Just Surviving (#Clexa)

Summit

Lexa POV

Tonight is a night that I will never forget.

As I stand before my throne, dressed in the ceremonial robes of the Summit, all twelve delegates of my Coalition standing below me, I feel more powerful than I have in a while. I feel like I might actually stand a chance against the Ice Queen.

Krista, a Trikru woman with arguably the most beautiful voice in Polis, sings our anthem in low, belting tones. I chose her personally, and I certainly made the right choice. I feel goosebumps rise on my skin as she begins the song, nodding to the guards so that they can open the doors.

As they swing open and Clarke enters, her face painted with the ceremonial markings of a leader, her hair and skin clean for the first time since she arrived here, I feel a lump rise in my throat at the sight of her. She looks as regal and beautiful as the Skaiprisa is supposed to be. Everyone in the room is staring at her in varying shades of awe and doubtfulness.

However, she looks at nothing but me as she strides down the carpet towards the foot of my throne. The eye contact is almost like a challenge, reminding me of who she is and what I did to her. She won't let me ruin her again.

When she stops, there's a long moment where we just gaze at each other, taking in the face of our reincarnated ally. All I worry about now is that Clarke will be the one to break me before my people someday – no one but her is capable of it, which is a dangerous thing. Hopefully that day is not soon.

Clarke lowers her eyes and my heart speeds up in anticipation as I watch her lower herself into a kneel at my feet.

She's done it. The Wanheda bowed to me, transferring her power to my leadership.

There's a very long moment of lagtime as the crowd takes in what has happened. And then, following Prince Roan, they kneel as well. The whole act sends shivers through me, and I realize I'm high on my own success – the grin which aches to rise to my face must be held back, though. I'm a leader, not a child.

As I gaze down at the top of Clarke's golden head, I can't help but wonder why I deserve this. This beautiful, powerful princess is bowing before me out of her own volition, even though I betrayed her and left her people to die. If I were her, I would have killed me.

'Hail, warriors of the twelve clans,' I say, projecting my voice so everyone in the room can hear it.

'Hail, Commander of the Blood,' is the scattered reply.

Even Clarke's own mother and advisor are kneeling to me, though I can tell they're not very happy about it. The mother stares at me with careful eyes, distrusting. But they've already accepted that they're not the true leaders of the Skaikru. They don't have the skills that Clarke has to lead and make alliances. In this, they have no choice.

'Rise,' I articulate.

As one, the whole room rises, Titus and the guards climbing to their feet by my side. When Clarke has straightened up, she sends me one look which tells me exactly what she thinks of this deal and then turns to join her people.

'We welcome Skaikru to our halls in the spirit of friendship and harmony,' I state. 'And we welcome Klark kom Skaikru. Legendary Wanheda. Mountain Slayer.' As Clarke graces me once again with her challenging blue eyes, I address the room: 'The reason for this Summit has changed. We are not here to negotiate a treaty with the Skaikru, but rather to initiate them into the Coalition.'

There's a resounding rise in noise as the delegates of each clan mumble among one other. Of course, I'd known they wouldn't readily accept it – the Skaikru are still considered our enemies by most. But they also know that they have no choice.