"Sage, I can't stay the night here," Katelyn said.
"Why not?" Sage asked, his brow furrowing, eyes soft with that familiar, pleading look that always tugged at her heart.
"Because I just… can't," she replied, looking away.
Sage stepped closer. "Katelyn, I didn't even touch you all day. Nothing will happen tonight either. You know you can trust me."
"It's not about that," she said after a pause. "Something's happened back at the palace." She exhaled, trying to steady her thoughts. "I was thinking of extending my leave so I can return to the palace. I need to pack tonight. I'll be leaving first thing in the morning."
Sage's concern deepened. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? What happened?"
"I just heard from my attendant that Juniper caused a commotion in the palace. She told everyone that Noah isn't a Sinclair." Her jaw tightened. "I can't let that stand. I need to go back and confront her myself, for saying something so cruel to Amelie and her son," Katelyn explained.
