Page 38 of Bound By Honey

As they began walking back, Sage glanced over at him from time to time, noting how relaxed he looked. He still carried an aura of power and authority, but there was also something softer about him now.

She wasn't sure she was ready to admit why exactly, but she couldn't help but steal glances at him as they walked through the empty streets. He was tall and lean, with piercing brown eyes that seemed to see right through her. His long black hair was perfectly styled, but there was a hint of stubble on his chin that made him look rugged and handsome.

"You seem awfully quiet," Prince Finn said, breaking the silence. Sage jumped a little, surprised by his words. "Are you feeling nervous about the journey?"

Sage swallowed hard, trying to compose herself. "A little, I suppose," she admitted. "I've never been on a mission like this before. I haven't really traveled much. I hope I'll be able to keep up with you and the others."

Prince Finn smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. Your skills I'm sure will be put to good use and any surprises that come up you've got us. It's not a one-sided situation going on here."

Sage nodded, still feeling uncertain. "Thank you. By the way, how did you know where to find me?"

"By chance actually. I was heading to the apothecary you frequent to look for you and happened to see you through the window."

Before she could ask him any more questions, a loud yell cut through the air and they both turned towards it. Sage's heart jumped into her throat as she saw a large boar charging towards them, followed closely by a frantic man chasing after it.

Prince Finn acted fast and grabbed her, his flames whipping up around them, raising them above the animal as it ran by. Sage gasped at the sudden jolt of energy that surged through her body as they hovered in midair. She could feel her cheeks flush as she felt the heat radiating from him and quickly averted her eyes, not wanting to appear too forward.

Prince Finn gently lowered them back onto the ground and released his hold on Sage. His face was unreadable but his eyes were burning with intensity. "Are you okay?" he asked quietly.

Sage nodded mutely, still unable to find words that would adequately express how she was feeling at that moment. She couldn't remember the last time someone had taken such quick action to protect her like that. No, she was pretty sure nothing like that had ever happened before.

"We should keep moving," Prince Finn said after a few moments of silence had passed between them. He offered his arm to Sage, who hesitantly took it and allowed him to lead her down the street once more.

***

The sun shone brightly as Prince Finn and Sage rode in the carriage to the Freefall region. Escorted by a troop of the king's soldiers to assist in the relief they were bringing, their entourage stretched long behind them.

Sage was dressed in her simplest white dress, a red apron pinned to the front and sat comfortably against the well-padded cushion of her seat. In her hands wasthebook—an ancient tome detailing honey’s many magical medicinals. As the carriage jostled along the bumpy road, Sage read intently, admiring the descriptions of a reclusive guild of apothecaries in the Freefall region.

Prince Finn was a silent companion. She almost wished she was in the carriage with Asher, Sawyer, and Colby, but she wouldn't complain about the opportunity to read uninterrupted.

The scenery outside was constantly shifting as they made their journey. Sage watched the sun dip low in the sky with a wistful sigh, casting its golden glow on the far-off hills and forests. In the distance, a small lake glistened in the light, beckoning them to come closer. But the road curved away before they could reach it, leading them to the next town.

As the sun sank even lower, Sage was captivated by the endless beauty surrounding them. They passed through fields of wildflowers, their petals swaying in the breeze. They crossed a bridge that seemed to span an entire valley and go on forever. Sage gazed at the tall trees that stood sentry over the landscape, their branches reaching out like arms to embrace the twilight sky.

"It's beautiful," she mumbled.

"It is."

Prince Finn's voice startled her. She didn't realize she had said it out loud.

"Tomorrow, we will begin to enter the affected area. We will stay at an inn and make short day trips from there."

Unsure what she could add to that, she merely nodded, staying silent instead.

The night was filled with the chirps of frogs and crickets and the rustle of trees as the night slowly passed. Sage could not help but marvel at the awe-inspiring views that filled her vision. She wished the journey would never end, for one could never experience the beauty of the world around her in a single lifetime.

Soon, the stars twinkled like an infinite number of diamonds spread across the night sky. Sage was mesmerized and could not help but feel a sense of wonder at all the beauty surrounding her.

The stars seemed to guide them on their journey, and soon enough, a small town rose around them. The carriage stopped in front of an inn, and the door opened.

Prince Finn exited the carriage, his broad shoulders blocking most of the sunset. Sage scooted to the door and, book in hand, attempted to follow him. Her leg cramped as she stood, and before she could regain her balance, Prince Finn had already caught her in his arms.

The warmth of his embrace was comforting, and Sage melted into it as he gently set her on the ground. He looked deeply into her eyes with a certain twinkle that made her heart skip a beat. The moment seemed to stretch on for an eternity before Prince Finn smirked and stepped away, leaving Sage feeling both relieved and disappointed at the same time.

"Let's go, honeybee," he said with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Sage nodded, blushing slightly as she followed him into the inn.

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