Atlantis

Chapter Twenty-Eight

"Ambassadors of the coalition, today we honor our covenant. The clan that stands against one of us stands against us all."

"Bring in the accused." Titus commanded to the guards.

A woman with curly blonde hair was brought in. She was set before the Commander and other clans.

"Queen Nia of Azgeda has confessed to the destruction of Mount Weather, resulting in the death of 49 members of Skaikru. Wanheda, what say you?"

Everyone turned to Clarke. "Skaikru demands justice."

"Ice Nation does not answer to this girl."

"Silence!" Titus ordered. "The punishment for your crime is death. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"

"I need no defense. She does. Today is judgement day. I call for a vote of no confidence."

Faye noticed Lexa's uneasiness.

"Take this Queen to meet her fate." Titus ordered the guards.

"Not so fast." An ambassador stood. "Commander no longer."

"Commander no longer." Another stood. And more followed.

"Take them away too." Titus commanded.

"Wait!" Lexa said.

"Lexa, please, execute these traitors—"

"Let her make her move." Lexa silenced Titus. Many of the ambassadors stood, siding with the Queen.

"Commander, what is this?" Clarke asked.

"This is a coup."

"This is the law. Her law." Queen Nia stood. "A unanimous vote of the ambassadors or death are all that can remove a Commander from power."

"It's not unanimous." Clarke reminded the Queen.

"We don't recognize the legitimacy of Skaikru."

"We do." Titus said. "Yesterday, Skaikru took the brand. They are the 13th clan. This vote of no confidence fails. All these coup plotters will suffer the exact same fate as the Ice Queen."

"She won't take our heads because she knows our armies will retaliate." Nia called out. "None of us here wants war."

"And yet you've made many threats of war." Faye said but was quickly silenced by the Commander.

"We both know what you want, Nia." Lexa stood and went to face Nia head on. "If you think me unfit to command, issue the challenge and let's get on with it."

"Very well, you are challenged."

"And I accept your challenge."

"So be it." Titus declared. "Single combat. Warrior against warrior. To the death. Nia of Azgeda, who do you choose to be your champion?"

"My son, Roan. Prince of Azgeda."

"Heda, who'll fight for you?"

Lexa returned to her throne. Although her eyes net Faye, she had made up her mind.

"Ai laik Heda. No one fights for me."

When the meeting was over, Lexa and Faye waited for the Nightbloods.

"You think I made the wrong choice?" Faye had been silent during the rest of the meeting.

"I think you are a good Commander. But this is a foolish decision." Faye said, regretting her words instantly. "I only mean that you are strong, but you cannot go through with this."

"And why shouldn't I? How can I be strong if someone else is fighting for me."

"I swore to protect you. And I will do just that. Please, don't risk your life over some childish woman wearing a crown."

"The challenge has been made and accepted. The champions were chosen."

- - -

"What are the three pillars of being a Commander?" Lexa asked the young Nightbloods.

"Wisdom."

"Compassion."

"And strength."

Clarke came in and found Titus and Faye standing in a corner. "Talk her out of it yet?" She asked.

"No, but maybe you can."

"I don't understand, the Queen's not fighting, why should she?" Clarke asked.

"The Queen's strength is not in doubt. Thanks to you, Heda's is."

"Train hard and remember, you are each worthy of your Nightblood."

Titus walked over to the group of children Lexa was teaching. "Natblidas." They all stood in a line. "Follow me."

"Clarke. If I am to die today, it is likely Faye shall succeed me. And she knows you worry about your people. Tell her what will happen to them when you become Heda, Faye."

Faye hated speaking of Lexa's death. "If Lexa is to die, and I succeed in the battle of the Natblidas, I pledge my loyalty to the 13th clan. But only if Lexa is to die today."

"Thank you." Lexa stopped her. "See? Nothing to worry about."

"I'm sorry if I'm worried the fate of my people lies in the hands of someone other than you." Clarke said.

"Then you worry for nothing. I've sent Indra to raise an army from the villages near Arkadia. Your people are protected as I vowed they would be."

"This is not just about my people. You don't stand a chance against Roan."

"You've never seen me fight."

"No! But I saw him kill three men in the time it took the first one to hit the ground."

"And I've seen the Commander kill seven of the best warriors of all the twelve clans. She does not need your worry."

"Faye." Lexa said. "If you're right, today's the day my spirit will choose its successor and you need to accept that."

"Like hell I do." Clarke said. Clarke stormed out of the room.

"I imagine you feel the same." Lexa looked over at Faye.

"Exactly the same." Faye left.