Penelope looked over at Crow and gave his hand a soft squeeze as he took her hand in his. She gave him a small smile as he thanked them and leaned in to meet him as he pressed a quick kiss to her lips. "Alright." the knight nodded, glad that they seemed to be able to help him a little. As he packed his things, she moved to grab hers as well and walked over to wait with her father for Crow. 
 
As he joined them, she moved to stand closely besides him, taking his hand in hers one more time before she eventually let go as they headed out of the inn. Though her father may have been more tolerant, it was still best for them to keep a distance from each other now that they were getting closer to the castle. There was a high risk of having someone recognizing both of them and it likely wouldn't go well if they didn't merely seem like a simple escort to the castle. Still, as they traveled, she remained nearby him, hoping that would be enough to calm his nerves for now. 

The day went by with much less tension and silence than the last two days. John didn't bother hovering around her like before and instead kept at the front as he lead the way. He still hadn't mentioned anymore about her mother but Penelope didn't push yet. There were plenty of other things on her mind at the moment so she figured it could wait until another time. Perhaps after Crow had met with the king and things were settled. Instead she spent the day in Crow's company, trying to make idle chatter in hopes to keep his nerves at bay as they got closer to the castle. 

The group eventually stopped for a break a little ways from the castle. It was about midday and the palace loomed in the distance. Penelope leaned back against a nearby tree and looked up at the building. She had spent a large amount of time in the castle before and usually, it was nearly like a second home to her. This was the first time returning to it made her feel a bit anxious. The knight let out a soft sigh and moved over to Crow's side, figuring it was probably much worse for the thief now that they were so close. 

"How are you doing?" she asked softly as she reached for his hand. John had taken them off the main road to stop in a nearby clearing in the surrounding forest. She figured it was safe enough for her to get close to Crow as long as they kept aware of any patrols that might be wandering around nearby.