Crow smiled as he watched Penelope wake up beneath him. Her sleepy face was endearing to him, and his heart fluttered with affection as he was reminded that she was his. When she kissed his cheek and moved to get up from the bed, he shifted off her to let her sit up. He followed her lead, putting on his boots and grabbing his bag that laid near the foot of the bed. Part of him wished they could take their time and enjoy the morning without rushing, but he also wanted as much time with his companions as he could get, since this was likely the last time he would be seeing them for a while if ever again. So, he moved hastily as he prepared for the last leg of their trip to the outer villages.

Once they were both ready, Crow followed Penelope out of the inn and then fell in step beside her when they reached the road that would take them to Myrefall. Though he had been relatively excited for most of the trip—he loved being able to travel alone with the knight—he could feel his nervousness beginning to set in now that they were so close to his companions. The real reason for their journey was coming up fast, and he still had no idea what to expect. He’d have to be crazy not to be a little worried.

So, when Penelope suddenly asked if he knew what he was going to say to the other thieves, he just shook his head in response. “I haven’t planned anything out specifically,” he answered, glancing at her as they walked. “I honestly don’t think I could, since I don’t know how they’re going to react.” He sighed softly, kicking a small pebble at his feet and watching it roll off the side of the road.

“All I know for sure is that I’m going to tell them everything,” he went on after a pause. “I’ve been keeping my past from them for far too long. Now that I’m leaving, they deserve to know the truth… about my origin and my bloodline. I know they’re not going to be happy to find out I’m the king’s son, but I don’t want to keep lying to them.” He turned to meet her green eyes again. “So… even though it won’t be easy, I’d rather face their judgment now than keep them in the dark, wondering why I left them for nobility.”