Penelope listened to the conversation between Olivia and William. She had hoped William would be able to see through Olivia’s lies but her hope was quickly destroyed as Olivia feigned innocence. William did say some interesting things though. The knight hadn’t thought on it much but she probably knew more about Crow than most people. The thief had given her information about his past, why he was thief, and that he wasn’t able to swim. The thought was a bit warming as she was reminded of how much the thief trusted her but it didn’t last long. 

As William stated she’d stay up to wait for their return, Penelope’s shoulders seemed to fall. The last thing she wanted was to be the one that greeted them once they returned. However, she found it impossible to protest against William’s words. She watched helplessly as Olivia and Crow walked off, only averting her gaze when she noticed Crow turning his head to glance back in her direction. Once the two disappeared from sight, Penelope quietly got up and walked over to the fire. She stood near it and let it warm her up. William and Abraxas were already preparing to lay down. The two were likely tired from not getting much sleep the previous night. 

It seemed it didn’t matter how much the thief had shared with her or how close they had gotten, he clearly preferred women like Olivia. Bold, flirtatious, and beautiful. [i]Not someone like me...[/i] The knight froze at the words of her own thoughts. She was comparing herself to Olivia. Not as a knight or a friend but truly as a woman. Her face flared in embarrassment. That would mean she was viewing Crow as something more than a friend. [i]No... No... that’s crazy...[/i] She attempted to correct herself. A brief flashback to Crow’s friendly face caused her heartbeat to race and her previous correction to disappear. 

Penelope gave a stressed look and ran a hand through her brown hair as she sat down by the fire. There was still no way she cared for Crow as anything more than a friend. At least, that is what she kept telling herself despite previous thoughts. Besides, even if she did, she clearly wasn’t his type. [i]Of course someone like Olivia would suit him after all...[/i] She reminded herself with a small pang of disappointment she chose to ignore. 

The female knight let out a heavy-hearted sigh and lifted her gaze up to the night sky. “Oh mother... Please let this night just be done with already....” Penelope mumbled, closing her eyes.