Hey, my dear readers. I come this time with a filling/teasing chapter. I'm moving ahead slowly, yes but I assure you I am. I just didn't want to much time to pass without giving you a new chapter. By the way, I want to make it perfectly clear I'm not very good at planning out war strategies lol so I ask you to bear with me and the little info I can provide regarding that issue. So, with that settled l hope you enjoy this lil chapter and let me know you are still here with me.

Ps. Thank you Roxx for your beta... Hardest one so far huh? :P

Nearly at sunrise Clarke, Octavia and Abby arrived in Polis.

As expected, the city is on high defense mode with heavily armed warriors and soldiers surrounding the city.

The three women are escorted inside with extreme caution with Bellamy and Myrreh trailing right behind them. At the gates, they are received by Indra who informs Clarke about the measures she has taken inside the city. As they briefly exchange details, they decide to have a meeting as soon as possible. But before that, they take time to refresh themselves.

…

As soon as Clarke enters her room, she slams the door shut. She leans against it exhaling sharply. There alone in complete stillness, she tries to calm herself and push her feelings down. A few seconds later Clarke gulps the knot on her throat and sighs walking to the middle of the room. She looks around considering what to do first when her eyes catch Lexa's coat on a chair. She moves toward the garment, takes it in her hands, and smells it fondly; the sweet scent of it penetrating her nostrils instantly. "Lexa…" she whispers the name that has always sounded like a prayer on her lips. An action she recalls performing a thousand times before when she missed Lexa; when she was… 'no!' Clarke's body suddenly tenses. She puts the coat carefully back onto the chair. A moment of angsty silence passes by when out of the blue Clarke starts screaming at the top of her lungs. She frantically moves about her room, breaking and throwing down everything in her way. When she's had enough, she looks through the balcony glass door and falls to her knees staring up at the sky. "Please, please don't take her away from me." She begs with a broken voice. "Everybody is saying you brought her back for me. Why then would you do that to only deprive me of her again? I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want but please…" she chokes back tears as she attempts to continue. "I can't take it anymore, I can't." Her hands fall to the floor in need of support, her body losing strength "don't take her away from me please please I'm begging you, please. I can't live without her not again…. please." Clarke's whole form slumps down as she's consumed with heart-wrenching sobs, she can't contain any longer.

…

A splash of cold water brings Lexa back from her long slumber. She blinks rapidly to adjust her eyes as she regains consciousness. It all comes back to her. 'fuck' That's when Lexa realizes she is tied up to a post.

"Look who's awake". A familiar voice says cynically.

Lexa looks ahead, recognizing the owner of the voice. "Of course it had to be you." She spats with disdain.

Echo walks around Lexa, glancing at her up and down. "If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't have believed it… it's really you", she marvels.

"Cut the bullshit Echo, what the hell do you want?" Lexa protests, moving forward even though the ropes are stinging her arms.

"So impatient", Echo chuckles. Nevertheless, she complies this time free of any mockery. "I guess the answer is very obvious. We want the flame".

Lexa stares at Echo like she suddenly grew two heads. "What on the spirits are you talking about? The flame was destroyed Echo!"

"That's what all of you want us to believe", Echo counteracts raising her voice.

"All the clan leaders were there when it happened, your King was there! Didn't he tell you?" Lexa questions.

"Do you think I believe one single word that excuse of a man pronounces?" Echo replies annoyed. "He's a coward that was lucky enough to be the son of the Great Queen Nia. He is simply a traitor that exchanged our traditions for convenience and comfort. He is weak and I'm done waiting for him to do what must be done." She moves closer to Lexa and points at her. "And you're gonna tell me where it is".

"But I just told you, it's gone!" Lexa utters exasperated.

Echo glances at her menacingly. "You are gonna talk one way or another. I'll make sure of that".

Lexa sighs, knowing her arguments would fall on deaf ears. Instead, she taunts. "I'm really disappointed in you Echo, back in the day you were smart and intuitive. Now your thirst for power has blinded you." She shakes her head in disapproval. "Aging certainly hasn't done you any good I see."

Not one to be mocked at, Echo smacks Lexa across the face with the back of her hand. "That attitude won't last too long you will see", she warns. "You may be young but rest assured I won't have any qualms". Echo grabs Lexa by the chin and threatens "I will get the information I need… at any cost".

