True Mates
Lexa wakes up slowly. Her first instinct is to reach out for the warmth of Clarke’s body that she remembers falling asleep on. Clarke. The love of her life. They finally connected on the most intimate of levels. Lexa knows she is mated but her omega has never felt more at peace than when she was in Clarke’s arms last night. That alone should tell her that Costia will never be the right mate for her. Lexa’s eyes are still closed as her arms flail around the bed in search of her alpha. But after a few more seconds of feeling nothing but the coldness of empty sheets, Lexa peeks her eyes open to find herself alone.
“No..” Lexa whimpers out, curling in on herself. Clarke has left her. Clarke is gone. Lexa shakes her head, instantly feeling the tears welling in her eyes. Her heart lurches. Of course Clarke left. How could Lexa be so foolish to think she would stay? Lexa is mated to another. Did she really think Clarke would cuddle with her in the morning only for Lexa to leave to return to her mate? Lexa’s omega doesn’t understand this though. No, Lexa’s omega is thrashing and kicking inside her. She’s crying out in because of the rejection. Her alpha has left her. Her omega doesn’t comprehend that Lexa left her first.
Lexa looks over at the dresser and sees yet another letter addressed to her. Lexa gets up hastily, with a thin sheet wrapped around her sore body. Walking is proving a little difficult. Clarke is rather large and Lexa isn’t used to being stretched so much. Lexa picks up the letter and opens it up, eager to see what Clarke’s parting words are to her.
My Dearest Lexa,
Last night should not have happened. You are mated to another. It doesn’t matter what we might feel for each other. It was wrong. I know that is what I should say, what I should think. But it is not what I feel. I feel as if I finally found what I’ve been searching for since I left your castle walls as a young child still growing into their wolf.
I search for you in the rose garden we used to play in, in your old bedchambers you slept in at my home, on the balcony of my bedroom where we used to stargaze. I search for your scent and sometimes I feel you with me. It’s silly I know. But it’s become a game of mine. A game that gifts me with not only fond recollections of the past but also the bitter truth of our present and future. For I know, you will never be mine.
We are not fated so it seems. Last night, although it gave me the greatest of pleasure and yet again solidified my love for you, only brings waves of further pain to my heart. I got a taste of something that will never truly be mine to have. And I refuse to indulge in ‘what should have been.’ I have to look toward the future as do you. Unfortunately, it is a future that will not have you in it.
My love for you grows stronger everyday like a well nurtured rose. Perhaps it is my fault for not ripping it out from its roots. I don’t know what last night was for you. But I can assume it was just a moment of weakness, a moment where past memories became too much to bear and a dam broke. I can see it in your eyes that you love your mate. I see your tender touches. I see it all even though I know you presume I see nothing. Please, don’t make this harder. You know you can’t have the both of us and you chose long ago who would be your forever. That person is not me no matter how much I wish it was.
I wish you the best. I wish you happiness. I wish you love.
Goodbye,
C.G.
Lexa closes her eyes, tears still escaping through her long lashes. Her hands shake as she clutches onto what very well might be the last letter ever from the love of her life, her should be mate. She knows she has to let Clarke go. Clarke is right. She did choose. It might have been for the safety of her country, but she nonetheless chose.
Lexa somberly sits on the bed with the letter still in her hand. She looks around the room with empty eyes. All of Clarke’s belongings are still here. The alpha must have left with only the clothes she threw on her back. Her servants, carriage, and guards must still be in the halls of the castle. Clarke probably warned the necessary people that she would be leaving early alone for some important made up matter of state.
Emotionally drained with her heart yet again ripped out of her chest, Lexa snuggles into the cold sheets where her lover once laid not long ago. She breathes in deeply and whimpers. She can still smell Clarke in the pillows. For right now, she can pretend Clarke is still here with her. For right now, she doesn’t have to let go of her love just yet. For right now, it’s enough.
Lexa wakes up a few hours later and gets dressed. She hopes she doesn’t reek of alpha. Clarke is a very strong alpha though, perhaps the strongest in the land. It’s going to be obvious what happened last night if she runs into anyone in the halls. Lexa tries to sneak through the halls but of course right before she is to enter her shared bedchamber with Costia, Ontari sneaks up on her.
“Lexa, late night I see.” Ontari says sweetly and Lexa reluctantly turns around. She can tell Ontari is sniffing her and she sees the exact moment Ontari recognizes the scent. Her eyes grow angry and she lightly growls. Lexa has to suppress her own growl because Clarke isn’t hers. But all she wants to do is scream at Ontari to back off because Clarke should be hers.
“Ontari. If you’ll excuse me I have to -” Lexa tries to move toward the door but Ontari blocks it.
“Listen here.” Ontari’s voice is much colder now. “You are mated to my sister. I don’t know what your arrangement is with her but since Echo is back, I assume you have some sort of agreement in place. I do hope you don’t think you can have Queen Clarke though. She is mine.” Ontari’s voice is back to sweet and Lexa just wants to punch her in the face.
“I know you two have a..history.” Ontari pauses, looking Lexa up and down. “But her future will be with me. I know what I want and I will not have a mated omega get in the way. You’ve had your fun with her but as soon I step into the walls of Arkadia’s castle, that fun will be over. And it’ll be my turn to have a chance with the alpha you abandoned. Yes, we’ve all heard the stories about the heartbroken pup. It’s sad really. I’m sure she will need someone to mend her heart. I plan for that person to be me.”
