Whether his father was really trying to reconnect with him or not, Crow was quite pleased with the meals he was being provided with during his stay in the castle. It was obvious to him that the king was trying to get on his good side, and he couldn’t deny that it was working at least a bit. Still, good food and a comfortable bed weren’t going to make his decision for him. He liked the luxuries, but they were superficial compared to everything he had in the outer villages. His friendship with the other thieves and the meaningful work they were doing to help the villagers meant much more to him than anything he could gain by taking on a noble title.

He was just about to fill up his plate with a second helping of bread and fruit when another knock sounded at the door. Looking up from the small banquet, the thief brightened as his eyes fell on Penelope. Of course, he noticed that John was with her too, but he still wasn’t entirely sure how to act around the older knight, so he focused on her instead.

At her comment about the large breakfast, Crow laughed. “He really is,” he said, rising from his chair to meet her halfway in a warm embrace. “I have to say, meeting my father isn’t at all the experience I thought it was going to be.” He glanced back over his shoulder at the dishes of food. “He’s certainly figured out the way to my heart.” Turning back to Penelope, he stepped back from her and let his arms fall back to his sides, though he took one of her hands in his as he did.

“You both should have some,” he offered with an eager grin, looking between the two knights. “It’s too much for me to finish alone, and I wouldn’t want food this good to go to waste.” Fixing his gaze on Penelope once more, he shot her a playful wink, “Besides, I always enjoy the chance to spend more time in your company, love.”