Page 50 of His Noble Savior

Warm, gentle hands on his body. The scent of sandalwood. “Lilian?” His name was a choked-out question.

“Richard?” Lilian sat up, blinking the sleep from his eyes. A hazel-green gaze shone on him with concern. “Richard!” It was a sob. Lilian flung his arms around him, toppling him to the ground. Richard’s arms came around him, held him. The relief was so sweet, Lilian wanted to cry. He lay his head on Richard’s chest.

“I found you,” Richard said, burying a hand in Lilian’s hair. “Ifound you.”

“You came for me,” Lilian said, barely believing Richard was here, his scent filling his nostrils, making every muscle go lax. He pulled back to look at him. Richard’s eyes were glassy. “Why?”

A sad smile spread on Richard’s lips. “Because you’re everything. My whole reason to live became finding you, making sure you were safe. I had to get to you.”

“You shouldn’t have come to the faerie realm. It’s dangerous.”

Richard brushed a thumb over Lilian’s cheekbone. “Are you saying you won’t protect me?”

And at that, Lilian laughed. He cried. “Of course I’ll protect you.” He kissed Richard, desperate and grateful. Their lips brushing together was calming reassurance. It washed his loneliness away and wrapped him in safety. He put all his emotions into the kiss, hoping to convey how much Richard coming for him meant.

“What about Bellerose?” Lilian asked when they came up for air. “She’s going to be affronted that you’re here instead of planning the wedding.”

“I don’t give a damn about Bellerose.”

“But…” Was Richard serious? He couldn’t afford to not care. “Don’t you need her knights? The protection she can offer?”

“I do need her knights,” Richard said, and the next words seemed to cause him agony. “Without Bellerose, I can’t protect my people. But I can’t marry her when it means giving you up. My heart bled out when you were gone. I refuse to be with anyone but you. I need you in my life, and I don’t want to be married to and share my soul with someone else. I’d rather let the world go up in flames than be without you. If that means I’m a selfish man, so be it, but I won’t abandon you. I won’t choose anything or anyone over you.”

Never in his life had someone made Lilian a priority. He’dbeen betrayed and deserted time and again, and here Richard was, crossing a kingdom to ensure he was safe. A knot in his heart came undone.

“You care about me,” Lilian said, unable to hide the wonder in his voice.

Richard tightened his hold on Lilian. “I care about you more than words can say.”

Lilian slanted their mouths together and kissed him, slow and deep. With Richard, all his defenses came down.

“You have my deepest gratitude,” Lilian said as they parted and sat up. “I can’t express how much this means. I’m sorry I ran and put you through this.”

“There’s no need to apologize. The orc scared you. You feared for your life, and you ran. That’s a normal reaction. I came after you to ensure you’re safe, to protect you if needed. I want to be there for you if you let me.”

“Of course,” Lilian said and took Richard’s hands in his. “I’ll always want you. You’ve done so much for me, and I swear, I’ll pay my debts. You know I’m bound by those words. What a fae says cannot be taken back. My heart belongs to you.”

“Then I’ll treasure it.” Richard kissed Lilian’s knuckles.

Lilian’s gaze fell on Richard’s bag. “You brought a lot. It looks heavy.”

“I didn’t know how long I’d have to stay in the faerie realm to find you.”

“How did you know I was here?”

“Just a feeling.” Richard grabbed his bag and loosened the buckles holding it closed.

Lilian could feel the weight of the things Richard didn’t say. Like how long he’d searched for him. The hardships he endured to get here. The sacrifices he’d made.

Richard retrieved a small package wrapped in cloth from hisbag. Unfolding it, he revealed rations of bread and cheese.

“You look hungry,” Richard said and handed them to Lilian, whose stomach growled in response. “Good thing I brought something to eat.”

“I appreciate your kindness,” Lilian said. “It looks delicious.”

“Just something to keep you going.”

Lilian took a big bite. “It’s the best food I’ve had since I ran.”

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