“It’s what we’re here for,” Crow teased when Penelope thanked them for making sure everyone would be drunk enough to listen to her. He was glad that she seemed to be feeling a little more confident at least. Throughout the whole ordeal, he hadn’t been able to do very much to help her. If emotional support was the only role he could take in ending the war, then he would do his best to be there for her in that way. That, and checking in with his father on occasion to make sure the king wasn’t rushing his trip to Gorm any more than he already had been. Albin’s plan to strike an alliance with their neighbor wasn’t as concerning to him now that the party was happening so soon though. He still didn’t even know how to ride a horse. There was no way the king could send him before the end of the week when he was so ill-equipped for the journey.

As the knight announced that she needed to leave, the viceroy felt a twinge of disappointment. After spending the whole day together, it was hard to know they were going to have to return to the way they’d been before. [i]At least it won’t be for much longer,[/i] he reassured himself, finishing off the rest of his plate. “Goodnight,” he said in return as she walked away, leaving him alone with his sister.

As soon as she was gone, he felt Naida nudge his shoulder with hers. “You can’t seriously tell me you still don’t want to court her, can you?” she pressed him yet again.

“I can, and I will,” he rolled his eyes, downing a swig of wine. “Why do you keep trying to pressure me every time I even look at her?”

“Because I know you two would be [i]perfect[/i] for each other,” Naida sighed. “You saw the way she smiled at you, right? I’m certain there’s something there. If you’d just consider giving her a chance—”

“Please,” Crow held up his hand to cut her off. “I’m too tired for this tonight. We’re friends, so we get along. That’s all there is to it.” He stood up from the bench. “Anyway, I should get some sleep too. I’m going to have another long day tomorrow.”

“Alright,” Naida deflated. “See you around, Collin.”

“’Night,” Crow yawned, heading out of the Great Hall to retire to his bedchamber.