Chapter Text
Raven sat on the boat, Lexa was sitting behind her, arms protectively wrapped around the omega’s waist. Raven’s eyes were on the shore, where Luna stood, her hand lifted in the air, waving goodbye.
“We’ll come back,” Lexa whispered softly. “We’ll take a longer break, just you and I, no political agenda.”
Raven smiled, feeling Lexa’s concern vibrate in their bond. She was sure it came from Raven’s mild disappointment. She would have preferred to stay longer, to rest, to have a proper honeymoon, but she knew that wasn’t Lexa’s main purpose for the trip and Raven couldn’t fault her for that.
“It’s okay, baby. The throne is empty, and I know that can’t be, not now.” Raven rubbed her hands along Lexa’s arms, hoping to reassure her and trying to get a hold of her disappointment. The last thing she wanted was for Lexa to have to deal with her less pleasant emotions.
“Thank you. I know this is not ideal. You deserved better,” Lexa responded, tucking her nose against the crook of Raven’s neck and giving her soft kisses. “I’m sorry.”
Raven felt her heart squeeze in her chest. It was one thing to hear the words, it was another to actually feel how upset Lexa felt about not giving Raven what she thought she deserved.
“Don’t apologize,” Raven said, turning in Lexa’s hold to cup her cheek. The omega smiled when the alpha nuzzled against her hand. It was a very tender gesture, Raven couldn’t help herself and leaned in to kiss her. “I know there are things we need to take care of. I understand that, I promise.”
“Okay,” Lexa responded, resting her forehead against Raven’s and closing her eyes. “We’ll have a couple more days for ourselves while we travel back to the capital. The road is quiet, it’ll be just us.”
Raven smiled, her hands moving down to rub at the hard muscle of Lexa’s arms. “That sounds perfect.”
And it was. Though Raven was not a fan of sleeping in tents, she could see that Lexa was trying her hardest so the experience wasn’t awful. They stopped plenty of times to rest, had full meals, and the best of all was that Lexa was being terribly affectionate. Every night Raven slept tucked against her chest, the Commander constantly nosing at the healed mating mark on her neck and kissing it, releasing strong waves of her pheromones. It made Raven feel loose, almost sleepy. She spent her days swimming in a haze of protective pheromones, Lexa’s scent was warm, inviting, it made her feel safe, at home, and Raven couldn’t get enough of it.
She had to make the most out of it. Up until that moment Lexa had held a tight grip on her pheromones, barely allowing Raven to sense them at all. The omega didn’t know when her mate would go back to that, she didn’t know when Lexa would decide to take that part of herself away with the intent of seeming more composed and aloof. So Raven breathed in each lungful like it would be the last, burying her face against Lexa’s neck and letting her mate’s scent wash over her until she could barely sense anything else.
Thankfully they made it to Polis and Lexa didn’t stop releasing a steady stream of her pheromones when she was around Raven. The omega could barely sense her own scent under Lexa’s and started wondering if maybe this had to do with them being properly bonded, if maybe this was a natural thing that Lexa felt like she needed to do now that Raven was completely hers.
“Rae, hi!” Octavia said, rushing to give her a hug. Raven stood to receive her and reciprocated the embrace. Abby stood right behind the young warrior, giving Raven a small smile.
“Hi, O! How was the trip?” Raven asked, giving her friend a hard squeeze before pulling back.
“It was good, nothing much to tell about it,” Octavia said as she pulled back, allowing Abby to bring Raven into her own hug. “The Commander went hard about scent marking you, didn’t she?” Octavia said as she took a seat at the table. Several handmaidens immediately moved to tend to her, starting to serve food and drink. It was not quite dinner time, but Raven had made sure there would be food ready for the Skaikru delegation that would come for her coronation.
“Yes, dear,” Abby said before Raven could properly respond. “Your scent is almost fully covered. Here, let me see.” The doctor moved to examine her neck, tilting Raven’s head to one side and then the other until she found her healed mating mark. “This looks good. I assume the mating went well, you weren’t hurt?”
“No, no, it was perfect,” Raven smiled, moving to sit and inviting Abby to do the same. “There was some soreness and some aches, but nothing out of the ordinary.”
“I’m glad, dear. We asked Monty and Sinclair to allow us this moment alone with you so we could talk about it if you wanted, but they both came for the coronation,” Abby said.
“I’m glad, I’m happy you all came,” Raven said, reaching out to start filling her plate. “The mating was very intense. I have no point of reference, but our bond is very strong, feeling Lexa with me, in me… I would not change that for anything. She has been more and more open every day since, with her affections, with how she manages her pheromones. I very much appreciate that she doesn’t feel the need to control herself as much as she did before.”
Octavia and Abby nodded along, both of them sporting supporting smiles.
“That sounds great, Rae. She was very worried about how the Flame would affect the bond, has that been an issue?” Octavia asked.
“Well, there’s been some pain, headaches mostly. And sometimes flashes, memories, start filtering through the bond very quickly. It’s overwhelming, but it’s nothing I haven’t been able to handle.”
Abby frowned, her face immediately twisting in concern. “You know we can fix this, the Commander is a very rational woman, your wellbeing is her priority. You know she’s ready to break the bond the moment you need it.”
“I do know that,” Raven said, her voice strained. “And I need everyone, especially you, to stop putting that thought in her head. We've barely been bonded for five minutes and she’s always reminding me that the dissolution of the bond is an option. I really don’t need her to continue thinking about that.”
“Rae, if it’s hurting you-” Octavia tried.
“I will decide when it is a problem,” Raven cut her off, leaving no room for argument. Octavia was smart enough to drop it.
“Understood,” Abby said. “Do reach out if you need anything, okay?”
“Yes, thank you both for caring and looking out for me,” Raven smiled, trying to relax. “How are things in Arkadia?”
“There’s tension since the attack, people are concerned about any other possible fights, but I think the fact that you are being crowned has put them at ease,” Abby mentioned, bringing her cup to her lips and taking a couple sips.
Octavia nodded in agreement. “Yeah, there’s no way the Commander would fuck us over now, that has made our people dislike her less.”
Raven let out an amused snort, “well, I’m glad to hear that.”
“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Abby asked, reaching out to place her hand on Raven’s. “We are going to be right here for you if you need anything, okay?”
“Lexa is extremely calm, so I feel that’s kept me very level headed. She’s excited, she’s happy, and I think that’s kept me from getting in my head about it,” Raven said with a smile. “She trusts me to do this right, and her certainty makes me brave. I’m sure it’ll hit me soon enough.”
“For what it’s worth, I think you will be a formidable Queen, Raven,” Abby said, giving her hand a squeeze. The omega felt her eyes burn and had to blink a couple tears away.
“You already are everything the Commander wants,” Octavia added, offering her friend a smile. “You don’t need to prove yourself to anybody. She already knows you are the right choice, everyone else will fall in line eventually.”
“Thank you both, I really appreciate it,” Raven said, trying to shake the heavy weight of emotion that was hitting her. She didn’t want Lexa to feel it and get worried. “Let’s finish this food before it gets cold, okay? We’ll have plenty of time to talk later.”
