Rise (22 page)

She followed Roman out of the Gloucester Estate, her mind on Alexander the whole time. As they made their way back towards the convent and the convent, respectively, she felt her stomach twisting uneasily as she thought about the upcoming night.

XIV.

The remainder of the day passed by slowly, but Victoria found that she didn’t notice. She was still too deep in thought. She returned to the convent just as the sun was rising, and was accosted by several nuns at once. Some wanted to know how she was progressing with her task, some, like Grace, wanted to share a few comforting words, and others, such as Sister Katherine, came to remind her that even if she had an impending, dangerous task, that she was still expected to serve slop.

Victoria served slop for a few hours, but eventually found herself wandering over to Grace’s station. As she approached, Grace looked up and smiled, and nudged the child on her table, to tell him to get off. The child moved away, and Grace took his place, studying Victoria as she found herself a table to lean on. “So, tonight’s the big task.” Victoria nodded . “Excited?” “I don’t know.” She answered, truthfully.

Grace nodded sagely. “I felt that way during my first task with the Other Sisterhood as well.” “Did you ever get over it?” “I can’t say I did.” Grace responded, with a shrug. Victoria sighed, as that did nothing to sooth her nervous stomach. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something, Victoria.”

Victoria quirked an eyebrow and waited. “I’m going to be leaving the Sisterhood.” “The Other Sisterhood?” “No, both Sisterhoods. This one, and the one that ain’t so holy.”

“
But why?” Victoria felt her heart drop, as she thought about the prospect of the Sisterhood without Grace. It was bleak.
“I don’t know. I’ve been feeling that it’s time for me to move on. I don’t know if I agree with everything here anymore.”

“But you can’t just leave!” Victoria said helplessly. “What will I do without you?"

Grace chuckled, and smiled warmly down at Victoria. “I don’t know. Keep on living. I’m not dying, I’m just leaving. I live right here in Gracelia. I’ll even let you visit me. I just don’t think this is the place for me anymore.” “But why?” Victoria repeated.

“
My faith doesn’t glitter in the sun, Victoria.” Grace hoisted herself up from the table she was leaning on, and began to pack up her bandages. Victoria stood, watching her, still trying to comprehend what she’d said. “Are you leaving now?” “In a little bit. Have to make sure I get all my things. You should be resting though. The big night is tonight.” She leaned forward and gave Victoria a bear hug. “I’ll miss you, kid. But like I said, come visit me sometimes. Katherine knows where I live. I’ll see you around.”

Victoria trudged back to her room, feeling oddly deflated. It was true, it wasn’t like Grace was leaving the country. She was just going back home. But then why did she feel so alone? She spent the rest of the evening laying on her bed, counting the dots on the ceiling.

When the sun finally went down, there was a knock at her door. She opened it, robes on, dagger in hand, to finish this once, and for all. She barged through the open part of the fence surrounding the Gloucester Estate and made a beeline for the Prince’s sun room. Victoria was marching forward, determinedly, when Roman suddenly yanked her back and pulled her being the safety of a bush. “Jeez, Victoria. What are you going to do? Trample him to death?” He pointed out to the grass just outside of the Outer Garden. There, on his back with his eyes to the sky, lay the Prince. Victoria watched him for some time, she wasn’t sure how long, before she felt an urgent tap on her shoulder. “Get closer, Victoria.” Roman whispered.

He urged her forward, and she went, reluctantly. "Do it." He spoke with the harsh, quiet tones of a desperate man. Victoria lifted her dagger slowly; her arm wouldn't move any faster, it was as if she had the weight of the world in her hand. "Do it" came Roman's voice again, this time accompanied by a note of urgency. Victoria's eyes returned to the spot on the grass where the Prince lay with his eyes trained to the starry night above.

"Victoria!"

His voice sounded faraway, and unimportant. She gazed at the Prince, watching as he pointed out constellations with his index finger. It was such a peaceful scene, and at once, she felt guilt wash over her in waves. She was drowning, and there was no one there to rescue her. She heard someone call her name, and she turned painfully back to Roman.
"Finish it." His distaste for the job was never more evident in his face than it was now, and for once, Victoria found she could agree with him. But he didn't know her true reasoning. "Finish him" he repeated.

Victoria felt as if the roar of the ocean was pounding in her ears, and she looked up at Roman, salty tears rolling down her cheeks.

"I can't."

It was if time was moving in slow motion. Victoria felt Roman shout something, and then grab her. She felt her legs moving, but she didn't remember telling them to do so. Then suddenly, everything sped up.

"Victoria, we have to leave now." Roman yanked her arm again and she yelled out. "Intruders!" Someone said, and she realized as she ducked behind Roman and into the bushes as guards swarmed the area, that it was the Prince. He was staring at them, shoulders back, almost a mirror image of his father. "Guards, there are intruders." Victoria dared another peek at him, from the safety of the bush. His face was hard, and angry.

"I apologize, my liege" A guard was saying. "Can you give a description of the intruders? We will have them arrested within the hour." The Prince shook his head. "I'm not sure of what they looked like. But I did see a girl. A girl with red hair." He stared back towards the bushes, his eyes settling on a spot a little to the left of her, and shook his head.

Victoria felt Roman pull her back gently out of the gardens, and she let him. When she looked around again, they were standing outside of the estate, and Roman was running his fingers nervously through his hair. "What happened back there?" He whispered furiously. Victoria looked down, uncertain of what to say. "You know, we're done for, right? We're done for. This is just great. I guess I better pick out my coffin now. You, too."

Victoria shook her head. "No, Roman. I'm not picking out any coffins. Sister Katherine once told me that everyone has a choice. And you know what? I just made one." The two stood there for a moment longer, watching as the guards scoured the estate, and reveling in what was sure to be one of the biggest mistakes they would ever make.

As the beams of flashlights moved dangerously closer, Roman leaned in towards Victoria and smiled. "You know, I think you're right." He held out his hand, and she grabbed it, and the two lowered their hoods, letting the darkness surround them once, and for all.