Page 63 of His Noble Savior

Richard wasn’t sure what to make of that. Malorn wasn’t one to spin yarn, but Richard had never heard of mermen. Then again, he also hadn’t thought he and his brothers would end up with fair folk.

“I found the story interesting,” Lilian continued, “and thought I might put one on a decorative dish.”

“It looks incredible,” Richard said, and Lilian blushed, lowering his lids. He still had his shy moments.

“You’re so kind. I was thinking we could display him in the dining hall.”

“I’d love that.”

Lilian wiped his hands on a cloth. “Have you heard from the front?”

“I received a letter from my knights this morning,” Richard said, his thoughts turning grim. “The orcs are progressing north, with some pushing into the southern villages. Ellesmere has been raided again, and there’s been an attack Mendham, the next village north. The orcs are coming closer and closer. The noble houses of central Vale have sent troops, but it’s not enough. It’s a matter of time before the south of my barony will be controlled by orcs.”

Sorrow creased Lilian’s brow. “If you’d married Princess Bellerose…”

“Her troops would’ve prevented this, yes. But as bad as this is, marrying Bellerose would’ve broken my heart and yours. I will never let you go. I’m going to protect and cherish you for as long as I live. For now, we are save behind these walls.”

Lilian stepped into his arms, laying his head on Richard’s chest. Richard tightened his arms around him and kissed his brow.

“I’m sorry this is happening,” Lilian said. “I wish something could be done. Do we know what’s happening to the abductedmen?”

“The orcs often take them across the Great River into the Turian lands. That’s what reports say happened to Blaise and the other men taken from Ellesmere. The message that the Great River has been breached must’ve spread into the last village in the jungles of Oordoon. We won’t be able to hold our positions when more forces from Xaustra join the war. James wants to facilitate negotiations between humans and orcs, but thus far, people are apprehensive. They’re scared of orcs. I’m glad our servants haven’t run from Ogharod.”

“Oh, Ogharod has been perfectly polite. He’s popular.”

“Except with the poor cook who’s got to prepare a cow’s worth of meat every day. I feel for the woman.”

Lilian chortled. “I’ll never understand orc eating habits.”

“Talking about eating habits… you’re ready to head upstairs for lunch?”

“Yes.” Lilian sobered. “Let’s discuss the developments with the others.”

Richard rose and offered Lilian his hand, which he accepted. His slender fingers twined with Richard’s, and together, they left to dine with the rest of the family.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Lilian

Lilian had never been sure whether he’d find a man to marry, and he certainly hadn’t thought his husband would be a lord. Their wedding would be conducted by a fae officiant and a human priestess and take place in Somerdale Castle’s great hall with Richard’s extended family and guests from other noble houses present. The servants had lavishly decorated the house and mounted bouquets of roses and pink mallows on the walls. The floral scent was as overwhelming as it was familiar—this might as well have been the Spring Court.

A marble altar stood on the far end of the hall opposite the grand entrance, flower festoons adorning the sides. This was where Lilian would lie down and be presented to Richard, the higher-ranking spouse, like an offering. A flute set in, and from his place at the entrance, Lilian watched the officiants enter the great hall through a side door. The priestess wore a simple white dress, whereas the fae officiant was clad in a long, pink-and-green robe, cherry blossom petals clinging to the seams of her skirt. Lilian would be forever thankful that Richard had arranged for an officiant from the Spring Court to perform the ceremony. Richard may be human, but his influence reached the upper echelons of the faerie realm. Soon, Richard kept reminding him, that’d be true for Lilian too. Nobody couldafford to ignore Lilian of Somerdale, he’d said with a smile.

The officiants moved to the sides of the altar, and then, as a harp joined the flute, Richard entered the hall. And by all things sacred, he was gorgeous. His bronze curls shone in the golden light that fell through the windows, and he was dressed in an immaculate ensemble of a forest green doublet and dark trousers, the collar of his white silk shirt adorned with an emerald brooch. When his gaze fell on Lilian, his eyes sparked.

Did he like what he saw? Lilian hoped so. He’d taken great care when picking out his wedding attire, selecting a long white robe with silver embroidery along the front and light pink seams, which brushed the tops of his shoes. A servant had coiled Lilian’s hair, which had become long in recent months, and slung it over one shoulder, exposing the side of his neck.

To his left and right, the wedding guests parted to create a corridor between Lilian and the altar. With his heart pounding against his ribs, Lilian proceeded toward Richard. He looked stunning, his broad shoulders stretching his doublet, his torso narrowing to slim hips. They were about to be married, united for eternity. Lilian was the luckiest fae in Vale.

As he reached Richard in front of the altar, Lilian lowered his gaze in deference, then sank to his knees on a white cushion. Lilian embraced the gesture of submission; he didn’t mind showing respect to Richard’s status as a baron. Richard had been on his knees for Lilian plenty of times and done more than look at the floor.

Above him, Richard offered a hand, and Lilian took it, allowing Richard to lead him to the altar. Lilian climbed atop it in one fluid motion and lay on his back, offering his body and soul.

Their eyes connected, Richard’s hazel gaze alive with adoration and lust as if he wanted to simultaneously sink to his knees to worship Lilian and take him right then and there,putting their carnal union on display for everyone to see.

“You’re the most beautiful person in the world,” Richard whispered, his voice suddenly thick with emotion. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to prove myself worthy of you.”

Lilian clasped Richard’s hand and squeezed. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to be the husband you deserve.”

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