The inside of the castle was just as luxurious as Crow remembered. He tilted his head back as his eyes wandered over the gilded walls and ceiling. Almost every visible surface was plated in gold-leaf, reflecting the light in a way that dazzled the eye of the beholder. It was breathtaking, but it also wrenched the thief’s heart as he thought about all the peasants of the outer villages who could use just a fraction of the visible wealth in the castle to better their lives. The stark difference between the riches in the palace and the poverty in the rest of the kingdom made him feel sick and reminded him of why he stole from nobles in the first place.

At the sound of a voice, Crow turned to see two unfamiliar men walking towards them. One was dressed in the armor of the castle guards, while the other wore the uniform of a royal attendant. He shifted his weight uncomfortably. He’d been hoping to just make a quick visit with as few other people involved as possible. The thought of having more nobles and servants around didn’t sit well with him, but fortunately, Penelope and John were quick to brush off the other knight, leaving them with just the attendant to guide them to the king.

He casted Penelope a subtle look of gratitude before he followed after John and the servant as they led them up the main stairs to the second level of the castle. Remembering the layout of the palace, he guessed his father was planning to meet with him in the council room, where the previous king had sent him on his mission in Younis. It was strange to think that he was about to talk to the man who had abandoned his family in one of the most prestigious rooms of the king’s court—and that his father [i]was[/i] the king. Though he had already known Albin had risen up in rank, it was only just beginning to hit him now that he really was the son of the most powerful man in Brerra. He didn’t know what to make of that.

When they reached the familiar set of doors, Crow’s heartbeat quickened anxiously in his chest. He was really going to meet his father; it was really happening. The group came to a stop near the entrance, and Crow lingered towards the back, still fighting the urge to run as he began to feel more trapped. Doubts bubbled up in his mind as he wondered again if he was making a mistake. Was it really so much worse to go back to the outer villages without finding out what Albin wanted from him? Sure, he would be left with an unsated curiosity, but at least he wouldn’t have to face the man he despised.

[i]Coward, you’re already here,[/i] he silently chided himself, gritting his teeth as he forced himself to stay put. [i]Just get it over with.[/i]

“The king received word of your arrival and is waiting inside,” the attendant spoke up, turning around to face the group. His gaze was focused on the wall past Crow’s shoulder, as if he was afraid to meet the thief’s eyes, and he held out a hand towards the door. “Please, come in.”

Crow felt his heart skip a beat. His father was already waiting for him on the other side of that door. He glanced furtively towards Penelope, wishing again that he could take her hand, but at least she would be able to stand next to him while he faced his father. He exhaled slowly and took a step forward with the others. However, they didn’t get far before the attendant cleared his throat awkwardly. “Err, I believe His Majesty wishes to meet with the thief alone,” he said with a hapless look at Penelope and John.

Crow’s eyes widened for a fleeting moment before he regained his composure. “Oh yeah?” he frowned, crossing his arms defiantly. “Well, I didn’t agree to that. I’m not setting one foot in that room unless these two are coming with me.”

The servant stared at him in surprise, seeming unprepared for the thief to fight with him over the decision. “Um, well, I-I suppose I could ask if—”

“No need.”

Crow tensed as a new voice spoke up and turned to see a figure emerge from the council room. It felt like time slowed down as his eyes landed on the king—his father. For the first time, he could see why his mother had always compared him to the man. Even in his advanced age, Albin was a good looking man. He was tall, with a broad-shouldered frame lined with toned muscles that the thief could see outlined beneath his silk shirt. His face was rugged, and his jaw was chiseled and lined with a well-kept, dark brown beard. His pale green eyes were calculating and difficult to read as well, as if he was studying the other people in the corridor and thinking two steps ahead of every one of them. Overall, it felt to the thief like the king was an older version of himself. He didn’t like it.

“Crow Lockton,” Albin’s pastel eyes met his and a friendly smile softened his features. “It’s a pleasure to meet you at last.”

Crow hesitated for a moment, unsure what to do. His heart raced in his chest. He felt quite certain that the king’s friendliness was just an angle, and he was tempted to confront him hostilely to force him to drop the act. However, he was in Albin’s territory now. One wrong move, and he would land himself back in prison. So, even though he craved to shout or spit at the man, he glanced subtly at Penelope for reassurance and took a calming breath. “Your Highness,” he nodded his head in a curt greeting. It felt wrong to address his estranged father in such a respectful manner, but he had to find out what Albin wanted from him before he could even think about speaking what was really on his mind. “What do you want from me?”

“We can discuss that inside,” Albin answered vaguely. His eyes flicked toward Penelope for a moment before returning to the thief’s face. “Come in. I have much I wish to speak with you about.” He turned to John, seeming to think something over before he added: “You too, Vermillion.”

The older knight bowed and followed the order, stepping forward to enter the council chambers. However, Crow wasn’t as quick to comply. He wavered for a moment, reluctant to go anywhere with his father without Penelope. “Just him?” he asked, trying to find a way to include her without giving away their relationship. “I’m surprised you’re trusting enough to have an audience with a thief with only one guard present.”

“One guard is all I need,” Albin said simply. “Besides, the matters I wish to discuss are of a… sensitive nature. The fewer people get involved, the better. Now, please, Crow. Come inside.”

Crow bit the tip of his tongue. As hard as he tried to come up another way to get Penelope to come with him, he couldn’t think of anything that wouldn’t raise suspicion. He sighed. It looked like he was going to have to go in alone, after all. [i]I won’t be completely alone though,[/i] he thought. [i]She’ll be right outside.[/i] Casting Penelope one last furtive glance, he took a steeling breath and stepped into the room.