Page 30 of Bound By Honey

She wasn't sure if it was jealousy or something else, but before she could overthink it, the two started walking away, and Sage quickly ducked back behind the bush.

Once they were out of sight, she stood and brushed the dirt off her dress. She almost wished she had asked Asher how to reach the exit but didn't want to get in the way of whatever she had just witnessed. Especially with the reaction she had just experienced.

Taking deep breaths to calm herself down, Sage continued on her path toward the exit. With every step she took, she got closer and closer, but it seemed like no matter how far she walked, she couldn't find it.

She finally reached a part of the garden with a small pond and decided to take a break. Sitting on a nearby bench, she watched the fish swim around in pairs, darting in and out of the lilies scattered among the pond's surface.

Sage sighed in relief as her heart rate started to slow. She had almost given up hope before coming across this peaceful spot.

A voice broke the silence of the peaceful garden. It was Prince Owen, and he seemed to be in a heated argument with someone else. Sage was curious about who it was, so she crept closer against her better judgment. Sage couldn't hear what they were saying clearly, but from the sound of their voices, it wasn't anything pleasant.

Before Sage could reach them, someone grabbed her arm and pulled her back into the bushes. Her head whipped around to see who it was. To her surprise, it was Prince Finn beside her.

“What are you doing here?” she whispered.

"Shhh," he hissed before looking back to ensure no one had seen them.

Sage's heart rate increased as Prince Finn's face filled with intense emotions; anger, worry, and determination all rolled into one expression that sent a chill down her spine. He held his finger to his lips, motioning for her to stay quiet.

Sage nodded, not daring to make a sound. She was pressed against his chest, seated on his legs in the small space. She could feel his heart racing. She hoped he couldn't feel hers.

"I haven't found her," the unknown man's voice carried on the wind.

"She's basically their pet at this point. Find my brother and his friends, and you should find her. Bring her to my room without being seen," Prince Owen replied.

Sage felt her stomach drop as the realization dawned on her. They had to be talking about her.

"We need to go before they see us," Prince Finn whispered into her ear.

Sage couldn't do anything but nod and follow him out of the bushes.

"Let's get you out of here," he said, taking her hand once they were on the path.

She attempted to free her hand from his, but Prince Finn didn't let go. Shooting him a dirty look, she allowed him to lead her around the palace grounds until they eventually came to the exit.

The palace gate towered in front of them.

"Promise me," he said, his voice low and steady. "Promise me you will be careful around Prince Owen. I don't know what he wants, but it can't be good."

Sage looked up at him and nodded. "I promise."

Prince Finn offered a small smile and let go of her hand. He called a carriage over, helped her into it, and followed her inside.

"Don't you need to go back to the ball?" Sage asked.

"No," he replied simply. Confused, she fixed her skirts as he instructed the driver to take them home. "I've made my appearance."

Prince Finn watched out the window as the city passed them by. "Things are happening in this kingdom that people don't like to talk about. People who find themselves to be above others and see nothing wrong with using others as if they were objects. Secrets from the past that, if they came to light, would change everything."

Sage was taken aback by his candor. "Is your mission part of that?"

He sat back and was silent again, looking at the passing scenery with a somber expression.

She decided not to press him any further. Instead, she took the rest of the silent ride home to contemplate the prince.

Perhaps he wasn't as bad as she first thought.

The Crown Prince's Request

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