Lexa frowns, shooting a intense glare at Ontari. If looks could kill, Ontari would already be rotting in hell right now. “Clarke will never choose someone like you.” Lexa growls out. She sounds so sure of herself, but inside she’s deeply worried. Clarke very well might choose Ontari as her mate and that worries Lexa deeply.
“Oh she will. She’s never invited an omega to stay in Arkadia for anything but politics. But her invite to me was personal, she said it herself. I’m actually quite happy to inform you that Queen Clarke didn’t invite me to her castle as the future princess of Ice Nation. No, quite the contrary. You see, she invited me as an unmated omega who she would like to court officially.” Ontari says in that sickly sweet voice again. Lexa wants to throw up. Clarke is courting Ontari? How could this happen? Of all the people, she chooses her?!
“Well I’ll let you get some sleep. I’m sure you had some fun last night. Think of it as a farewell.” Ontari says before she struts off, happy with the impression she left. Lexa rips open the door and hastily slams it shut once she gets inside. She closes her eyes and leans against the door, crying.
Costia is up from the bed in a moment’s notice, rushing over to her distressed mate.
“Lexa? What happened?” Costia asks worriedly. The beta can smell Clarke all over Lexa and she knows they must have had sex. Costia isn’t jealous. She’s relieved her mate has found some comfort in the arms of her true love just as she did last night with Echo. Only now something is obviously wrong.
“C-clarke..she’s courting your sister.” Lexa sobs out, throwing her arms around Costia. Costia’s eyes widen. She knows Ontari and Clarke were talking last night but she had no idea how well they hit it off. Truthfully, it makes no sense. Clarke hates Ice Nation. And now she’s planning to mate with her sister? Something isn’t right. Maybe Lexa got it wrong.
“Are you sure?” Costia asks gently, treading carefully as she recognizes Lexa’s current fragile state.
“Yes. Ontari said so. And last night C-clarke mentioned that she knew Ontari wanted to mate w-with her and that’s why she invited her to stay with h-her.” Lexa softly hiccups as she explains. Costia’s heart breaks. This poor girl loves someone who can never be hers and all because she was just trying to do right for her country, for her people.
“You stayed with her last night?” Costia says and Lexa knows what she means by ‘stayed with.’ Lexa nods, refusing to look at Costia.
“She left before I even woke up. S-she left me a letter. She said she loves be but she can’t see me anymore. It’s too hard. I’ve lost her forever.” Lexa cries into Costia’s arms following her over to their bed. Costia soothes her for an hour until Lexa falls asleep in her arms.
///
The next few weeks are hard for Lexa. All she keeps hearing about are rumors of how well Clarke and Ontari are getting along in Arkadia. Clarke throws Ontari a huge ball the first night she’s there. It’s lavish and apparently very romantic. Lexa’s heart cries out for her lost lover. She can’t help but imagine herself in Ontari’s shoes. If her parents never broke their engagement, her and Clarke should have been mated for a little over two years now. They would probably already have a little pup of their own. Would Clarke spoil her with little displays of affection? Would Clarke have thrown her great balls in her name? Lexa shakes her head. Clarke’s right. She shouldn’t be indulging in ‘what should have been.’ The reality is that Lexa is mated to another and Clarke is well on her way to being mated as well.
Clarke takes Ontari on dates. The first one is a boat ride around the river complete with a picnic. The next one, Clarke travels with her to the best winery in all of Arkadia and they spend the weekend there. Lexa hears rumors that they share more than wine those few days and it makes Lexa more sick to her stomach than she already is. Lexa has been feeling nauseous for weeks now. She assumes she’s come down with some sickness. And then it hits her. Pups with Clarke. Pups. Pregnant. She cannot be pregnant with Clarke’s child. Could she? Her whole world begins to get fuzzy and she can’t breathe. She feels just like she felt when she heard about her parent’s proposal for Clarke to mate with Raven all those years ago. Her body is covered in a sheen sweat and she can’t see color. Everything goes black.
Lexa wakes up in her bedchambers with Costia by her side and the castle doctor Nyko monitoring her. Costia pushes her hair back gently and pulls her close, pumping out comforting pheromones. Costia’s a beta though so everything she does is dulled. It’s not like an alpha’s explosion of pheromones. It’s not like Clarke.
“How are you feeling?” Nyko asks in his doctor tone.
“Nauseous. And I have a headache.” Lexa croaks out. Costia gives her some water and Lexa gulps it until Nyko tells her to slow down.
“That’s what I thought. You are pregnant.” Nyko says with a smile on his face. “Congratulations. I had no idea you were true mates. You two should be ecstatic. It’s very rare an omega female and a beta female can conceive. I’ll give you some alone time and come back to check on you later.” Nyko says happily as he leaves the room to give the mates a private moment to celebrate. Only they aren’t celebrating.
“I - I..I’m -” Lexa stammers out.
“You’re pregnant...with Clarke’s baby.” Costia says stunned.
Lexa looks lost and confused. Clarke wasn’t in rut. She wasn’t in heat. Sure, it’s possible to get pregnant outside of it but it’s even less likely when there is no knot involved. Lexa didn’t even think there was a possibility. Her omega is crying out tears of pure unadulterated joy. She’s carrying her alpha’s pup. She never thought she would have children of her own once she married Costia. But her logical side knows this isn’t something to celebrate.
Lexa starts breathing heavy like she’s having another panic attack. Costia immediately tries calming her down, telling her to breathe in and out slow. Eventually, Lexa is calmed down.