The world was quiet and dark. The candles had been put out and the only light that filtered through the room came from the moon and the stars shining brightly in the sky.
Raven sat behind Lexa on their bed, her hands undoing tight braids, one by one, slowly, tenderly. She was careful not to tug at any strand of hair. Lexa was quiet, her mind filtering through the events of the day. Raven could see parts of it right behind her eyes, flashes of meetings, encounters with her advisors and with those that were organizing the coronation. She was trying to think if she had missed something, but no matter how many times she went through her day, she couldn’t find anything.
“Everything is ready, my love,” Raven whispered. “If you had missed something Lana or Indra would have reminded you.” Raven leaned in to press a kiss on the rounded curve of Lexa’s shoulder. Her arms curled around the alpha’s middle, holding her tight and close.
“Stop looking into my head, darling. There are a couple things I want to surprise you with.”
“I’m not doing it on purpose.” Raven smiled, sneaking a hand under the Commander’s sleep shirt to help her relax. She scratched her blunt nails against the alpha’s abs, feeling her mate lean back against her chest. “I haven’t seen much, just flashes here and there, enough to get a general idea of your day, no details.”
“Hmm, okay.” Lexa closed her eyes, allowing herself to be held. Raven cradled her in her arms, she needed to make the most of this moment, as it was often Lexa holding her and not the other way around.
“Tired, baby?” Raven asked. Lexa hummed as she nodded her head, Raven scooted back towards the pillows and laid down, pulling Lexa with her. The alpha rested her head on Raven’s shoulder, tucking her nose against the mating mark on the side of her neck. Lexa’s arm reached down to pull the furs up to cover them both before wrapping her arm protectively around Raven’s waist.
“Are you nervous about tomorrow?” Lexa asked, her voice layered with sleep. Raven buried a hand in her hair, massaging her scalp gently as she turned her head to kiss Lexa’s forehead.
“Yeah, a little.”
“You have nothing to worry about,” Lexa said, sure. “You were meant to be worshipped.”
Warmth spread through Raven’s chest. She felt the bond pulse between them, it was tender with Lexa’s honesty, with her certainty as it flooded Raven’s mind with threads of gold.
“I love you,” she responded, breathlessly, her lips brushing against Lexa’s forehead. The Commander smiled against her neck. She was almost asleep, Raven could feel it in the way the edges of her mind grew dimmer and dimmer, making the omega lose her access to it.
“I love you more.” Lexa’s words got lost in a sleepy mumble, her body becoming loose and heavy in Raven’s arms, her breathing growing deep and slow.
Raven only held her tighter.
The first thing Raven noticed was the red banner that hung vertically down the wall behind Lexa’s throne. It wasn’t there before. It was not the symbol of the Trikru clan, or of the Coalition. It was not related to any grounder tradition. It was a yellow sun, radiant and bright, woven into the blood red fabric.
The shape of it was the same as the one Lexa had tattooed on her chest so long ago, and the same one Raven had tattooed on her chest after their wedding. It was their symbol, the cry of a new era.
Raven stared at it for long seconds, her heart racing in her ears as she looked down to see that Lexa’s throne was no longer alone, next to it there was another, slightly smaller one. It was made out of metal and machinery parts, Raven recognized pieces of the fallen ark helping form its shape. Thick furs covered the surface of it, surely to offer some support and comfort for her.
Lexa stood directly beneath the banner at the very center of the room, and Raven was surprised to see her in more elegant clothing instead of her armor. The Commander of the Blood stood in all black. Pants, undershirt, and a tightly fitted coat that closed around her chest and flowed down to her legs. She wore the locket Raven had proposed with, the metal glinting brightly under the candlelight. Raven was surprised to see that Lexa’s coat had suns embroidered in golden thread along the hems.
The omega looked up at her face, the small smile on her lips, the brightness of her eyes. They gleamed in the sunlight, filled with emotion. Raven felt it all, thundering unrestrained through their bond. The pride, the elation, the hope. The sound of Lexa’s heart pumping hard and fast against her ribs. Raven could feel it, almost as if it was tied to her own.
You look so beautiful. The thought filtered in Raven’s brain, the words, Lexa’s voice, surrounded in gold. She smiled to herself, her fingertips gently tracing the fabric of her dress. It was long and blood red, their color. It matched the banner hanging over the thrones, it matched the sash draped over Lexa’s shoulders. The fabric was soft and elegant, buttery smooth, flowing like water down to her feet. It had a long slit down the leg, exposing her improved brace, and showing off the high quality leather and metal work the grounders were known for.
Her hair was completely up, curling around her head in the shape of a crown. Her neck was left exposed, allowing every single person in the throne room to see her mating mark. She tilted her chin up in a prideful gesture and she saw Lexa almost become taller in front of her. Her shoulders squared, her back straight, her own jaw tilting up to expose her own mark. Commanders were told not to ever exchange marks, not only because it would weaken them, but because their mates often couldn’t handle the weight of the flame. Lexa had gone against tradition, marked Raven anyway, at her request. She didn’t hide her decision, and there she was, showing everyone that she belonged to Raven and that she was proud of it.
Raven’s awareness expanded, and she realized that Lexa and her were not the only people in the room. The Ambassadors had stood from their seats at her arrival. And Indra, representative of the Trikru clan stood to Lexa’s left ready to proceed with her coronation. Lana stood close by, holding a small cushion with her hands. On the cushion sat a crown, custom made for her. The gold twisted in thin tendrils, like vines or the roots of a tree, the gold was adorned beautifully with shiny red stones. Raven smiled at the sight of the handmaiden, feeling at ease with her presence. Lana had helped her prepare for this, had told her what to say and how to respond. It would be okay, Raven had no doubts, if only this knowledge would rid her of the nerves curling in her stomach.
It’ll be okay. You are perfect. You have nothing to worry about.
Lexa had clearly sensed her nerves, deliberately opening up their bond to send wave after wave of reassurance to Raven, injecting her with confidence and leaving no room for unease.
“Ambassadors of the 13 Clans,” Indra started once Raven had reached the base of the thrones. Lexa stood above the steps, watching closely with a small smile. “We gather here today to welcome a new era. An era of light and peace. The Commander, leader and protector of our people, has been given a unique gift, a partner. Someone willing to stand by her, to share her burden. Someone who has chosen to fight by her side and aid her in the protection of our people. The Commander, vessel of our needs, pillar of our community, will share with us, with her people, her biggest treasure, her chosen one, her mate.”
Indra’s voice rang out across the chamber, clear and steady.
“She is known to us. Raven kom Skaikru. For her brilliant mind, for her ability to make something out of nothing. She is known for her resilience and her loyalty. She has suffered for us, bled for us, fought beside us. She has proven herself not an outsider, but a vital member of the community, someone with the means to help us move forward.”
A low murmur of agreement spread through the gathered crowd. Ambassadors, warriors, elders, village chiefs and clan leaders, all of them quietly expressed their acceptance for the words spoken with soft bows of their heads and reverent looks. Raven lifted her chin, gaze unwavering, focused on her mate.
