Hiraeth

Chapter Thirteen

Kade's kiss still lingered on her lips, sending warmth coursing through her body. However, as the light of day replaced the intimacy of night, reality crashed back in. The council meeting and the threats of betrayal awaited her, and she couldn't afford to let her guard down.

Sage swung her legs over the side of the bed, taking a moment to collect herself. The remnants of sleep clung to her like a heavy fog, but her heart raced with a mix of excitement and trepidation. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt for Kade, but with the imminent danger surrounding them, she knew they had to remain focused.

After a quick wash and donning a simple yet elegant dress, she brushed her hair and pinned it up, readying herself for the day ahead. As she descended the staircase, her mind buzzed with thoughts of strategy, alliances, and how to navigate the increasingly treacherous waters of court politics.

In the dining hall, the long table was already filled with her family and a few close allies. The tension in the air was palpable, everyone acutely aware of the stakes.

"Morning, Sage," her younger sister greeted, shoving a piece of bread into her mouth. "You look... different."

Sage raised an eyebrow, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I'm not sure if that's a compliment or an insult, Lily."

"It's a compliment! You look all... glow-y," Lily continued, her mouth still full. "Did you finally do something with Kade?"

Sage's heart skipped at her sister's words. "We talked, that's all," she replied, feigning nonchalance while internally grappling with the whirlwind of emotions from last night.

"Right," Lily smirked knowingly, rolling her eyes. "Just talking."

Before Sage could respond, her mother entered the room, a serious look on her face. "We need to discuss last night's meeting," she announced, cutting through the light-hearted banter. The air shifted instantly, the weight of their reality settling heavily on their shoulders.

As they settled into their seats, Sage took a deep breath, ready to face the chaos that awaited. "What do we know about Anton and Giselle's plans?" she asked, her voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in her stomach.

Her mother exchanged glances with the family's advisor, an older gentleman named Lord Corwin, who had served the family for years. "They're rallying support among some of the lesser lords and are trying to create discord among our allies. We must act quickly to prevent them from gaining any more ground."

Sage nodded, her mind racing. "We need to show our strength, rally our supporters. If we can make them think twice about siding with Anton, we might have a chance."

Lily chimed in, "We could host a gathering. A ball, perhaps? Everyone loves a good party."

Sage considered her sister's idea, envisioning the glimmering lights, the sound of laughter mingling with music, and the potential for political maneuvering masked in elegance. "That could work. We can invite the key players and showcase our unity. It will be harder for Anton to convince anyone to join him if we present a front of solidarity."

Her mother smiled, pride evident in her eyes. "An excellent idea, Sage. Let's start planning. We'll need to pull in as many supporters as we can."

The meeting continued, strategies being discussed and alliances mapped out. As they spoke, Sage's mind wandered to Kade, wondering how he was coping with the mounting pressure. She could almost feel his presence, a comforting strength amidst the chaos.

Later that day, as preparations for the ball began, Sage found herself in the courtyard, taking a break from the frantic pace. The sun hung high in the sky, and the scent of blooming roses filled the air. She needed a moment to breathe, to think.