Promise

Chapter 17

A few days later, the council members insisted that they have a meeting to discuss what was going to happen now that they were 100% positive that Asgeda was responsible for the attack.

Clarke sat slouched in her chair at the end of the table. Normally she wouldn't attend meetings, but her father asked her and Bellamy to be there, she didn't know why, but she did as her father asked.

It was known that forty-two Arkadians had been killed in the attack, many of those killed were all completely innocent. They were just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"We need to act as soon as possible," Counsellor Sydney said furiously. "We need to show Nia that we don't stand for this and if she wants war, we'll give her war."

"Diana," Jake warned. "I know you've been through a lot--"

"A lot? My son was killed by them, and all I've done is sit behind these walls under your command and do nothing. We need to retaliate as soon as we can."

The council members absorbed what Diana had said, Jake seemed to be considering it as well until Bellamy spoke up, surprising them all.

"Lexa and Gustus will be here in two days, we shouldn't make a decision to retaliate now. Hold a meeting with Lexa and Gustus to see what they say and if they want to go to war with Ice Nation. . . then so be it, there will be a war. As for now, we have more men guard the wall and if Ice Nation tries to attack again, at least we'll have a few more men to protect Arkadia."

Clarke gave Bellamy a small smile, showing him that she agreed with him.

"Okay," Jake said. "We will hold a meeting in two days, a new patrolling schedule will be released later today. This meeting is dismissed."

The council members said their goodbyes and made their way out of the room, leaving Clarke and Bellamy with Jake.

The room wall filled with silence, Jake seemed to be contemplating something in his head whilst Clarke and Bellamy watched him carefully.

Jake sighed and Clarke took it as her que to speak. "Father, what's wrong?" She asked innocently.

Jake rubbed his temple. "It's Diana. . Even before Graham died she's been pestering me about wiping Asgeda out for good. Now, her want to go through it is heightened. I'm afraid she won't listen to me for much longer."

"You're the king, she has to listen to you."

"Yes, Clarke, but I'm in a vulnerable state right now and sooner or later she's going to figure that out, if she hasn't already."

"You think she will defy you?"

"If she's by herself, no. But if other people start to argue against my decisions, she will jump to them as fast as she can so she can start somewhat of a rebellion. There's no way i can stop her then."

"Yes there is," Clarke said quietly. "You give her the punishment for treason."

Jake thought for a moment while he studied Clarke.

"Whats the punishment for treason?" Bellamy asked.

Jake sighed. "Lock up. . Or. . Death, it's up to me on which one."

Clarke watched as Bellamy nodded, she knew that he was thinking about Polis, their rules, how painful their punishments and death sentences are. Bellamy never went into detail about how the executions were played out in polis, but there was always this flicker of fear or hurt in his eyes whenever he spoke about it.