The One Who's Fallen

Chapter 46

The next few days pass quickly, and despite us constantly keeping an eye out for them, we see no more signs of any Maunon.

Lexa and I continue using the same tent, and I have to admit its really great waking up to see her every morning. It's like a dream I never knew I had that comes true every day. The best part is that Lexa and I both agree that we're comfortable showing affection out in the open, so I get to hold her hand basically whenever I want. We haven't kissed anywhere but the tent yet, but I'm ninety percent sure that even the horses know we're dating. Lexa's horse and mine have been walking closer than that first day.

We're nearing the end of the ride, which is great because I'm not sure my butt will ever recover from this abuse. I can't wait to see Polis, both because it's the capital, and therefore will be the largest city I've been to, and the fact that Lexa loves the city. And it's not just because she's the Commander and this city is home to the Heda. I can tell by the way she brightens, even when it's subtly, when Polis is mentioned. It's in how she's been excited all day, since we're going to be arriving today. She's more relaxed, and her smile comes easier. Lexa being happy like this is a beautiful sight that makes me fall for her just a little more.

Lexa lets out a gasp suddenly, but it sounds like it's not from terror or a bad emotion. She points to something in the trees.

"Do you see that light, Clarke?" Lexa waits for me to nod before she continues. "That is from the Heda's Tower. We are getting close."

Lexa start telling me random facts about Polis and how it was created. Apparently, their first Commander founded it not long after the bombs fell, back when this place was nothing but a wasteland. She tells me that the city was named after the letters on the metal container their first Heda fell from the sky in. Lexa says she'll show me it, which will be interesting. Maybe she fell from the Ark or some space station I've heard of.

By now, Lexa's sitting up even straighter on her horse as gates come into our view. They're high enough that I can't see in the city. The guards see Lexa and grin, obviously happy to see her back here. There's some shouting and the gate is pulled to the sides, creaking open.

The cobbled streets come into view first, and then some houses lining it. They're built expertly, not at all like the thrown-together ones in TonDC. The streets are full of people and I've never seen such a lively place. There are yelling vendors selling their wares and people going about their daily lives, as well as children giggling and playing in the streets. I can see why Lexa likes it here so much.

People see us on our horses and bow slightly, welcoming Lexa back. She smiles and greets almost every one by name. With the streets so full of people, we're forced to move slowly through the crowd. Lexa leads the way, with my horse beside hers.

I look up and my mouth drops open slightly. Okay, when Lexa said Heda's Tower, she really meant a tower. That thing is huge. Though it does resemble a giant candle, which I'm sure Lexa likes.

We make our way toward it, the crowd never really thinning out. Near the base of the tower, guards come and lead our horses to the Commander's stable. There's a smaller market near the tower, but there's one spot that everyone avoids. It seems like it's almost automatic for everyone to avoid that one place.

Lexa notices where I'm looking and chuckles. "Many floors above that spot is my throne room. Throughout my being Heda, I have kicked fourteen people from the balcony. They all land right about there. The people of Polis have learned to avoid that place."

"Why did you kick them?" I ask as we make our way toward the entrance to the tower.

"For many different reasons. Some just would continue to disrespect me, some were assassins, and one bragged about Nia killing Costia."

"Dang. Well, that person definitely deserved it." I remark as we make our way in, the guards and the others following behind us.

"Yes. It was quite satisfying to hear him scream the whole way down." Lexa smiles before pointing out these odd looking doors. "And now we have to get into the elevator, only three more can fit in with us."

The doors are pulled open by the guards on either side of it and we walk in. Luna, Anya, and Indra come in with us.

The elevator starts moving up. "I thought that you don't have electricity." I say to Lexa.

"We do not. This is powered by strong people pushing a wheel." Lexa explains. The door opens and Lexa leads us out. "We are heading to my throne room to meet Titus."

Judging by Anya rolling her eyes, Luna's sigh, and Indra's grumbling, Titus isn't their favorite person. From what I've heard, their dislike isn't without reason.

The doors are pulled open for her and she strides in, her back straight. A bald guy with tattoos is looking out of the tower.

"Heda, it is good to know you came back on time." He says, not turning around. "I assume you brought that girl?"

"Yes, Titus. She is one of my advisors now."

She doesn't mention our relationship, but it's fine because I remember how she told me he would instantly hate me if he knew.

He turns, a frown on his face that seems like it's a permanent fixture on his face. Lexa's hands are behind her back, but to me it seems like she's trying to seem confident.

"Are sure that is wise, Heda?"

Dun dun dun! Titus is here. So there have been a few people asking me when the 100 is coming down. It's coming up, and it'll be after the meeting. I actually have a plan for it now! Thank you all for reading and for your amazing comments! Stay awesome!