Maribelle had taken her seat and sipped her second cup of tea. The view out the window held no more interest for her. All of the fighting hid in the tunnels out of sight.
Three quick knocks, then three slow ones at the door.
She rose and unlocked it. Cora and Dottie were panting.
“Yes?” Maribelle asked over her teacup.
“They’ve broken through the city. It’s time.” Dottie did not have her clipboard.
Maribelle sat down in her chair. “It hasn’t been long enough. Has everyone made it across the bridge?”
Cora and Dottie shared a look. Cora said, “The last runner reported that the sick and young were across. Lissie still has control over the problem cases. That’s all we know.”
“See? I can hold.” Maribelle gestured to the pot of tea. “There is still some left, if you’d like.”
“Belle, we have to go now.” Dottie grasped her hand. It was hot.
“They are fighting in the courtyard, Mother,” Cora said. “The Gallians are killing five to one, but it doesn’t matter. There are too many.”
Maribelle looked at the levers on the wall. “Why? As long as the bridge stands, my people have a way out.” She looked her prime minister in the eye. “Go. Dottie, you have to lead them.”
Dottie squeezed her hand. “I’m not going to leave you.”
“You know how to organize! Someone needs to take charge.” Maribelle stood up as she spoke. “Riley is so young, they will rebel.”
Dottie looked at the floor. “I know you’re right.” She bit her lip and did not let go of Maribelle’s hand.
“Dorothy. You have been a sister to me. A partner. A bastion. You have never disobeyed me. Do not start today.” She kissed her on both cheeks. “Go. Now.”
Dottie turned, looked over her shoulder once. Tears welled in her eyes. She closed the door behind her.
“Why didn’t you send me away?” Cora was pouring herself a cup of tea.
“Because you’re my daughter. You’re so much like me.” She took a sip. “I knew you wouldn’t go.”
“What now?” Cora went to the telescope and swept it over the burning city.
“Now we drink our tea. Until something changes.”