A smile found its way onto Crow’s lips as Hazel lightened the mood by poking fun at him. Not expecting to earn the support of any of his companions, was grateful for her willingness to let him go back to the inner kingdom without a fight. Somehow, her acceptance made the transition feel a little easier, since he could leave knowing that at least one of his friends was prepared to move on without him. Plus, judging by her earlier comment, it sounded like the herbalist had already been taking over as a temporary leader while he’d been away before. He was relieved to know that she would be able to continue holding that role after he left permanently with Penelope in two days.

“I won’t start any fights, but I’m sure as hell going to finish them,” he casted Penelope a wry grin when she said he wouldn’t make her job easy.

“That’s exactly what we [i]don’t[/i] want you to do, dumbass,” Hazel rolled her eyes.

“I’ve got a question,” Alistair spoke up again with a frown as he met Crow’s gaze. “If your father gave you a noble title because he wanted to ‘reconnect,’ then why didn’t he just make you a prince?”

Crow paused, taking a moment to think over the question. It was something he hadn’t really thought much about, since he had no interest in the power or responsibilities that came with being in the royal family. Honestly, he preferred accepting the slightly lesser title of viceroy. It meant he wouldn’t have to concern himself with the affairs of the throne, and he would have a bit more freedom around the inner kingdom once his training was over, since he didn’t have to keep up with the same appearances that his half-siblings did.

“He has another son,” he answered after a moment. “He’s younger than me, but I think he was already first in line for the throne before I showed up. My father probably just didn’t want to cause dissention in his family by suddenly letting someone else cut in line.” He shrugged. “Plus, I think he’s waiting to reveal that we’re related until after I’ve got a better reputation in the kingdom, so instead of making it obvious, he gave me the highest open position he had that wouldn’t give away the fact that I’m his son.”

“I see,” Alistair mused. “And you’re certain this is something you want to do?”

“Sort of. It’s less about wanting the title, and more about wanting something that comes with it.”

“And what would that be?” Alistair pressed, seeming discontent with not knowing his leader’s reason for leaving them.

Crow hesitated, casting a furtive glance at Penelope. While he didn’t want his companions to blame her for his decision, he knew he couldn’t just abandon them without giving a proper explanation. He sighed. At least Hazel seemed to have deescalated the situation enough for everyone to speak rationally to each other. He just hoped they wouldn’t get riled up again when he admitted the truth.

“I’m taking the title because it means that Penelope and I can be together, and I won’t be making her lose anything for me,” he confessed, giving her hand a squeeze and meeting her gaze with a fond look. “I also think Simon was right. If we want to change the way my father and the rest of the nobles treat the peasants of this Kingdom, we’re going to need to do it from the inside. I’m not sure I’m the best man for that job, but I know Penelope can do it with the influence she already has. Now that we’re both going to be staying in the inner kingdom after this war is over, she’ll have the time to do it too.”

“For the sake of all the villagers in this kingdom, I hope so,” Hazel sighed.

“Me too,” Alistair said softly. He exhaled resignedly and met Crow’s gaze with a halfhearted smile. “Well, if you’re really going to do this, then I guess you’ve got my support too.”

“Thanks,” Crow grinned back at him, feeling relieved that two of his companions were now accepting of his decision. Having arrived with the expectation that they would all be furious with him, this was the best outcome he could have hoped for.

Unfortunately, Rikki didn’t seem quite as enthused as the others. She sat in silence, staring dejectedly down at the stone floor of the cavern. Her expression was hard to read, but Crow could tell she wasn’t happy about the outcome of his return. Without warning, she stood up and walked away from the group, making her way wordlessly into one of the tunnels.

Crow frowned as he watched her go. Part of him felt a little guilty for springing this on her so quickly. They hadn’t been on decent terms in quite a while now, and suddenly, he was leaving her behind to move to the inner kingdom. It was unlikely that they would ever see each other again. He wanted to do something to make her feel better.

“She’ll be alright,” Hazel said, noticing his lingering stare. “She just needs some time to process.”

Crow nodded but didn’t turn away from the tunnel the female thief had disappeared into. Despite the herbalist’s words, he still didn’t feel right about leaving her like this. He had to say something.

Turning to Penelope, he pressed a quick kiss to her cheek and then stood up. “I’m going to talk to her,” he announced, reaching down to rest a hand briefly on the knight’s head. “I’ll be back soon.”