“What do you want to do Lex?” Costia gently says.
“Keep it.” Lexa mumbles, her head laying on Costia’s shoulder. She knows it’ll be hard. They will have to lie to everyone, but this her and Clarke’s pup. She’s going to protect the baby until her last dying breath.
Once Lexa feels up to it, Costia and her enter the throne room to discuss the news with her parents. Lexa asks everyone to clear the room so that it’s only her, Costia, and her father and mother present. Her parents look a tad worried and unsure what this could be about.
“What is the meaning of this Lexa?” Her mother asks warily.
“I am with child.” Lexa forces the words out. Her voice sounds strong and sure, but inside she’s terrified of her parents’ reaction. Her parents are stunned into silence. There is a long pause, actually it’s very very long pause.
“I am keeping the baby. And -” Lexa breaks the silence only to be cut off by Gustus.
“It’s Clarke’s isn’t it?” Lexa looks at him guiltily and nods.
“Did you know about this?” Gustus asks Costia. “Did you know that your mate was intimate with another?”
“Yes I did.” Costia answers fiercely. She believes Lexa deserves happiness and so does she. That’s why they agree to their arrangement. Lexa’s parents of course have no idea about the agreement. Gustus growls loudly and Indra immediately starts pumping out pheromones to calm him.
“I should have known this would happen.” Gustus growls out. “How do you expect us to hide this Lexa?!”
“I don’t want to hide it father. Clarke deserves to know, it’s her baby too. I can’t keep such a secret from her.” Lexa says desperately.
“Do you not understand what this could mean? Lexa, we may be royals but we depend on the support of our nobles. And our nobles hold us in a certain esteem. It’s one thing if you have your affairs in private, but the second it gets out that you are carrying the Queen of Arkadia’s pup, there will be chaos in both our realms. This might even be enough to precipitate Queen Nia to attack! She could claim that you have disrespected your vows to her daughter and wants revenge. The nobles very well might turn on us. But they won’t just turn on us. They will turn on your precious Clarke as well. She is new to rule. She will be the first to get ripped apart.” Gustus says his words carefully but honestly. He doesn’t wish to make things hard on his daughter but he has to put his head over his heart for the better of his people.
Lexa growls angrily at the idea of Clarke being attacked. She clutches her stomach protectively.
“Well then, what do you suggest we do?” Costia asks firmly. She needs to keep a clear mind about this.
“There is a way.” Indra calls out and all eyes are on her. “It may be rare for beta females and omega females to conceive a pup, but it can happen. The circumstances have to be correct. A pup can only be conceived if the pair are true mates and the omega is in heat. We can say you two are true mates.”
“But mother, true mates are so rare. They say there’s only a handful every generation.” Lexa says, reluctant to agree to this plan. She just wants her Clarke.
“They will believe because we are their Queen and their King. And you are their Princess. As long as we stick to the plan, nobody will object.” Indra says staunchly.
“I agree with your mother. This is the best we can do Lexa. And you must never tell Clarke. She will want a role in the child’s life and that will cause too many question.” Gustus says and Lexa shakes her head.
“Clarke deserves to know! This is her child! Our child!” Lexa yells hysterically.
“Lexa! Now you need to listen to me.” Gustus gets up from his throne and grabs Lexa gently by the shoulders. Costia growls protectively but she’s no match for the Alpha King’s return growl. “If you want your parents, your mate, your sisters, your unborn pup, and your precious Alpha Queen Clarke, you will need to listen to me about this. Clarke can never know. She has to believe it is Costia’s child. If not, chaos will erupt. Power is a very fickle thing. If anyone sees our weaknesses, they will strike us down and kill every last one of us to ensure our bloodline can never ascend to reign again. Do you hear me?” Gustus says in a low but determined voice.
"It is Clarke's child. Even if we have to keep it a secret, she has to know the truth. I can't have her thinking our love was a lie! I won't be able to lie to her." Lexa desperately pleas with her stubborn father.
"I hope you remember that there is universal law that an alpha may never lay an unwanted hand on an omega. I would have for Clarke to be executed." Gustus says coldly and Lexa growls.
"Clarke would never force herself on me. It was completely consensual. I would never let anyone think otherwise." Lexa's face is red with fury at the insinuation. Clarke loves her and every touch is wanted, every kiss is welcomed, every declaration of love is cherished.
"Perhaps you wouldn't. But maybe your King would." Lexa growls louder than an omega should be able to. Her father is saying that he will lie and say Clarke broke universal law to be with Lexa. He will have her executed and all to preserve his kingdom, his legacy.
"You wouldn't dare!"
"I would if it meant protecting the realm." Gustus states plainly. "You have to make sacrifices as a Royal, Lexa. You are a Princess first. Everything else comes second."
"I will follow along with this ruse for Clarke's well being and for my child. But don't think for a second that I am doing this for you father." Lexa spits out bitterly, her hands clutching at her tummy. She needs to protect her baby and Clarke. She needs to protect her family. And she will do so by never seeing her best friend and one and only love ever again. Lexa was right all those years ago. Royals cannot afford love. It is only a weakness to be taken advantaged of by those who seek their power.
///
Two Months Later
Clarke is in Ice Nation for the first time ever. She is in the middle of working on her plan for tonight when the bedroom door is knocked on loudly. She knows exactly who it is too. She fakes a smile at the intruder.
