[i]So, she’s been worried too,[/i] Crow frowned as he followed Penelope into the night. It seemed that they were both starting to feel the weight of the remaining part of their journey—the part most fraught with risks. For a moment, he wondered what she had to be worried about, since he was the one who was supposed to steal the staff. It wasn’t like she had to put her life in danger when they reached the palace. [i]Of course she will though,[/i] he cast her a sideways glance as they walked along the road. [i]Even though she doesn’t have to, she’ll risk her life for anyone she cares about.[/i]

His heart fluttered in his chest at the thought that he was someone Penelope cared about. He had never dreamed he would get so close to another person before, yet here they were, close enough to share their hopes and fears with each other. His eyes wandered down to her hand, dangling at her side. Her fingers were slender and her fair skin seemed to glow in the moonlight. He was tempted to reach out and take her hand in his, but he resisted. He didn’t want to tarnish their friendship by making her uncomfortable again. So instead, he forced himself to shift his gaze upward to look at the stars rather than at her.

“Everything will work out,” Crow agreed. He shot her a teasing glance. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you nap before. You’re not getting soft on me, are you?”

Up ahead, he noticed a small house adjacent to the road they were walking on. He glanced into the window and saw an open sack of coins on a table, where someone had left it halfway counted. [i]This is too easy,[/i] he eyed a stack of gold hungrily. [i]I just need to get Penelope to let me take it.[/i]

“Hey,” Crow spoke up quietly. “I haven’t had the chance to brush up on robbing a house since before I went to prison, and I can’t raid a palace when I’m out of practice.” He tipped his head towards the window of the house they were walking by, offering Penelope a pleading look. “Whoever lives here is practically begging to be stolen from. I promise I’ll be in and out if you let me go just this once…”