….

Earlier that day

"Jok!" Roan kicks the doors of his throne room open, followed closely by his guards and counselors. He stomps inside and stops right in front of his throne. "I demand to know how this happened, how is it that someone barged into my arsenal and stole the weapons that were to be used by the army, how?!" He yells in trigedasleng, directing his demand to his counselors. "Do you know what this means? The general is probably already deploying half of the commander's army to come here and ask for an explanation; and of course, they have to! Everything points in our direction!"

His eight counselors remain quiet.

"What are our orders?!" He spats to no one in particular.

One of the counselors clears her throat and informs, "we are to stay put my King. Nobody leaves or enters Azgeda until further notice, we…." Then hesitatingly she finalizes, "we are no longer trustworthy".

Triggered by those words, Roan smacks the side of his throne effectively busting it. After a few seconds of intense silence, he continues his ranting. "We made much progress with this civilization, we made peace with the clans, with the commander; we can't go back to being the clan nobody trusts, to be the scum of the world". The desperation in his voice is evident. He is about to order the counselors to find out who the perpetrator is when he is interrupted by one of them.

"We are certainly not anyone's scum my King, we are Azgeda, the rightful leaders of the world." The man points out arrogantly. "If I may make a suggestion taking advantage of these… occurrences".

Roan stares at him suspiciously.

Not waiting for the go-ahead from his king, the man continues. "I believe we should alert our army to take a defensive position as we plan out our next strategy".

"What are you saying?" Roan questions through gritted teeth.

"I'm saying this is our chance to go and take what is ours, my King. The commander is probably too busy worrying about her lover to pay us any mind, this is the opportunity for us to counterattack". The man explains with malice in his eyes. "I can discretely send someone to our team in Polis. We have an advantage as there are warriors already inside. If you just give them a signal they will immediately be on our side. No matter if they are with the commander's army, they will always be faithful to Azgeda first."

Roan fixes his sight on the man, intently for a few seconds. "Do you all agree with him?" He abruptly asks, eying each and every one in the room very carefully.

A choral almost choreographed "no!", resonates through the room.

"I don't think it is wise for us to lose the bond we already have with Polis," one of the counselors says.

"We can't sacrifice the progress we've made through all these years", a woman comments.

"Many people died for us to be in the place we are currently; trying to rebel once again would not only be disrespectful to our people but also suicide", another counselor adds.

"You are all weak!" The man accuses his peers. "I'm ashamed of the way you're thinking now, complying with their rules and acting cowardly. Allowing yourselves to be brainwashed by the Skypeople ways, forcing us to follow their customs, while eradicating ours." He then directs his attention to Roan. "You must not allow this, my King. You have to take hold of the reins and lead this kingdom like our ancestors did, like your mother the great Queen Nia did. You have to take back the power and claim the nation that belongs to us."

"Is that so?" Roan lets out as he slowly approaches the man. Then suddenly before anyone can react, he thrusts his knife into the man's stomach. The man's body barely reaches the ground when Roan promptly takes the gun from his holster and shoots one of the royal guards in the knee immobilizing him in the act. "Take him into custody now", he orders.

The remaining guards do as he commanded.

Roan strides over to the guard who's howling on the floor and menacingly declares, "you are gonna tell us everything you know about this senseless rebellion or I'll make your death the most painful one ever heard in Azgeda."

…

While waiting for all the heads in the city of Polis to reunite Clarke and Octavia issued their first measure: all members of ice nation clan must be interrogated.

After that quick arrangement, Octavia marches directly to the young warrior's dormitory in search of Esiry. She decided Esiry should be present during the meeting as this would be a learning experience for her. She arrives just in time to overhear one of the royal guards shout out an order in a loud voice.

"Warriors Moorrek and Ayar, you're coming with me".

The two teens obey even though they clearly have reservations and fear written on their faces.

"Not them". Octavia quickly intervenes before the guard has time to speak to the young warriors. "I vouch for them. I trained them. They know exactly where their loyalties lie". She ends confidently staring at both teens.

"As you wish General". With that, the guard retreats from the dormitory.

The boy and girl feel completely validated and appreciated by their mentor and they let her know.

"Thank you, General".

