The throne room was colder than i remembered. Echos voice broke through the silence as she bowed her head.
"Welcome to the throne room, Heda. And my king" she said

Her words echoed off the stone as my eyes lifted to the seat before me. Lexas throne. For a heartbeat, I swore I could see her sitting there- steady, unshakable, eternal. My chest tightened, but I forced my feet forward until I lowered myself into it. Roan sat at my side, but the weight was mine alone.

"Now that the lift has been repaired, I've doubled the guard on the doors at every floor" echoed reported

"Are we expecting trouble?" I asked, steady, though inside I was bracing for it. There was always trouble.

"I trust only Azgeda. And you, Heda. Roan- Your mother roan taught me to trust only Azgeda. The people loved her for that" echo says

"Our people feared her, echo." Roan said sharply

"Because she was fierce. Vicious." She said

"My mother's ambition, her disregard for lexas and Diana's alliance got her killed." He reminded her

I stayed quiet, though words cut through me. Lexa had built something with blood and wisdom, and Lincoln had believed in it too. I was trying to carry both their legacies, but the truth gnawed at me: what if I wasn't enough?

Echos eyes snapped to roan.
"If I may, why do you agree to rule the way Lexa did when it's not the best for your people Roan? I know you follow Heda, but you didn't even try. At least tell me there's a reason" she said

Before roan could speak, the doors opened. Kane and Octavia stepped forward.
"Forgive the intrusion, Heda, your highness. May we have a word....privately?" Marcus asked

"You can wait like the other ambassadors" echo snapped.

"Echo. Leave us l" I said. My voice was enough to make her bow her head and step aside.

Kane wasted no time.
"We were right to be concerned about Trishanakru. Rafel is gonna to challenge you for control. We're just not sure who he will challenge" Marcus told us

"Bold move for a new ambassador. Thank you, Marcus. But let him come." I said, standing from the throne.

"With all due respect. If they challenge Roan- he's still recovering." Marcus pressed

"The law says you could pick someone to fight in your place." Octavia said

"No. The clans will never accept a leader who hides behind the law or another warriors blade." Roan said rising

"You'll lose. I mean Diana kicked your ass without a bullet hole in your chest" Octavia snapped. I bit back a smile.

"We should cancel the gathering or delay until you're strong enough Roan." Marcus urged

"No. Letting the ambassadors speak keeps the peace. If Rafel wants to look brave, he'll challenge me. And if so- then let him. I am perfectly capable of fighting for myself" I said firmly

Marcus shook his head.
"No one has to die. The point to our arrangement is to give us time to find a solution to save everyone" he said

"And how is that solution coming?" Roan pressed

"We're working on it. In the mean time I'm here to keep you away from any sort of fight. Let me talk to the ambassador." Marcus said

"Talk then. But if you fail, there will be battle." I allowed

Later, steel rang through the training hall. Roman staggered mid-swing, clutching his wound, but still tried to lift his sword. Echo knocked him flat, blade at his throat. 
"Damn it" he cursed, pushing her back.

"Let me take a look" Abby said, walking over.

"You're healing, but you need more time" she said

"I don't have time. If he challenges me I can not stop it" roan replied

"Why accept this challenge at all? You're Heda  and a king- make your own rules." Echo pressed

"I told you. I won't be that kind of king" roan said

"If I didn't do it before, I won't start now" I say, stepping in.

I lifted my blade, sparring with roan in a blur os steel and breath. Every strike was heavy, every parry testing him. His chest heaved with effort. I disarmed him, struck his wound, and sent him crashing to the ground. My blade hovered as I glared down.

"You better pray they challenge me" I told him

Echo helped him up.
"I would be honored to take your place in this fight" she said

"I will run not from this challenge." Roan said, forcing himself upright.

"Echo's right. I didn't save your life so that you could tear yourself apart again" Abby spoke

"Since when are you two on the same side?" Roam shot back

"And if you can't help me, why the hell are you still here?" Roan spat

I cut in smoothly, sparing Abby the brunt of his temper.
"A simple thank you, Abby kom Skaikru, for saving my life would do no harm. Thank you Abby, you're free to leave" I said, and she walked off.

Echoed squared her shoulders.
"This fight can be avoided. Protecting Skaikru gives the other clans an excuse to challenge you. Let me take care of the problem. Let me do what your mother could never" she swung at roan, but he deflected.

"No" he said

"Then please just tell me, what did Wanheda offer you? What deal is worth losing the faith of your people?" She asked

I stepped forward, voice iron.
"A chance to survive the end of the world. That's what they are offering to everyone. Soon, another Praimfaya will destroy everything. But this time, no one will be able to survive it. Skaikru helped me destroy Allie, and now they are helping me fight what comes next." I spoke

"They're lying to you. They'd say anything to save themselves. Let me prove it to you. Send me to Arkadia." echo pleaded

"No. Allie told me herself. Skaikru holds the knowledge we need. For now, your only task is helping roan win if challenged." I said, my voice strong.

The gathering hall filled with voices and tension.

"Heda. Your highness. Your loyal ambassadors." A guard announced as the doors swung open.

"Diana, roan, please, it's not to late to cancel" Marcus pressed

"It is already decided. If it comes to single combat, so be it. Take your seat ambassador" I say

I scanned the seats. Rafel's was empty.
"Where is Rafel kom Trishanakru?" I demanded

Echo slipped in, whispering the answer in my ear. My stomach turned cold. I stood.

"The ambassador was found dead this morning. His heart stopped." I announced

I bowed my head.
"May the spirits of the commanders guide him safely home.... Let us begin." I say

My voice rang out as I took my place before them all.
"I, Diana Kom Trikru, honor the coalition Lexa kom Trikru forged before me, with me by her side as Haiplana. She believed we are stronger together. So do I. And I will see it done." I said

For a moment, i felt her shadow over me- not crushing, but steady. Lexas flame. Lincoln's memory. Their strength was here, even if I didn't always believe I carried it.

And maybe- just maybe- I was starting to.