Barricade- John Murphy

Chapter 44

Season 3

Episode 4:
Watch The Thrones

The next morning came fast, and the council was assembled. I stood in my clothes that were made for war, next to Lexa as she sat in her chair. Murphy was on her other side, and I could tell he was struggling to stay quiet. "Ambassadors of the coalition, today we honor our covenant. The clan that stands against one of us, stands against us all." Lexa says firmly.

"Bring in the accused." Titus calls from my side. The doors open and they escort in the Azgeda Queen. Lexa told us her name was Nia, Roan's mother. Roan, being the asshole who kept trying to kill me. "Queen Nia has confessed to the destruction of Mount Weather, resulting in the death of 49 members of Skaikru. Wanheda, what say you?" Titus says turning his gaze to me. 

"Skaikru demands justice." I say glaring at the woman. "Ice Nation does not answer to this girl." The woman says. "Skaikru does not take lightly to their people being murdered out of hate." I snap at the woman who looks shocked. "The punishment for your crime is death. Do you have anything to say in your defense?" Titus asks the woman. "I need no defense. She does. Today is judgement day. I call for a vote of no confidence." Nia says and I roll my eyes at the woman. 

"Take this queen to meet her fate." Titus says angrily. "Not so fast. Commander no longer." One man says getting up. I hadn't memorized who was with what clan yet. One by one they stood all saying it as well. Until eyes turned on me. "You must be insane if you think I will EVER turn my back on her. Your vote of no confidence FAILS." I snarl at all of them. I was ready to just kill them all at this point.

Lexa gets up, and I realize she had been talking to them. "Fine. You are challenged." Nia says. "I accept your challenge." Lexa says glaring at her. Titus frowns but steps forward. "So be it. Single combat. Warrior against warrior. To the death. Nia of Azgeda, who do you choose to be your champion?" Titus asks her. "My son, Roan, Princes of Azgeda." She says looking at him. I look to him as well, and they look on his face is not pleased. 

"Commander, who will fight for you?" Titus asks Lexa. She turns, heading back for her chair, sending me a questioning gaze. My lip twitches and I nod at her. "I'm the commander. Normally, I'd fight for myself. But I'd love a good show. Wanheda." She says looking over at me. We share a look and I nod at her. "I'd be honored." I tell her sending Nia a wicked smirk. 

Everyone is dismissed and I turn to Murphy as he walks over to me. "What the hell just happened?" He asks me quietly. "When a challenge is issued, the two involved choose to pick a warrior, or fight themselves. Nia chose her own son to fight. He wasn't happy about it. And you know Lexa and I talk with our eyes a lot. Roan will not be the one dying today. And neither will I." I say quietly.

"What's going on? The people are talking of a challenge?" Keran asks walking in. "Keran. I didn't know you were up and about yet." I say walking over to him. "What is going on?" He asks me. "Nia challenged Heda. She chose her son to fight for her. Heda chose me." I say and he stares me down. "These fights are to the death." He tells me. "I'm aware. Keran, have faith. You trained me well as your second. Let me show you all I've learned, and how I've grown." I tell him and he sighs but nods his head.