Page 48 of Bound By Honey

"Him too."

Brow raised, Sage waited for Sawyer to explain, only to be disappointed.

Sawyer started walking further into the camp, with Sage following.

"It appears you have gotten a lot done while I've been gone," Sage offered.

"We have. It's going to be a few weeks before anyone can return home and start cleaning up, so we've tried to make it feel as much like home here as we can. It's had a few unexpected issues arise, but for the most part, people have been patient."

"I heard about the new illness. How bad is it?"

"It's still early,” he said after a moment. “Hopefully, we can figure it out soon."

"I understand. I brought some help with me. They may be able to recognize it and offer treatment."

Sawyer nodded. "That's good. I have a feeling we are going to need it. This way."

He led her down the line of tents, past the cooking fire, and around a corner to a secluded area. A large tent had been set up with several people milling about it. Sawyer led her to it and opened the flap, letting her enter first.

Rugs and cushions in soft blues and greens decorated the inside and gave it an airy feel, despite being full of people. Sage spotted Asher and Colby, their eyes wide with surprise as they saw Sage standing unharmed.

"Sage!" Asher cried out in relief as he ran up to hug her tightly. "You're okay! We were so worried about you."

Colby stood beside Sawyer, smirking. "Ran off to have an adventure of your own?"

"Something like that," Sage said with a wink. "I actually have something I needed to give to Prince Finn. Is he here?"

Someone cleared their throat behind Sage. She turned around to find Prince Finn. A twinkle in his eye told her he wasn't as grumpy as he was trying to look.

Sage's heart fluttered at seeing him, even though she was nervous about speaking. Taking a deep breath, she reached into her bag and retrieved a small box wrapped in brown paper and tied with pale blue ribbon.

"Can we go somewhere to talk? I have something I need to show you."

He led her out of the tent without a word before pointing to another one further away. They made their way over and entered, where she found dimly lit candles providing a soft glow.

The inside was much different than what she had seen in the larger tent. Instead of cushions and rugs, large pillows covered portions of the floor with several baskets filled with food provisions and herbs for healing. In one corner was a stack of books indicating that this was probably Prince Finn's tent.

He gestured toward one of the pillows, which Sage accepted gratefully, before pouring two cups of tea into small mugs. An unfamiliar blend hit her nose, and her mouth began to water.

Prince Finn settled on a pillow across from her. His eyes were unreadable. "You wanted to talk to me?"

"I did." Sage set the small package on the table next to her mug. "I found something I want to try as a treatment for you."

A slight look of disappointment flickered on Prince Finn's face before becoming neutral again. "That's why you disappeared?"

Sage sighed, her fingers playing with the small package between them. She had returned for him, for Prince Finn, and for this very moment. Her hands shook, her heart thundered, and her throat felt tight as she tried to find her words.

"I never meant to leave without telling you," she began, her voice gentle like a feather dancing in the wind. "I regret it deeply.” Prince Finn nodded, his expression only slightly changing as she spoke. “I never wanted to hurt any of you. I should have at least told Asher what was happening. The boy seemed so desperate, and I was only half awake."

She was sure the members of the Charming Four would have had some concern about her disappearing, but she hadn't really expected this reaction.

"But I've come back with a gift," Sage said, lifting the small package. She placed it carefully on the table before him and watched for any reaction.

"It's a tonic," she said, her voice no more than a whisper. "It will heal you; I think."

Prince Finn smiled and reached out to take the package. He opened it carefully and looked inside. His eyes widened as he saw the glass vial that held the deep golden tonic. He looked up at Sage, a question in his gaze.

"It's made from specific bees with particular plants and processed byonlyother fire mages," she explained. "It's a long shot, and I doubt it will heal you right away, but I have ideas of ways to improve it over time. I hope it works."

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