Page 22 of Bound By Honey

It hadn't worked and now she had embarrassed the Prince. She thought for a moment and then offered an apology.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness," she said. "I-I hoped it would have worked."

The Prince waved away her apology and smiled. "It is of no consequence," he said. "I don't have high hopes like the others. I've accepted my fate. I only agreed because I know I would never hear the end of it if I didn't."

Sage nodded, feeling a small sign of relief and a twinge of pity towards the moody prince that sat in front of her. She watched as the prince returned to his work, and she quietly slipped from the room. As she walked away, she allowed herself a small smile. Perhaps her tonic hadn't worked, but something about seeing him do something so ordinary made him a tad less intimidating.

An Invitation for Trouble

"Whatareyoudoinghere on your day off?"

Sage looked up from the pile of books on the table in the library cafe to find Piper tying an apron around her waist.

"A bit of research for a project I'm working on. I wasn't expecting you to be here today either."

Piper eyed the books. "I traded shifts to help my younger sister. Sage, why are you reading gargoyle romances and books about the magical effects of rocks?"

"I told you, research. It's for my part-time job. Even books of fiction can have hints of truth, so I pulled all of them that I could find." She put her napkin in the book and closed it, hoping that her friend hadn't seen just what section she was reading. Sage could tell that her face was bright red.

Piper winked. "Whatever you say," she replied with a grin. "Let me guess; you're reading them here so a certain gargoyle upstairs doesn't find out you are reading romance books about his species."

"He's not a species. According toThe History of Elemental Magical Mishaps, gargoyles are fae. I'm studying how they are turned."

Piper glanced up at the second floor. "You're telling me that statue," she whispered, after leaning closer, "the one you've always been buddy-buddy with is actually a person? Is he cute? I'm assuming you've met him in his human form if you are researching something about his condition. Can I call it that?"

"Yes, I've met him. I guess he's sort of cute, and I have absolutely no idea what to call it yet."

"Alright, well, keep me updated. I shouldn't be late clocking in. By the way, did you get yours?"

"My what?"

Piper pulled a black envelope out of her pocket and placed it on the table. "Your invitation to the ball for the crowned prince. Everyone who works here will be invited. Can you imagine?! We get to go to a ball! Apparently, it's some charity thing, and the gifts will be used for the library."

A sinking feeling settled in Sage's gut. Hiding that she was connected to the Charming Four would be difficult if she went to the ball.

"Oh, yeah, of course," Sage said, trying to sound excited.

She opened the envelope, revealing a golden ticket with Piper's name written in beautiful calligraphy. A weight settled on her chest. She had to figure out how to go to the ball and keep her secret.

"I don't know. I've never been to one. I'm not really sure what I should do."

Piper laughed. "Just go and have fun! I'm sure you have the perfect dress in your closet somewhere."

"I don't have a closet, remember?"

"Oh, right," Piper said, her face falling. "That's right. Well, I can lend you something."

“You're sure?”

“Of course! I've got an idea that will be perfect.”

Sage thought for a moment before nodding. "I'm willing to give it a try."

"It's settled then! You're going to the ball!" Piper tucked away the invitation and picked up the now-empty, blue-and-white tea cup from the table. "After I get off work, meet me at the main entrance. Let's find you a dress. Another white chocolate lavender latte?"

"You always know what to say to make me feel better."

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