He stops in his tracks right by my side, gazing down at me with that inscrutable expression of his.

"You do not hold a noble title. Therefore, you are not a lady."

I blink. Slowly. As slow as possible so I can properly digest his words.

"A noble title... You..." I take a deep breath. "I was speaking figuratively, not literally."

"I do not understand your words, human," he states blankly, still staring at me.

"It means you should be a gentleman and help a woman in need," I explain, exasperated.

"But I am not a gentle man," he replies evenly.

My lashes flutter at him, my brows creasing with confusion.

"Will you help me or not?" I huff out.

He surprisingly nods, leaning down toward me. I extend my arms, thinking he's going to help me get to my feet, but instead, he swoops me in his arms in one smooth movement.

"You should have said that was what you wanted from the beginning," he mentions as he carries me to the staircase.

What? Another frown mars my forehead. Just what the hell is wrong with this man? I didn't think there could be someone out there with worse manners than Cer and Thea, but it seems I've barely scratched the surface.

I'm about to question how he's going to climb with me like this, but it seems I don't have to worry when he all but floats up, using only his feet to keep himself stable on the narrow steps.

We emerge through the wardrobe and into the dressing room. There's still no sign of Thea or Cer.

The stranger carries me to the center of the room, where he stops. His eyes are scanning around the room, his expression focused. But he doesn't let go of me. I open my mouth to tell him to put me down but close it when I realize that he might be sensing danger. Considering my ankle is not in the best shape, I won't take my chances. And he seems quite a proficient fighter.