Page 52 of His Noble Savior

“Don’t,” Lilian said. “It’s not worth it. You don’t want to give anything personal.” An item with a close connection to its owner could be used for dangerous magical purposes.

“I have some provisions, clothing, and a blanket,” Richard said. “My offer is equal in value to Lilian’s things. Would this be acceptable to you?”

Flora asked to inspect the items, and Richard laid them out on a small table. They came to an agreement, and under Flora’s watchful eyes, Lilian gathered his belongings and packed them into Richard’s bag. The sleek finish of his comb and the fluffiness of his blanket brought back memories of happy times in his hollow tree. Lilian wouldn’t return, and he was glad to be able to take a few things from his old life to his new one.

The items Richard had given Flora showed no wear. They were unused and had no spiritual connection to Richard. It pacified Lilian.

Lilian led Richard out of the Spring Court. They foundRichard’s horse where he’d left it and rode for Somerdale Castle. For the umpteenth time, Richard had saved him.

The journey home took several days. This time, there was no urgency, and they went easy on the horse. The first night, they stayed at a roadside inn. Richard gave Lilian’s blanket to the maid for a wash and invited him to a bountiful dinner in the downstairs tavern. The innkeeper brought wine and generous servings of vegetable stew and hearty pies to their table. The savory scent of the food hit Lilian, making him salivate. He was still hungry after the rations he’d received from Richard in his hollow tree and the lunch they’d enjoyed along the way. He ate big spoonfuls of the stew, which warmed his belly. Delicious. He tried the pies, too. They were seasoned with herbs and spices and delighted him with their rich taste.

After dinner, they cuddled up in their big, downy bed in a room under the roof. With the comfortable mattress and Richard by his side, it was going to be the best night’s sleep Lilian had gotten in a long time. He kissed Richard and threw an arm across his middle, nestling close.

“There’s something I need to tell you.” Richard pulled the duvet up to their waists.

“Oh?” Lilian glanced up at him. The light of the lamp they’d left burning cast a golden shine on Richard’s curls. He wrapped his arms around Lilian, who relaxed into the embrace, inhaling deeply. How had he survived without Richard?

“Nathan’s come home.”

“That’s wonderful news!”

Richard thinned his lips as if contemplating what to say next. “There’s more to it. He arrived the day you ran, and…”

“And what?”

“Nathan wasn’t alone. The orc you saw is with Nathan.”

“What do you mean?”

Richard exhaled. “They’re a couple.”

Lilian shot up to stare at Richard. “A couple?” That couldn’t be right.

“I sat with them that night. Listened. Talked. I know this must come as a shock. Nathan told me that he and the orc, Ogharod, have bonded, whatever that means. They’re romantically involved.”

A tremor shook Lilian. “There’s nothing romantic about orcs. This is romantic.” He gestured between them. “Orcs are beasts who take men whenever they feel like it. That’s violence, not romance.”

Lilian descended into quivers, and Richard hugged him close, calming him.

“I don’t understand it either, but Nathan says he’s happy with Ogharod. Helookedhappy. And Ogharod… he was protective. Had Nathan sitting in his lap, arms around him. Nathan nestled against him as we spoke. It was bizarre seeing my brother cuddling with an orc, but Ogharod wasn’t forcing him. They were comfortable with each other.”

“Are you telling me Nathan sits in an orc’s lap like I sit in yours?” Lilian asked with incredulity.

“Kind of.”

“How is that possible? Are you sure the orc isn’t violating him the minute you aren’t looking?”

“I’m sure. The way Nathan looks at him speaks volumes. He’s dedicated to Ogharod. Which is why I’m bringing it up with you. Nathan vouched for Ogharod, promising he isn’t a threat, but for now, they’re staying in an old house outside the castle walls. I haven’t revealed what happened to you, that’s your story to tell, but when you ran from Ogharod, they made some educated guesses. I want you to feel safe when we return and that’d be impossible with an orc under the same roof as you. It’s bad enough that there’s one in the vicinity. I have two knights guarding the house, and Nathan promised there’ll be noincidents. Are you comfortable with this arrangement? I assure you, Ogharod won’t set foot into Somerdale Castle without your consent.”

Lilian rested his head on Richard’s chest. There was an orc staying outside the castle. It made him nervous, no use denying that. Why did Nathan trust this orc? Why did he allow the orc to touch him? Didn’t the beast disgust him?

“Did you speak with the orc as well?” Lilian asked.

“Yes, in the presence of Nathan and two knights.”

“What’s he like?”

Richard chuckled. “He grunts a lot, and there’s a strong smell to him, but he’s friendly. I didn’t feel threatened. In fact, I was able to hold an amicable conversation with him.”

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