Astonished about her sweet reaction, Damien wanted to celebrate her success by hugging and kissing her - but they weren't there yet. Focusing back on the topic, Damien asked again about his offer. "You can indeed be very proud of yourself. So, what do you think about my offer?"
"I think that it is too good to be true. There is a catch, isn't there?"
"No, there is no catch. As I said, we feel responsible for your current dilemma, and it wouldn't be right to leave you here to deal with it yourself."
"Yes, but it will be a foreign country, and I also can't decide this alone. I have Gio to think about." This was an amazing offer, and she would be stupid not to accept it. Nevertheless, following a stranger to an unknown country was a big risk. Also, Georgina might not want to move away, but what were they supposed to do with The Ambassador? That guy seemed to be adamant about imprisoning her.
"Yes, of course, the more the merrier. We have enough space at my place in Lothaire, and you can stay there until we have settled you two in. How about you sleep over it and discuss it with your friend? I was planning to leave soon, so it would be great if you could answer me by tomorrow?"
"Alright, I will discuss it with Gio and get back to you tomorrow. Will you be here?"
"Yes."
After clearing all misunderstandings and questions, Eliana left to speak to Georgina, who had been worried sick and was furious when Eliana arrived, as if nothing had happened. She had been waiting for Eliana to return from her exams all evening, and it was now midnight. There was nobody to ask, so Georgina had gone out and searched for Eliana herself for hours. When she went to roam around the University, she overheard two students gossiping about a fugitive and The Ambassador, so Georgina immediately left the area. She was desperate this time because she worried that The Ambassador had taken away her best friend.
Once Eliana was at home safe and sound, Georgina had an outrage screaming at her for about half an hour, letting out all her frustration. When she was done, she was heaving and had to drink some water before Eliana could tell her in detail what had occurred.
"Ah, that bastard even knew about our predicament and only decided to help at the last minute, outrageous!" Georgina screamed. She had listened to the whole story and was now hung up on some details, which didn't sit well with her.
"Gio, he had someone watching over us, but the reports arrived too late. Hence he didn't make it in time. Also, he is not supposed to be in Paxos, and helping me like this was already a huge risk."
"Or so he says! Why do you trust this guy? You only met him twice; he is why we are fugitives right now. Don't tell me you fell for his good looks?!"
"What? No, I didn't. Look, it doesn't matter if we trust him or not. The way I see it, we have two options. Either we leave Laros but stay in Paxos, find some awful job, and try to make it in another city on our own. Not to forget that The Ambassador is still looking for me, which will make us watch our backs for the rest of our lives." Georgina narrowed her eyes at Eliana, annoyed about that option, so Eliana continued with the alternative.
"Or we follow Damien to Agora. If we are lucky, he will keep his promise, and we will have better jobs and housing AND will be safe from the authorities."
"Yes, and if we are unlucky, he will sell us to the highest bidder, and we will become slaves."
"Gio, as far as I know, slavery is illegal in Agora."
"You know what I mean! But yes, I will not lie. I prefer the second choice better than the first." Eliana smiled happily at her response.
"But let me tell you this, Eli, if it gets fishy, you will do as I say, and he better be ok with my direct attitude because I will most definitely not simply forgive him!" Crossing her arms before her chest and looking away, Georgina tried to make a point.
Knowing she would convince her, she was happy it wasn't as tricky as she initially thought and hugged her best friend tightly, kissing her on her cheek. "You will not regret this, trust me." Georgina could only roll her eyes at her naïve friend but hugged her back in the end.
--
The following day the girls went to Damien's place to inform him about their decision. To their surprise, he told them to pack their things instantly so they could leave by nightfall. This way, they couldn't be seen leaving the city.
Damien could barely hide his excitement about Eliana agreeing to go back with him to Agora. He knew there would be certain complications along the way, but at least she would be in his home where he could protect her. He sent a raven to his brother, letting him know that he would be by the border with the girls in three days and that he should meet him there with a carriage.
