“Ah, but then you might get attached and not let me go later,” Crow winked at Penelope teasingly. “I’m already charming enough as it is, love. Just imagine how hard it would be for you to stay away from me if I was actually trying. I would never taste freedom again!” He shook his head, stifling a laugh as he took on a serious expression. “No, no. I can’t let that happen. I must continue to be rude to you for both of our sakes. I hope you can understand.”

He lapsed into silence as he contemplated his deal with the knight once again. Even though he was merely jesting with Penelope, he did harbor a bit of doubt that she would actually let him escape after he completed the king’s assignment. He knew he would keep his end of the bargain, but he had no way of knowing whether she planned to do the same. She was right when she had said he put all nobles in the same category. To him, they were worse than thieves. They lied, cheated, and stole for their own personal gain, never caring what happened to the people they hurt on their way up the ladder of their precious social hierarchy. For all he knew, Penelope could have deceived him so he wouldn’t try to run away again before they reached Younis.


[color=fff79a][b]“And, just so you know, you have my word as well,”[/b][/color] Penelope spoke up suddenly, seeming to read the thief’s thoughts. [color=fff79a][b]“I assume it’s not easy trusting a knight with something as important as your freedom, but once the mission is over I will let you get out of here before you have to return back.”[/b][/color]

He held her gaze for a moment before he nodded, “Thank you for that.” Though he spoke calmly, he felt like a burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He wondered why he was so quick to trust her. Based on his prior interactions with knights, he had no reason to believe she was telling him the truth. Yet somehow, he knew she wasn’t lying.

Crow paused and then broke into a grin. “You know, you’re a strange person too—or a strange knight, that is. I’ve never known another who would go behind he comrades’ backs to help a simple peasant like me.” Looking forward again, he saw that they had reached the outskirts of the village. He turned back to Penelope, meeting her eyes searchingly. “It seems we’ve arrived. Are you sure you want to walk on your own?”