Page 64 of Bound By Honey

As they talked, the dragonling snuggled up against Sage's leg as if sensing she was sad. She ran her fingers over its soft, warm scales taking comfort from their bond.

"I'll be back soon," Sage said, trying to keep her voice steady. "I promise."

"We know," Piper said, leaning forward and hugging her. "Just be careful out there."

Will hugged her next. "And make sure to come back in one piece," he grinned.

Piper pulled her back into a tight embrace. "We'll miss you," she said softly.

They group hugged, trying not to disturb the dragonling, and Sage held back tears pricking her eyes. "I'll miss you too," she whispered.

Happily Ever After

Sagelookedatherfriends, filled with a thrilling mix of anticipation and competition. They were gathered around a table in their new home outside Nectars Embrace's land, the game of Everhunt laid out before them. Prince Finn sat next to her, his gaze focused on the game in front of them.

It had become a weekly habit since the Charming Four moved to the country to invite Rachel and Michael over for a night of food and games. They had become friends with Freddy and would often show up together. After his treatments started to reverse his damage, he had more hours in the day when he wasn't a gargoyle. Along with Asher, Sawyer, and Colby, Freddy had moved into a small tenant home on the land the guild had purchased, insisting that Sage and Prince Finn should have their own space. Sage couldn't help but appreciate the thoughtfulness.

Prince Finn gave her a sly smile and winked, causing her heart to flutter. She blushed and returned to the game, determined to concentrate on the task. As her gaze settled on the cards, she felt the presence of her dragonling at her feet, snuggled up against her leg.

"Let's make this interesting then," Prince Finn said, breaking the silence while a thrill ran through Sage as his gaze lingered on her. "If I win, we will be married in the country before my family can approve. A small wedding with only friends and immediate family. If you win, we will have a grand royal wedding as you wanted and make my parents foot the bill."

There was a collective gasp around the table, and Sage’s cheeks flushed. She glanced at the others, who were all watching her. She hesitated, unsure of how to respond.

"Are you asking me to marry you?" Sage asked.

Prince Finn pulled a small gold band from his pocket and held it before her. "If you will have me," he said with a smile.

"All right, then," she said, her voice steady. "Let's do this."

The game commenced, and for a time, everything seemed to fade away as Sage became absorbed in the game. She chose a fire dragon and began selecting her hoard items and spells.

"What are you naming your player?" Rachel’s voice drew Sage back to the other players at the table.

"Excuse me?" Sage asked.

"The dragon you are playing," Rachel said, pointing to the card in front of Sage. "What will you name it? It makes the game much more interesting if you play with named dragons. Don't you think?"

"I don't know. I hadn't thought about it."

"I'm voting for Fluffy," Sawyer teased.

"No! Smokey," Colby added.

"I've got it," Freddy joined in, "Barebone. Because he will eat you down to the bone."

"You're all terrible. You know that?" Sage said, trying not to laugh. "Now you all have to keep your own kindly offered dragon names for your own dragons. I'm thinking ... Starblaze."

The familiar sensation of her dragonling communicating with her filled her mind. A sense of approval. Sage scooted her chair to look at the little dragonling at her feet.

"You like that? Do you want to be Starblaze?"

The dragonling lifted its head momentarily, let out a little happy chirp, and tucked its nose under its tail.

"I guess we take that as a yes," Prince Finn offered.

Sage laughed. "I guess so!"

The game was intense and fast-paced, and Sage worried over her moves. As the game progressed, she found her fortunes shifting. She began to amass a hoard of gold pieces while Prince Finn's fortunes seemed to dwindle until they both had an impressive collection of coins, and the game entered its final phase.

Prince Finn made a bold move, attempting to take Sage's hoard. But Sage was prepared. She had been holding onto a powerful spell card, waiting for the perfect moment to use it. With a sly grin, she placed the card down and Prince Finn's dragon burned to a crisp, leaving him with nothing but a pile of ash where his hoard once stood.

The room erupted in cheers and laughter as everyone celebrated Sage's victory. She smiled proudly and high-fived each of her friends, feeling a wave of satisfaction.

Prince Finn leaned in close, his face glowing. "Congratulations, honeybee."

Sage’s heart skipped a beat as their eyes met. He leaned even closer, and she could feel his warm breath on her skin. "You should get the biggest wedding dress you can find," he whispered as he slid the ring onto her hand.

Sage blushed and couldn't help the smile that spread across her face. She leaned in and planted a soft kiss on his lips. The moment felt surreal, as if time had stopped just for them.

When they finally pulled apart, they looked around at their friends, who were staring at them with amusement. Sage laughed nervously before turning back to Prince Finn with a bright smile; she knew she'd never face it alone, no matter what happened next.