ANDY: Belief is something that comes easy to you, even withskeptics all around. It’s not that the people of Azgeda don’t believe in the Commander on in natblida, they do, but they are wary of the current Commander, Lexa,and her coalition. She is different than past Commanders and they do not likeit; you can see it in the glint in Nia’s eye or the sneers on her council’sfaces. And it’s not uncommon for people to disregard the Flame altogether in Azgeda;there are people here who believe in the throne over the power of nightblood.You, though, you’re a believer. To you, it is the only explanation, a higherpower that darkens some blood, makes rulers fit to lead. You only believe itmore when you first see Lexa, who comes to Azgeda to make a peace treaty. Herconfidence, the way she holds herself, she wasmeant to lead; it was predestined by the Flame. Her visit is what convincesyou to join the Order of the Flame, where you work alongside Gaia looking forNatblida for the next Conclave. You are the one who discovers Lexa’s best prospectfor the next Conclave, Aden. For all your belief in the Flame, you believe inother things too, and people call you crazy. There’s a tale passed down in yourfamily, of life on other planets, where other beings might live. Aliens, yourmother called them (but that’s just a story, she’d add. But you know that allstories must come from somewhere). You learn to stop talking about your beliefs outside the Flame while in the Order; when you do mention them, you are laughedat, disregarded. That’s why you feel so vindicated when a ship falls from thesky. The Commander finds out from Trikru that they are sky people, originallyfrom Earth, but you still think they’re aliens. When Lexa dies, you’re the onewho talks to Aden before the Conclave. He still remembers you, the one whobrought him to Polis in the first place. You help him prep, and tuck him into bed,and for the first time, you falter thinking about your religion, for tomorrowthis child, and he is a child, will have to fight for power, for life. He doesn’tget that far, because Ontari gets to him in his sleep, but first she gets toyou as you sit outside guarding his door.
