Gustus had questioned the Azgeda spy for days. At first he refused to talk, but Gustus was a very persuasive man. Eventually the broken soldier spoke of what was to come.
Nia had officially declared war on The Commander and was using my altercation with the two Azgeda warriors at the tavern as her reasoning to the other clans. She had sent word that Heda was harbouring a murderer of Azgeda soldiers, she was unfit to command. This pretence came as no surprise. Nia was hungry for Ice Nation leadership in Polis.
I spoke with Titus and The Commander in her chambers in an attempt to reach a solution, "She wants to use me as a reason to the clans to justify marching against you. Let me go to Azgeda, let me give myself up. If she has her so called murderer then she no longer has an excuse for war." You shook your head at me, "Absolutely not!" War was always her agenda, with or without your presence here. Nia will just find another excuse to march against me". Titus interjected, "Its the only solution to prevent this, Heda".
I could tell his words didn't sit well with you. Titus was there to guide, but you always knew your own mind, "The moment Costia crosses into Ice Nation territory she's dead! I will not send her to her death for the amusement of Queen Nia". I knew his concern lay with the future of your leadership, "Heda, you have the coalition to think about. The clans wont support you if they think you harbour murderers." Anger filled my head as I absorbed the words Titus spoke, "I'm no murderer!" He glared back at me, "Maybe not but your presence here is problematic." I would not stand for his tone or his judgements, "You know nothing about me, Flamekeeper!"
The atmosphere between us began to escalate quickly. You knew neither of us would back down, "Enough! Titus leave us!" He silenced himself and bowed before walking away. You could see I was torn up by the situation. Nia was using my actions agsinst you, I felt responsible. But turning me over to Azgeda was not an option for you. I always loved your sense of conviction.
I could only feel complete frustration at the situation and it showed through anger. You did your best to quell my temper, " Costia, you need to calm down". It wasnt that easy for me to be so passive in times of difficulty, "How can I be calm at a time like this?" I hadn't had a Commanders training, my emotions were always on the surface. You tried your best to clear my mind, "Thinking through anger only leads to bad decisions." "Like going to Azgeda," I replied. You reaffirmed your decision on that matter, "Thats not going to happen. I wont let you become a casualty in Nia's vendetta. You are under my protection, Azgedas tactics changes nothing!"
I smiled at you and you gave me a confused look, "What?" You queried. I continued to smile as I replied, "The stories I heard about you were true. People talk of the new Heda and how she will be a great leader of the people." You smiled back at me, "Is that what they say about me?" It was strange you seemed surprised by this, "They do," I said.
There was a pause, a moment where you seemed lost in your thoughts. You looked at me, apprehensive of the words that followed, "and what about you?" You spoke with emotion, the veil of responsibility falling, showing me you cared. I moved towards you . Your body shifted, unsure of my intentions. My mind now clear, my heart racing. Heat coursed through my body as I paused to look into those green eyes. "I think you already know, Heda." You swallowed nervously, I'd never seen you seem so vulnerable. "Lexa." You said. "Call me, Lexa." I smiled at this new found understanding.
We were two girls, two warrior women who, in that moment, were free from the shadow of war. I took a chance, a bold move, my body seemingly out of my control. I leaned towards you and softly kissed your lips. You tenderly kissed me back. Time froze, leaving only a moment that could have lasted for an eternity. I knew I had fallen for you, I knew that my heart was yours.
That single kiss had sparked a fire that, even to this day, burned hot. The feel of your lips against mine, the touch of your hands over my naked body, electrified my senses. All the worries of the world fading away, leaving only that pure moment of intimacy.
We lay in your bed for hours, our naked bodies entwined. A moment of calm washed over us. In my hand I held the brass headpiece you wore as Commander. I still remember the intricacies of it. "Its beautiful," I said, turning to face those piercing green eyes of yours.
"Every Commander that's ever ruled has worn it. A piece of history in the palm of your hand," you said with pride.
I was curious to know more, "Twelve lines for twelve clans?"
"That's how we interpret it. All leading to a singular circle, The Commander. We are all connected to the legacy of Becca Pramheda, each time I place it upon my brow I remember her."
You seemed lost in contemplation, "You were born with her blood, it must feel like such an honour for every Natblida?" I queried.
There was a pause before you continued. "To some degree, yes. But no child can ever truly be prepared for such responsibility, none of us wanted to kill for the right to ascend. It took time to realise the importance of our blood, the link to our past, our survival."
I handed it back to you as I saw a tear well in your eye. I kissed you softly on your lips and whispered gently, "These things tear us a part at times, but they also make us stronger. You have a good heart, Lexa. Never forget that."
A smile crossed your lips and you kissed me back. I pulled you closer, urging you to continue, my hand tangled in your flowing, dark braids. I held you to my naked body, never wanting to let you go. Here we were free, here I found my peace in your arms. My Heda, my Lexa.
