Hiraeth

Chapter Nineteen

Sage had lost track of time; days blurred together as they tended to the wounded, fortified their defenses, and mourned those who had fallen. The initial adrenaline rush had faded, replaced by an overwhelming fatigue that seeped into her bones.

It was more than exhaustion; it was a heightened awareness of her surroundings, of the men she found herself drawn to in ways she had never expected. Kade, always the reliable knight, was an anchor in her storm, while Fleck's playful charm offered moments of lightness amidst the dark. But her thoughts kept drifting toward Beckett.

His presence lingered in her mind like a haunting melody, sharp and intoxicating. They had clashed since the moment they met, but there was something undeniably magnetic about him. She couldn't shake the feeling that beneath his cocky exterior lay a depth she longed to explore.

As she turned a corner, Sage's thoughts were interrupted by the unmistakable sound of laughter. Curious, she followed the sound, her heart racing as she approached the courtyard. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the stone walls, and she could see a group gathered, their voices lively against the backdrop of a gentle breeze.

"-and then, she threw a whole barrel of apples at him!" Fleck's voice rang out, and Sage's heart warmed at the sound of his laughter mingling with the others. She stepped into the courtyard, her heart lifting at the sight of familiar faces-Kade, Fleck, and Emilie, who sat on the grass with a group of knights.

"Sage!" Emilie called, waving her over. "Join us! We're sharing tales of bravery and folly!"

Sage approached, a smile spreading across her face. "What's this about apples?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Oh, just a little tale of our dear Fleck here," Kade grinned, resting back on his elbows, looking at her with that charming smirk she had grown fond of. "He tried to impress a lady with his skills, but ended up looking more like a jester."

"I prefer to think of it as a strategic distraction," Fleck countered, his wavy hair catching the light as he animatedly recounted the event. "You see, my aim was perfect, but she laughed so hard, she couldn't see the apple coming!"

As the evening wore on, the sun dipped lower, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. Sage settled beside Kade, feeling his warmth radiate against her side. They exchanged stories, laughter bubbling between them, and in that moment, she felt the weight of the world lift slightly.

"Tell us more about your grand plan for the tournament," Emilie prompted Fleck, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Oh, the tournament!" Fleck's eyes lit up. "You're all in for a treat! I intend to win it this year, of course. I've already got my eye on the prize- Sage." He winked at her, and she rolled her eyes playfully.

"You think you can win my heart with a shiny trophy?" Sage teased, her heart fluttering at the thought.

"Not just any trophy! It's a golden chalice!" He leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I'll bring it to you at the ball, and you'll have no choice but to fall madly in love with me."

Sage laughed, shaking her head. "Dream on, Duke. You're going to have to try harder than that."

Their banter continued, but the atmosphere shifted subtly when the gates creaked open. The sound sliced through the lightheartedness, drawing the group's attention. Sage's heart raced as she turned to see Beckett entering the courtyard, flanked by two knights.

The prince looked as imposing as ever, with his dark skin glistening in the fading light. His short hair was tousled, and the scars on his arm seemed to catch the last rays of the sun, giving him an almost regal presence. But it was the smirk on his face that ignited something within her-something complicated and thrilling.