Crow was grateful that Penelope seemed to have so much confidence that he would make the right decision for them. While he still didn’t have the faintest clue whether he was going to accept or deny his father’s offer, it was nice to know that she would support him no matter what he chose. He smiled to himself as they continued to hold each other. As long as she was by his side, he felt sure that he would be happy no matter which direction their lives went—even if that meant seriously considering the job Albin wanted him to take.

As Penelope kissed him once more time, he leaned in to meet her lips and then stood up from the bench to walk with her towards the door. After their talk, he felt even more torn about his decision then before. Half of him still yearned for their humble future in Farhill, even though it would force Penelope to give up her life as a noblewoman, while the other half of him was even more tempted to become Albin’s viceroy because of how good she had been to him. He wanted to give her the life she deserved, and now he actually had a chance to do that. It just meant that he might have to give up his own life instead.

Crow was drawn from his thoughts as the door suddenly opened before Penelope could reach it. He looked up in confusion, wondering why someone would have been coming into the room at this very moment. Perhaps Albin had sent his attendant to come and find him instead? It made sense to him, but it seemed that wasn’t the case when an all too familiar figure entered the room. The thief raised a brow as his gaze fell on the man whom he hadn’t crossed paths with in two years.

“Nice to see you again too,” Crow rolled his eyes as William immediately began to question them in a hostile manner. He’d nearly forgotten how unpleasant the older knight could be. His green eyes swept over the other man, and his lip quirked upward in a mischievous smirk. It had been a while since the last time he’d had the pleasure of bothering William. Perhaps he could have a little fun with him for old time’s sake.

“But, if you really must know,” he went on with a shrug. “I was invited here by the king.” His smirk widened to a grin. “I’m his honored guest.”

William stared at him. “What?” he said after a moment, pinching the bridge of his nose. “The king invited a [i]thief[/i] into his castle?” He looked up again, his eyes flicking between Crow and Penelope before they narrowed suspiciously. “I can’t imagine [i]this[/i]—” he gestured at the two of them. “Has anything to do with what you just told me.” He turned on Penelope. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I happen to remember that this criminal ran off two years ago to save himself. Have you really not learned your lesson since then?”