“Come in.” Clarke says in her collected voice. Ever since become Queen, her subjects adore her and her enemies fear her. She is viewed as untouchable by most. But Clarke is not foolish. She knows she has a looming threat and that threat is Ice Nation. Clarke has figured out the best way to neutralize that threat. Her solution? Well it’s walking through her bedroom doors right now. Ontari Winters.
Ontari is next in line in for the Ice Nation once her mother passes. If Clarke is to mate with Ontari, she will rule Ice Nation alongside her omega mate. Their future pups will also have the birthright of not only Arkadia but also Ice Nation. It will be one of the greatest merges in history.
But Clarke isn’t stupid. She knows Ontari has similar motivations. Ontari wants a strong mate. Her omega desires the strongest alpha in the land and that alpha is Clarke. On a less primal instinct, Clarke is also a Queen. She is a Queen of one of the richest progressive countries out there. Arkadia has the most knowledge on state of the art medicine. They are forward thinkers with a deep culture. But their military is weak and their populations are low. Arkadia is the richest countries in the realms but it is small. That is why Clarke’s parents made allies with Trikru. Trikru has one of the strongest militaries and is the biggest in regards to land. But they lack technological innovations like Arkadia. It was a perfect merger, but in the end it exploded in their faces.
Now Ontari wishes to become Queen of the richest country and use that money to help Ice Nation. Clarke knows this. She will placate Ontari and help with the buildup of Ice Nation to a degree. If Clarke’s plan goes as she wishes, Ice Nation will be her bloodline’s to rule anyways. It’s a win win. But first things first. Get rid of the current Ice Queen. And Clarke has the perfect plan to do so.
“How is my alpha doing today?” Ontari purrs in Clarke’s ear. Clarke hates being called Ontari's alpha. She's not her alpha. Her wolf only recognizes one omega and that is Lexa. But Lexa is mated and life still goes on so Clarke has to as well.
Clarke has been going to great lengths to ensure that this mating occurs as planned. Ontari prolonged her stay twice at Clarke’s invitation. And finally one week ago, Clarke officially proposed mating. They are currently in the Ice Nation castle so Clarke can meet Nia. Clarke is sure news has spread to all kingdoms near and far. That means Lexa has heard. Lexa, her one and only love.
Clarke misses Lexa with her intake of breath. She sees Lexa everywhere. After the night they shared months ago, her need for Lexa has only grown. As soon as she got back to the castle, she had to lock herself away for a week as she went into immediate rut after making love with her should be omega. But Clarke knows it’s best this way. She will not sabotage Lexa’s mating. She is learning that she needs to think about her country first and foremost just as Lexa does.
“Well. I am just finishing up some work. Would you care to get some lunch?” Clarke asks politely. Back when they were at the winery two months ago, Clarke told Ontari that she will always love Lexa. Ontari said that it wasn’t a problem. She already knew and she didn’t care. She didn’t need Clarke’s heart but she does wish they would get along. They would make a great political partnership with some added benefits. Clarke agreed to the idea and they slept together that weekend. It was just once and there were no mating marks exchanged. It was enough though. Enough to make Clarke’s alpha cry out for it’s true omega. Her alpha craves Lexa. Her and Ontari haven’t been together intimately since.
“I’d love to.” Ontari responds. “Are you sure about this plan, Clarke?” Ontari whispers in her ear and Clarke knows exactly what plan she is talking about.
“Yes. All you have to do is challenge her tonight at the ball. I will take care of the rest.” Clarke says quietly, to make sure nobody can hear. Her plan to avenge her parents is well on it’s way.
///
Lexa stares out the window of the carriage on her way to Ice Nation with Costia. She doesn’t want to go to the ball announcing Clarke and Ontari’s mating but she knows she has to. It would be seen as wildly rude if Ontari’s own sister and the princess of a country presumed to be allies with Ice Nation did not show up for the celebration. So Lexa is forced to watch from the sidelines as Clarke announces her promise to be with Ontari and only Ontari for the rest of her life.
Her belly isn’t that big so she has been able to hide it. She wishes to hide it for just a little longer. As soon as she lies says it’s Costia and that they are true mates, Clarke will lose all of her hope that they will ever be together. Clarke will officially try her hardest to move on because you cannot break a true mate bond. It is sacred. It is unbreakable. Even if one of the true mates dies, they will never be able to mate again. Whereas, in regular mating bonds, a person can mate again if their partner dies.
Lexa, dressed in a flowy dress to cover her baby bump, arrives at the ball just in time. Everyone who is anyone is flooding in the castle walls for the party. Lexa takes a deep breath and holds Costia’s hand for support. This is going to be a long two days. The celebration starts with the ball tonight. If Nia approves of the mate proposal, Clarke and Ontari will be mated tomorrow night. Then in the morning, they will leave the castle as mates with fresh marks on their neck. The last shred of Lexa’s beating heart will be torn apart when she see’s that Ice bitch’s fang mark on her Clarke.
They get into the party and Nia immediately calls them over to her throne.
“Costia, my youngest daughter! Come here with your beautiful omega.” Nia says in that same sickeningly sweet voice that Ontari seems to have inherited from her. Lexa hates this woman. She is the reason for all the pain in her and Clarke’s life. She is the reason Clarke’s parents are dead. She is the reason her and Clarke aren’t mated. She’s the reason she has to lie about whose pup she’s carrying. Lexa hates her but in the name of good politics, she has to pretend she adores her mother in law.
“Queen Nia, lovely to see you again.” Lexa grits out rather convincingly.
“You as well Alexandria.” Nia dismisses them shortly after and they make way to their table.
