Pantomiming was a less than elegant solution to their communication problem, but as clarity finally dawned on Alexei's face, Celio didn't care. Relief washed over him as Alexei shook his head no, though such relief was quickly replaced with pity. He didn't have anything? Not even a change of clothes? This was more like taking in an orphan than anything else. His father was not going to be pleased.<br/><br/>Alexei pulled Celio from his unsavoury thoughts by asking if they could leave. At least that was clear. "Oh, yes," he said, nodding for emphasis. Gods, yes. He reached out his hand, hesitating for a moment before gently placing it on his shoulder. He felt like a villain, touching this poor, terrified omega, but what else was he supposed to do? What if he ran away? Celio didn't want to be responsible for some kind of upraising, or to witness him getting beaten by authorities for trying to escape. No, that wouldn't do at all.<br/><br/>He lead Alexei out of the castle, only taking two wrong turns, and felt his spirits lift ostensibly as he caught sight of the elaborate golden carriage waiting at the bottom of the palace steps. Yes, it was two days' travel to Edria, but they would be stopping at an inn tonight, which meant he would be able to take a bath. Regardless of where they went, he would be away from this castle, and it would only be too soon. After seeing that - that<i>omega brothel</i>- he saw this place in an entirely new light, and it wasn't a positive one.<br/><br/>Celio, after greeting the driver, opened the carriage door for Alexei, gesturing for him to enter first. "After you," he said out of instinct, swallowing a grimace when he remembered that Alexei did not speak his language. It had been less than 30 minutes with this boy and he was already tired.