Affection for the man he was, the man he'd become washed over her.
How the hell did she get so lucky?
She wasn't sure what she'd done to have such a partner, an equal—someone who would bear the weight of the world with her.
He was the friend she needed, someone who lit a match inside the darkest parts of her mind and filled her with light, someone who gave her hope, who reminded her of all the good things she'd ever seen in her life.
And it all started with him bringing them here and giving them a chance, one random act of kindness.
"I love you."
"I love you more," he said.
Aria smiled at him.
"I'm gonna go talk to Warren and the others first. Give them the offer. I'll be back soon," he said.
She sat in the throne room alone, thinking about how far they'd come from that first night.
"I called you back," Lex began, now sitting at the head of the table they'd sat at that same evening. "Because I have come to a decision."
The room went quiet. All of the eyes in the room were trained on Lex.
"I'm going to let them stay," Lex said.
Everyone was silent, letting the news sink in.
And then, everyone spoke up at once.
Lex put his hand up, silencing them.
"I know that this might come as a shock to some of you," he said, "But I have thought about it. And I've talked to almost all of you. And them. I know where everyone stands. But this is my decision, and it's final."
"But what if they try to revolt? Do you honestly believe they'll listen to you?" Grace asked, "Lex, you know what they think of us. This will never work!"
"I agree with Grace," Adrian said. "These aren't the kind of people that will just...give up."
"I'm not asking them to give up," Lex said, "And I've talked to them. To Warren. He knows it's over. That this is my kingdom. And he-"
"Are you seriously defending him?" Grace yelled, glaring at her brother.
"No, of course not. But it's not-" Lex began.
"They killed a bunch of people, man," Martinez yelled. "You can't trust them."
"I agree," Peter said. "I think-"
Aria slammed her hands down on the table and rose from her chair.
"Everyone shut up," she yelled, effectively silencing the voices. "Shut up! He's the king! And you aren't even allowing him to explain himself. So shut the fuck up and listen."
With that, she sat back down next to Lex and gave him an encouraging nod.
He smirked at her, admiration, and maybe something like lust in his eyes.
"Thank you," he said, biting down on his lip.
Aria had to remind herself that everyone was watching them.
"I am letting them stay. I've talked to Warren and his people. They've agreed to my conditions. They will be staying, along with the rest of your people. I will allow you to build your own village, your own settlement on the land across the village below us. That way, the queen and I will be able to watch over you."
Katy and Hunt exchanged a glance. This was the last thing they'd expected to hear if the looks on their faces were anything to go by.
"Lex....what about the dead?" Grace asked.
"They are just as dead as the men I killed to get to where I am, Grace," Lex said. "I am aware that this whole...situation...arose from fear. I understand that the hate rooted in some of these people came from their experiences since leaving their home. But I am willing to try. I want to show them a different way, a better way. The things I've done are no better than the things they've done. And Hunt, I would like you to be their leader. My word will be law, but you will act as my second among your people. Will you accept my offer?"
Hunt looked a little surprised. He looked over at Katy.
She smiled at him and gave him an encouraging nod.
"It would be my honor," Hunt said.
"Then it's settled. All of you will stay. The palace can't hold you all, so we will begin building your settlement soon. My people will help. We will provide assistance, supplies, and other necessities until you can do so on your own."
"When will you send for the others?" Katy asked. "They aren't safe on Terra lands. They've been waiting for us for too long."
"We leave tonight. I will go, as will a few of my people. Adrian? Martinez?"
The two boys nodded in agreement. It made Aria smile when she realized they were the two he'd referred to as his.
"Hunt? Katy? Will you join us?" Lex asked.
"Of course," Katy said. Hunt nodded.
"Alright. Pack your things and meet me back here in one hour. The rest of you give our people orders to keep the remainder of the others in their rooms. The palace is secured. I'll send for the people that were forced out. Let them back in. Fill them in on our plans."
After that, he got up and asked to speak to Grace in private.
Hunt, Katy, Martinez, and Adrian left to pack for the trip.
Aria wasn't really sure about what she was supposed to do. She wanted to talk to Lex before he left, but she knew he and Grace had things to discuss. She waited patiently in the throne room, and half an hour later, the two of them came back.
"Hey," Grace said, looking at Mara. "I have a few orders to carry out. Wanna join?"
"Yeah, sure," Mara said, getting up.
Aria watched the two girls leave the room, smiling as she saw Mara give