Lexa descended the steps slowly, eyes fixed on Raven. The pride in her eyes pulsed through their bond, warm and steady, rich in the way it made the hairs on the back of Raven’s neck stand on air. She felt her spine straighten further, becoming impossibly taller. She felt, for the first time in her life, like there was nothing she couldn’t achieve.
She had once been a starving little girl and nothing more, the memory of it curled in the middle of her gut, her body never quite forgetting what it had felt like to go hungry. Now, with Lexa’s eyes on her, she felt like she was capable of reshaping that feeling, giving it a new meaning. She was hungry now, too. For the future. For her life with Lexa. She knew no amount of time would ever be enough.
“She comes not only as lover, nor as consort,” Lexa said, her voice soft but carrying its usual weight, taking command of the room, making it so each guest had no choice but to listen. “She comes to strengthen, to solidify all the structures that keep us standing. She comes as a guardian, a protector of our peace, of the balance we fight to keep.”
Raven lifted her chin, Lexa’s bravery, her passion, curled around her spine like a soft heat. It seeped into her bones, making her heart pump fast and hard. Raven had never dreamed of being at the head of a society, she had never considered being a leader, or taking the responsibility of keeping people safe, but in Lexa’s certainty she found the courage to be ready, to move forward, to believe she could do this.
This wasn’t just about them anymore.
Indra stepped aside, motioning for Raven to kneel. Raven knew that after this moment, there was only one person she would ever kneel for. One person, and no one else.
“Do you, Raven kom Skaikru,” Lexa asked, standing now directly in front of her, “swear to protect this Coalition as if it were your own blood? To serve the thirteen clans as their guide, as their leader, as their protector? To stand with me in the storm until the sun comes to shine on us again?”
“I do.” Raven’s voice didn’t falter.
Indra motioned Lana forward, taking the crown and settling it securely on Raven’s head. Another handmaiden moved forward, offering a dark red fabric, a sash, not dissimilar from Lexa’s own. Indra lifted it and let it fall around her shoulders.
“You may now rise, Raven kom Skaiku, Queen of the Thirteen Clans,” Indra said.
Lexa smiled. Her joy spread across Raven’s chest in waves, the warmth of it sending a flush to Raven’s cheeks. The omega stood, the chamber erupted in a thunderous beat of hands against chests, every single person stomping their feet against the ground in respect, recognition, and unity.
Lexa extended her hand. Raven took it.
And together, they ascended the steps.
The sun was setting behind Polis, spilling gold across the rooftops and casting long shadows over the market square. From the tower balcony, the entire city could be seen, the stalls, the winding streets, the silhouettes of warriors and children and elders gathered in the open area. And mostly, the red banners that seemed to be spread over every inch of the city, they looked just like the one in the throne room. A golden sun over a crimson background.
Raven stood at the edge of the balcony, the crown still resting lightly against her dark hair. The wind caught the edge of her dress, sending a cold shiver up her legs. In the market the people were loud, shouting up at her, happy to share their Commander’s treasure. They were just low enough so that Raven could see the paint on their faces, on their foreheads, on their cheeks, suns fingerpainted in red and yellow. Raven smiled to herself, this was obviously Lexa’s doing.
She glanced sideways, where Lexa stood slightly behind her.
“Ready?” Lexa asked, her voice low, meant only for her.
“No,” Raven admitted. “But I’ll say the words anyway.”
Lexa smiled.
Raven stepped forward.
“People of the Coalition!” she called out, her voice loud and clear over the city. “I stand before you as Haiplana! I’m not here to replace what you know, but to make it stronger. I am not a Commander. I will not take the Flame. But I am here to share its burden. I am yours. And I will fight for you. With my mind, with my hands, and if needed-”
She looked at the far crowd, caught the eyes of a young girl on someone’s shoulders, watching in awe, paint smudged across her cheeks. A red sun on one side and a yellow one on the other.
“-with every part of myself.”
A breathless hush fell over the city. And then, the beat began again: palms to chests, feet against the ground. They were loyal, they were loud. They were her people now.
Behind her, Lexa reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers.
Raven didn’t let go.
The torches burned high and bright in the Polis Tower, their flames flickering against polished weapons and painted banners of the new era. Long wooden tables had been pulled together, overflowing with food: fire-roasted meats, spiced stews, root vegetables, and rounds of flatbread still warm from the coals. Clay cups were filled and refilled with moonshine and Trikru ale.
Raven sat beside Lexa at the high table, her crown of Haiplana perfectly in place. Lexa was happy, Raven could feel it in her skin. The alpha kept a protective hand on her thigh, easing her nerves and making her feel secure and steady. Her scent had slightly changed throughout the day, becoming softer and sweeter with every cup of wine the Heda allowed herself to indulge in. Raven tucked her nose under Lexa’s jaw, nosing at her neck and feeling the taste of sharp berries and earthy oak as if she were the one drinking. She had chosen not to that night, she couldn’t count on nightblood to avoid getting drunk and doing something improper.
She kissed at the mating mark on Lexa’s neck, feeling a shiver travel down her mate’s body as she pulled back. Lexa looked into her eyes the same way she always did, reverent, in awe of being afforded Raven’s companionship, grateful of being the object of her affections. And so Raven had no option but to cup her jaw and bring her into a soft kiss.
She felt the echo of Lexa’s heart in her own chest, the aching embers of desire flaring with intensity right there in her gut. She felt her love, bright and gold and coloring Raven’s mind in starlight.
Pulling away was probably the hardest thing Raven would ever do, but they had an audience and Raven had promised to behave, though Lexa did not seem very intent on making her keep her word.
Indra stood at Lexa’s right, unmoving as a pillar. As a Trikru leader and a respected general, she raised her cup first, as was custom.
“To the Heda,” she declared. “And to her chosen. May she bear the burden as fiercely as she wears the crown.”
Most drank. Raven noticed some hesitations. The Azgeda Ambassador lifted their cup but didn’t drink from it. The Sangeda Ambassador was pleasantly absent. It was nothing that they hadn’t expected.
The Polis musicians struck up a low rhythm near the hearth, and dancers began to move between the tables. Warriors toasted, laughed, and clashed cups in tribute. Raven was sure there was a similar celebration, bigger and louder in the markets, Lexa had mentioned that she had made sure every single person in Polis would feast that night.
Raven leaned over to Lexa. “This is a lot less weird than I expected. I’m not completely well versed in grounder traditions, but this is not so bad.”
Lexa’s lips curled into a subtle smile. “Wait until they bring out the deer heart. You’re supposed to eat it raw. It’s tradition.”
Raven stared at her. “You’re lying.”
Lexa sipped calmly from her cup. “Am I? The deer is an animal often associated with me, you’ve seen my throne.”
Raven arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into a playful grin. She cupped Lexa’s face in her hand and softly tapped her fingertips to the Commander’s temple. “I can feel you, Heda. You are amused. You are lying!”
Lexa laughed something short and quiet, leaning in to place a soft peck to Raven’s lips.
