Memory of You

Chapter Thirty Four: I Won't Give Up

"I have to go, Valek. If the tables were turned and it was me who was in danger of dying instead of Nick, you wouldn't rest until you found every last orb." She told him. "I need to do this."

Pulling him close in a hug, she knew he hated her walking in to the unknown without both Mark and himself; but she had no choice. It was this or risk losing Nicholas...and the latter was a possibility she couldn't handle. It was bad enough that he wouldn't remember her...she winced, having hoped that she could keep from remembering what the Oracle had said. Not giving herself the chance to feel pain, letting go, Alexandra turned to see Mark waiting at the door.

"Ready?" He asked, a large bag slung across his back.

"Almost." She replied.

"You should switch out of those clothes. They'll draw too much attention." Mark told her, motioning to her gown. "Make sure to grab a thick cloak."

"Why?" She asked, puzzled. "It's summer."

"Who knows where we end up with that thing." Mark said, pointing to the chain around her neck that held the diamond the Oracle had given them. "And at night, it's always a bit cold. Anyway I've gathered things for both me and Nicholas, as well as some supplies for us."

"Okay." She said, pulling out her warmest cloak, and a few clothes that she thought were normal to wear without being noticed. Going to the bathroom with a set of clothes and shoes she left her guards.

Changing into a black frock with matching tights, she slipped on the most comfortable pair of shoes she had seen in her closet. The black flats were the only padded pair she had. Looking at herself in the mirror, she tied up her auburn hair into a ponytail, with her bangs pushed to one side.

She took a closer look, realizing it was the only moment she had gotten completely to herself. All the worries and pain bubbled up. Nicholas was in Sophia's room, with the girl watching over him. His lifeless face filled her mind. Unable to stop herself, the tears started to flow once more; silent sobs racking her body. She held up a hand to stop the sound from escaping. Her heart hurt knowing what she had lost...and what she was about to lose.

What if he doesn't love me any more? What if he wakes up and feels like there is nothing between us? The thought that had been niggling at her, came to the forefront of her mind. It doesn't matter, she tried to convince herself, as long as he's alive, it doesn't matter if he loves me or not. Taking a deep breath, Alexandra steeled herself. From now on I will not cry, she promised herself, I will fight for Nicholas; David will not win.

Stepping out of the bathroom after washing her face, she saw Mark and Valek deep in discussion, they stopped talking upon seeing her.

"So, we're good to go then?" Mark asked.

"Not yet...I just need to finish some last minute details." She walked out of the room, with the other two trailing behind her.

"Sophia?" She knocked on her best friend's door. The girl was sitting on a chair beside her bed, Nicholas lying there in front of them. Just seeing him, made her heart hurt.

"Yes, Alex?" The girl asked, looking up, her face distressed.

"I need you to stand in for me while I'm gone." Alexandra told her.

"Of course."

"Valek will be with you every step of the way. If you're in a meeting and you don't know what decision to make, then just ask him. If Valek can't make a decision, he will be able to contact me." Alexandra explained.

"Okay."

"One more thing..." The Queen mumbled, hoping Sophia wouldn't reject her.

"What, Alex?"