"We won't disappoint you".

They bow to Octavia.

"I know you won't", Octavia nods firmly.

At that moment the rest of the young warriors make their appearance into the common area, including Esiry.

Octavia turns to address them. "Bilheh, Karoline and Lechlan get into your combat armor. You're starting your practice as warriors for the commander's army now".

The three eighteen-year-olds promptly go to do what they were told.

"The rest of you are gonna discuss strategies that you will later review with me…" Octavia pauses, realizing that may not be exactly accurate, so she adds. "Or Indra."

The youngsters look visibly affected by the implications of Octavia's words but they refrain from commenting.

Choosing to ignore the sudden somber atmosphere Octavia carries on. "Esiry, lets go".

Esiry joins Octavia by her side.

Then before she can depart, Octavia feels a tug in her chest that prevents her from walking away. She sighs and rolls her eyes before begrudgingly acknowledging something she tried to avoid in order not to make it emotional. Finally, she decides she can't just leave like that and faces her apprentices once again addressing the elephant in the room - her way of course. "May we meet again".

It's not much, but taking in the less gloomy expressions on her apprentice's faces Octavia knew she made the right choice. It is only then that she can leave in peace.

…

The first hour of the meeting dealt with possible motivations and working on their tactical approach.

For Clarke, everything was going painfully slow. If it had been up to her, she would've gone herself in search of Lexa but she knows by acting impulsively this time won't help the situation. Whether she likes it or not the best way to get Lexa back safe and sound is with patience. She was attempting to distract herself from undesirable thoughts when suddenly a messenger enters the meeting room.

"Wanheda", the man bends on one knee.

"Speak warrior", Clarke hurries the man.

"The operations center received a call from Azgeda. King Roan requests a word with you".

The simple mention of the word Azgeda was enough to cause a switch in Clarke's attitude. Her hands instantly close into tight fists, which contained the rage emerging from her chest. Assuming her best commander stance she gestures for the man to leave the premises, then she announces. "We need to postpone this meeting for the time being, but standby as I will summon you as soon as I have new information". After receiving silent acknowledgments from all the participants in the room she turns to Octavia and Indra. "General, counselor follow me please".

The three women leave the conference room, followed closely by Esiry.

When they make it to their destination, Clarke quickly reaches for the device and connects the call.

"Wanheda", Roan bows when he notices he is visible on the screen. "I want to start by apologizing for the wrongdoings of my people, I should have known better and should have prevented it from happening somehow. I'm sorry I failed you". He lowers his head in a submissive gesture but continues talking. "But you must know, not me or anyone else in Azgeda took part in these atrocious actions against you. These are solely and completely the responsibility of rebels in my clan without my knowledge or consent, Azgeda is and always will be loyal to the Commander".

Clarke glares at him with clenched teeth. Octavia crosses her arms with her characteristic "yeah right" expression and Indra grumbles a selection of curse words in trigedasleng. Esiry is there at the back quietly trying to learn.

Roan sighs and tries again. "I know you don't trust me at the moment but let me prove to you I'm on your side." Since they don't respond he adds, "I've got some intel for you".

That gets the attention of the three women.

Perceiving it as a good sign Roan carries on. "I, unfortunately, discovered a couple of traitors among my workforce. Nevertheless, I got interesting information from one of them."

"Cut the crap Roan, what did you find out?" Octavia demands running out of patience.

Slightly embarrassed Roan clears his throat and proceeds to disclose his findings. "This new rebellion has been secretly around for years now. They have been stealing from my armory in complicity with one of my counselors and they also recruited some people among the clans but this time…" he makes a pregnant pause "this time with the guidance of Echo".

Clarke has to make a conscious effort not to break any of her teeth with the pressure on her jaw at the mention of the name.

"That fucking bitch," Octavia exclaims angrily.

Indra, sharing both women's frustration, is about to point out something but Clarke beats her to it.

"She is one of your people Roan, you were supposed to keep an eye on her. How is it that she was able to blatantly lead a whole rebellion for years, steal your weapons, and kidnap my girlfriend all under your nose, huh?"

Roan attempts to explain himself but Clarke won't let him.

