Hiraeth

Chapter Seventeen

The aftermath of the battle settled over the estate like a heavy fog. As the sun dipped below the horizon, its fading light cast an orange glow over the courtyard, illuminating the bruises and bloodied faces of the knights who had fought valiantly to defend their home. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and smoke, mingling with the bittersweet aroma of victory.

Sage stood amidst the remnants of the fray, adrenaline still coursing through her veins as she processed everything that had just happened.

"Kade!" she called, searching for the familiar figure among the chaos. She spotted him across the courtyard, speaking urgently with a group of knights. His shirt was torn, his hair disheveled, and his expression serious as he organized the aftermath of the skirmish.

When he finally noticed her, relief washed over his features. He strode toward her, his eyes dark with concern. "Are you alright?"

Sage nodded, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face, still feeling the thrill of battle. "I'm fine. Thanks to you and Fleck. We made a good team out there."

He grinned, his demeanor lightening. "You were incredible, Sage."

Sage felt warmth spread through her at the compliment, a flutter of pride blooming in her chest. "I just did what needed to be done," she replied, trying to play it cool, but the rush of his admiration made her heart race.

"I think you've proven you're not just a lady in a fancy dress," he chuckled, his teasing tone making her laugh despite the exhaustion weighing on her. "What's next for you, then? Gonna join the knights full-time?"

"Don't tempt me," she replied, a playful glint in her eye. "I could definitely get used to this."

Just then, Fleck approached, a ragged breath escaping him as he wiped blood from his forehead, the remnants of battle still fresh on his skin. "What's this? Are we recruiting ladies now?" He raised an eyebrow at Sage, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Maybe I should," she shot back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'd whip you both into shape."

Fleck laughed, the tension in the air momentarily dissipating. "I'd like to see you try. I might take you up on that if you promise to wear that sword and nothing else." He winked, his flirtation both bold and teasing.

Sage felt her cheeks heat but was too exhilarated to feel shy. "You'll have to catch me first, Duke." She playfully tossed her hair over her shoulder, her confidence surging.

But Fleck's gaze turned serious, and the moment shifted. "You know this isn't over, right? There will be more attacks. We have to prepare ourselves."

Kade nodded, his expression turning grim. "We need to find out who's behind this, why they came after us. This was no random raid."

Sage felt a shiver run down her spine at the thought. "Do you think it's connected to the rumors we've heard? About the tensions with the neighboring territories?"

"Could be," Kade replied, his jaw tightening. "We'll need to gather intelligence and fortify our defenses. We can't let our guard down."

Just then, a voice broke through their conversation, and Sage turned to see Beckett striding toward them, his presence commanding even amid the chaos. The prince's face was serious, the battle having etched lines of weariness into his features.

"Sage," he said, his voice low, "can we talk?"

She nodded, heart racing as she stepped away from Kade and Fleck, her thoughts a chaotic blend of adrenaline and attraction. Beckett led her to a quieter corner of the courtyard, away from the fray and noise.