Chapter 3
Everything was perfect. Hell, even perfect didn't seem like an adequate word to describe it. There was a smile on Lexa's face that just wouldn't go away. It had reached the point where her face was hurting from her muscles holding the grin in place for so long.
It all almost seemed ridiculous. There were plenty of women she dated before Clarke, but not one of them came close to the affect Clarke had on her. She hadn't even known the blonde for long. Realistically she really didn't even know that much about her life back home or even where she went when they weren't together. But Lexa did understand how to make Clarke smile when she was having a bad day and the exact spots that made her eyes roll to the back of her head. She discerned that she loved cuddling when it was raining outside and her favorite songs to sing in the shower when she thought no one was listening. The brunette learned she loved to draw and had a forgiving nature that she could extend to anyone no matter how little they deserved redemption. Lexa knew Clarke, or so she thought.
When Lexa went to work, Clarke was always patiently waiting for the brunette in an agreed upon location. But today was different. Today when Lexa went to their meeting spot, the blonde wasn't there.
She waited by the old water tower watching the cars drive past as the lazy breeze blew through. Hours passed and the darkness set in. Street lamps lit up the roads under their glow, but there was still no sign of Clarke.
Lexa convinced herself that she was just running late or became busy. So, she went home and hoped for the knock on her door. She waited for the moment the woman would show up and be standing there with an apologetic smile on her face and a bottle of wine. But it never came.
A week went by and there was no word from Clarke, not even a sign as to where she went. Worry and anger both took their turns as Lexa ran through the possibilities. Even so, every night after work Lexa rushed home and stayed up until early hours of the a.m, but optimism was waning with every day that passed.
Given the situation, she couldn't talk to Anya or Lincoln about it. But her friends still seemed to notice the shift in her moods again as the roller coaster that had climbed to its peak screamed downwards. But they didn't say anything, just tried to cheer up their friend and go about their business as usual.
It wasn't until later in that week that Lexa began to understand.
It was a typical day by every standard. Interns rushed through the offices with coffee and photocopies while aids and her friends helped her assemble the list of agendas and referendums that were on the table to open up to the public. Everything was normal, at least it was until her father showed up in front of her.
"Alexandria," he said as she looked up at the man in the expensive grey suit and designer gold watch with his arms crossed.
"Dad," Lexa said as the people in her office cleared out like birds flying away after a gun shot was fired. Each kept their heads down, too afraid to look the intimidating man in the eye.
Lexa was definitely surprised. He was scheduled to be in the capital of the thirteen families, Polis, right now. After that, he had several engagements with allied families. He wasn't suppose to be here. He wasn't even suppose to be in Trikru territory.
"Come with me," he said ushering her to follow behind him. Lexa swallowed the growing lump in her throat.
She had always looked up to her father, but his reputation of ruling with an iron fist wasn't earned out of forgiveness or soft stances. He expected his word to be followed, and she was no exception.
When they reached the top floor and entered into his office, her fears reached their height as the missing blonde and her mother stood there.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," he said using the same formal tone he did with all of the families.
"It's fine George," Abby said sizing Lexa up with tight lips and narrowed eyes. In response, Lexa stood up straight and held her head high. Her father had always told her it was important to act like the leader she was, that it was pertinent to at least always maintain the appearance of control.
"Nice to see you again," Lexa said shaking the older blonde's hand while trying not to stare for too long at Clarke who had picked a spot on the wall to zone out on. The girl had a distant look in her eyes. It was like she was afraid to look away from that area, like her body may deceive her if she did. Lexa understood, but she was pretending Lexa didn't even exist, like they hadn't just spent every second of their free time the last couple of weeks with each other. As Lexa's heart rate picked up speed, she knew it was the smart move. They weren't suppose to really know each other let alone be intimate. But Lexa ached to be near her again, to know why the blonde never showed.
The look exchanged between her father and Abby didn't put any of her fears to rest. Lexa didn't know why they were here now, but she knew whatever the reason was it wasn't good.
It was extremely rare for her father to meet up with one of the leaders of Skaikru. They could only ever stand to meet up in earth shattering situations or when something directly involved members from both families. Lexa took a deep breath as her anxiety increased.
Her and Clarke had been careful, or at least she thought they had been. Every precaution had been used. They met up in secluded spots, waited till one left before the other followed. They made sure to never be seen together after the bar and the parade. But as her father spoke, her immediate fears were quelled.
"Abby and her daughter Clarke are here due to recent events." He took a few steps towards the window and stuck his hands into his suit pants pockets. "It seems the Commander has fallen ill, and doctors don't have a positive prognosis. They expect him to be dead by the end of the month."
