Crow’s eyes wandered over his surroundings as they walked down the road. Large houses and tall buildings lined the sidewalks, and stiff-backed people milled about in lavish attire. Though everyone in Younis seemed to have money, this particular crowd looked a bit more well off. The castle wouldn’t be much farther if this kingdom was laid out like Brerra. He swallowed nervously. Even though he continued to tell himself that he and Penelope would succeed in their mission and both make it out alive, part of him still worried they were too unprepared. The fact that his only other experience going on a raid with a partner had ended in the other man getting run through with a spear didn’t help either.

He felt Penelope squeeze his hand and looked down at her as she echoed his thoughts about the castle being close by. “Yeah,” he nodded solemnly, lowering his gaze to the ground. He held her hand a bit tighter, wishing they had more time. Almost as soon as they admitted their feelings for each other, they were going on a mission where they would be risking their lives. It all felt like a morbid joke; like the gods were mocking them for trying to be together by putting even more obstacles between them.

[color=fff79a][b]“I nearly think we should just start up a life here and forget about Brerra.”[/b][/color] Penelope’s soft voice drew his attention. [color=fff79a][b]“But we’ve got a war to prevent.”[/b][/color]

“Don’t tempt me,” Crow shook his head. “That thought’s already gone through my mind more times than I care to admit.” The lure to abandon everything and make a new home in Younis was hard to resist. He had to remind himself that it wasn’t possible. Even if he hadn’t pledged his help to Penelope, he couldn’t settle down here or anywhere else. He had chosen his path, and it was a dangerous one. He couldn’t stop running until he or all of the enemies he had made were dead.

Crow glanced at Penelope one more time, noticing the somber expression that had taken over her face. She looked just as concerned as he felt. He wanted to do something to make her feel better.

“I talked to Hartley about our assignment,” he admitted, slowing his pace slightly. “He told me a bit about the inner workings of the palace—not much, but enough to give me a few ideas about how to get inside.” He smirked at her. “You’re the key, darling. He said the palace servants won’t harbor a criminal like me, but they might take in a woman seeking refuge. They’ll trust you if you can convince them you’re in trouble and need their help.” He tugged on her hand, pulling her closer to plant a kiss on her forehead. “I know you can do it. You’ve become quite the little fox.”

He offered her a smile, “We’re going to be fine, so don’t worry. We’ve made it this far, haven’t we?”