“Ladies and gentleman, please stand for Queen Clarke of Arkadia and Princess Ontari of Ice Nation.” A guard announces loudly and the whole room stands. Lexa releases a deep sigh when she sees Clarke and Ontari enter the ballroom. Clarke is wearing a stunning tight blue dress that compliments her eyes spectacularly. Her makeup is dark and stunning. Her lips are bare of any stains or tints, her perfectly pink lips showing their natural shade. She looks beautiful. She’s Lexa’s everything. Lexa’s eyes tear away from Clarke and immediately glare at her alpha holding hands with Ontari. It feels like a deep wound in her chest.
Clarke makes brief eye contact with her before looking away. Lexa can see the pure shock, sadness, and utmost guilt in her blue eyes before she breaks their gaze. Clarke keeps her distance from Lexa most of the night.
Lexa calmly enters the bathroom midway through the ball, feeling sick. Lexa’s morning sickness does not come in the morning but rather at night. She’s completely surprised when she sees Clarke at one of the sinks, washing her hands. Clarke looks up and right at her. Clearly, she’s surprised to see her former lover as well.
“Hello Lexa.” Clarke warmly smiles and Lexa softly smiles back. But there is pure fear in Lexa’s eyes. Fear that Clarke will figure out she’s pregnant. Fear that she will have to lie to the alpha’s face about whose baby it is. Lexa tries to hide her fears but of course Clarke notices. Clarke has always been good at reading the omega. “What’s wrong? Are you sick?” Clarke says gently, moving to touch Lexa’s shoulder. Lexa shivers at the touch. “Did someone hurt you?” Clarke growls out.
“No I’m..I’m fine Clarke.” Lexa stutters out unconvincingly. Her nausea is making her feel horrible but she doesn’t think it’s bad enough that she has to throw up. Hopefully, the feeling will pass soon.
“You don’t look fine.” Clarke says worriedly. “Hear sit down.” Clarke leads Lexa to the bathroom couch. Yes, the castle’s bathroom has a couch. The restroom is larger and more expensive than the total income of some villages in the poorer sections of Ice Nation. So of course, the restroom just has to have a lovely couch to lounge on.
“I just ate something wrong..that’s all.” Lexa stammers out.
“If I didn’t know any better, I would think that you’re pregnant.” Clarke teases and Lexa tenses up. She dares to take a look at Clarke whose joking smile turns to a face of pure shock. Lexa is pregnant. And it’s her baby.
Clarke is sitting there stunned. Lexa is having her child. Clarke’s alpha is so ecstatic. She always imagined a family with Lexa. But why didn’t Lexa tell her? Clarke knows it’s complicated but they would have figured it out. They still can figure it out. Because one thing is for certain, Clarke will never give up her baby. She will be an amazing mother.
“You’re carrying a pup?” Clarke says shakily. Lexa nods and looks away. “M-my pup. You’re carrying my pup?”
Lexa shuts her eyes tightly and thanks god she isn’t looking at Clarke. Clarke’s voice sounds so hopeful. Clarke sounds more full of life than Lexa has heard her since Clarke was 15 years old. Lexa knows she is about to crush her yet again just like the first time. Clarke moves in close and caresses Lexa’s cheek. Lexa feels the few stray tears falling. Clarke moves in closer, pumping out an explosion of soothing pheromones.
“I’ll take care of you. We will figure it out. I will be here for you and our -” Clarke starts rambling excitedly and Lexa just can’t take it anymore.
“It’s not yours.” Lexa forces the words out. Her voice quiet and vulnerable. She opens her eyes once she hears Clarke stop talking. The smile on her face is wiped right off and it’s replaced with a look of confusion, hurt, and betrayal.
“You’ve been with others?” Clarke frowns, clearly not getting what Lexa is saying. Lexa doesn’t blame her. The plan to say Costia is her true mate is awfully far fetched. True mates act differently than her and Costia act. Their combined scent is different. Clarke wouldn’t be attracted to her scent if Costia is Lexa's true mate. Lexa wouldn’t have slept with Clarke either. She would be head over heels in love with her mate, but she's not. Not to mention, true mates are rare. So except for a select few cases, it should be impossible for Lexa to conceive a child with Costia. Lexa is going to have to spell this out for her.
“No I haven’t.” Lexa shakes her head and shuts her eyes. She can’t see Clarke’s face when she says this. “It’s Costia’s. Costia is my true mate.” Lexa whispers the words like a secret. Immediately after, Clarke growls loud. Loud enough that the whole party probably heard it.
Clarke stands up quickly and starts pacing. Lexa gets up as well and tries to calm the alpha down. Lexa is crying. She knows she’s about to ruin any chance she might ever have with Clarke. Even now, there is a tiny part of her that believes one day her and Clarke will be together. But not after this. This is too far.
“I don’t believe it. That is impossible.” Clarke growls out. “You wouldn’t have slept with me if she was your true mate. I would have smelt it. You’re lying. Why are you lying to me?!” Clarke moves closer and closer to Lexa until Lexa is backed into a nearby wall. Lexa isn’t scared of Clarke though. She knows Clarke will never hurt her.
“I’m not.” Lexa croaks out. “I...I - This is her pup. Not yours. I’m so sorry Clarke.”
Clarke presses her forehead against Lexa and the omega sucks in a shaky breath followed by a hiccup from all the crying.
