To Crow’s relief, his nap went by peacefully. Gavin didn’t try to speak to him at all while he was resting, and Jane never once stopped by to check on him. Usually, he might have been annoyed with the physician’s lack of care for his condition, but since he was doing better today, he didn’t think he needed her attendance anyway. His bandages had already been changed out the evening before, and it didn’t feel like anything had gotten worse since then, so he guessed that he would be fine as long as he got plenty of rest.

After he had slept for a little while longer, the thief was roused by the sound of gravel crunching beneath boots outside the tent. His eyes fluttered open tiredly and he glanced at the entrance to see who was coming. Expecting Jane, he was thrilled to see that it was Penelope who had come to visit him. His heart beat a little quicker with excitement as he watched the two knights speak to each other, waiting for Gavin to leave so he could have some time alone with her.

Fortunately, the other man didn’t linger and was quick to exit the tent. Crow smiled as Penelope stepped over to his bedside and kissed him on the forehead. “It’s about time,” he teased. “I was starting to think you were going to leave me with these dull men forever.” Reaching up, he brushed a loose strand of hair out of her face and grinned. “I’d much rather be in the company of a beautiful woman—specifically this one.” He added a flirtatious wink for good measure.

In the next moment, he remembered that she had said she was going to try and pay a visit to his companions the night before. “Did you go?” he asked suddenly, his playful expression turning more serious as it became laced with concern. “To see the other thieves, I mean. Were you able to get out of your camp and find them last night?”