Her Weakness

Chapter 6

The ride to Mount Weather is quiet. Clarke and I are side by side on our horses, which may make us easier targets but dying is worth a few more moments close to her.

We lead a small group of soldiers. Brave warriors. I hope we are not leading them to their death. Death may be a part of war, but that does not mean I like seeing my men and women die for me and for us.

"We are close. Should we set up camp?" Clarke asks.

I scan the tree line for gunmen. The few security cameras I have seen are dead. I assume that means Raven and the boy did a thorough job taking out their power. I hope she is not another blood stain on my hands.

"Yes. It seems they still do not have much power or security." I finally respond and get off my horse.

"Thanks to Raven," Octavia says coldly from where she was walking beside us. She may tolerate my presence for the sake of her people, but anyone with half a brain can tell she does not like me and does not trust me.

"We'll set up camp here and attack in the morning." Clarke is talking at her normal level, but her voice is so commanding, so full of power and authority that it travels to the very back of our group with no problem at all.

The soldiers get to work setting up tents as Clarke sits down on a fallen tree and spreads out our plans.

"Shall we go over this again?" Clarke studies the map intently, scrutinizing though we have gone through it so many times and pointed out the truly alarming number of ways things could go wrong, nothing will surprise us tomorrow.

"We will be fine, Clarke. We have gone through this numerous times." I sit down beside her and place a hand on her shoulder. It is meant to be comforting, but she tenses when I touch her. I am about to yank back my hand with the abnormal urge to apologize when she relaxes.

"Sorry. It's just... this is probably our last chance to save my friends before they..." Clarke trails off and she looks old way beyond her years and much too tired for a young woman.

"We will save them, Clarke. I have no doubt."

Clarke smiles sadly, "I wish I had your confidence in our abilities. This plan is brilliant, but it relies heavily on deception and our acting skills."

"I am sure you can act terrified. Just think if something that scares you, and let the emotion show on your face."

"You might have a harder time with that than me," Clarke gives an adorable half-smile that warms my heart.

"I can let emotion show. It is just easier not to."

"Your tent is up," Octavia extends a hand and helps Clarke up, ignoring my existence.

"Thank you," Clarke says and I can hear the gratitude in her voice. She is kind and genuinely cares about her people and they can tell. That is one of the many reasons they would follow her to the end of the earth and back.

I stand up and pick up our plans and Clarke gestures for me to follow her. I would follow her to the end of the earth and back as well. We duck into our tent. The inside consists an upright log that will work as a table if necessary and two of their weird blankets on the ground.

The sun is setting and shining dim light through the thin walls of the tent. I notice Clarke fighting a yawn.

"We should rest. We are going to have an eventful day tomorrow." I place our plans down on the log table.

"But we should--"

"We will be no good to your friends if we are exhausted. Sleep, Clarke." There is no more we can possibly do tonight. And I am not looking forward to tomorrow.

I will not be wearing my Commander's uniform, or anything like my normal clothing. I will be wearing Mountain Men civilian clothing with something called a "bulletproof vest" underneath. From what I gather, it is protection against the guns. Though I will be uncomfortable in such clothing, Clarke will be wearing a similar outfit, which I know I will find humorous. Though no doubt she will be as beautiful as ever.

We settle beneath the blankets and I watch as her face slacks as she falls asleep. She looks so peaceful, something she rarely seems when she is awake. I hope she will find someone who brings her the peace she brings me.

I close my eyes and try not to let fear worm its way into my dreams as it always does before battles.