“I know that baby is mine.” Clarke gently puts her hand on the small bump and Lexa melts. Her heart is breaking. The omega is so close to telling her truth. “I know you’re lying. You’re scared. It’s okay. I’ll be strong for us. For our little one.” Clarke nudges her nose against Lexa’s cheek and purrs. Lexa breathes in her alpha’s scent. “Just tell me that the pup is mine. Tell me the truth and I promise you, we will find a way.”
Lexa falters and kisses Clarke. Clarke deepens the kiss, her hands flying to cradle Lexa’s face. This kiss is much more softer than the kisses they shared when they had sex together for the first time. Clarke sucks on Lexa’s bottom lip and it makes Lexa go weak in the knees. Lexa revels in the touch until she remembers what her father had told her. This will ruin them all. She knows exactly what her father will do. He will accuse Clarke of forcing herself on Lexa. Gustus is a man of self preservation. He will do whatever it takes to protect his legacy and his country. And Clarke will become the scapegoat. They will kill Clarke. It is law in all lands that you cannot force yourself on an omega. They will literally rip Clarke to shreds. There will be no place to hide. Lexa has to be strong. And she has to lie like she never has before.
Lexa lightly pushes at Clarke's chest and the alpha immediately backs away respectfully, her head hanging low in rejection. “Clarke please listen to me. This pup is not yours. I’m with Costia.”
“But -” Clarke tries but Lexa cuts her off.
“No. Listen to me. This is her child, not yours. I have never lied to you, why would I start now?” Lexa says firmly. Clarke’s eyes are deeply saddened. Lexa is lying. The child is of course Clarke’s. But she can’t tell Clarke that. There’s too much at stake.
“But Lexa this makes no sense. When we made love, you said you loved me. How can you be true mates with one person and love another? It doesn’t make sense.” Clarke’s voice is broken.
“Because I do love you. But the pull of a true mate is primal. It’s just too strong to fight. No matter what happens in their lives, true mates are constantly pulled back to each other no matter how much they fight it. And that’s what Costia is to me. I am so sorry. I will always love you but you were right to say we shouldn’t dwell on what should have been.” Lexa’s voice is raw from all the crying. Clarke just nods solemnly like a lost puppy.
“Are you sure? Is there no chance it could be mine?” Clarke asks one more time. And it breaks Lexa’s heart.
“I am sure.” Lexa wipes away Clarke’s tears with the pad of her thumb. Clarke pulls Lexa in close and kisses her forehead for a long moment.
“Then I wish you and your true mate well, Alexandria Woods. May your pup be as brave and compassionate as its mother.” Clarke whispers out the words and then walks out the door, dejected and broken. When Lexa hears the door close, she breaks down on the floor in tears. Clarke is really gone forever now. There’s no chance of a maybe someday. It’s over.
///
Clarke hurries back to the ballroom, her mind a mess. This is not the mindset she is suppose to be in when her plan against Nia is enacted. Ontari spots her enter the ballroom and signals for her to come over to officially met Nia.
“Mother, this is Queen Clarke of Arkadia. Clarke, this is my mother, Queen Nia of Ice Nation.” Ontari says formally. Ontari hates her mother. She hates what she has done to their formerly peaceful prosperous country. All Ice Nation is now is a land of soldiers ready to wage war at Nia’s flippant hand. Nia forces every able alpha and viable beta to be in her military. The country has become enslaved to a dictator. Nia is as horrible as a mother as she is a ruler as well. So when Clarke told her of her plan, Ontari could not refuse.
“Well well well, Queen Clarke. I was surprised to hear of your mating proposal to my daughter. Especially after your ill informed claims that I was behind your parent’s horrible horrible demise.” Nia baits Clarke but the alpha doesn’t bite. She just grits her teeth and smiles.
“Well your daughter and you are not the same person.” Clarke says it like a jab. “I would appreciate if we could have your blessing. I don’t have to remind you how good this union will be for Ice Nation. Your Princess will be mated to the Queen of Arkadia. Trade routes that have been closed since you became Queen could suddenly open up if you would be so kind as to allow me to mate with your daughter.” Nia’s eyes light up at the subtle offer. When Jake realized that Nia was plotting to attack his lands, he cut off all trade routes in Arkadia. His ally, King Gustus of Trikru, followed the same idea. Ice Nation lost much from losing those trade routes.
“Very well. How about I announce this little mating now shall we?” Nia stands up with a smirk on her face. As soon as that little Queen of Arkadia opens up the trade routes again, Nia plans to smuggle weapons from the advanced testing grounds of Arkadia. Her soldiers will mimic them and then they will use the trade routes to force their way in and attack. Once they take over Arkadia, they will take over Trikru. All Nia craves is power.
“Thank you everyone for coming to this ball in honor of my first born Ontari and Queen of Arkadia, the strong alpha Clarke Griffin.” Nia’s voice booms out and everyone grows silent for fear of what will happen to them if they aren’t. “I would like to announce that it is my honor to give my blessing to their mating.” Nia says with a smirk and the whole room claps. Clarke is still shaken from learning about Lexa and Costia being true mates and soon to be parents. But she needs to focus right now. This is a case of life or death. Ontari looks over to Clarke and Clarke smiles encouragingly.
“Mother, may I say a few words?” Ontari asks and she can tell it annoys Nia to be interrupted. But she doesn’t care. Clarke has a plan to rid Nia for good and it needs to be acted out in a crowd with witnesses.
“Of course.” Nia forces a smile Ontari’s way. Everyone looks at the omega in confusion and pure shock that she had the audacity to speak out of turn.
