15 Chapter 15 - Near Death (2/2)

The woman stared at him for a while before giving a sigh.”I suppose I can't really tell if you're telling me the truth or not.Right now it's not like things could get any worse so I might as well ask for help.All of my allies were killed by this one's friends but she sacrificed her body to save me.I need help moving her and finding a healer.It'd be wrong of me to ignore her and run away without repaying my debt.”

Looking between the woman and Annie, Thomas thought about whether he should help.”I refuse.”

”You refuse?Why!?”The men around her would always follow orders without complaint.She even asked instead of demanding him to help her so shouldn't he want to help her?

”I don't know you.I know her but I don't trust her since she's part of the group that captured me.You never said anything about compensating me for my time and effort.I refuse.”The woman stood there with her lips flopping but no actual words were coming out.”Why don't you tell me who you are and let me know how you'll repay me for helping you?”

Those words got her to stop moving her mouth for a while.”My name is Princess Estella of the Eastern Greenskin Alliance or at least I was.Now I've got nothing.I can't afford to pay you for your services.”Estella was clearly thinking about something sad after mentioning that she was penniless.

Thomas shook his head and spoke to Estella.”You might not be able to pay me now but think about what you can do for me instead.If you become mine then I'll definitely be willing to help you.I'll even help you get revenge on those bandits if you accept.I can even allow you to live like royalty if you desire it.”Thomas didn't want to take advantage of her so he gave her a decent offer; one that he intends to keep.He wasn't a good guy and he was attracted to Estella despite her green skin so he wanted to make her his.

Estella was tempted to accept his offer.He was handsome despite being a bit short and unkempt.The things he offered her were enticing and she really needs help since it's unlikely that an unattended hobgoblin would be able to enter a city with someone that was nearly dead.”I can't do that.”However, she made an oath to both her people and her god that she would only have one husband.He was killed before their ceremony but she would only recognize him as her husband.

Seeing that Thomas started walking off, Estella panicked and grabbed his left arm that was covered with armor.”Wait!I might not be able to pay you but, uhhh...” Looking around, Estella's eyes fell on Annie. ”...she can become yours!Yes.You're helping her more than you're helping me so she should be the one to pay you.”

Thomas stopped.”I don't think you can make that decision for her but I accept.However, I have one condition.You have to be the one to tell her that you're giving her to me.”Thomas figured that Annie would freak out about it and her response towards Estella would be amusing enough to make up for the trouble.

Bending down, Thomas spoke to Annie.”It looks like you and I will be getting to know each other better after all.”Thinking about it, it wouldn't be good if people saw him carrying a naked woman.Thomas pulled out one of the larger robes and wrapped Annie up in it.

Although Estella wanted to know where it came from, she decided not to ask.Thomas took her place and started carrying Annie so she wanted to help him by carrying her from behind.Although it was tiring to lift her it was a lot easier than when she was alone.A small part of Estella felt bad about selling her life savior out but if he helps save her then she will definitely fall for him, right?

The two continued through the forest thinking opposite things about whether or not Annie would accept being sold out.