Page 12 of Bound By Honey

"Welcome to story time," she said, grinning. "Who is ready to learn about dragons?"

The children gazed up at her in wonder, their eyes shining with excitement as they waited eagerly for Sage to begin.

Sage smiled and took a deep breath, her heart racing with anticipation as she began to weave a magical story filled with wondrous details and captivating legends about those fierce and powerful beasts.

She told them of dragons larger than houses, with wingspans wider than the village’s circumference. Dragons that circled the village and breathed fire into every corner and crevice, leaving behind melted rock, smoke, and soot. Their razor-sharp claws, scales that glimmered like polished jewels in the sunlight, and their wings that sliced through the air so fast they were a blur.

The children's eyes were wide, and they gasped in wonder as she spun the tale of how their ancestors had defeated those great beasts.

Nearing the end of the story, Sage stood and held her arms out as if they were wings. "These magnificent creatures could breathe fire hotter than any furnace," she said calmly, walking among the children, "destroying everything in their path with terrifying strength. The human armies stood no chance against such powerful creatures. Not until our kingdom, Sarash, created mage guilds and organized the most powerful weapons we have.

"A grand battle deep in the Rolling Mountains waged for weeks until finally, our mages came out victorious. Not a single human or fae soul was lost, and no dragons were left."

"That's not entirely true." A deep voice interrupted her. “Many mages were lost. They just died after the battle was over."

Sage spun to face the man who dared to correct her.

Prince Finn stood at the entrance to the children's section, his shaggy hair hanging in his black eyes. A frown cut lines over his forehead and around his mouth. Beside him stood a man with familiar violet eyes and a confident grin. Had Piper said his name was Colby? Maybe?

Sage glared at them, the children's faces growing solemn with the mood change. "You know nothing of the events that transpired during the battle."

"I do," Prince Finn said, turning to address the children and parents present. "As Librarian Sage said, the battle lasted for weeks. During this time, many mages grew very sick from using so much magic. They died shortly after the battle was over."

Several children gasped and whimpered as they went to find their parents, their faces tear-streaked, lips quivering.

Sage's fists clenched as she tried to calm her frustration. "Prince Finn,” she said through a tight smile, “I appreciate the history lesson, but this is achildren'sstory-time hour. Is there anything I can help you with?"

Colby cleared his throat, directing her attention back to him. "I need a few minutes of your time."

She stared at him, waiting for him to continue.

"Alone, please."

Taking a slow breath, she excused herself and escorted Prince Finn and Colby to a more private aisle nearby.

"How can I help you? I only have a moment."

Prince Finn eyed her. "You could tell the truth and not pretend that everyone came out of the battle unscathed," he said.

"Iamtelling the truth. As I said, no one diedduringthe battle. The deaths after could have been attributed to other things as well."

Dark brown eyes glared at her through the prince's shaggy hair. "I could have been more honest if that would have made you happy. I could have shared how they didn't die as a result of the battle but as a result of their weakness. They weren't fit to be mages, and they knew it."

"That is an incredibly callous thing to say," she spat while trying to keep her voice quiet enough for the library. "Those mages didn't ask to be born with magic in their blood. They were all talented mages who dedicated their lives to end the suffering our people endured from the dragons. You have no right to judge them like that."

Sage stared down the prince with growing anger. She despised him for his callous indifference to the sacrifices those mages had made.

"I judge them for their actions, not for what lies in their blood," he said flatly.

"What are you talking about? I'm going to have you escorted out before—"

The prince scoffed. "Before, what? No one is going to do anything to me, Sage. My family literally owns this library. I could easily have you fired for your insubordination if I wished."

He looked smug, and she wanted to slap him. He wasn't wrong, though. Even if he weren't fae and could lie to her, he was part of the family she technically worked for.

"What are youreallydoing here, Prince Finn?" she snapped.

Colby pulled a large leather book from under his arm and held it out. "We came to return this."

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