Memory of You

Chapter Thirty Four: I Won't Give Up

Chapter Thirty Four: I Won't Give Up

"Lexie..."

The familiar voice came from behind her. Turning around, Alexandra walked in to the open arms, which wrapped themselves tightly around her. She had barely been home for fifteen minutes, but the urge to cry had been engulfing her. Allowing her despair to take over, tears flowed down her cheeks, as she buried her face into Valek's chest.

"I'm so sorry..." He murmured. "It's going to be okay, Lexie..."

"How do you know?" She asked, unable to stop the doubt from taking over her mind. "It's my fault for going to David without you two...I should have known better."

"Shh...who would have thought that David would do something like that."

Gathering up her strength as the last of her tears fell, she pulled away from one of her most trusted friends.

"I'm going to go look for the memory orbs."

"WHAT? Are you crazy? What if David follows you?"

She flinched, having expected Valek to react that way. She knew the guard would not be taking it well. Especially not after she asked one more thing of him.

"I don't care. I have to go, Valek. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't do anything." She tried to explain. "That's not all."

"Oho...what else?" He asked, a look of disbelief written over his face.

"I need you to stay here with Sophia. Mark will be accompanying me with Nicholas."

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?"

Sighing at his reaction, Alexandra started to look around her room for things she would need.

"I need you to stay at the castle to watch Sophie while she covers for me, if you were to leave everyone would suspect something was going on. Besides, no one really knows Mark all that well, so going to other countries with him will not bring any attention to us." She tried reasoning with him.

"I still don't want you going without me." He said, looking unhappy.

"I'm sorry...but I really need you to stay here with Sophia. They won't look twice to think she's not me, if you're around." She explained to him. Having passed off Sophia as herself a number of times, Alexandra knew the Lords and Dukes wouldn't dare question her if Valek was by her side.

"What am I going to tell them about Nicholas and Mark's disappearances?" He asked, as though pointing out the huge flaws in her plan.

"Easy, you'll tell any one who is curious, that Nicholas went on a tour of different countries in order to see what new ideas he could incorporate in Canterbury & Rosslyn, and Mark had to accompany him as he decided to not go as a delegate, but a normal visitor to get the best insight." She said, having already decided on the back story in her mind. It was the only one that made sense.

Finding her duffel bag, she stuffed into it a few books she thought would come in useful, since this would be the first time she would have to rely on magic rather than normal means. Her seven pointed mirror was also put in the bag, as it would give her communication with Valek, and a method of transport for emergencies. Mark would be packing up some food, and other supplies for them, which left her gathering whatever she deemed important. Finding a world map and a small pouch of coins, Alexandra took those as well as the pouch next to them containing gold. If their money didn't work in other countries, at least gold was a currency everyone used.

"I can't let you go without me, Alex."

The tone of the guard's voice made her look over. It was the first time she had seen such a look of worry on Valek's face. Normally, he would relent after a little bit of pushing. Coming closer to him, she saw his brow furrowed with concern. Resting her palm against his cheek, she looked him straight in the eye.