"A commander from the ice nation?" Titus asked as Clarke stepped in, black blood streaked across her face.

"Now all of provocations make sense, and we played right into it. She knew you would accept her challenge." Titus said, eyes on me.

"I've never seen that color blood before." Clarke said wide eyed

"Goes back to the first commander. When a nightblood child is found, they're brought here to be trained or supposed to be." Lexa said

"Your legacy is no longer secure. Either of yours are. There is still time to choose a champion" Titus told me

"How are both of their lives in danger?" Clarke asked, her head snapping towards us.

"You know I can't do that Titus." I said, turning to walk away.

"Haiplana-" he began

"Leave us" I told him. He bowed and exited.

"How is Lexa's life at risk? It's you fighting, not her" Clarke asked

I turned to her, voice low.
"If I die today, the ambassadors will choose Nia's nightblood to become Haiplana kom uf. They will stand by her side. As Haiplana kom uf, you  may try to take the commanders place. You may vote individually- this time it doesn't have to be unanimous. If Nia's nightblood gets more votes, Lexa is removed. Then she becomes commander." I answered

"Then Titus is right. You're giving her exactly what she wants." Clarke said, frustrated.

"Only if I lose." I replied

Lexa put a hand on Clarkes shoulder.
"I know you're trying to help, but there's nothing more you can do here. You must trust Diana to do this on her own." Lexa said

"I can't just let Roan kill her, lexa!" Clarke pleaded

"If that is to be her fate, you must. You're driven to fix everything for everyone- but you can't fix this. She has to do this on her own. And you must let her." Lexa replied

"I won't just sit there and watch her die." Clarke whispered

"Haiplana, it's time" Titus said, entering the room.

"Then...this is goodbye. For now." Lexa said softly

"Leave Heda and I for a moment" I told them. The room emptied, leaving only the echo of anticipation.

"Lexa, you must have faith in me. I know what I'm doing" I said

"I know you do. Clarke doesn't understand" she admitted

"Clarke loves you, and knows if I fall, it will hurt you. In many ways" I replied. Lexa stared simply.

"Stay strong Diana" she said. I nodded and walked out towards Titus.

The crowd roared as I faced roan, our swords at the ready, Nia, Titus and Lexa presiding over the dual.

"In single combat, there is but one rule. Someone must die today. You may begin." Titus announced

Roan lunged immediately. I sidestepped, slashing his arm. The fight escalated- strike after strike, sparks flying as metal collided. He pushed me down.

"You're dead." He said

"Not today" I mumbled, grabbing his sword with my hand, drawing a trickle of blood.

I pushed him back and fought on. He landed a hit, but I blocked the next, kicked him down, and seized both swords. He retaliated, breaking free and grabbing his spear.

The battle raged again. This time, I let him think he had the advantage. Strike after strike, I feigned weakness, letting him disarm me and knock me to the ground. He went for the kill, spear poised.

At the last second, I twisted, kicked his leg, and sent him sprawling. He scrambled up; so did I. I dodged each blow, and finally, I disarm him, slashing his leg and then striking at his face.

He fell to the ground, and I stood over him, spear at his chest.

"Get up! If you die, you don't die a prince, you die a coward!" Nia screamed

"Get it over with" Roan spat, but his eyes, his eyes had desperation in them.

"Blood must have blood" I said.

I raise my spear, then turn and hurl it into Nia's stomach.

I stepped toward her as she gasped her last breath.
"Go find your revenge somewhere else" I spat

Then Queen Nia was gone.

"The Queen is dead. Long live the King!" I yelled, looking down at roan.

"Long live the king!" The crowd cheered, then they chanted my name.

I glanced at Lexa- smiling- and followed her gaze to Clarke. I let a small smile form, then faced the crowd again.

Later, in my room, Lexa approached, cleaning the blood from my hand.

"Didn't believe in me, Lexa?" I asked, teasing lightly.

"My faith wavered....for a second. When Roan had you down, until I realized it was part of your strategy" she said

"At least you noticed. Thank you" I smiled

"Now go see Clarke" I added, she laughed slightly. I joined in as she walked out.