Page 54 of Bound By Honey

Once they were done with their ministrations, Prince Finn gave Sage one last concerned look before standing up from kneeling next to her. "I think you should stay here tonight. I can bring you food."

Sage stared at him in surprise. Was he really doing this for her? Taking care of someone else. It somehow seemed very un-princely and unlike how she had always imagined princes were. A warmth filled Sage's chest. It was like her worries and fears were melting away, and she felt safe.

"Thank you," she whispered.

Prince Finn gave her a small smile before leaving the room, so Sage could be alone with her thoughts.

Head throbbing, Sage slipped in and out of consciousness. At one point, she became aware that she was still only wearing a robe, and embarrassment flooded her cheeks. She thought of Prince Finn, hoping he hadn't noticed her state of undress, or at the very least, hadn't seen too much.

Sage tried to stand, wanting to get properly dressed in her overshirt before he returned. But as soon as she put weight on her feet, they shook beneath her and her head swam. The entire room seemed to be moving around her as though her body were in molasses. With a gasp, she fell back, and to her surprise, Prince Finn caught her before she could hit the ground and helped her onto the mattress.

"It's alright," he said, placing a reassuring hand on Sage's shoulder. "What do you need?"

"I want to get dressed," she mumbled, embarrassed to be so helpless. A feeling she hated.

He glanced at her pack at the foot of the bed. "What do you want to change into?”

"My shirt. I just want to sleep in my shirt."

"Let me help you," Prince Finn offered, sitting on the bed next to Sage and slipping his shirt over his head. "It's clean and will cover you better than yours. Until you are better, it's best to have one of us with you."

Sage's heart raced as she tried not to stare at his bare chest. Of course, he was right. She may need help during the night, and his shirt would cover more than hers.

He helped her face away from him with gentle hands and eased off Sage’s shirt before replacing it with his. As his fingers brushed against hers, she leaned into him ever so slightly.

Prince Finn didn't seem to notice as he helped her slip back under the blanket—or perhaps he just chose not to comment on it—instead continuing to talk in soothing tones until finally he was done. His words faded in and out as she breathed in his scent from his shirt. She snuggled deeper into her bed, afraid to admit even to herself how much she was enjoying his attention and how afraid she was that she was overthinking everything.

Prince Finn pulled away as soon as he heard voices in the hall. Asher, Sawyer, and Colby burst into the room with concerned looks.

Sage blushed at being caught in such an intimate moment, but she was glad to see them and the food they carried. They would take care of her.

"So, what's going on here?" Asher asked jokingly, taking in the sight of Prince Finn topless.

"Just helping her get dressed," Prince Finn said, completely avoiding the state of his undress.

"Yeah, I can see that." Colby smirked before turning to Sage. "How are you feeling?"

Sage nodded slowly, not wanting to appear weak. She was tempted to lie and say she would be fine by tomorrow, but she remembered their conversation in the hot spring. Already they were worried she wouldn't be able to handle traveling in the mountains. Attempting to do so while injured wouldn't help anyone.

"I've been better," she admitted.

Prince Finn grabbed the food Sawyer was carrying and placed it on the nightstand next to Sage. "Someone should stay here with Sage while the rest scout ahead tomorrow," he said, before pausing. "We will wait to act on anything found until we can all go together." His voice was firm and confident despite the seriousness of the situation.

Sawyer, Asher, and Colby nodded at Prince Finn's suggestion. A wave of relief washed over her at knowing she wouldn't be alone. She was grateful for the prince's concern. Although it was strange to think someone would stay behind just for her.

The group stayed in her room chatting and joking around until late at night. The conversation between Asher and Sawyer always turned into an argument about who was better at what—whether it was hunting or cooking—until finally, Colby had to intervene and settle the score.

Prince Finn remained quiet throughout most of their banter but offered a few witty remarks here and there when needed, making them all laugh.

Sage found herself wishing that this moment would never end. Despite her exhaustion, she wanted to stay here with them forever.

Her eyes grew heavier and heavier as the night drew on, and eventually, she was left with only Asher in her room to help if she needed anything.

As she drifted off to sleep, Sage couldn't help but feel safe with these four men, like nothing bad could ever happen so long as they were together.

***

Sawyer and Sage sat on the hot spring’s balcony, the warm smell of minerals wafting up from the steamy waters. Sage got up, leaned against the balcony rail, and gazed out at the puffy clouds below.

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