A voice broke in from across the table. “Haiplana!” It was Wren kom Delfikru. He was younger than most, it was evident from his inability to hold his liquor. “What do the stars say now that you're one of us? Will they grant us their favor?”
The table quieted slightly, attention shifting. A challenge. Half in jest, half not.
Raven didn’t flinch. “The stars don’t pick sides,” she said, casually tearing a strip of meat. “They shine just as bright over the clans as they do over Skaikru. You just have to look up.”
Some laughed. A few nodded. Lexa said nothing, but her arm moved to curl around Raven’s shoulders, bringing her firmly against her side and placing a kiss on her cheek. Raven felt her alpha pheromones flare, a quiet warning. She had tolerated the challenge, the poor attempt at a joke, but she would not tolerate anything more.
“Indra, have the ambassador guided to his quarters. He has had enough food and drink for the night,” Lexa said, her burning gaze on the drunken man making a fool of himself on their table.
Indra didn’t hesitate, and with a wave of her hand one of her warriors was escorting the man out of the dining hall.
“There was no need, my love. He was harmless,” Raven whispered, sending a reassuring pulse through their bond and hoping to get rid of the displeased look on Lexa’s face.
“He was minutes away from making a mess of himself in public, I did him a favor.”
Raven guessed that was part of the truth, but both of them knew Lexa was being unnecessarily protective. Raven didn’t have it in her to complain about that.
Later, as the fire dimmed and the hall grew heavier with wine and warmth, Raven slipped outside for air. The moon hung low, shining its silvery glow over Polis.
Lexa joined her minutes later, She stood behind Raven, wrapping her arms around her from behind and gently placing kisses on the back of her neck.
“You were perfect today,” Lexa said, “as always.”
Raven leaned into her. “I didn’t blow anything up.”
“An impressive show of restraint,” Lexa teased.
“My coronation could have done with some fireworks,” Raven murmured. “But your people would have thought they were under attack.”
“I’m sure that with you living in Polis they will get used to having things explode. One day they won’t even blink,” Lexa said, playful. Her hold tightened around Raven’s waist, the tip of her nose brushing against the mating mark on her neck.
“Oh, Heda.” Raven smiled, her head leaning back against Lexa’s shoulder. “You can count on that.”
They stood there, holding each other close. The silence between them was comfortably shared, the constant hum of their bond thrummed just beneath the surface. For the first time in a hundred years, a Commander would not be alone in their rule.
“I was not grown to rule like you were,” Raven said. She turned in Lexa’s hold, her back against the railing of the balcony, her chest pressed against Lexa’s. “But it is a privilege to be by your side. It is an honor. I will learn how to be a good partner to you, I will support your rule, and together we will hold the burden of this duty. You chose me, and I will make sure you never regret it.”
“I never will, Raven,” Lexa whispered, solemn. “I’ll never regret you. I’m certain. About you. About us. There was no other choice for me. You are the only answer.”
Raven let out a shuddering breath, her heart raced in her chest and sent a rush of blood to her cheeks. Her eyes felt wet as she wrapped her arms around Lexa’s neck, bringing her down so their foreheads could press softly together.
“You can’t say things like that.”
Lexa smiled, elated even though she knew it was coming. She lifted Raven in the air and spun her around in a circle. Raven laughed outloud, shaking her head in amusement as Lexa set her down only to bring her into a kiss. Raven gasped a little into it, Lexa’s soft lips parted against her own and her knees became weak. Raven held onto her strong shoulders, keeping Lexa close, clutching her hard, kissing her back as furiously as Lexa was kissing her and then a little more.
They pulled apart, lungs aching, lips sore. Lexa nuzzled her nose against Raven’s own and turned her back around so she could face the markets. The people of Polis were dancing, singing songs. For that one night everyone was happy and okay. Raven closed her eyes and allowed herself to revel in it.
Tomorrow, everything would change.
The sounds of the feast had faded to a distant hum, muffled by thick stone walls and the pull of night. In their chambers high above the city, the fire crackled softly, casting warm shadows across furs and worn leather, across maps, blades, and relics of hard fought battles.
Raven stood near the balcony, half out of her ceremonial dress, crown carefully placed on the table. Her shoulders were bare and tense, the shift in her posture more telling than any word.
Lexa entered quietly, closing the door behind her. She crossed the room without sound, shedding her own clothes as she moved. Piece by piece came down, the Commander was tucked away for the night, until only Lexa was left.
“You didn’t eat the deer heart,” she said gently, tone just light enough to invite a smile.
Raven shook her head, amused. “I told Lana to save it for breakfast.” She closed the balcony doors, entering properly into the room. She allowed the thin straps of her dress to fall, allowing the fabric to pool at her feet.
Her chest was bare, her body only clad in her underwear and brace. Lexa stood before her, the desire Raven had been consistently feeling through their bond was finally allowed some room to breathe. She could see it. The candle light did little to hide Lexa's blown pupils, or the hardness that strained against her undergarments.
Raven allowed her eyes to roam. Lexa was breathing deep and heavy, her pheromones creating a thick fog of hunger in the air. Their bond pulsed between them, heavy and hot. Lexa's mind was unusually unwarded, and Raven saw herself bent over the table, hips bruising against solid wood.
She tilted her head up, baring her neck. The muscles of Lexa's arms rippled under her skin as she tightened her hands into fists, keeping herself from moving. She just continued to look, her heavy gaze tracing the curve of Raven's breasts, the arch of her collarbones, the solid plane of her core and then lower still.
Raven knew Lexa could sense it, smell it even, the moisture that had the thin fabric of her underwear sticking to her center.
She exposed her neck a little further, her hands coming up to cup her breasts, thumbs slowly bringing her nipples to full hardness. She gasped a little, because of her own desire and the fiery ache that burnt its way through Lexa's limbs. Her hands moved lower, tracing the lines of her abdomen and teasing the hem of her underwear.
“My wife, you are so hungry,” Raven whispered, her voice rough. Her teeth sunk into her bottom lip, she tugged on it harshly. Her mating mark ached, the skin crying for Lexa to restate her claim. “Take what you wish, my love.”
Lexa's pheromones flared, strong, possessive. Raven felt her mouth water. The alpha moved slow and deliberate, invading her space and forcing her back until her behind was hitting the edge of a table.
Lexa leaned in, keeping her hands to herself as she allowed her lips to trace the column of Raven's throat. Raven sighed, keeping her hands at her sides and closing her eyes, reveling on the feeling of Lexa's lips on her skin.
The alpha’s lips moved lower, slowly. Over her collarbones and the valley between her breasts. She fell to her knees, gracefully, her lips coming to rest in the dip of her belly button. Finally, finally, her hands moved, landing gently on Raven's hips. One moved to her behind, blunt nails digging into warm skin and pulling a soft hiss out of Raven's mouth. The other moved lower, towards her brace. Raven looked down in awe, as Lexa unbuckled it one handed, freeing her leg from the leather and metal before reaching up to grip her underwear and pull it down.
Raven was left completely bare, the candles casting shadows and drawing figures in gold against her skin.
