Crow met Penelope’s lips when she kissed him again. He believed she meant everything she said, that she wanted to stay by his side even though it might mean giving up her old life, but it was a huge promise to make. Even if she didn’t regret choosing him over her family now, there was no telling what she would think in a day or a week or even a month. As much as he wanted to be with her, he didn’t want her to ever feel like she couldn’t go back to them. He had opened the door for her. So for now, he would just enjoy the time they had together and hope she would continue to feel the same way for him when they got back to Brerra, because regardless of her choice, he meant what he had said. He would always love her, even if she couldn’t stay with him.

When Penelope pulled back from him, he had to force himself not to chase after one more kiss. He leaned his head against hers, panting softly. He hadn’t noticed at the time, but he had gotten so lost in her lips that he had forgotten to breathe. Feeling a bit light headed, he traced his fingers lightly up her arm, relishing their closeness. It was still hard for him to believe that she loved him so much—a thief who had done nothing to warrant the affection of any woman. Yet here she was, sitting with him, holding his hand, kissing him… They had even slept together. He brushed a loose strand of hair out of her face, smiling affectionately. Here was the most beautiful woman he had ever met, and she wanted to be with him too.

As she mentioned that they should keep moving, Crow hesitated. He wished they could stay there longer and forget about the mission, but she was right. They had spent quite a while in the same place, and they needed to make up for lost time. “I did,” he answered her question with a nod. “All that’s left is to find a safe place where we can light a fire.” Climbing to his feet again, he raised his arms over his head in a long stretch before heading back into the forest with her.

Once they were out of sight from the knights in the town, he did a quick search for the tree he had stowed his bow in. It didn’t take long for him to find the notch he had carved. He climbed up the marked tree to retrieve the weapon and then hopped back down once he had slung it over his shoulder again.

“When we find somewhere to stop, I’d recommend sleeping if you can,” he turned to Penelope as they continued walking “You might not have another chance until after we get out of the castle.”