I'll be the Bad Guy

Chapter 49: Devil's Advocate

Lexa's POV-

I climb my tower's stairs at a quick pace, desperate to escape reality. I practically fall into the empty kitchens feeling a cooling chill as I enter. The floor is stone, and the ceilings are high. I had always considered the kitchens to be a place of comfort since I first was taken to Polis as a young natblita. There were always dozens of busy staff swarming, and heavenly, delicious foods being prepared. It smelled of spices and freshly baked sweet breads.

Tonight, it was different. The large room was dark and void of life. The countertops typically decorated with countless mixing bowls, knives, and foods in the process of creation were now clean and bare.

I felt a sense of disappointment, expecting to find solace in the busy atmosphere. In the kitchens, I didn't feel like the most important person in the room; I didn't have to make decisions. I could just exist.

I sit alone with my thoughts for several hours watching the stars slowly make their way across the night sky. I look out at the empty streets of Polis and listen to the sweet sound of silence.

I bathe in the silence because I knew at this time tomorrow my hands would be red.

Tomorrow night, Wanheda would die, and I would kill her.

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Clarke's POV-

"You are to see the Commander." A guard informs me at the crack of dawn.

The sun had only just risen, and I could feel the weight of my eyelids pulling themselves shut again.

I'm forced to follow the guard out of my room as he leads me away. I expected to stop at the Commander's chambers, so I'm confused when we pass her doors.

Finally, we get to the room I'd recognized as the throne room.

Guards stand on either side of the double doors holding spears as a messenger slips inside to inform Lexa of my presence.

I feel Gustus' presence behind me as his large shadow looms over my small figure, blocking me in.

"BRING HER IN!!!" A familiar voice roars. Suddenly, I feel real fear. I wasn't afraid before, but I certainly was now.

The doors open in synch with each other letting a blinding light infiltrate my vision.

Gustus pushes me forward into a stride down a long red carpet.

I gulp down my fear as I look around seeing the leaders of the 12 clans, Anya, Indra, Titus, and of course the Commander sitting atop a large risen throne before me.

"Wanheda." She speaks, acknowledging my presence and asserting her power.

"Commander." I return, nodding my head in respect.

I can feel Lexa's watchful gaze as I lower my head. Although we're in a room with dozens of warriors, I feel as though it is just us.

"The 12 clans have decided. Tonight, you will die by my hand." Her voice is soft and controlled as she intensely watches me. I can't tell if there is empathy behind her eyes- probably not- but I can feel the regret and hesitancy behind her tone, even if others cannot.

I gaze up at her with astonish plastered across my face. Would she really do this? Kill me?!

"Lexa don't do this." I whisper, in disbelief. I never imagined the situation would be taken this far.

"It is decided." She says with a saddened certainty in her voice.

"Please-." I breathe, staring deeply into her emerald eyes.