“As many of you know, I am next in line for the throne.” Ontari’s voice is strong and resolute. “I have grown up in a nation terrorized by a tyrant. She has tortured and killed her own people for personal gain. I have seen reports of it with my own eyes. She has sent your alphas and betas off to war for her own selfish reasons. She has -”
“ENOUGH.” Nia growls out, moving to strike Ontari just as Clarke expected. Clarke instantly moves to protect Ontari. Clarke growls are much louder and fiercer than Queen Nia’s. The whole room is filled with gasps.
“What is the meaning of this?!” Nia growls out, careful not to further provoke Clarke. Everyone knows she is the strongest alpha born in the past few generations.
“I challenge you Queen Nia to a battle of no confidence.” Ontari draws out her words, loud enough so everyone in the room can hear. The whole room is stunned into silence. You can smell the fear mixing in their scents. Clarke looks over to Lexa. Lexa’s eyes are crazed and frantic. Lexa is terrified. She’s petrified that Clarke is going to die because of her soon to be mate's foolish challenges. If only Lexa knew that this has been Clarke’s plan all along.
Nia’s eyes grow cold and knowing. This has been Clarke’s plan all along. It’s why she wants to mate with her daughter. It’s a great plan too. A battle of no confidence can only be challenged by a member of the Royal’s direct bloodline. Only Ontari or her siblings could challenge Nia. It is a bold move. And if they lose, the challengers are sentenced to death as are the co-conspirators. Nobody can turn down a battle of no confidence. If Nia tries to, everyone will turn on her in a matter of hours.
“I accept.” Nia growls out. “Who will your champion be?” As soon as Nia says the words, Lexa sees Clarke straighten her posture.
“No..God no…” Lexa mumbles out in silent prayer that Ontari doesn’t choose Clarke to be her champion.
“My future mate, Queen Clarke Griffin of Arkadia.” Ontari says proudly and the whole room gasps audibly. Lexa’s heart sinks as she tightly grips onto Costia’s hand for support. Lexa is starting to realize that this must have been Clarke’s plan all along. They even waited until after they received Queen Nia’s blessing for their mating. This way, once the Queen is dead there will be no one who will protest the validity of their mating. It’s absolutely brilliant. Except a battle of no confidence is dangerous. Someone is to die tonight. Lexa can only pray it’s not Clarke.
“Very well. The guards will prepare the battleground. And then..it’s a fight to the death.” Nia growls out. Clarke growls back, snapping her teeth at the alpha. Nia is ruthless. Clarke might be the stronger alpha, but Nia has years and years more of experience. It’s not clear cut who will come out alive.
Clarke storms out of the ballroom with Ontari by her side. She needs to get changed and choose her sword. Lexa tries to escape to see her but Costia tightly holds onto her.
“It’s too dangerous Lexa.” Costia says. “I don’t want you roaming these halls alone. My mother is a wildcard right now. You don’t know what she would do if she saw you. You are Clarke’s great strength..but you are also her greatest weakness. She will use you to distract Clarke. Clarke has to be at her best right now. We also can’t risk her finding out about the pup right now. She needs a clear head.” Costia says trying to convince her, but it doesn’t help. Little does Costia know, Clarke already knows about the baby. And it is indeed distracting her. Lexa runs off from Costia to find Clarke. Costia loses her in the crowd of nobles heading outside to the battleground.
“Clarke.” Lexa breathes out as she bursts through the doors of Clarke’s guest bedroom. Ontari is sitting on the bed as Clarke straps her sword belt to her waist. Clarke turns around and takes in the sight of a wild worrisome Lexa. The alpha looks over to Ontari apologetically and she huffs.
“Ten minutes. But after that, you have to get outside and prep for battle.” Ontari states, clearly annoyed by Lexa's presence. She knows that Clarke will never love her. She doesn’t need love. She doesn’t need even Clarke to be faithful. That isn’t the kind of marriage they agreed on. They agreed on a political partnership. Yes, they may still mate from time to time but it isn’t a relationship. Lexa though can mess it all up. Ontari isn’t an idiot she can tell Lexa is carrying Clarke’s child. She heard Clarke’s growls from the bathroom before. Hell, everyone did. She went to check on her and overheard everything. Ontari actually chuckled out loud. Clarke is so naive to actually believe Lexa and Costia are true mates. But she’s not complaining. Because if Clarke finds out the truth, it will ruin all of their plans. Ontari can’t let that happen. Once the pup is born she will have to keep Clarke far away from Lexa. Clarke will be able to tell that it’s her child from one sniff.
The door closes and Lexa rushes into Clarke’s embrace.
“Please don’t do this.” Lexa mumbles, her voice coming out muffled as her face burrows deep in Clarke’s hair. “There’s something I need to tell you-” Lexa is about to blurt out the truth but Clarke cuts her off.
“Lexa.” Clarke breathes in her scent and pulls the girl in closer. “Can we just pretend for a minute that you’re mine and I’m yours? Can we be weak just once more?” Clarke asks softly. This very well might be her last moments with Lexa. She doesn’t want to spend them helplessly pining or fighting.
“Absolutely.” Lexa pulls Clarke’s face close to hers and kisses the blonde with everything she has. Clarke moans into the kiss and wraps her arms around the omega. She lightly moves Lexa backwards until Lexa is pressed up against the one of the doors. Clarke’s tongue probes Lexa’s mouth and Lexa whimpers. Clarke breaks the kiss and kisses down Lexa’s jaw line. Lexa tilts her neck and Clarke sucks hard on the skin available to her, leaving a huge red mark. Whatever the outcome of the battle is, Clarke knows that this is the last time she will be able to do this to Lexa. Clarke lightly nibbles and licks Lexa’s skin. She kisses back up to Lexa’s plump lips and they heatedly pour every ‘I love you’ and ‘I’m sorry’ in them. A loud knock from Ontari startles them out of their reverie.
