Crow glanced between the other three nobles at the table as they discussed the possible whereabouts of the staff. It was a question that had nagged at the back of his mind off and on since he’d first learned that the mercenaries had attacked William and Penelope. He didn’t understand what anyone else could have wanted with the old rod. Sure, the precious stones and gold that had been used to craft it were valuable, but he knew from experience that there were plenty of other luxurious objects that were far easier to purloin. The men who had been after them had risked their lives to take it. And yet, no one had come forward claiming to be the “true king” of Younis in two years. He couldn’t help but wonder what had become of the staff since it had disappeared after their mission.

The viceroy was drawn back into the conversation when he heard Kane try to lighten the mood by reminding them of the reason they had come to the tavern in the first place. He rolled his eyes. Just because they were celebrating didn’t mean he had to keep his thoughts to himself. The subject of the staff was something he had neglected to bring up in general, and there had been a chance that one of the others had heard something about what had become of it. He had never been the type to stifle his curiosity, but, deciding there was no good reason to argue about it with the nobleman, he kept his mouth shut.

As Kane went on to suggest a drinking game, Crow averted his gaze, bemused by how eager he and Naida were to lose themselves to the liquor. He had underestimated just how much nobles liked to drink. However, he was determined to hold fast to the limit he’d already established for himself.

“Hell yes,” Naida grinned, suddenly seeming far less irritable with Kane’s presence. “Finally, someone else who knows how to have a good time.” She raised her hand to flag down another wench.

“Count me out,” Crow shook his head.

“Oh, come on, Collin,” his sister pleaded. “You’ll be the only one who isn’t participating. It’s more fun to be stuck with drunks when you’re drunk too!”

“I don’t care,” he folded his arms stubbornly and shot her a smirk. “Someone has to make sure you two get back to the castle safely anyway.”

“Spoil sport,” she stuck her tongue out at him and then turned to Penelope. “You’ll play with us, right? You’ll even have a head start! How can you say no to that?”