"Of course it is," August stated. "I have no reason to lie to you."

Eilika nodded, accepting the terms with a heavy heart. "Let’s go," she said, forcing herself to commit to his terms.

"Wait here while I change," August said. As he moved to reach for a glass bottle resting on the sideboard, Eilika stepped forward and caught his wrist, stopping him in his tracks.

"Since I am placing my trust in your word," Eilika affirmed, "give me the first Frost Lily now."

August chuckled, his gaze dropping to the hand that gripped his wrist. He relented, sliding the glass bottle into her palm. As she released him, he offered a mocking bow before turning and heading upstairs.

After a few minutes, he returned, now dressed in proper attire. He gestured for them to head out. Once outside, Eilika climbed into the backseat, clutching the vial to her chest, while August claimed the passenger seat. Maurice, his jaw set in a rigid line of suppressed fury, took the driver’s seat.

As the car tore down the road, Eilika stared out the window into the darkness, her mind racing. With every passing mile that brought them closer to the estate, her anxiety kept growing.

’’Damian, hang on. I’m coming back with the cure. Please, forgive me for what comes next, for leaving you in a way you never imagined. It’s the only way. Without that divorce, without walking away from your life, August won’t hand over the second lily. It was my foolishness that let my guard down, and now, this is the price I have to pay to keep you breathing.’

~~~~~

Georgia sent a servant to the gates every hour, her growing anxiety settling into a sharp ache in her heart.

"I cannot lose my son," she murmured again. The painful memories of the past crowded her mind. First, her husband lost his life long ago; her daughter-in-law was taken by tragedy; and now, Damian is battling for his life. His face was pale, and his lips were a deep shade of purple.

"Aunt, they will return soon," Sylvian said, resting a steadying hand on her shoulder. Inwardly, however, he was frantic, doubting if August would ever truly be willing to help them. It was well past midday; six grueling hours had passed, and the cure remained out of reach.

However, Sylvian had already sent an urgent message to the King, a final contingency to ensure August would be forced to provide the cure should he refuse Eilika.

Finally, they heard a servant’s voice. "The Duchess has returned with the cure!"

Georgia shot up from her chair, and Sylvian turned just as Eilika hurried into the bedroom, Maurice and August trailing close behind.

"Doctor, this is the Frost Lily," Eilika said, breathless from her sprint up the stairs.

The physician took one look at the rare bloom and nodded instantly. "I will prepare the antidote at once," he said, signaling for his assistant to fetch a mortar.

"Add lemon juice to the mixture," August ordered, his voice cool and detached. "It will accelerate the effects."

Georgia dispatched a servant for the lemon, then turned to August, gratitude softening her features as she thanked him for saving her son.

August smirked, his eyes flickering toward Eilika. "How could I possibly refuse, when the Duchess was so ready to—"

"Prince August," Eilika interjected sharply, cutting him off before he could reveal their deal. "A moment of your time. In private."

She glanced once more at Damian’s pale, struggling form before turning to leave the room. August rolled his eyes but followed her out, finding her waiting by the balustrade in the hall.

"I want our agreement kept a secret," she asserted, her voice low and firm.

"Why?" August countered with a mocking smirk. "They should know the price of your devotion. They deserve to know the sacrifice you’re about to make."

"I don’t want them to," she replied fiercely. "Please, keep this between us. I will ensure Maurice remains silent."

"Damian hasn’t even batted an eyelash in your direction, yet you are ready to surrender your position as Duchess so easily," August mused, his eyes tracing the contours of her face.

"Unlike others, I do not hunger for status," Eilika replied steadily. "Will you promise to keep our arrangement a secret?"

"And what will you give me in return for my silence?" August stepped closer, encroaching on her personal space.

"Prince August is truly greedy. Everything must have a price, must it not?" She frowned, her distaste evident.

"Isn’t that the nature of the world, Duchess?" August raised an eyebrow.

"Not always. I have nothing to offer you. It costs you nothing to simply keep your word," Eilika asserted.

"Well, you do have something," August stated.

"What is it?" Eilika frowned, clearly confused.

"You," August replied.

Her hand shot toward his face, intending to strike, but he caught her wrist mid-air. In one swift motion, he pinned her against the support pillar, trapping her in place.

"Let me go, or I will scream," Eilika threatened, her breath hitching.

"I have no interest in your body, Duchess," August countered, his tone cool and dismissive. "I want your presence. Once you are divorced and leave Varos as per our agreement, where will you go? If you wish to survive in the world outside, you will come with me."

"Pardon me, but I will not go with you," Eilika said and gave him a hard shove on his chest. "I will see where I have to head." She realized she even made a mistake asking him to make a promise with her.

She shot him a searing glare before turning on her heel and re-entering the chamber, leaving August alone in the hallway.

"The antidote has been administered, Eilika," Sylvian said, meeting her as she crossed the threshold. His smile was radiant with relief. "His lips are returning to their natural color. It’s working."

Eilika hurried to Damian’s bedside, her eyes locked on his face, scanning for any sign of life. She reached out, her fingers hovering near his, her heart aching with the weight of the bargain she had just made.

"Please," she murmured. "Please, wake up."

His eyelids fluttered, and a faint, rasping sound escaped his throat. "Lily," he whispered.