Our Journey (the Fourth Book in the Her Weakness series)

Chapter 38

Lexa's POV

It is interesting, to see Mai interact with Clarke. Mai is not exactly a friend of mine, as we do not know each other well enough for that. But she is an ally, and has been outspoken in her support of my being Heda and of Clarke, which I truly appreciate. People have come to respect her, but it always helps to have someone who is not me and is not known to be close to me support Clarke.

Mai seems completely charmed by Clarke at dinner, which does not surprise me. Clarke can be absolutely amazing with people. She tells her stories of when she came after me (when I was kidnapped by Nia). I have heard these stories before but I still am completely enraptured by her story telling skills.

"When I first started raising an army for her, I didn't expect very many people to show up. I mean, she's the Commander, but the spirit can always find a new host. I thought people would give up on her." Clarke admits.

We have moved to the couch now, as we have finished dinner and it is a much more comfortable place to sit. I take Clarke's hand in mine, knowing it will ground her. When I first came back, one of the first differences I noticed in Clarke was how much she wanted to be around me. Another difference was her nightmares. She has always had nightmares, for as long as I have slept in the same bed as her, but now she had nightmares about me. About me getting hurt, and kidnapped, and dying before she ever gets to me.

"From what I heard, you gave a very convincing speech to the ambassadors in Polis." Mai says.

Clarke chuckles softly. "I don't know about convincing. I had ridden to Polis on the fastest horse Skaikru had, through the night until we both collapsed from exhaustion. And then kept going after we had rested. I definitely looked like a mess and yelled at the ambassadors when they hesitated to help."

"What did you yell at them?" Mai asks curiously.

"Basically all the swear words I know in Trigedasleng mixed in with berating them in Gonasleng for not fighting for their Heda when she has done so much for them."

Mai chuckles. "I wish I could have seen that."

"You really don't."

***

Over the course of the next couple of days, we explore the surrounding area, which mainly consists of more rock formations and castles. I think everyone's favorite is when we go to the castles. The ones near enough to visit for a one-day trip are much smaller than the one we stayed at.

They are interesting to learn about, as well. There are tour guides at a couple of the places we visit, and I think it is fascinating, learning about the old world. It makes it even better, being with Clarke. Well, she makes everything better, but I am referring to how just her presence seems to brighten my day. I whisper as much to Clarke and she blushes so hard that Raven and Octavia start teasing us, thinking I whispered something entirely different to her (they say dirty, but I do not know how words can be unclean).

***

The nights are my favorite parts of the day, better than spending time in a centuries old castle with my fiancée (though thinking of Clarke my fiancée continues to make me smile and makes my heart pound). Clarke and I can spend the night a multitude of ways. We can cuddle (naked, it is warm enough for that here and the best way to cuddle). We can stay up late talking about everything and nothing. Occasionally we stay up talking about the future, what we want, about the wedding, where we will live, that kind of thing. Or we can spend the night in each other's arms as we make love.

"Hang on." Clarke says one night when we are talking. "Didn't we plan on making a mixed place? Kind of like Polis, but not Polis?"

I squint, trying to decipher what that could mean. "I do not know what that means."

"Like a bunch of clans are all welcome in one place, anyone can love there? Didn't we make vague plans for that?"

I blink. I have not thought about that in quite a while. "I completely forgot about that. Yes, we did discuss that. We should start planning more about that. I know some people will definitely want to come."

"We'll probably have to set up temporary tents so people can stay nearby while their homes are being built. I wonder if people will want their homes built in the traditional style of their clans." Clarke muses.

"Probably. I know that in Polis, there are a few groups of builders that specialize in different ways of building homes based on people's clans." I say.

Clarke cuddles up to me, laying her head on my shoulder as I lay flat on my back. "Should we send word to start building our home? And Octavia and Raven's?"

I shake my head. "No, we can do that when we are in Trikru or Skaikru. It will be longer until it is built, but we will be close enough that they can consult us on what we would like the layout to be. We can always stay with out families and friends longer if necessary, or stay in a tent ourselves."

Clarke nods against my shoulder and I move my head slightly in order to kiss her forehead.

"You ready to move in together?" Clarke asks softly.

I can feel my heart melting in my chest at the thought. "Hmm. I have spent a lot of time sleeping next to you, Clarke. But we have not stayed in one place for long. Are you secretly a messy person?" I jokingly ask.

Clarke chuckles. "It's not a secret, babe. I'm a hot mess."

I press a hand to her forehead. "You are a little warm, Clarke. But what does that have to do with you being a mess?"

"No, um. Hot mess means-"

I cut her off with a kiss. "I know what it means, hodnes (love)."

Clarke grins up at me and kisses me again.

Okay! Next chapter, next clan! And I think it'll be Delfikru? Which means... Research! Which is why I've been putting it off! On what Delphi is! I think they're like seers or something. We'll find out next chapter, I guess! Thank you all for reading and for your amazing comments! Stay awesome!