Lexa didn't move to her feet, her hand gripped Raven's knee and lifted it up. Her thigh came to rest on Lexa's shoulder, the Commander’s mouth inches away from her center. Raven's eyes widened, her center weeping at the sight of her alpha kneeling for her. In public, Lexa kneeled before no one, but in their bedroom, she was honored and willing to kneel for her wife.
“My Queen,” Lexa whispered, warm breath washing over Raven's center. Eyes wide and blown as she looked up at the omega, her desire unveiled, strong, overwhelming.
Raven whimpered at the words, something curling tight right behind her belly button as Lexa closed the distance between them.
Raven gasped, her head falling back as one hand braced her weight against the table, the other was buried in Lexa's tight braids.
The Commander tightened her grip on Raven's legs, pulling her closer, reveling in her taste, in the warmth between her legs, in the feeling of Raven's clit pulsing lightly against her tongue.
Raven's moans rose in frequency and volume, beads of sweat rolling down the back of her neck. The bond vibrated between them, electric, raw like an open wound. Lexa's own pleasure continued to climb, getting higher and higher with every cry of pleasure that reached her ears. Raven felt the echo of her own taste in her mouth, like a memory that wasn't quite hers.
Lexa's mouth moved lower, lapping at her entrance intently, purposely, desperate to catch every little bit of Raven's essence with her tongue. The tip of her nose insistently nudged at Raven's clit. It was too much, the heat of her mouth, the pressure of her tongue against soft skin. Raven felt tension rise into something she had no hope to control. She unraveled with a scream, fingers pulling at Lexa's braids. Her release thundered down her limbs, sending rivulets down Lexa's chin. The alpha stayed between her legs, taking every last drop.
She lowered Raven's legs gently before standing up. One arm curling around Raven's waist, the other gently cupping the space between her legs. Raven breathed heavily, her eyes meeting Lexa's own as her hands unwound the Commander's chest bindings, exposing her breasts.
Raven pulled her impossibly close, wrapping her arms around Lexa's back, nails digging between her shoulder blades and leaving back pale red lines. Lexa didn't care, she just took her mouth, hard, possessive, barely giving her any room to breathe. Raven felt the hard press of her cock against her hip and snuck a hand between their bodies.
Her hand found the Commander's shaft and pulled it out of the confines of her tight shorts. Lexa let out a low moan against Raven's lips, refusing to stop kissing her. Raven moved her hand up and down Lexa's length, the head already drooling, a vein pulsing fast over the side of it. Her alpha had waited enough.
Raven pulled back, ending the kiss. Lexa growled in displeasure, chasing after her. Raven let go of her cock to place a hand on the Commander's abs, keeping her from moving closer. Lexa stopped her attempts and looked at her, a question in her eyes. Raven smiled and turned around, bending over the table and lifting the curve of her ass for Lexa to see.
“Is this not what you wanted, my love?” Raven asked, her tone teasing. Lexa trailed a finger down her spine, her hands grabbing handfuls of Raven's ass and squeezing hard, her fingers leaving red imprints in tan skin.
“I want all of you.” Lexa spread her apart, lining up her cock with the omega’s fluttering entrance. Raven threw her head back, a helpless moan falling from her lips as Lexa pushed in the swollen head of her cock. Several inches followed, and Raven continued to spill pitiful whimpers. For a moment she thought she would come from the intrusion alone.
“Lexa, please,” she begged. The alpha's shaft was splitting her apart, the pleasure roared deep inside her gut and her omega cried out for Lexa's seed, for her to spill inside of Raven and fill her full of pups. “Please.” The omega deliberately clenched her walls around the alpha's shaft, pulling a moan from her lips.
“Stop that,” Lexa growled. Her fingers digging in Raven's hips in quiet warning. “Or I won't be gentle.”
“Don't be,” Raven begged, the edge in Lexa's voice sensing shivers down her spine. “Take me. Just take me.”
Lexa didn't wait for another word. She buried herself fully into Raven's warmth before falling into a mindless rut. The front of her thighs slapped noisily against Raven's ass. The omega braced her hands against the wooden table and closed her eyes. Lexa was hitting every sensitive spot inside of her with each thrust. The head of her cock buried deep, harder and harder with every curl of Lexa's hips.
Droplets of sweat poured down Raven's back, goosebumps rising in her skin as Lexa grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her up. Raven followed the movement, pushing up with her hands as Lexa leaned down, teeth biting down on the mating mark on Raven's neck.
The stinging pain had Raven falling over the edge with a scream. She felt herself spill around Lexa's cock. The alpha hammered into her harder in response, faster, barely faltering at the omega’s rippling climax.
Lexa's free hand moved to her front to find her clit, her fingers drawing tight circles on the small shaft as currents of pleasure continued to crash against the omega. The multitude of sensations had tears burning in Raven's eyes. Lexa's hands, her mouth, her scent. The cloud of her pheromones that saturated the room and cradled them both in warmth and desire. Their bond, open wide and overflowing with feeling, left Raven dizzy, consumed by both Lexa's pleasure and her own.
Her orgasm had barely subsided when another started building. That's when she felt it. Lexa's thrusts became shallow and Raven felt the curve of her knot catch against her entrance. Her eyes widened in surprise. She was not in heat, this shouldn't have happened.
She tried to turn, to look at Lexa, to ask what was going on, but this only had the alpha tightening her grip on her throat, teeth sinking deeper, close to breaking skin. The sting of pain had a rush of Raven's come spilling over Lexa's knot, the omega whimpering softly as she pushed her hips back into Lexa's cock, hoping to help her sink her knot.
“You can take it, can't you?” Lexa murmured, surrendering her bite for a moment to whisper in Raven's ear. “You will take it.”
Raven nodded quickly, extending her bruised neck for Lexa to take. “Yes. Please, give it to me.”
She felt Lexa smile against the swollen skin. “Good girl,” she whispered, her voice was rough and low, sending a shudder down Raven’s spine. Lexa bit down on the next breath, bracing her hands against the table to deliver one last brutal thrust.
Lexa's knot popped inside. Raven's walls closed around it, milking it for everything it had got. The omega was hurled over the edge once more, gaze exploding in white and gold as their bond sent currents of pleasure through every finger of her being. Lexa's teeth finally broke the skin, Raven's taste filling her mouth as she spilled a river inside of her, pouring a little more with every shallow thrust their tie allowed.
Raven felt the earth fall from beneath her feet. Her climax felt like it would never end. Her legs failed her and she would have fallen if not for the table supporting them and Lexa's fierce embrace.
She reached back to hold Lexa's hips flush against hers. Her walls fluttered wildly around the alpha's cock as Lexa continued to come inside of her. Raven's lower belly developed a soft curve, the swell of it pressing against the wood.
They stayed there for several minutes. Raven cried in an overwhelming mix of pleasure and pain. The Commander quietly panted against the back of her neck, pressing kisses over the bite, and giving it soft licks to ease the ache the imprints of her teeth had left behind.
