How many times did Lexa believe that she was unlovable?
[okay, sorry this has been in my Inbox unanswered for way too long…]
Too many to count. The things she’s done, what she has to do she is seen as ruthless and a savage.Lets not think to the moment that Lexa tells Clarke that she cares about her, the moment when she confesses her love, it is used against her. The value of Lexa’s love is only to exploit it. Exploit it to persuade decision making. Costia was taken because Lexa loved her, Costia was used to find and exploit Lexa’s weaknesses. Costia was also Lexa’s weakness. Costia was her heart. They tried to destroy Lexa by attacking her heart, if they couldn’t cease the beating of Lexa’s physical heart – the one beating inside her chest – they would attack the embodiment of her heart; Costia. Costia was a constant for Lexa, much like the heart that was beating in her chest. Costia provided warmth, pumping Lexa full of joy and happiness in a world full of turmoil and anguish.
Lexa struggles between wanting people to love her and not wanting them too. She feels like her love is a death sentence, there are too many examples that prove this claim. Being Heda is just as much a honor as it is a curse. She didn’t ask for this, but she was born for it. Just like a person isn’t asked to be born into this world, Lexa never asked for this burden that was placed on her. There was no election, she did not seek out this power. She added more burden on her shoulders by forming the Coalition, forming it for her people…bearing more responsibility.
She is trying all the time. Trying to make the best choices with the terrible hand she is dealt. Everyone is counting on her and it is so hard. So, Clarke, a girl she loves in response to Lexa’s confession tries to use Lexa’s love for her to manipulate her. “Well if you care about me trust me, Octavia’s not at threat…’
Lexa’s confession is not met with reciprocation. It is met with manipulation. Unloveable. Love is weakness, another moment that reinforces this philosophy. Lexa realizes this and even though her heart is heavy –dragging her down feeling that she is unlovable, she doesn't’ let this weakness affect her decision making. She won’t fold just because she loves Clarke, to lead well she must put her head before her heart. Lexa won’t let herself make decisions when she is in a heightened emotional state. Love and other ‘weak’ human emotions lead to poor decision making.
Lexa won’t trust Clarke just because she cares for her, they are separate. Lexa has only trusted herself for so long, only trusting a few beyond herself. You can be betrayed by the people you care about or even trust. She trusted Gustus to never harm her, but he betrayed her trust. She cared about and trusted Gustus, who ultimately betrayed her – even if it was to protect her…it was still a betrayal of her trust. Another moment that reinforces Lexa’s love is weakness philosophy. Clarke has lied to Lexa before to protect her people. She lied to Lexa saying that they cured Lincoln when they hadn’t. “You lied, and you are out of time”. Clarke could be lying about Octavia to protect her.
Lexa has been beaten down by this world so many times that at a certain point, she will just give up hope. Another piece of hope was killed when she left Clarke at Mount Weather to save her people. Making the best move for her people with the terrible hand she was dealt. Her love is a death sentence, a curse for those she loves. Why would anyone choose to love someone like her?