Page 5 of His Noble Savior

Ahead of them, an imposing castle rose on a hill. The steep rock face was interspersed with verdant greenery, and at the foot of the slope, trees bloomed in magnificent shades of pink and purple.

Lilian’s gaze slid to the two male riders in front of them. They were exchanging whispered words. One of them had dark, chin-length hair that left a slice of his neck exposed, revealing a red collar. The other man had tilted his head toward him, and Liliancaught sight of his pointy ears and a flash of red in his eyes.

Lilian grabbed Richard’s forearm in alarm. “That’s an imp!”

Imps were dangerous. Malevolent and unpredictable, they enslaved human souls. By the looks of it, this one had claimed the young man riding next to him.

“Resh is on our side,” Richard said. “I promise he won’t hurt you.” The sound of his voice was enough to slow Lilian’s frantic heartbeat. “He’s with my brother, and although I don’t understand their relationship or why George is all right with Resh owning his soul, I’m happy as long as he is. You don’t have to be in Resh’s presence if you’re uncomfortable around him. I can make arrangements.”

“It’s fine.”

Lilian was afraid of imps, but this one had to be friendly if the humans allowed his presence. Before the orcs captured Lilian, he hadn’t been sure whether orcs or imps were worse. Now he knew.

Chapter Three

Richard

Richard and his troop rode into Somerdale Castle’s inner courtyard, gravel crunching under hooves. He climbed off his mare and extended his arms to help Lilian dismount. The fae looked exhausted, dark circles framing his pink eyes. Careful so as not to dislodge the cloak covering him, he slid out of the saddle and into Richard’s arms. Richard caught him, not wanting him to hurt his feet on the gravel.

“May I carry you to my drawing room?” Richard asked, ignoring the curious look the stable master threw them.

“I’d appreciate that,” Lilian said.

He weighed nothing. With one arm under Lilian’s knees and the other supporting his back, Richard climbed the steps to the doubled-wing portal. His footfall on the entrance hall’s marble floor echoed off the walls. George and Resh trailed after him.

“The kitchen is that way,” Richard said, nodding toward a door to the left, “and the steward’s writing room is two doors down. She’ll help you with any practical matters. I want you to feel at home while you stay with us.”

Lilian nodded weakly. Richard would show him around of the castle later, but Lilian’s most pressing needs had to be attended to first. He was injured and had to be hungry.

“George,” Richard said as he carried Lilian up the staircase, “I want you to inform the servants that we have a fae guest staying with us. Have them remove all iron where possible and cover the rest. Then ask the cook to prepare food.” He turned his attentionto Lilian. “Is there anything in particular you’d like to eat? Our cook is skilled in various cuisines—not faerie food, I’m afraid, but I’m sure she can prepare something you like.”

“Anything but meat. Please, your cook doesn’t have to make a fuss over me. Whatever you eat is fine.”

“I’ll go see her,” George said and turned on the creaking stairs, his footsteps fading as he made for the kitchen.

Richard climbed to the second floor, Resh passing him, opening the tall doors on the landing, which led into Richard’s chambers, and they strode into his spacious drawing room.

A mantelpiece of massive stone blocks dominated one side of the room, chairs and divans clustered around a low walnut table in front of it. Red carpets covered the floorboards, softening Richard’s steps.

He placed Lilian on a divan with a cushioned headrest. Lilian made a small sound as he came to lie on the velvet upholstery, and Richard let go of him. Was he in pain?

The trail of blood that had run down to Lilian’s ankle had dried, but his injuries needed tending. His cheeks were hollow and wan, though the beauty hidden under layers of dirt and fatigue was unmistakable. He looked up at Richard with soulful pink eyes, his small nose and pale lips giving him an air of youth and innocence. His physical needs would be taken care of swiftly, but it was his emotional wounds that worried Richard.

During the ride home, Richard had thought about that trickle of blood along Lilian’s leg. He knew what it meant. Not wanting to scare Lilian with his fury at the orcs, Richard controlled his emotions, not allowing outward signs of rage beyond the gritting of his teeth. He spoke in calm words, reassuring Lilian. Everything inside him screamed to take charge, to protect Lilian and punish the orcs, but violence might disturb the young fae. The best thing Richard could do was provide him with a peaceful environment and let him make his own choices. The orcs hadripped away his autonomy. Under Richard’s roof, Lilian was going to be in control.

“Are you from the Spring Court?” Richard crouched by his side. “You’re very fair.”

“Y-Yes.” Lilian trembled. On instinct, Richard placed a hand next to his shoulder on the divan, and the worst of Lilian’s tremors subsided.

“That’s quite far. We’re in eastern Vale, and the Summer Court is close. Would you like to have a fae healer come to see you? We have a physician at the castle, but he’s only treated humans and might not have the experience or remedies to help you.”

“Please.”

Richard gave Resh, who was hovering by the door, a nod.

“Help won’t be long,” Resh said and slipped outside, closing the door behind him.

Lilian sighed, and the tension in his body dissolved. “He seems nice.”