It was snowing when Lexa's army crossed into Azgeda. Despite the cold, Lexa burned hot with anger. They approached the battlefield. The Azgeda army was already waiting for them. Their army was large; however, it was nothing compared to the combined size of the armies of the eleven clans marching behind Lexa. Azgeda warriors were fierce, but this would be a blood bath. Lexa smiled at the thought. She saw Nia at the head of her army. She was surprised not to see Prince Roan. As was custom, Lexa and Nia both rode out alone to the center of the field to discuss terms. "Lexa." "Nia." They stared at each other for a second. "Did you get my present?" Nia asked. "If you'd like the rest of the body back, I can arrange for that, although you may not appreciate the state it's in." It was all Lexa could do not to draw her sword and strike Nia off her horse. But Lexa's honor would not allow her to do that. "I'm going to kill you," Lexa said. "You're certainly going to try," Nia baited her. "You should know, before you die, that your little girlfriend put up quite the fight. I personally questioned her." Lexa's stomach turned thinking about what that entailed. Nia continued, "But the little bitch never talked. She took all of your secrets with her. I almost regretted killing someone so stubborn. It's a trait I admire." Nia smirked at Lexa. "Where's Prince Roan?" Lexa was desperate to change the subject. "Oh, you mean my disappointment of a son? He's certainly not a prince anymore." Lexa cocked her head, not understanding. "Oh, you see, Roan tried to free your little girlfriend. He doesn't have the stomach for torture. Has some kind of soft spot for you. They got pretty far actually before my guards caught them." Lexa felt a great deal of gratitude for Roan. "And what did you do to him?" She wasn't sure she wanted the answer though. "I banished him for his treachery. He is Azgeda no more. I suspect he hates you now for this. So much for your alliance with my son." Lexa wasn't sure it was possible to hate someone more than she hated Nia. "I see. Enough talk. I will hear your surrender now." "Oh, I'm not surrendering." "But surely you know this is a battle you cannot win." "We shall see about that." "I will see you on the battlefield then." Lexa turned her horse around and rode back to her army. Nia did the same. "They have chosen death," Lexa said to Indra, who rode at the front of the army with Lexa. "I am happy to oblige them," Indra replied, and both women smiled.