Hiraeth

Chapter Four

Sage awoke the next morning feeling the lingering effects of last night's exhilarating performance and the tension from her encounters with Duke Fleck and Lord Blue. But with the dawn came a renewed sense of determination. Today would be different; today, she would take control.

After a quick breakfast, she found Clara in the courtyard, tending to a small garden of vibrant flowers. The scent of fresh blooms filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of damp soil.

"Good morning, my lady!" Clara greeted, her face lighting up at Sage's approach. "You look radiant today!"

"Thank you, Clara," Sage replied, a smile playing on her lips. "I'm feeling quite good. It's a beautiful day, isn't it?"

"Absolutely! A perfect day for an adventure," Clara replied, wiping her hands on her apron. "What do you have planned?"

Sage hesitated, contemplating the risks of revealing her intentions. "I was thinking of exploring the woods. Maybe even take a ride." The thought of being out in the open, away from the constraints of the estate, filled her with excitement.

"Sounds lovely! Just be careful, alright? The woods can be unpredictable," Clara warned, her tone turning serious. "Especially with all that's been going on lately."

"I know, but I need this. I need to feel free," Sage said, her voice firm.

Clara nodded, though her brow remained furrowed with concern. "Just promise you'll be back before dark. And let Kade know where you are. He'll worry if he doesn't hear from you."

"I will," Sage promised, feeling a rush of anticipation as she made her way to the stables. The sound of hooves against the cobblestones and the scent of hay greeted her, a comforting reminder of the life she cherished.

"Good morning, Sage!" Kade called out from the stables, a broad grin on his face. He was grooming a sleek black stallion, its coat shining like polished obsidian. "Ready for your ride?"

"More than ready," she replied, her heart racing at the sight of him. "I was thinking of taking a ride out to the northern edge of the woods. Care to join me?"

"Of course. I wouldn't let you go alone," he said, wiping his hands on his breeches before moving to the tack room. "Especially after last night's debacle with Blue and Fleck. I wouldn't want to leave you vulnerable out there."

"I can handle myself, you know," she teased, raising an eyebrow.

"I know, but it doesn't hurt to have a knight by your side," Kade retorted, a playful glint in his eye. "Besides, I could use the practice. And I'd rather be on a horse than in the hall pretending to care about politics."

Sage chuckled, feeling a lightness in her heart that had been missing for too long. "Then let's get going before the world comes crashing back down on us."

Within minutes, they were mounted and galloping along the well-worn paths of the estate, the wind whipping through Sage's hair as she let out a laugh of pure joy. Kade rode beside her, his presence steady and reassuring. The sun shone brightly, illuminating the vibrant greens and golds of the landscape.

They rode in comfortable silence, the rhythmic sound of hooves echoing around them as they ventured deeper into the woods. Sage felt the stress of her previous encounters melting away, replaced by the thrill of the ride and the beauty surrounding her.

After a while, they reached a small clearing where the trees parted to reveal a shimmering lake, its surface reflecting the blue sky above. Sage dismounted, feeling invigorated. "This place is breathtaking," she said, gazing out at the water.

"It is," Kade agreed, his voice softer now. "This has always been one of my favorite spots. I used to come here as a kid to escape."

"Escape?" Sage asked, tilting her head. "From what?"