“Oh?” Crow smirked when Penelope said she might have a few ideas about where they could go to get away for a while. He leaned down to press a few more kisses to her collar, enjoying the privacy they had in her bedchamber. For a moment, he wondered if they would be able to just come back here after breakfast. It seemed like a secluded enough space, after all. However, the idea didn’t seem quite as thorough as he remembered that the Lenz’s would be wanting to speak with the knight at some point during the day. It would be a bit more than uncomfortable if the nobles stumbled upon them together during their search for her. He sighed. The smarter choice was probably still to get out of the castle altogether.

As Penelope began to trail her leg against his, Crow met her gaze again with a grin, his heart beating quicker in his chest at her sultry touch. Even though he knew they didn’t have time to be more intimate before breakfast, he was starting to seriously consider skipping the meal to be with her instead. If he hadn’t gotten another poor night of sleep, he might have done it. But, unfortunately, he needed to get his energy from somewhere, and outside of getting enough rest, food was the next best option.

When the knight went on to explain where they could meet, the viceroy nodded, picturing the directions in his head to better remember where he needed to go. He leaned his cheek against her hand and smiled as he noticed her eyes drift down to his lips. However, instead of moving in to kiss him, she went on to tease him about getting soft since he’d become viceroy. He rolled his eyes at her mocking words. “I’m sure I can handle it on my own,” he said dryly, though the amused smile didn’t leave his features.

In the next moment, a mischievous look crossed Crow’s face, and he rolled off Penelope to lay by her on his side. He slipped his arms around her middle to pull her close, touching a playful kiss to her nose as he did. “But, if you think you’re so good at it, why don’t you refresh me anyway?” he winked at her teasingly. “Who knows? Maybe I need the help, since you think I’ve gotten so soft.”