Lexa’s mouth is swollen from all the kisses. Clarke nuzzles into Lexa’s neck once more and places a kiss there.
“Thank you for letting me be selfish once more. I’ll love you till the end of my days...which very well might be a short promise.” Clarke lightly teases but Lexa doesn’t laugh.
“That’s not funny Clarke.” Lexa weakly says, her face showing the deepest sadness and worry. “Y-you could..you could -” Lexa starts getting emotional so Clarke kisses her into silence.
“I’m not going anywhere. I am the strongest alpha around aren’t I?” Clarke smiles. She’s scared but she’s not going to admit that to her frightened omega. Lexa will always be her omega. Lexa might be true mates with Costia, but that doesn’t stop Clarke’s feelings. Clarke will always love her.
“You know Lexa, I might not be your alpha but you are my omega. You will always be my love even if I’m not yours.” Clarke says and before Lexa can argue back and tell her that she is. Before she can say anything in response, the other door right next to them swings open revealing Ontari. Ontari just rolls her eyes at the entangled omega and alpha.
“Alright come on. Playtime is over. They’re calling you Clarke. It’s time.” Ontari says seriously and Clarke nods. Lexa’s grip on her gets a little tighter.
“I have to go Lex.” Clarke mumbles as Lexa pulls her closer.
“You need to stay alive Clarke. Stay alive for me. You are my alpha.” Lexa says and she knows it’s unfair. She will never be Clarke’s. Clarke will never be her alpha. Not officially anyways. Lexa keeps going back and forth on her word. She knows it's wrong but she’s weak for Clarke. It’s like there is this pull she can’t describe that always brings her back to Clarke.
Clarke’s eyes light up at Lexa’s words but soften suddenly in understanding. “Thanks for saying it.” Clarke whispers in her ear before kissing her cheek longingly and walking away. Lexa realizes Clarke doesn’t believe her. And after everything Lexa has said while trying to protect Clarke and her people, how could she?
Clarke gets on the battleground and the whole crowd goes silent. Nia and Clarke stare at one another and growl. The announcer raises a flag and screams out. “You may begin!”
Clarke waits for Nia to come to her. Nia attacks hard and fast, her sword swinging too close to Clarke’s abdomen. Clarke thinly dodges the attack. She knees Nia in the stomach and blocks the Ice nation alpha’s sword swipe again. The crowd erupts in cheers. Nia stumbles a little and Clarke moves in to strike. Nia anticipates this and pushes out her sword unexpectedly. Clarke jumps out of the way, but she is lightly nicked on her side. The crowd gasps as some blood pours out of the wound.
Lexa whines and her omega cries out for her alpha. Clarke frantically looks in the crowd when she smells her omega’s distress. That one moment of distraction could be deadly. Nia swings her sword at Clarke’s head but Clarke’s reflexes are too fast. She drops to the floor and uses her sword to block Nia’s next attack. Clarke pushes all her strength upward with her weapon and Nia stumbles a little. Clarke expertly swings at Nia in a fast succession, multiple times. Nia blocks every single one. She hits Clarke’s sword so hard it falls from her hands. Nia kicks Clarke painfully in the chest and the alpha flies a few feet. Clarke coughs harshly as she stumbles to get back up. Her head is in searing pain. She hit it pretty hard on the fall. Her chest is on fire.
Lexa holds her breath. Clarke is going to die. She’s going to die thinking Lexa isn’t in love with her. She’s going to die thinking someone else is Lexa's true mate. She’s going to die without knowing the truth about their pup. Lexa clutches onto Costia like a life raft.
Nia goes in for the final jab at Clarke’s face when Clarke quickly moves and jumps up. Clarke punches Nia in the face and kicks her in the gut. Nia, while grabbing at her bloody nose, weakly swings at Clarke. Clarke jumps out of the way easily. Nia spits of some blood and swings at a weaponless Clarke again, only with more strength behind it. Clarke pumps out the strongest pheromones she can muster up. The whole crowd whines and most fall to the floor begging for relief. Nia wobbles on her feet and is one of the only alphas still standing, but barely. Her neck is tilted in submission and Clarke growls at her, knowing she has won now. The sword falls from Nia’s weak hands. Clarke punches Nia in the throat and the alpha falls to the floor, choking and coughing. Clarke takes Nia’s sword and looks down at the struggling alpha.
“For my parents.” Clarke says loud enough for a large portion of the crowd to hear. The alpha pushes the blade into Nia’s heart and watches as the light leaves the Ice Queen’s eyes. Clarke takes no joy in killing. Everytime she does it, she feels a little more empty and it’s a hole only one person can fill.
“The Queen is dead. Long live the new Queen.” Clarke calls out firmly and the whole crowd roars into a cheer. Clarke starts to see spots in her vision. Her body is failing her. She’s never forced that many people into submission using her pheromones. In fact, that has never been done before. Not to mention the open wound she has and the probable concussion. It’s all clearly taking a toll on her body. Clarke falls to the floor and everyone gasps. Moments later, she starts blacking out. Her last image is of a frantic Lexa holding her face in her hands, calling out her name. Then it all goes dark.