That's Why I Love You

Chapter 43

Clarke

Lexa pulled me through the halls by my hand. I was laughing, and she was smiling because I was laughing. Her eyes were bright and full of life, and I noted how far she had come emotionally since the first time we met. Even a month ago, that shine wouldn't have been there. She was scantily clad in her usual black nightgown, and I wasn't the only one who noticed. Guards who passed by hungrily watched her as she walked, the tan muscles of her legs gleaming through her nightgown. Even if they were aware of her sexuality, which I was sure some were, they didn't care. Girls glanced at her, too, and it was even more infuriating. While Lexa couldn't care less if men were checking her out, she was probably somewhat flattered by the attention of other women. I shot glares at everyone who dared to look at her, but even I couldn't force eyes away from Lexa's angelic body.

A catcall echoed down the halls.

"She's taken, shit head!" I roared to him. He placed his hands on his hips and licked his lips as Lexa and I came closer. Somehow, Lexa remained oblivious to what her body was doing to other people. Looking down south, I was filled with rage at what it was doing to this guard. I let go of Lexa's hand to grip onto the collar of his shirt and force him against the wall. He was twice my height, but I didn't care. I would take on Satan himself if he was looking at Lexa the way this man was. "Put. It. Away." I growled.

"Maybe if the kind lady helped me out..." He said with a smirk.

I pushed him into the wall more. "She is the Commander of the Thirteen Clans. Your Commander. You'll speak of her with respect."

"Clarke." Lexa warned behind me.

The guard looked over my shoulder at her and laughed. "Oh, she can be my Commander all she wants."

That set me off. I took a step back and collided my fist with his jaw. He collapsed on the floor in an unconscious heap. I reached down and took the gun from its holster. This egotistical bastard didn't deserve to control a firearm. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he was one of Pike's men that slaughtered the 300 Grounders.

I turned around to look at Lexa. Her arms were crossed over her chest and she was looking at me pointedly.

"Was that necessary?" She asked. I grabbed back onto her hand and nodded.

"Very much so, yes." I said. "Now where were we?"

Lexa smiled and continued to lead me through the halls. I realized as she did this that I could do this for the rest of my life. If she left to be a million miles away from everyone I know and love, I would happily run after her.

Finally, we arrived. She smirked one last time before dramatically throwing the doors open. I gasped at what I saw and Lexa happily watched as I took everything in.

A Christmas tree was set up in the corner of the room. Candles were placed through the room, and it almost looked identical to the throne room except for a few Arkadia touches. Mom, Kane, Jasper and Monty, Raven, Octavia, Lincoln and the Nightbloods were all sitting around the tree. There were boxes underneath the tree and overflowing to the sides.

"Lex, what is this?" I asked, walking in.

"This is Christmas." She said. She took my hand back and led me in. All my friends came up to hug me, and then Talie and Wyan and Mom. Lexa and I sat in the middle of the group. "I brought gifts from Polis for everyone."

"Lexa...you shouldn't have." I said.

She smiled. "I wanted to."

She handed out the gifts. The Nightbloods opened their presents first. They got books, candles, war paint and daggers that resembled Lexa's own. They all piled on top of her to hug her, even Easley and Aden. Her eyes shined with happiness as she hugged them back. My friends and Mom and Kane seemed to enjoy the happy moment between the "mother" and her children, too.