Page 21 of Bound By Honey

A warm wave of emotion washed over Sage. She had felt so alone since her parents left, but Asher's thoughtfulness reminded her that she wasn't alone anymore. She smiled at him gratefully. "Thank you, Asher. I really appreciate this."

He nodded. "You're welcome. Now let's get to work. We've got a bit of time before dinner is ready. What are we making first?"

"We? You're offering to help?"

"I make no promises as to just how helpful my assistance will really be, but I'm willing to learn."

"Alright, let's think practically first. What do you have coming up? I know I'm not allowed to know details, but maybe a few hints to get a feel for what sort of things will be more helpful than others."

"There will be a ball at the castle soon. The crown prince's birthday. Any ideas for any special elixirs we could prepare for the occasion?" The glint in his eye told her that he was only partially joking. "We have no other quests or requests lined up right now. Once Prince Finn is fully healed, we will grab a new one and head out."

Sage laughed. "Well, I guess we should make an anti-love potion then, with how your group is with the ladies!"

"That does sound like something we may need one day!" Asher laughed.

"You think I'm kidding? Considering I'm working here because of a battle caused by two of your guild flirting, it wouldn't be a bad idea."

"You're actually serious. I didn't know there was such a thing."

"My father created several when he was young. My mother has a touch of a jealous streak, and it was her request early on in their marriage. Now, would something preventing other love potions from taking effect or something that would hinder romantic emotions from forming be the better option?"

Asher's jaw dropped, and no words left his mouth.

"I promise I will keep it mild. We don't want anyone outright hating the four of you. If we have enough time, we can do both."

A throat cleared, and Sage and Asher looked to find Prince Finn standing in the doorway. His stern eyes bore into her.

"Asher, we are ready for you," Prince Finn said.

Asher snapped out of it and offered Sage an apologetic smile as he left the room.

Prince Finn stayed an extra moment, not saying anything. His gaze still locked on her before flicking to take in the room. With a slight nod, he turned on his heel and left.

Sage took a breath and looked at the table in front of her. She shook her head and began arranging things so she could start working. It was going to be a long few nights.

***

Sage slowly stepped into Prince Finn's study, her hands clutching a cup of tea. Her heart raced with fear, yet her mind was set. She had come to fulfill a task, and though it terrified her, she steeled her soul and moved forward.

The prince sat behind a large oak desk dominating the room, surrounded by bookcases overflowing with ancient tomes.

Prince Finn looked up from his work as Sage stepped into the room. His eyes were deep and mysterious, a darkness that seemed to swallow her whole. Sage felt a chill run through her body as she realized who she was facing, and all her courage vanished.

Prince Finn nodded, his gaze still fixed on her. "And what is that?" He gestured towards the cup in her hands.

Sage looked down at the cup, her hands shaking slightly. She had prepared this in the hopes it might help prevent the Prince from turning into a gargoyle. She knew it was a long shot, but she had to start from somewhere.

"It's a tonic," she replied, her voice barely a whisper. "It's meant to help stop the transformation."

The Prince's eyes narrowed, as if he was attempting to read her mind. She could feel his gaze, like a heavy weight on her shoulders. She held her breath, hoping he would accept her offering.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the Prince spoke.

"Very well," he said. "Let us see what this potion can do."

He reached out and took the cup from her hand. Before Sage could say anything, he had taken a sip. His face contorted in revulsion as the foul taste hit his tongue. He quickly put the cup down and let out a loud and odorous burp.

Sage covered her nose with her hand, suppressing a laugh as the smell hit her. She glanced at his hands to see if his nails showed any change. There was none.

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