Life was simple on the battlefield. Kill or be killed. To Lexa's dismay, it wasn't long before Azgeda blew the horn to signify their desire to surrender. They were being slaughtered and common sense prevailed. If they did not stop their attack, Lexa's army would wipe them off the face of the earth. It was only her sworn duty as commander that prompted Lexa to sheath her weapons. She would have been happier to see the battle through to its conclusion. One of her generals found Lexa and brought her a fresh horse. She mounted it and rode out to meet Nia once again. "I will hear the terms of your surrender," Lexa shouted. Even beaten, Nia still looked proud. "We will lay down our weapons and ask that you allow us to join your coalition." How dare they ask to join MY coalition! After what they've done! Never! I will finish this. But then Lexa remembered her talk with Costia- Promise me you'll use your head on this one and not your sword, Costia had said to her. Shit, Lexa thought. Despite everything, Lexa would not dishonor Costia's memory by breaking one of her last promises to her. A war waged inside Lexa. Nia saw it play across Lexa's face, legitimately worried about the outcome. In her heart, Lexa wanted revenge for everyone she had lost to the Ice Nation. In her head, she knew that, as commander, it was best to offer them a place in her coalition. She would do her duty, and she would keep her promise. Even if she hated herself for it. It would not be the last time Lexa had to choose her head over her heart. "I accept your terms," Lexa began. "You will lay down your weapons and never again take up arms against this coalition. You will appoint an ambassador to sit on my council and your people will abide by my laws. If you take one false step, you negate the terms of our peace and my army will move against you. And there will be no mercy a second time for your people." "We accept your terms, Commander." It was the first time Nia had used Lexa's proper title. "Very well then." "You know this isn't over," Nia said. "No, I expect not." Lexa continued, "I will make you a promise, Nia. One day I will kill you. I will plunge a spear into your heart, and I will watch the life fade from your eyes. I will find Roan and make him king. And you will be forgotten by everyone." "And I will make you a promise, Lexa," Nia said, only slightly shaken by Lexa's words. "I will destabilize you at every turn. But you won't see me coming until it's too late. And I will place a new commander on the throne and you will be remembered as weak and a failure." "I'm glad we understand each other then," Lexa said cooly. "Indeed we do," Nia replied. They turned and went their separate ways, riding further away from each other but both thinking about the others' words. Azgeda became the twelfth and final clan to join the coalition. And, for the first time in a long time, there was peace.