Lexa nuzzled against the underside of her jaw, breathing hard as she continued to kiss the side of Raven's face. The omega turned as best as she could, leaning in for a kiss. Lexa was tender about it, soft, her hand coming to rest against Raven's lower belly.
“You were perfect,” Lexa whispered before kissing her again. “You took me so well.”
Raven couldn't respond, but she nodded her head and leaned in to nuzzle her nose against Lexa's.
They made their way to the bed in an awkward shuffle. On her side, with Lexa curled up behind her, Raven took a moment to recollect herself. Her body was still vibrating, the bond feeling raw and exposed, pulsing between them as it matched the rhythm of their hearts.
“That was unexpected,” Raven whispered eventually. Lexa was drawing kisses on her exposed shoulder, her arm was tight around Raven, possessive. Raven wondered if there was something going on. Though very protective, Lexa didn't tend to be as dominant as she was that night. “Are you in rut?” She asked, though she felt she already knew the answer. If Lexa were in rut, Raven would have been able to smell it.
“No, can't be. We induced it for our mating night. It's too soon,” Lexa whispered, voice low and raspy. Raven felt the desire pulse in their bond and frowned. Lexa was not entirely satisfied, she wanted more. Raven knew what would happen as soon as they were untied.
“Explain the knot then,” Raven said, amused.
“I can't, but I'm not mad about it. I've been wanting to get you out of that dress all day.” Her hand moved up, comfortably cupping one of her breasts. “You should wear it for me more often. Or nothing at all.”
“Sure, I'll happily walk around naked,” Raven let out a snort. It was cut off when Lexa tightened her teeth around the skin of her shoulder.
“No walking around, your body is for my eyes only,” Lexa grumbled, holding Raven tighter against herself. The omega arched an eyebrow, finding the behavior slightly unusual. Lexa was pumping her pheromones still, scenting Raven all over, leaving no room for anyone to question her claim.
“Are you feeling okay, my love?” Raven asked, twisting her back just enough so she could look Lexa in the eye. The Commander gave her a smile, cupping Raven’s face with her hand and leaning close to kiss her lips.
“I’m very happy,” Lexa said. Raven had no opportunity to question her feelings, their bond moved with Lexa’s joy, it seemed to expand, to fill them both to the brim, leaving little space for doubts or concern. “What about you? Did I hurt you? Was that okay?”
Okay? Raven asked herself in disbelief. Sex with Lexa had always been out of this world, their mating night being probably the most special moment Raven could think of, where intimacy was concerned. But that night, their joint climax had been particularly strong.
“I feel like I died a little bit, and I mean that in the best way. You almost killed me, Heda,” Raven said playfully, bringing Lexa down for a kiss. “It hurt a little because I'm not in heat, but that just made it more intense. You don't have to worry.”
“I knew you could take it,” Lexa repeated, her hand moving softly, caressing Raven’s front.
“I’m a little jealous, though. I didn’t get to restate my claim,” Raven said, tracing Lexa’s mating mark with her fingers.
“Once we are untied we can do it all over again, and you can restate your claim,” Lexa responded, finding Raven’s lips once more and kissing her slow and deep.
Raven arched an eyebrow. “Oh, you plan to knot me again?”
“Yes,” Lexa answered simply, as if it were obvious. “As many times as I can, or until you ask me to stop.”
Her words send a shiver down Raven’s back, her face flushing hot as Lexa softly canted her hips against her behind. The omega was quick to stop her, she knew Lexa would find a way to make her come like this and she was too sensitive for another so soon.
“Do you not want it, my love?” Lexa asked. “Do you not want me to take you again?”
Raven felt her heart race. “Yes, yes. Of course I want it, I always want you.”
Lexa was terribly pleased with her response, Raven felt it in her own skin. The alpha smiled and gently prompted Raven to lie on her side properly, facing away from her.
“I love you,” Raven whispered, her body spent and tired. She needed to take a nap, it was going to be a long night.
“I love you more, my Queen,” Lexa responded, hiding her face on the back of Raven’s neck. The omega smiled to herself and allowed the Commander’s protective scent to lull her to sleep.
Raven opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling for a full minute. She took stock of her body and knew that she would have a very uncomfortable day. She was more achy than she had been after her mating, probably because she had spent her night somehow managing to take Lexa’s knot without being in heat. She threw a hand over her eyes and sighed. It was her first day as Queen, and she would be walking funny, how mortifying. The worst thing was that she could not bring herself to regret it.
She did wonder though, if there was something up with her wife. Lexa’s stamina had always been particularly good, Raven was sure Lexa would jump off the tower before leaving her unsatisfied, but the night before Lexa seemed to be the one that could not get enough. She breathed deep and felt it, the smell of sex, sweat, and alpha pheromones.
Was this normal? Was this because they had just mated and Lexa was adjusting? Raven heard a soft grunt and turned her head to the side, her tired eyes opening wide when she saw Lexa in nothing but her undershorts and shirt doing push ups on the floor next to their bed.
What the actual fuck? Raven thought to herself. They had barely slept, how was she not tired and sore and in bed with her?
Raven blinked, struggling to process what she was seeing and getting understandably distracted at the sight of Lexa’s muscular back. Her breathing was controlled, the shirt sticking to her skin leaving very little to the imagination. Her triceps and shoulders looked terribly defined, and Raven just sat there, staring for a little bit. What a good way to start the day. Odd, though.
“My love?” Raven finally asked, when Lexa showed no sign of stopping.
The alpha sprung to her feet and turned around with a smile. Eyes shining and green. Joy filled their bond, the feeling getting stronger the longer Lexa looked at her face. Raven smiled back, filled with warmth. Her face only slipped when Lexa started walking towards her and Raven found herself staring at a very noticeable hard on.
The omega’s eyes widened. She lifted a hand, shaking a finger from side to side.
“No! Hell no! Lexa, what the fuck?” Raven exclaimed. The Commander only laughed and sat at the edge of the bed, leaning in to press kisses to the side of Raven’s face.
Raven scrunched up her face, feeling Lexa’s sweaty cheek press against her cheek.
“Baby,” Raven groaned, pushing the Commander back a bit with a hand on her chest. “You are sweating on me.” It was pointless, considering what they had spent the night doing.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” She pulled back. That same dopey smile from before firmly on her face. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes looked at Raven intently, reverently, as if looking away would be unthinkable.
Raven felt her heart start to race and leaned in to press a soft kiss on her wife’s lips. Lexa beamed.
“Lexa, are you okay? You are kind of freaking me out,” Raven said, looking back at the Commander with a tentative smile of her own.
“What? Yes. I feel great,” Lexa responded.
“You are just so happy, ” Raven stressed the word, and pointed at the smile on the Commander’s face with a finger. The alpha only nodded, hair messy and pulled out of her face in a half-done braid.
“I am very happy.” Lexa leaned in, burying her face into Raven’s neck and kissing the now fresh mating mark. “You smell so good.” Raven was surprised Lexa could sense her at all under her own pheromones.
The kissing started getting a little more intense and Raven had to push her mate back once more. Lexa looked at her, eyes now sad and sporting a soft pout.
