Page 59 of Bound By Honey

"They accept your offer," she said. "However, they insist that you make sure that your brother is brought to justice in accordance with fae law. They do not approve of rogue behavior such as what they have witnessed today especially if there is any chance of the treaty happening."

The Charming Four looked at her wide-eyed.

"How do you know what they said?" Asher said.

"You didn't see it?" she asked.

They all shook their heads no.

"It's alright. We can figure that out later," Colby added.

Finn nodded solemnly and then knelt to pick up his unconscious brother. He turned to Sage and their friends and held out a hand for assistance. Without hesitation, they each grabbed onto one arm or leg of his brother's body and helped him carry him away.

Sage glanced back at the dragons as they watched them go, their expressions unreadable, but a dragonling trailed her.

"What's happening here?" Sawyer asked.

"I apparently bonded with a dragon. Don't ask me how. I have no idea," Sage answered.

"So, where exactly are we supposed to keep a dragon in the capital?" Colby asked.

Prince Finn grunted as he shifted his grip on his brother. "We have always talked about getting a different place out of the city."

"That's true," Asher said. "I'm not sure how she will afford to feed that thing as it gets bigger on her salary."

Sage worried at the thought of taking care of the dragonling. But as she looked at the dragonling's adorable face and felt the warmth of its small body against her leg, she knew she couldn't abandon it.

"We'll figure it out," Sage said.

***

The din of the chatter and clinking of mugs inside the inn stopped when the door opened. All eyes focused on the group, and they could feel the tension in the air. Everyone stared at them, including the innkeeper, whose face was a mask of surprise. As the innkeeper moved toward them, the room turned their attention back to their tables, and the noise resumed.

"Prince Finn?" he whispered. "But, I thought… You…" He was unable to find the words to express his confusion.

Prince Finn smiled, a sad yet determined expression on his face. "We're back," he said, his voice gentle. "We just took the long way."

The innkeeper cleared his throat. "Well, this is certainly a surprise. What brings you back to my establishment? I thought you left."

"We are returning to Vishneel," Prince Finn said, his gaze flicking over to Prince Owen, who stood beside him, wearing the ropes they had used to bind Sage back in the forest. He looked as uncomfortable as everyone else did, and Sage felt a pang of sorrow for him.

"Ah," the innkeeper said. "I see." He paused, and scrutinized the group before meeting Prince Finn’s gaze. "What do you intend to do with him?"

"That's up to him," Sage said. "But first, we will need our things you stored for us."

The innkeeper nodded. "Yes, it's all safe in the back room. I figured you'd be back for it sooner or later."

Prince Finn let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you." He turned to his companions, who all looked relieved too.

"Oh, and one more thing," the innkeeper said. He gestured awkwardly to the crowned prince, who was standing beside Sage. "I assume you brought him here as a prisoner. Am I correct?"

"Yes," Prince Finn said, "but he's under my protection for now. I won't let anyone hurt him and he will not be in anyone's way."

The innkeeper nodded again. "Very well. Then if you'll excuse me, I'll go fetch your things. Please, make yourselves at home."

Sage watched her companions, who all exchanged considering looks.

"Well," she said, "let's see if we can make the best of this situation. We have a lot to discuss."

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