Page 49 of Bound By Honey

Prince Finn’s eyes beamed with hope. He reached out to take her hands and gently squeezed them.

"Thank you, honeybee," he said, his voice sincere.

Sage smiled and looked away, emotion flooding through her. He was arrogant and condescending, yet the more she thought about the little moments they had shared together alone, he was also thoughtful and sincere. Why did he make her feel this way?

"You're welcome," she said.

Prince Finn looked down at the package in his hands, then back at Sage. He held her gaze, and she returned it, her heart suddenly filling with warmth.

"I will try it. Any idea what to expect?" his voice filled with determination.

She offered him a small grin. "Not in the slightest."

He looked at the bottle, then took a deep breath and drank it in one long gulp as if he were afraid that someone might snatch it away.

When the vial was empty, Sage took it from him and set it on the table. Her eyes searched his face.

"How was it?"

"It was a strange sensation, like a million tiny needles pricking my throat as the tonic slid down. But it was also strangely calming."

"Do you feel different?" she asked.

Prince Finn nodded, his eyes locked with hers.

"Yes. A little."

"May I check?" she asked.

Sage reached out hesitantly and, after a slight nod of agreement from him, touched Prince Finn's hands. The warmth of his skin seeped into her palm, and a shiver ran through her body. She tried to focus on what she was doing rather than be distracted by how his hands felt and examined them carefully. His nails had been an unhealthy grey before, but now they were slowly beginning to regain their natural color.

"I think it's working," she whispered in awe as she traced a finger over his hand.

Prince Finn smiled at her, a look of relief washing over him. "Thank you for your help."

Sage was caught in his gaze before looking away embarrassed. She cleared her throat and distanced herself from him, trying to compose herself.

"You're welcome," she said, voice barely above a whisper.

Prince Finn nodded and turned his attention back to the vial on the table, lifting it to look at it more closely.

"How many more times will I need to do this?" he asked thoughtfully.

"I'm unsure. If you could tell me more about your magic, I may be able to create a more potent dose. It takes time to create and requires the help of others, but I am hopeful. While I only see a small change, it is still an improvement."

The two sat silently before Sage adjusted on her pillow, breaking the comfortable stillness between them.

"I should inform Rachel of the results. I will need her help along with Nectars Embrace to create more of this," she said gesturing toward the door with her head, indicating that it was time for her to leave.

Prince Finn’s eyes widened.

"You found Nectars Embrace? They are practically a legend."

Sage laughed a little. "Apparently, they are much more active and involved in your kingdom than you realize. It’s who I brought with me. I would never have found them if I hadn't gone to help Rosey."

"Will you need to return there?" he asked hesitantly.

Sage hoped he was asking because he didn't want her to leave again, but she couldn't think like that. She nodded.

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