“Don’t do that!” Raven exclaimed, covering Lexa’s face with the palm of her hand. “I can’t physically take you again. I swear I can’t.”
“I know, my love.” Lexa smiled, taking Raven’s hand in her own and kissing her palm. “I was trying to get rid of it,” Lexa said, glancing down at the space between her legs. “I wouldn’t pressure you. You know I wouldn’t. Did you feel pressured last night?” Lexa asked, starting to look worried. “If you wanted me to stop-”
“No, I didn’t feel pressured last night,” Raven said at once, not wanting that thought to stick. Considering their history, Lexa really didn’t need that. “It was just very intense. I guess I didn’t expect you to be having this problem so soon. I mean, I just took your knot a few hours ago.”
“You did, you were perfect.” Lexa leaned in once more, cupping Raven’s face in her hand and kissing her soft and sweet. The omega couldn’t help but fall into it, sighing softly into Lexa’s mouth as the alpha moved her arms around her and pulled her to sit on her lap. Raven wrapped her arms around Lexa’s strong shoulders, kissing her back, her mind going blissfully blank as she pressed close to her mate. “You are perfect. I love you,” Lexa murmured against her mouth before kissing her again.
“I love you more,” Raven responded, chuckling when Lexa grumbled in disagreement.
“I don’t know why I’m still so worked up, but I do know that is not your problem. I’ll go train some more and it will go away. You stay here and rest, okay?” Lexa said. She had phrased it like a question, but her tone made it sound like an order. Raven nodded dumbly, the edge in Lexa’s voice telling her that she would get nowhere arguing about that. “I told Lana to get a bath ready for you. The room will be cleaned up and fixed while you are in the bathroom. Then someone will come to give you a nice massage. After, I’ll come for a bath of my own, and we will have breakfast together. How does that sound?”
“It sounds great. What about my duties, though? Shouldn’t I be doing something, helping you with your duties?” Raven asked, worried about her new role.
“Oh, yes,” Lexa responded, kissing her forehead before nuzzling her nose against Raven’s cheek. “Later in the day I want you to attend some meetings, audiences with the people, meetings with ambassadors and advisors. I want you to see how they are conducted so one day soon you can handle some of it for me.”
“I’m a fast learner," Raven responded with a smile, feeling Lexa’s trust in her vibrate through their bond, unwavering and steady.
“I know. There’s no one smarter. Soon enough you will handle it all better than me.”
Raven chuckled, shaking her head. “Now you are just stroking my ego.”
“Nonsense. I only speak the truth.” Lexa deposited her back on the bed, giving Raven one last lingering kiss before standing up. Raven watched her throw on some training pants and boots. And for the first time ever, she saw the Commander brush her hair back and pull it fully up into a bun. “I’ll let Lana know that she can start prepping the bath. I’ll be at the training grounds if you need me, okay?”
“Sure, baby. Don’t take too long,” Raven said, feeling a little worried. She really felt Lexa should get some rest, but the alpha didn’t seem to need it.
In moments she was gone. Raven heard more than saw Lana come in, and decided to close her eyes while the bath was prepped. She dozed off, waking up a couple minutes later when the bath was ready.
She slipped inside the tub, sighing in relief. Lana allowed her to soak there for long minutes, allowing her muscles to settle and some of the soreness to ease. Then, the handmaiden knelt next to her, asking her to tilt her head to the side so she could gently wash the fresh mating mark on Raven’s neck. The omega made a mental note to remember to clean up Lexa’s mark as well, the Commander’s mark was equally fresh after Raven had restated her claim the night before.
“Lana, is it just me or is the Heda being kind of weird?” Raven finally asked. Lana was probably the one person that knew Lexa better than her.
“She has been different over the last couple days, yes,” Lana responded. “Good different, though. She seems happy.”
“Yes, that’s right,” Raven said, thoughtful. “I feel like it’s more than that though. She is pumping her pheromones like her life depends on it. I love it, but it’s just not like her to be like that. And also, she was able to knot me last night, but she says she’s not in rut, and she can’t be, not so soon after our mating. I’m just worried.”
“You shouldn’t be. It’s normal for an alpha to get possessive like this when the bond is still stabilizing and the mating is fresh. There might be fluctuations in hormones, in pheromones, until things stabilize,” Lana offered as an explanation. “You are hers now, fully. Her instincts right now are back to their most basic form, claim, protect, provide, breed. It’ll go away.”
“It’s not like this for my people,” Raven mentioned.
“Well, your alphas are on suppressants and have those implants you have. I would imagine that’s why they don’t react like this after they mate. Heda has no such thing.”
“Right.” Raven nodded, finally feeling some of her concern ease. What Lana was saying made sense.
“Heda would tell you if she felt wrong.”
Raven hummed, unsure. “Sometimes she doesn’t.”
“That’s true, but she said she would try. And if she fails, I will tell you. I can always tell.”
Raven smiled, turning to look at the girl with the most grateful expression she could muster. Lana blushed under her gaze, as she always did when she found the attention to be on her.
“You are wonderful, Lana. Thanks. I do appreciate that.”
“Of course, Haiplana,” Lana said, giving Raven a soft nod.
“None of that when we are in private, please. I think of you as a friend,” Raven said at once. Lana nodded quickly, offering a small smile of her own.
“Okay, Raven,” the girl said.
The mechanic let herself be still, Lana’s hands gentle as they washed her, the silence between them more soothing than the water.
The forest was dark, the moon a tiny sliver of silver light in the sky. Lexa sighed in annoyance, she ached to be by Raven’s side. Echo’s urgent message meant she would be late for dinner.
“Echo,” Lexa said, tilting her chin up and studying closely the struggling body that was draped on the back of the horse at Echo’s side. “I did not expect your message.”
“King Roan wanted to send his congratulations about your new mate and her recent coronation,” The blond said, offering Lexa a small smile. “He sends a gift, answers to some of our questions.” The Ice Nation warrior moved towards the horse, grabbing onto the body there and pulling it roughly, forcing it to tumble off the horse and towards the ground.
A man, Lexa realized. A man she knew.
Echo pulled him to his knees. His face was beaten up, his mouth gagged and his eyes full of tears.
“Look who we found, attempting to cross our borders to reach Trikru territory,” Echo knelt by the man’s side, poking him roughly in the cheek. “Were you not banished from Trikru land after insulting the Commander’s mate?”
The Sangeda Ambassador.
Lexa felt her fury start to build like a roaring inferno inside her chest.
“There is an order for you to be killed on sight if you are found on Trikru land,” Echo continued, smiling as she pulled out a knife to cut off the gag covering the man’s mouth. “So why would you risk going to Azgeda instead of going back to your people?”
Lexa had no patience to keep watching Echo toy with the man. She was late for dinner.
In one swift motion she grabbed the man by the neck and lifted him to his feet. His back hit the trunk of a tree with a thud. A strangled gasp escaped his mouth as Lexa used her free hand to grab her knife and bury it in his gut.
