Once Crow responded to Cedric, the male knight shifted his gaze to look expectantly at Penelope, waiting for her answer. Though she knew it likely wasn't Cedric's intentions to ruin her time alone with Crow, she could help but feel disappointed and wish that there was a way to politely reject him in order to spend more time with Crow instead. However, unable to think of a good excuse, she turned to Crow to part ways, feeling a small hit of guilt as she noticed his force smile. 

"Alright." she said then paused as she offered him a more genuine smile. "I know you'll be busy with those admirers of yours but do try to remember to save your friend a dance as well." She hoped that her friendly reminder would help lift his soured spirits. After all, the knight had every intent to at least steal him away for one dance. She'd like more but she had a feeling that wouldn't be possible that night. Setting her wine glass on a servants tray she turned back to Cedric and gave him a small smile. "Lead the way."

Cedric's gaze lingered on Crow for a moment, with an almost thoughtful look in his gaze. Penelope found it a bit strange, unsure what could have been going through his mind. Whatever it was, he seemed to push it aside as he focused on her instead, giving an eager look as he offered her his arm. Once she took it, he lead them out onto the dance floor. Both of them stepped into position as the minstrels started up their next melody. It was another elegant song, with a slow tempo but light hearted notes. For one reason or another, Penelope was reminded of the coming of spring when she heard it.  

Realizing she should be focusing on her partner rather than the song, her attention snapped back to Cedric. She followed his lead and shifted into her spin as it came up. As she moved back into him and he placed his hands on her waist to bring her close to him, she noticed a strange gleam that was difficult to read in his dark eyes. Confused and feeling a bit awkward being so close to him, the knight gave him a questioning look. "What?" she asked. 

"Nothing... I just happen to remember a time when you couldn't dance to save your own life." Cedric responded, a smirk taking over his lips. "It's nice to see you've learned. You're quite good at it."

"Yes well, I've learned quite a bit since we were last on speaking terms." Penelope retorted, rolling her eyes. 

"I'm sure you have." Cedric mused with a shrug. He dipped her down as routine of the dance but his face hovered over hers a little closer to hers than was normal between two people that weren't courting. "I hope I get the chance to see what other new tricks you've got up your sleeve."

His breath was warm on her skin and she was unable to escape it thanks to the lacking distance between them. She stared up at the male knight a bit dumbly, unable to believe he had made such a sultry remark to her in the middle of dancing. Her heart began to beat anxiously, wanting to get out of their current position as quickly as she could. Luckily the position only lasted a second longer before he lifted her back up and they were able to move into the next steps, which allowed for much more space between. It was something Penelope was thankful for. 

As the dance went on, Penelope avoided Cedric's gaze. She was still processing what happened. She had thought that he had been sincere in asking to rekindle a friendship but it seemed she had been wrong. Not wanting to make a scene by storming off or chiding him for his words, she remained silent the rest of the time, which seemed to upset Cedric who looked over at her with a small frown. However, he made no attempt to say anymore to her until the dance was finished.  

"Penelope, I'm sorry. Can we talk for a minute?" Cedric asked with a frown. 

"I'd rather not." Penelope responded with a hint of sharpness in her voice that made the male knight flinch. 

"Sorry to interrupt but, may I have this next dance, ma'am?" 

The female knight blinked as another nobleman stepped over to her with what she thought seemed to be a fake smile. Despite being put off by it, she saw it as a quick escape from Cedric's company so she accepted the invite without hesitation. "Of course." she said politely. Taking the stranger's arm, she stepped away from Cedric and into the next dance with this new nobleman whom she was unfamiliar with.