"Because of course, you were more concerned about exploring the world and fucking every single woman that crossed your path rather than pay any mind to the most treacherous woman on earth! What kind of a King are you?! You're a King of nothing. You are unworthy to carry that title". Clarke pauses breathing heavily. Then finally releasing her pent up anger, Clarke snarls, "I wish Lexa would've taken your life too." She shakes her head, staring at the man with scorn and discloses the final blow, "I guess your mother was right after all, you're just a coward."

The words pierced deep within Roan and it shows. His face twists and his nostrils flare with the same emotions as the day he was defeated by Lexa in combat…right in front of his mother. The humiliation and sense of shame threaten to make him lose control and lash out but in an enormous display of practiced self-control he slowly calms down. He reminds himself that Clarke's words come from frustration and fear at the idea of losing the love of her life, again.

Realizing things are getting too tense and before losing the point Octavia intervenes. "Did you find out something else we could use? Possible location? Next movements? Motives?"

Roan gets back to business "After making use of all my persuasive techniques I can assure you he doesn't know where the rebel camp is. I'm guessing he was sent as a spy even before they had a specific place. And about the motive…" He makes a gesture that causes Indra and Octavia to raise a brow. After exhaling hard, he voices, "they want the flame".

"What the hell!"

"The flame?!" Clarke interjects. "The flame was fucking destroyed Roan, you were there!"

"I know! But it seems like they don't believe it. For some reason, they are very sure you are hiding it". It's the only thing the man can offer.

Indra grabs her face in complete disbelief. Things turned out to be more complicated than she expected.

"So are you saying your own people don't believe your word?" Clarke chuckles bitterly. "I guess this only confirms my point".

"Is that all?" Octavia questions also overwhelmed with the nonsense they just heard.

"That is all I could get for now. Right at this moment, my men are searching for more rebels within Azgeda. I will be in contact as soon as I get new information", Roan affirms utterly committed.

"OK then." Octavia accepts and warns. "Remember Azgeda is still under complete lockdown and that won't change until I say so".

Roan has no other choice than to submit. "As you wish my General." He assents and then says, "my army is at your disposal in case you need more men. We are at your service".

Octavia simply nods and before she can end the call Roan speaks once again.

"Clarke, I am profoundly sorry about what happened to Lexa. You have my word that I won't rest in my efforts to help you in whatever way I can until she is returned safe and sound". He offers sincerely to the woman, not the leader.

But everything the man says seems to only annoy Clarke. She glowers at him, making it very clear she isn't interested in what he has to say to comfort her. "Out"! And with that, she presses a button ending the communication.

"This is ridiculous, the flame?" Indra lets out indignantly.

"So, we destroyed it for nothing huh?" Clarke mutters shaking her head.

"Ugh," Octavia scratches her head. "I guess we overestimated the intelligence of these people." She starts planning something in her head. "I should begin preparing the troops for the operation. It's not much information but at least it's a start. The sooner we depart the better".

"I wouldn't trust Roan so easily" Indra comments. "As far as we are concerned, he could be working with Echo. This could still be a trap."

"I agree", Clarke supplies also wary.

"I don't think he is lying", Octavia counteracts while pacing. "He has too much to lose from this. He got too comfortable in his position. I doubt he would risk it, not after all this time." She then stops and says confidently, "I'm gonna follow my gut and believe him".

Clarke and Indra exchange gazes and ultimately seem to come to a silent agreement.

"Fine," Clarke concedes, "but let's discuss it with everyone first, lest go back to the meeting room".

…

After some minutes of being left alone at the post, Lexa watches Echo approach once again, this time accompanied by bulkier men. She immediately assumes a defiant posture.

"I'm gonna give you one last chance to make this easier on yourself", Echo voices condescendingly.

"I told you Echo, the flame was destroyed years ago." Lexa informs and then she just has to add, "and even if it was still intact and I knew where it was, I wouldn't tell you.

Echo chuckles "I wasn't expecting any less from you. But unfortunately, I have no time to waste". She signals for one of the men to go behind Lexa.

Lexa cranes her neck to watch what the rebel is gonna do.

"Let's see if you're as stubborn as your little girlfriend was".

Confused about Echo's statement Lexa is about to question the woman for the meaning of it when she catches a glimpse of what the man behind her is sporting and at that same instant the blood in her veins runs cold. 'fuck… a fucking whip'.