“Not only is your pathetic face ruining my day, but you are also making me late for dinner. I should be dining with my wife right at this moment and instead I’m here, wasting precious seconds having to deal with the worthless piece of scum that you are,” Lexa said, her voice steady and low, her pheromones an oppressive force in the air. “I did not hit anything important, not yet, so I could have you treated and healed. You would live and I would have you tortured for the rest of your days until I got bored. And you see, I’m hardly ever bored these days, as my wife is so very interesting. She’s so good with weapons, imagine all the new ways she could come up with to make you suffer.” Lexa took a breath and twisted her knife, the hilt pressing against his skin as the man released a pitiful whimper.
“Heda, please-”
“Please?” Lexa sighed and turned her face towards Echo. “Echo, where should I be right now?”
“With your mate, Heda.” Lexa could easily sense the blonde’s amusement in her voice. “Having dinner. By now you should have her sitting on your lap, sharing a glass of wine.”
“Did you hear that?” Lexa asked. The man shakily nodded, a quiet sob falling past his lips. “You will tell me what you were doing in Azgeda and you will spare no detail. You do this and I will kill you quickly and painlessly. However, if I see any hesitation from you I will have the information tortured out of you. So, what will it be?”
“Months ago, my King had the Princess sent to Azgeda,” the man started. Lexa saw Echo shift where she stood, having been unaware of that information. “After I was banished from Trikru land I was ordered to go to Azgeda and check on the Princess’ status.”
“Why would your King do such a thing? Why would he send his heir to what will soon become a war zone?” Lexa asked, she had her suspicions, and she hoped to be wrong.
“He wants a Nightblood of royal blood, of his blood. He sent the Princess to be bred by the Ice Nation Nightblood.”
Lexa saw red. Her hand tightened on the man’s neck and she gave another wicked twist to the knife in his gut. The man cried out, pitifully fighting against her hold.
“Was the Princess a willing participant of this plan?” Lexa asked.
The man hesitated to respond. Lexa’s fury couldn’t fit inside her body. “Answer me!”
“No!” the man cried. “The Princess refused, she begged her father for mercy, she pleaded with him. She did not wish to mate with the Ice Nation Nightblood. She did not wish for a child. She was untouched! She had remained untouched all these years in hopes you would one day accept to marry her!”
“Your King sent his daughter away to be raped, to be bred against her will!” Lexa roared, throwing the man to the ground and viciously ripping out her knife from his middle.
“He wants his blood to one day rule over the Coalition! For this he needed a Nightblood heir!”
Lexa clenched her hands into fists, chest heaving with each breath.
“None of this would have ever happened if you had agreed to marry the Princess!” the man cried, his hands coming down to try and slow the flow of blood. “Now Sangeda is allied with the Azgeda Nightblood and they will move on Polis as soon as King Roan is dethroned! Ontari will take over the Coalition and her child, a child of Sangeda blood, will be her successor."
“Mating with a Nightblood does not guarantee a Nightblood child!” Lexa responded, her voice loud as it echoed between the trees. “All of this, all this pointless cruelty and the Princess might not be able to deliver what the King wants, what then?”
“The Princess will stay in Azgeda until she delivers a Nightblood child. The King has no use for a red blood heir. They are all to be killed, those are the King’s orders.”
“You were leaving Azgeda, crossing into Trikru territory, you were going back to your land to update your King. What were you going to say to him?” Lexa asked, her voice low. She felt Raven through their bond, the omega’s growing concern bleeding into her consciousness heavily and fast. Lexa forced herself to get a hold of her anger and try to calm down.
She was not surprised when the band at her wrist started vibrating and lighting up. Raven was trying to get a hold of her. Lexa tapped on the band, sending back a quick response so her mate would know she was in no danger.
“That the Princess is with child. The healer says she should deliver soon, she is reaching the end of her pregnancy.”
Lexa felt something in her heart crack. She couldn’t fathom it, for the King to put his daughter through such suffering.
“Where is she?” Lexa asked.
“I don’t know. I was not allowed to see her,” the Ambassador whispered, voice slurred from blood loss. “This information was given to me by the Azgeda Nightblood in the capital. She said the Princess was not there, that it was too risky to keep her in the capital where someone could recognize her. She’s somewhere outside of the capital, Ontari said her most trusted allies have her.”
“When does she plan to have Roan dethroned?”
“Soon, she is still gathering her allies, planting seeds in court to move people to her side. She’s waiting for an opening, she won’t move until she knows she can win.”
Lexa nodded, that was not news to her, she had assumed as such.
“You have been granted a quick death, Ambassador. I, Lexa, Commander of the 13 Clans, sentence you to die.”
He tried to speak, but she did not give him a chance to. With a sharp movement of her hand she sent her knife flying, the blade sunk into the middle of his forehead with a wet sound that made Echo flinch.
Lexa approached, putting a foot on his chest to keep him down as she retrieved her knife. She wiped the blade clean on his robes before putting it away in its sheath.
“Heda?” Echo asked, taking a step forward, ready for her orders.
“Find the Princess, do not engage, find a location and come to me. I want you to be sure, we only have one chance. If Ontari realizes we know of her plans she will have her moved.”
“What of Ontari and her army? If King Roan makes a move our people will go to war, hundreds will die.”
“Ask Roan to stand down. Tell him not to confront Ontari, it’s preferable that he runs. We need him alive, make sure he knows that before making any harsh decisions. I will deal with Ontari.”
“Understood.” Echo nodded and mounted her horse.
“Echo,” Lexa spoke before the warrior could leave. The blonde pulled at the reins so she could face the Commander. “Finding the Princess is of utmost importance. It is very unlikely for that child to be born a Nightblood. That pup will be killed and Ontari will force herself on the Princess until she finds herself with child again.” Echo clenched her jaw, tilting her chin down in a nod.
“I understand, Heda. Be ready, I’ll find her.”
Lexa nodded and watched her take off before approaching the body of the Ambassador. She could not allow his body to be found, and a fire would be visible. She lifted the body with a grunt, draping him over her horse’s back before mounting the saddle. She took off, guided by the sound of the river.
After minutes of riding in a fast gallop, Lexa reached the river’s side. She dropped the body on the ground, analyzing it in the low light. She was pleased to find that he was wearing the rags of a prisoner, nothing telling of his true allegiance. His face, however, could be recognized by someone knowledgeable enough. Lexa could not allow the King of Sangeda to find out that his Ambassador had been captured.
She didn’t know how much of what she was seeing and thinking was getting to Raven, so just in case she closed her mind as tightly as she could. She felt the bond strain, Raven’s concern spiking as Lexa tried to calm herself further, hoping her feelings could pass through even when her mind was closed.
Lexa grabbed her horse’s reins, reminding herself that this man was an accomplice to several crimes, including the attack that had almost killed her mate and the rape of the Princess. With this in mind she gave the horse a quick command. The animal reared before stomping down with its front legs, the Ambassadors face giving away under the horse’s weight.
Lexa dragged the man by the front of his clothes and dumped him in the river, watching his body be taken away by the fast current. Once it was out of sight, Lexa mounted her horse and rode back to the Polis Tower. She was late for dinner.