Lexa let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding until the gravity of the situation hit her.
The commander was an individual selected from the thirteen families by vote. They helped settle disputes and keep the peace between the powers, reigning until their death.
Dante Wallace, head of Ouskejon Kru, was the current commander.
The Ouskejon Kru, also nicknamed the mountain men, were well known for the rough terrain they held. Dante had been selected as commander years and years ago as a truce between Skaikru and Trikru. His death would mark the upheaval of the bread that was broke between the families to keep the peace that already hung in a fragile state.
"Oh," was all Lexa could think to say as her father turned and looked at her expectantly. The news was big, but she knew her father including her in this meeting meant he had plans for her.
"We need to come to an agreement George," Abby said tapping her foot impatiently. "If you support Jake as the next commander we will pull back our embargo on your goods passing through our territory."
Her father smirked. "That wasn't the deal we discussed originally. You know as well as I do that we agreed to help you secure some of the Azgeda families territory if in return you supported my bid."
"Things change," Abby said. Lexa looked at her father nervously. He was a patient man, but that wasn't to be mistaken for kindness or compassion.
"Things may change Abby, but I don't. Either we agree to the original deal or there is nothing left to talk about."
"Come on George," Abby said putting her hands on her hips. "We both know what will happen if we can't settle this between the two of us. You know how this will end."
Badly, it would end badly. Between Skaikru's economic power and Trikru's military strength, it would throw everything into chaos if the feud was reignited. It had been over a century since any real war had broken out between the families. Usually it was just a minor dispute that lead to diplomatic constraints or at worst, a show of strength through troop placement and military exercises. But this was different. If the feud began again, hell would break loose. Lexa couldn't help but steal a glance at Clarke, wondering if she comprehended what was happening. But Clarke still refused to look at her.
"This is your choice," he said not open to budging in the slightest.
Abby clenched her jaw, but chose her words carefully. "There is still time if you change your mind. I'm leaving Clarke in the capital until the commander's death. If you have a change of heart, reach out. She'll get a hold of me or Jake, and maybe we can work this out."
Lexa's father didn't respond. He just nodded as Abby and Clarke made their way to the exit.
"Do the right thing George," Abby said turning around one last time. "You don't want to start a war."
"I'll keep that in mind," he said, but everyone in that room knew he didn't mean it. Both families were just as stubborn, just as proud.
With that the two blondes left her father's office with out another word.
Lexa waited until the door closed before looking at her father.
He sighed. "We have work to do Alexandria. I have to make a few calls, but I need you on this one." He had always depended on her. She was his legacy, his prodigy, and he made no attempt to hide it either. She was the one he wanted to take over after him. Her uncles, aunts, and cousins were not an option for him. Her entire life he had been preparing her for just that.
Lexa just nodded and headed towards the door trying to sort through everything that just happened. Between the feud and learning Clarke was leaving, she couldn't process all of the information.
As soon as she was out of her father's sight, she rushed to the stairs only used in case of a fire and raced down them. She hoped that she could catch up to Clarke and somehow get her away from Abby. She had to talk to Clarke. Nothing was making sense. She just needed answers to something, anything.
By the time she reached the lobby and hastily walked outside, Clarke and Abby were already in their limo and driving away.
Clarke caught the brunette out of the corner of her eye and looked back sadly putting her hand up against the window until the vehicle drove out of view leaving Lexa standing there with her arms wrapped around herself.
Eventually, Lexa knew whatever it was going on between Clarke and her would have to end. But as she crawled into her bed and Archer purred next to her, she still couldn't help but grieve. They were fortunate that the meeting wasn't about their parents finding out about their late night adventures. But now that Clarke was in the capital, she wouldn't be seeing her anytime soon. The capital was located in neutral territory over a thousand miles away. They may as well have been worlds apart.
There was nothing she had to hang on to that reminded her of Clarke other than the pillow that now only retained a hint of her smell. But even that was quickly fading. The sound of the blonde singing in her shower, the taste of Clarke on her lips, for as much as she yearned to retain the memories, they'd never be as good as the real thing. They'd never be as good as actually hearing the blonde laugh when she told a stupid joke or Clarke's soft coos when Lexa stroked her hair while she fell asleep in her arms.
It shouldn't have bothered her. It shouldn't have kept her up all night leaving her eyes faded and bloodshot when she went into work the next day, but no matter how much she tried to reason with herself, it was hopeless.
All she could do now was try to push through and focus on the task at hand, even if that meant helping her father start a war with Skaikru and the girl she had fallen for.