As scheduled, the girls met Damien by nightfall, and the three made their way through the thick forest to the border. The extremely joyous girls were very talkative and spoke of their adventures together. They also spoke about Sophie and other hardships they had endured. While Damien and Eliana glanced sweetly at each other occasionally, Georgina was rather hostile toward Damien. Everything he said was wrong or stupid; she would ensure he felt her anger. She told Eliana that she wouldn't make it easy for him since his actions were why they were in this mess.
The only thing stopping the girls from talking was the path being very mountainous, making it difficult for them to breathe and speak simultaneously. It was quite tiring for Eliana and Georgina, who had never had physical training and therefore lacked endurance, in contrast to Damien, who had been preparing to lead armies into battle all his life.
While on their journey, Damien saw how close the two girls were and understood that he had to become close to Georgina. If he had her on his side, his future relationship with Eliana would be smoother. Also, their friendship gave him the idea to build such companionship with Eliana first as well, before getting romantically involved. That probably would strengthen their bond and make her fall in love with him even more.
--
As promised, Damien's brother awaited their arrival with three of his men and a carriage. Simon was clearly displeased about the situation and wasn't happy to see the girls again. He had always been the relaxed type, especially since Damien was hot-headed and needed someone to keep him at bay. But he was often irritated recently, and Damien couldn't understand why.
After crossing the border, they stopped at a bed and breakfast in Agora before continuing their travels. They all were delighted to get a proper break and have a bath. The women and men having separate rooms allowed them to have more open conversations.
"I cannot believe you went through with this. Mother is not content at all, and I am also not convinced." Simon said the minute they entered their room.
He had been shocked when he received the message from Damien saying that he would return to Agora with the two girls and that he needed a carriage for them. Simon had his reasons why he didn't want to see those women ever again, and many women ran after Damien and unsuccessfully tried to win over his heart. As a good-looking heir and Alpha, he was very popular and would accept attention but never develop feelings. It was the first time Damien acted as he cared for a woman. It was discomforting to see a mere human sway his big brother.
"What exactly is the problem? I found my mate. Isn't that good news?" Damien looked at Simon, confused.
"Yes, I told her that you found your mate and that it must stay a secret until you say otherwise. But she is unhappy with her being a human and was hoping you could take her as your mistress."
"Isn't she hilarious? As if she and father hadn't been fated mates. She should know better that it doesn't work like that. Until the day Eliana dies, I am bound to her. And what is your problem with this situation?"
"I think this whole mate subject is ridiculous. I mean, look at you! You haven't been the same ever since you met that girl. On top of that, you left your post to seek her out, and I had to take over all the work for months."
"First of all, know your place, brother. Do not speak to me in that tone, and stop calling her 'that girl', she has a name, and it is Eliana. Second, what is so awful about having a mate? I admit I was disgruntled about her being a human at first, too, but it is not a choice. And now that I know her a little better, I am actually happy that she is my soul mate."
"Oh, so you only need three days and think you can confirm that she is suited for her role? That is why I don't like it because it obviously blinds you, and it takes away your choice."
"Hmm, it does, and it doesn't. It is very odd, to be honest. But I think you can only understand it once you find your mate too." If only Damien knew that Simon had already found his mate and, on account of that, was so moody…
Simon realized that naught could be done and that he had to deal with his brother's decisions. Knowing his brother well, he felt empathetic for his dilemma because Damien was a black or white person. Once he believed something to be right, there were no means to convince him otherwise.
"There is no point in discussing this further. I cannot understand you and will simply trust your judgment as usual."
While the two brothers were conversing about Damien's troublesome choices, the girls were chatting about their journey thus far and their excitement about seeing a new country. "He kept his promise until now. I am surprised." Georgina kept teasing Eliana.
"Yes, he has been so sweet to us. But I think his brother is not happy about our visit." Georgina could see Eliana's eyes sparkle at the mention of Damien and noticed her attraction toward him. But she had decided to let her friend find it out on her terms. Also, she wanted to ensure they were safe in Lothaire first.
"Hmm, yes, I felt that too, but you know what? I don't care. It is his fault as well that we had to flee to another country!"
"Gio, can I ask you to please stop nagging Damien about everything? We want him to care for us until we can do so ourselves, right?"
"Hmm, fine, I will try…." 'Or you just like him too much and can't bare me being mean to him' Georgina thought but didn't say the last part out loud.