMITY

Erica had dreamt of her friends the night before, her subconscious reminiscing on how much simpler things were when they'd first arrived on Earth, not that she'd ever expected that.

She woke with a start, a pang of sadness struck her heart. She missed her friends so terribly. Her desire to go home grew more and more every day, but the only thing stronger than that feeling was the guilt that prevented her from going home.

Erica stretched her entire body out, sitting up and looking around at the room Lexa had prepared for her. She let out a deep sigh, running a hand through her hair. Soft silks slid against her skin, plush furs keeping her warm. Koda lay at the foot of her bed, but when she felt Erica rise, so did she.

Again, she went out on the balcony, overlooking the markets of Polis. Erica heard the doors of her room open, and she spun around quickly. Lexa entered quietly, her hands folded behind her back.

She was dressed casually, no war paint or cloak to adorn her small frame.

Erica looked at her feet, more guilt overcoming her like a dark wave of misery. She remembered her conversation with Kol from the night before.

"I wanted to give you time, but we must speak now." Lexa paused, taking a seat on the bed and motioning for Erica to join her. "You and Clarke are in grave danger."

Erica moved over slowly, sitting as she turned to the Commander. "What do you mean?"

Lexa explained in detail the belief of the Grounders, that power can be transferred through killing. She told her of the Queen of Azgeda's plans and announced to Erica that she was arranging for Clarke to come to the capitol as well, so she could protect them both from the Ice Queen.

"I understand you'll never forgive me for what I did," Lexa folded her hands in her lap. "But you must know that I am sorry and that I'm trying to make up for it by protecting you now. Wanheda and Skaireina have targets painted on their backs, but you're safe here, I promise."

Erica nodded quietly. "Thank you. Please let me know when you find Clarke."

They sat quietly for a moment, and Erica broke the silence. "I shouldn't have tried to kill you yesterday." She spoke guiltily, her head down. It was easier to be angry with Lexa when she was miles away.

Lexa fought off a smile. "You wouldn't have killed me. Even if you wanted to, which you didn't."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

Lexa stood, unsheathing her sword and twirling it around gracefully. "You fight with anger, not with prowess. You lack discipline, although you have potential. With training, maybe you could have wounded me, but you wouldn't have been able to kill me."

Erica's jaw dropped, she too fought off a smile. "I definitely could have killed you. Kol's been teaching me a few things."

"Kol wouldn't be able to kill me either. You'll learn. I can teach you,"

Erica crossed her legs underneath herself, and changed the subject. "When do you think this will be over? What's our plan?"

Lexa sheathed her sword once again, sighing softly. "At this moment, we don't have one."

Erica nodded quietly, and a knock rang at the door.