Orion watched as Eirene walked towards the entrance of her large property. For the first time, she was showing some vulnerability. Women were supposed to show vulnerabilities all the time according to the common sense of those days and Orion' scientific curiosity towards Eirene's behaviour made him observe her carefully for a while. Whether he liked it or not, Eirene was being sincere and honest. Never had they discussed about Daphne so openly and this would have shocked him: deep inside, he was not sure about the suspicious surrounding the relationship between Daphne and Eirene. He knew how cruel the Athenian society could be and Orion was unaware of those who disliked Eirene or Daphne. Orion was a stranger in the nest in his own hometown.<br/><br/>The cunning sailorman saw a window of opportunity opening up before his eyes. Without further problems, he could use it to crush any opposition to his selfish interest for Daphne. Leaving Eirene out of that race would be far simpler and easier. Would it be funnier? No, not at all. During those few days, Eirene's charms had also conquered Orion even though he had never expressed this feelings and Eirene had no idea about them. Little did Eirene know that Daphne was not Orion's only prey.<br/><br/><strong>"I don't want a Pyrrhic victory, Eirene"</strong>, Orion said as she suddenly felt his hand gripping her right shoulder and forcing her face to his.<strong>"Neither do I want a victory over those I learned to appreciate and enjoy"</strong>, Orion spoke solemnly but also in a sweet way,<strong>"I want a full victory"</strong>, he concluded just before he twisted her body with his arms and leaned towards her, embracing her before his lips met hers. Whichever would follow, their ways would be bound together.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">What happened?</div><div class="spoiler_body">I don't know! Why don't we leave it unanswered to decide later?</div></div><br/><div align="center">****</div><br/>The rooster had not yet crowed in the morning when Orion was ready to leave his ship. Shortly before, he had left Eirene's house and returned to his ship. The harbour was becoming lively once more and he knew that Daphne's family would not be awaken by then. Everything was going to be settled in that morning. Eirene was right: if her reputation had been tainted twice that night, what would have happened to Daphne's? Her father could wish to reprimand the young girl and that mere thought angered Orion: after all, he felt already in possession of Daphne, she was his. Orion checked his bag once more and saw the gold coins there. There was nearly twice as much as her father had asked as dowry from the last suitor: that value would be more than enough to end any argument. Orion was not willing to spend any longer in Athens: he had to leave that day, which was the last before the storm' season would start. Playing chess had been fun but it was time for the checkmate.<br/><br/><strong>"Themistocles, come with me"</strong>, Orion ordered and in no time his loyal apprentice was following him.<br/><br/><strong>"What is it, sir?"<br/></strong><br/><strong>"Follow me and stay quiet"</strong>, Orion said, handing him the bag full of coins.<br/><br/>Orion walked out of the harbour and rushed towards Daphne's home. He would wake up everyone to finish that soap opera. In his way to Daphne's home, he was speculating whether Eirene would accept his offer of safe conduct. Eirene had nothing to lose, since she could sell her property later. On top of that, the sophisticated, mature woman would get to know the world beyond Athens. Shortly after, both men arrived at their destination.<br/><br/>The Fates seemed to smile at Orion for the first time since last night. Orion had the impression of seeing someone just around the corner and waved for Themistocles to stay quiet. Walking on his tiptoes, he approached that corner - of course, no matter how quietly he would move, some noise was being made. At the same time, he could listen to a feeble breathing coming from that direction, as if willing to hide that sound. Orion walked closer to the corner and turned to see who was there. It was Daphne. Her face was as surprised as Orion's. The moonlight beamed her, allowing Orion to see her reddened eyes and making him feel sorry about him.<br/><br/>Without hesitation, Orion embraced her protectively.<strong>"Daphne, what are you doing out in the darkness? Don't you know this is dangerous for a girl like you, specially after the news about Agamennon's death are spreading?"</strong>, he spoke clearly worried.<strong>"I was going to your home to pay for the dowry and finish all this drama... I mean, if you want to come with me to Alexandria"</strong>, he continued as he held her temples and looked at her eyes. Orion longed for her lips, but he would not taken them against her will. The distance between both lips was no greater than 2 inches. By that time, Daphne was cornered and forced to make a choice that later she would know was not actually a choice.