It took Penelope quite a while to fall asleep. She found her mind cluttered with thoughts she hoped would never see the light of day. Eventually she drifted off to sleep as her tiredness grew. The next morning came much too soon. The sounds of footsteps and the other knights shuffling around quickly woke her up. She slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes before looking around the camp. It appeared they were getting ready to move but clearly in no rush. 

“Oh good you’re up.” William muttered as he spotted the awake Penelope. “There’s some porridge prepared if you’re hungry.” He nodded to the small pot that sat near the barely lit fire. Penelope murmured a word of thanks before slowly getting up and heading to grab a small bowl of food. She stretched and sat down as she quickly ate a few bites of the bland tasting food. [i]William definitely cooked this...[/i] She thought with a sigh. The older knight believed that as long as it was eatable, it didn’t matter. 

She didn’t get to enjoy a very peaceful breakfast before someone tapped on her shoulder. She looked over but found no one until she heard a mischievous snicker come from her other side. Penelope turned to see Olivia right besides her, smirking as she managed to play the small trick on her fellow knight. 

“Mornin’ Penelope.” Olivia said then gave a heavy sigh. “Well... You must be pleased huh?” 

Penelope still felt a hint of coldness towards Olivia. Though she was glad she didn’t have to worry about what happened between her and Crow anymore, the knight felt slightly annoyed at Olivia for not only going after Crow but also just leading him on for information. Her gaze narrowed. “Why would I be pleased?” she questioned, genuinely confused by what she meant. 

“Oh you don’t have to act Penelope. I know. You were absolutely enraged that I wanted to spend the night with him.” Olivia snickered then gave a look of dull disappointment. “Really it is a shame nothing happened.”

“You’re sure acting innocent don’t you think? It was your own fault nothing happened. Even I didn’t think you’d go so far as to lead someone on.” Penelope stated sourly. She didn’t know what came over her but she wasn’t willing to just let Olivia get away with her actions. Especially when Crow had seemed hurt by them.

Olivia raised an eyebrow at Penelope, confusion written clearly on her face. “Lead.. him on?” She questioned before laughing at Penelope’s strange accusation. “Oh sweetie, what exactly do you think happened? I never lead him on.”

Penelope blinked and felt a bit flustered as Olivia quickly dismissed her words. “Yes you did. Crow said you were just trying to get information out of him.” She added quickly. Her words only made Olivia laugh more. 

“That’s not what happened at all. He’s only saying that to save himself. If anything he lead me on.” Olivia informed Penelope. Penelope looked at her in confusion. “What? How?” 

A wicked smirk spread across Olivia’s face and she leaned in closer as she spoke to Penelope. “I was fully ready to spend the night with him, Penelope. But he kept thinking of you. Like a lovesick puppy.” Olivia sighed and crossed her arms. “Honestly Penelope, what did you do to him? I mean sure you’re cute but you’ve never won against me when it came to looks. You have your sword and I have my charm...”

Penelope was frozen, staring dumbfounded by the information Olivia had given her. Crow had not only lied but he also had feelings for her. [i]He denied Olivia because of me...[/i] The thought made her heart race. She barely heard a word Olivia said after as her mind was reeling. Eventually Olivia patted her on the back, making Penelope snap out of her thoughts momentarily. “Anyways, I just stopped by to say goodbye to everyone. So I’ll be heading off now. Good luck Penelope and do remember that you’re still a knight.” Olivia said before standing up and walking off. 

Penelope sat there alone. Her face felt warm and her heart continued to race but she had no idea what to do with the information she received.