Much to Crow’s displeasure, the banquet dragged on until the sunlight faded from the stained-glass windows of the Great Hall. As time passed, he and Naida grew too tired to continue thinking of things to talk about, so they lapsed into a weary silence until the princess wandered off to spend some time with Braden and Willow. Sitting at the table by himself, the viceroy toyed with the idea of getting up as well to find someone else to talk to. However, the only other people he knew were Penelope, whom he needed to keep some distance from; John, whom he was still treading carefully around after their last encounter; and William, whom he didn’t even want to talk with.

So, with no other options, he sat quietly by himself, studying the golden candelabras on the table and estimating their worth until, at some point, he fell asleep.

Crow wasn’t sure how much time passed before he felt a hand on his shoulder. He blinked drowsily and lifted his head from the table, looking up to see that his father was standing over him with a sympathetic expression. “Tired?” he asked with a smile.

“No, I just really like the way this tablecloth feels on my face,” Crow muttered sarcastically and then yawned.

Albin chuckled. “Alright, I think you’ve had enough festivities for one day,” he gave the thief’s shoulder a squeeze before removing his hand. “I’ll dismiss the guests.”

Crow nodded sleepily and rose to his feet while the king addressed the crowd. As always, Preston appeared at his side right away to escort him back to his room, and the two walked out of the Great Hall together, heading down the long corridor that led to the stairs.

When they arrived in his bed chamber, the viceroy leaned against the edge of his bed and yawned again, taking a moment to unwind before he took off his boots. Preston offered his assistance yet again, to which the thief said ‘no,’ and undressed himself without help. With nothing more to do, the attendant said a curt ‘goodnight’ and left him to be alone.

As soon as the door closed, Crow laid back on his bed and let out his breath in a long exhale. Though the day had been busy, he supposed that, all in all, it hadn’t been bad. The ceremony had proceeded until completion, the banquet had been eventful, and he’d even had a chance to see Penelope, if only for a little while.

He drew his blanket up to his chest and rested one arm behind his head, staring up at the ceiling of his room. It was still hard for him to believe that he was actually a [i]nobleman[/i] now. The thought felt so surreal. He’d lived his entire life as a peasant, never dreaming that he would someday climb in status to become a viceroy. It was hard to believe it was real.

[i]But it is real,[/i] he thought, holding his hand above his head and flexing his fingers. It wasn’t a dream. He was really in the castle, and he had really just been given a noble title. Something he had never believed would be possible had just happened, and his life was going to change forever.

With that thought in mind, Crow settled down more comfortably on his bed and drifted off to sleep.