Osu Throu Daun Ogeda || We Fight Together || A 100 Fanfiction

XLIX

- Jordan's POV -
The next morning brings with it a stillness that feels fragile, as though the tension of the past few days hangs in the air, waiting to be disturbed. I sit on Jake's bed beside him, watching as he sleeps. His small form is cocooned in the heavy blankets, his breathing steady but his face still pale from the ordeal as one of his hands holds tightly onto my shirt. Lexa sits beside him on the opposite side, her hand resting on his other hand that clings to her, her eyes distant with thoughts that I can guess at but won't pry into yet. I glance down at Aden who's leaning against my left side, his head resting on my shoulder as he sleeps for the first time in what seems like weeks.

A quiet knock on the door pulls me from my thoughts. One of the guards from outside steps inside, his expression grim but professional.

"Heda, Jordan." He begins, addressing both of us out of habit. "The new queen of Azgeda requests an audience. She wishes to speak with either you, Heda, or you, Jordan kom Trikru."

Lexa and I exchange a glance. Her gaze softens for a moment before she nods, silently deciding that this is a task I can handle. I see the trust in her eyes, and it fills me with a quiet determination.

"You go." She says softly. "I can stay with the boys."

I nod, taking a deep breath, steeling myself for what is to come.

"Don't worry." I say quietly. "I'll take care of it."

Lexa gives a small nod, the weight of leadership and motherhood clear on her face. She places a hand on my arm, her grip firm and grounding. "Be cautious. Azgeda is unpredictable, even with a new leader."

"I will." With that, I carefully ensure that Aden doesn't fall to the side in his sleep before carefully shifting to move around him and stand before exiting the room.

As I walk through the halls, the chill of the early morning air in the tower reminds me that we are never far from danger, even within these walls. The memory of Roan's betrayal and the days of searching for Jake still clings to me like the cold, but I push it aside. This is different. A new leader, a new queen. Perhaps things will change.

When I arrive to the throne room, the guards open the doors for me, and I step inside. Standing at the center of the room is the new Azgedan queen. She is tall and imposing, much like her brother, but there is something different about her—a calmness, an air of control that Roan had lacked. Her name is Zerya, and I know immediately that she is not like the rest of her family.

Her gaze meets mine as I approach, and she gives a respectful nod. "Jordan kom Trikru." She begins, her voice carrying the strength of Azgeda but lacking the hostility I have come to expect from her people. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me."

I nod in return, standing tall as I take my place before her. "What is it you wanted to speak about?"

Zerya's eyes soften, a hint of regret visible beneath the stoic mask she wears. "First, I want to offer my deepest apologies for what my brother did. I never agreed with my mother or Roan's actions or with many of the ways our family has ruled. Azgeda... we have a reputation, and it is not one I am proud of."

Her words catch me off guard. I didn't expect such honesty from her, especially so soon into her rule. I stand there, listening intently as she continues.

"I did not want the throne, but now that it is mine, I will not allow Azgeda to be a threat to the coalition. I want to make it clear that Azgeda will remain a part of the coalition, and I will do everything in my power to weed out the traitors who still hold to the old ways. If Lexa or you, Jordan, ever need help, send word. I will ensure it reaches you."