Page 28 of Bound By Honey

Sage’s face heated up again. She was so embarrassed. She had expected him to be disappointed, but he was complimenting her instead.

"Thank you."

"So," he said in a low voice as they moved around the floor. "What do you do?"

"I'm a librarian at your family's library. It's how I got the invitation for tonight."

Prince Owen nodded. "I see. That must be quite interesting."

"It can be," Sage said, her cheeks still feeling warm. "I love books and learning the secrets between their pages."

"I imagine that keeps you busy."

"It does. I also work part-time as an apothecary, but..." Sage realized what she was saying and who she was saying it to. He gave her a curious look. “I'm still learning and figuring some stuff out with that, though,” she rambled before he could ask anything else.

Prince Owen smiled. "Well, I'm sure you'll get there eventually. I know it can take time to really get the hang of things."

The music came to an end and she stepped back and bowed.

"Thank you, Your Highness," she said quietly.

"It was my pleasure."

Sage wanted to find Piper but bumped into something behind her.

“Finn, it's good of you to come,” Prince Owen said.

“I could never miss my brother's birthday, even if I wanted to.”

Sage glanced between the two brothers. It was clear they were related. Both had the same dark hair, tall stature, and classic good looks, but something in their eyes made them seem so different. While Prince Owen had an easy smile and a playful glint in his eye, Prince Finn's gaze was more intense and guarded.

Prince Owen clapped his brother on the shoulder. "It's good to see you," he said warmly.

"You too," Prince Finn replied curtly.

The two brothers exchanged a few more words before Prince Owen excused himself to greet other guests. Sage watched him walk away before looking to Prince Finn with a polite smile.

The two stood silent before Sage gave a slight bow.

"Have a good evening, Your Highness," she whispered, then turned to leave. She made her way over to a set of doors and slipped onto the balcony. Why did she always feel as if she were in trouble with Prince Finn? He seemed so cold and distant whenever they crossed paths, while his brother was warm and inviting.

Sage sighed as she leaned against the railing, taking in the city's stunning night view. People were dancing and celebrating a few feet away, but something about it all seemed so far away from where she stood now.

A shadow appeared behind her, blocking the ballroom's light. She spun and found herself face-to-face with Prince Finn. He didn't smile at her, but his gaze held an unforeseen gentleness.

"What are you doing out here?" he asked, his voice low and quiet.

Sage swallowed nervously. "I-I just wanted some … some fresh air," she stammered.

Prince Finn nodded and stepped closer, gazing into her eyes as if searching for something deep within her soul.

"You seem troubled," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper in the night air.

The comment surprised Sage; she wasn't sure how to respond, so she shook her head.

Prince Finn stepped closer and reached up to brush a stray hair from her face with a gentle touch of his fingertips. He looked down at her. Their eyes locked for just a few seconds and it felt like no one else existed but Prince Finn and Sage before she pulled away.

"You need to be careful," Prince Finn said.

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