Crow smirked when Penelope attempted to speak in an accent. The fakeness of it was amusing to him. He could almost imagine the look on a Younisian’s face if the she tried talking like that when they reached the neighboring kingdom. He was almost tempted to let her and the other knights flounder with their accents, but he knew that their lives would all be on the line once they crossed the border. There would be no room for fun and games in Younis.

“That’s a little better,” Crow nodded when Penelope made her second attempt. He continued to speak in a proper Younisian accent so that she might be able to learn it by ear. “You mixed up your emphasis on some of the words, but other than that it wasn’t bad. Of course, you won’t get away with mistakes like that once we cross into Younis.” He grinned at her teasingly. “Best case scenario: We all get written off as lunatics. Worst case: We’re all arrested on the spot by local knights for trespassing. Well, you three will get arrested, at least. My accent is flawless. I could easily tell the knights that you were holding me hostage so I could lead you to their king.”

He shrugged and then lowered his voice, taking on a luring tone. “However, if you treat me well, I might be willing to get you out of trouble, too, darling. Since you’ll be dressed as a peasant, I can always tell the local knights that we’re married, and you’re just from another kingdom. It would make a fine plan ‘B’ if you three aren’t able to master the Younisian accent in time and get us all caught.” He let out a short laugh. “You know, I like it. Lovers from distant lands. Sounds romantic, don’t you think?”