An hour later, Lexa was seated on her throne with ambassadors from eleven of the clans seated around her in a circle. The chair for Azgeda was empty, a fact which did not go unnoticed by anyone. This would be the true test of Lexa's leadership. "Thank you all for coming today," Lexa began in a strong voice. "We are here to talk peace. I have met with each of you individually and have heard your concerns and conditions. For this to work, everyone must make compromises. But we are stronger together. In my coalition, your people will be safe. An attack against one clan will be an attack against every clan. Together we will possess an army unlike any the world has ever seen." Lexa was pleased when she noticed heads nodding in agreement. She had their attention. For the next several hours, they discussed the terms of the coalition. Things became heated at times, but Lexa expertly mediated every conflict. Then, without warning, the doors to the throne room swung open and in strode Queen Nia and her Ice Nation delegation. Lexa stood and walked down the aisle to meet Nia. Nia towered over her, but Lexa held her stare, refusing to give her an inch of ground. "Nia, are you here to join my coalition or are you here to die? I'd be happy to oblige either way." Lexa got right to the point. The other ambassadors watched intently. "I will never follow you, girl," Nia sneered, looking down at Lexa with disgust. Gustus was there in an instant, sword drawn. He pointed his sword at Nia's neck. She looked unconcerned. "Heda?" He asked, awaiting her orders. Lexa never lost her composure. She stared at Nia, studied her. "You may not, but your people will. You can be the first to take my brand, as a symbol of your membership in my coalition."

Lexa kicked Nia behind the knees, forcing her to kneel in front of her. Lexa then ripped the sleeve of Nia's shirt, exposing her forearm. Without breaking eye contact with Nia, Lexa reached her hand out to grab the iron brand her guarded handed her; it was glowing orange with the heat from the fire it had been resting in. Nia's eyes went wide as Lexa plunged the brand into her skin. Nia didn't give Lexa the satisfaction of a scream and kept her eyes fixed on Lexa in defiance. Lexa relished the thought of making Nia suffer, making her burn like her people burned. "You will leave an ambassador here to participate in our peace talks. Is that clear?" Lexa asked. "Crystal," Nia spat. "Roan!" She called. A warrior stepped out from the Ice Nation delegation. "Yes, mother." "Stay here and keep an eye on this child who presumes to lead us." Lexa's fist connected with Nia's face before she could get another word out. It was a solid hit; she didn't pull back. Nia was knocked unconscious. The other ambassadors were clearly impressed. The Ice Queen was not popular among them. "Take your queen home to lick her wounds," Lexa said to the Azgeda guards. They complied without question. Titus was standing outside the throne room when they left. He slipped a note into one of the guard's hands and walked away without saying a word.