Crow grinned when Penelope chuckled, relieved that her spirits seemed to have been lifted. He didn’t want her to be concerned that he wasn’t as attracted to her because of some scarring. Just the thought of it was ridiculous to him. He cared about her far too much to be deterred by something so superficial, and he still found her to be beautiful despite the blemish. Even when they had spent two whole years apart, his feelings for her had outweighed the surprise he’d initially felt when he’d first seen the mark on her face. Now that he was used to it, he simply saw it as a part of who she was, and that made it beautiful too.

When the knight went on to say that she hoped they wouldn’t have to keep hiding for much longer, he shook his head in agreement. One would think that after over two years of trying to be together, things would eventually fall into place, but instead, more obstacles continued to appear between them. Her father had yet to give his blessing, his father had recently voiced his dissent, and there was a whole kingdom of nobles who were sure to look down on Penelope for being courted by a man whom she had once called her prisoner. He let out his breath in an impatient sigh. Hopefully she was right that if all went well at the party, they would finally be able to stop pretending and come forward about their love for each other, whether it was accepted or not.

 As Penelope announced that she needed to leave, Crow frowned, wishing they could spend more of the morning together after Elizabeth had so rudely inserted herself earlier. However, he knew she was going to be embarking on a long trip, so he didn’t push the matter. “I’m sure you do,” he smiled at her affectionately. “I love you, Penelope. Good luck with everything you need to do, and I’ll see you when you get back.”