“I love you too,” Crow yawned again. “Goodnight, darling.” He smiled tiredly to himself, enjoying the feeling of having her so close to him during the night. It was going to be difficult to get used to sleeping alone after being spoiled with her company for a whole week. Even if she managed to get her baroness’s approval to come back to the castle with him, her father surely wouldn’t allow them to share a bed as long as they weren’t married. He just hoped he could earn John’s blessing soon, so they wouldn’t have to keep worrying about sneaking around behind everyone’s backs.

He exhaled softly, resting his head against hers as he settled down a bit more comfortably against her warm body. The gentle rise and fall of her chest relaxed him, and it didn’t take long before he began to drift off into a light yet peaceful slumber.

--

The next morning, Crow was coaxed awake by the morning sunlight that filtered into the room through the window. He stretched lethargically, letting out his breath in a soft groan. Glancing at the window, he noticed that it seemed to be early, so he didn’t bother getting up yet. Instead, he nestled closer to Penelope, who still laid sleeping at his side. The room was cool from the fall air, so her warmth was comfortably pleasant to the thief. He wanted to enjoy it for as long as he could.

After a while, he opened his eyes again, realizing he must have dozed off for a bit, because the light streaming through the window was brighter now. He sighed softly, still reluctant to get up, but aware that they couldn’t waste the whole morning by sleeping in. They would be arriving in the outer villages tonight—and he would be reuniting with his companions too. They had to keep moving.

Suddenly feeling more awake, Crow propped himself up on his elbow and leaned over Penelope. He took in her pretty face for a moment before he rested his other arm behind her shoulders and pressed a kiss to her lips to rouse her. “Good morning, love,” he crooned, meeting her gaze with a grin. “Ready to go to Myrefall today?”