Page 31 of Bound By Honey

Sheopenedthedoorof her apothecary and stepped inside, feeling safe and surrounded by familiar things. She soon settled into work, putting on an apron and tying her hair back.

It had been a long day at the library, and she was excited to get some time to herself.

If he received the note she had left according to Asher's instructions, Freddy should be coming by after dark so she could talk to him about his condition. She didn't know if the Charming Four would be gone at the time, but Sage had no issues being alone with him. After all, they had lived together for a short time.

So she just needed to keep busy until he got there.

The room was warm and comforting, filled with the scent of herbs and flowers. Sage smiled as she began her work, sorting through her supplies, pouring ingredients into large ceramic vats, and stirring them until they were the right consistency.

Sage worked for hours on end, lost in the creation of her potions, salves, and tinctures. Her mind was free from the worries of the kingdom. Instead, it ran wild with possibilities, possibilities that could exist within a simple life like hers.

She had been experimenting with new recipes recently, and tonight she wanted to try something different. She decided to create a calming tonic to help lessen stress or tension in those who consumed it. Maybe even try it herself and get caught up on some sleep. She collected several herbs, such as chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm, before crushing them up into a paste.

Once she finished that, she added tiny droplets of frankincense and eucalyptus oils.

Sage worked diligently, turning her mind away from thoughts of the Charming Four. She moved from one herb to the next, mixing ingredients and creating different concoctions. As the day drew to a close, contentment filled her—until she heard a faint knock on the front door. The few servants in the house had gone to bed already, but her workroom was only down the hall from the main entrance making it easy to hear. She hurried to answer it, the house silent.

When she opened the door, Sage was surprised to find Prince Owen standing at the entrance alone. His gaze was intense as if he had been waiting forherto answer. Sage stood frozen, unable to move or speak. Prince Finn's warning fresh in her mind, she took a step back and silently cursed herself for not being more careful.

She steadied herself. "Your Highness ... what can I do for you?"

Prince Owen smiled. "I remembered you were quite talented in making potions, and I have need of something ... special."

"I wouldn't necessarily sayquitetalented. If I remember correctly, I said that I am still learning."

Prince Owen stepped forward, his presence dominating the atmosphere. "I'm sure you can help me, right, Sage?"

His words lingered in the air, making Sage feel she had no choice.

She nodded slowly. "Yes, of course."

He gave her a large grin, seemingly satisfied with her answer.

Holding the door open, she welcomed him inside and led him to a sitting room. She felt uneasy being alone in the house with him.

Sage hoped Freddy would show up soon.

Prince Owen sat near the fire on one of the wingback chairs. She took the one opposite and waited for Prince Owen to speak first.

"I need a calming tonic to help people relax and feel at peace. Can you create something like that?"

Sage remembered the concoction she had been working on earlier.

"Yes, I believe so. Anyone with a basic understanding of tinctures and potions could. Why do you need me?"

Prince Owen paused before reaching into his pocket and pulling out a large green scale.

Sage instantly recognized it as a dragon scale. She had heard stories of people using dragon scales to craft powerful potions but had never seen one in person. After all, dragons had been wiped out long ago, so any item left by a dragon that still existed was hard to find.

"Do you think you could include this in it to help amplify the effects?" the prince asked.

Sage was leery. If that was what she thought it was, it would turn her relaxing potion into a deadly one. She looked at the scale with trepidation, unsure of the prince's true purpose or safety implications. Did she have a choice, though? No one could say no to the crown prince.

"I can do that," she said, careful to disguise her uncertainty. "When do you need it by?"

"Tonight would be best."

Sage nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat, then rose from her chair, taking the scale from his hand.

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