Crow rolled his eyes when Naida misunderstood what he’d been trying to say to her. It seemed like alcohol just made her even more persistent than she already was before. Part of him appreciated her unwavering support for them to be together, since there were few others in their lives that approved of their unorthodox relationship, but until he could have a civil conversation with his father about it, he had to keep her in the dark. He was sure she would understand when they eventually explained it to her.

However, before he could steer the princess off course again, he turned to Penelope in surprise as she thanked his sister for the compliment. Apparently she was drunk enough to forget that they were trying to keep a secret after all. Even Naida seemed taken aback by her friend’s giggly response, but, fortunately, the knight managed to make a clumsy recovery at the follow-up question.

“Oh,” Naida pouted when Penelope said he wasn’t her type.

“Can’t help that,” Crow shrugged, jumping on board with the excuse since his sister seemed to buy it. Subtly, he rubbed Penelope’s back with his hand to assure her that he hadn’t taken any offense to the feeble lie.

“Wait a minute,” Naida furrowed her brows, and the viceroy tensed. She was quiet for a moment before her eyes lit up with renewed excitement. “That’s not true! You couldn’ take your eyes off ‘im at the party last night. He’s totally your type.” She grinned across the table, seeming to think she’d won.

Crow sighed. “Does it matter?” he pointed out tiredly. “She obviously has some reason why she wouldn’t want me to court her even if I was interested. She probably just doesn’t want to offend me, so we should let it go.”

“I don’ think so,” the princess’s impish expression returned again. “I think she just hasn’t given you a chance. I’ve got an idea!” Leaning forward, she tipped one of her empty mugs onto its side. “Le’s play spin the bottle! I bet P’nelope’ll change ‘er mind if you kiss ‘er.”

“That’s a terrible idea,” Crow wrinkled his nose. He glanced over his shoulder briefly and lowered his voice. “You’re my sister, moron. What are you going to do if it’s your turn to spin, and it lands on me?”

Naida blanched, as if the thought hadn’t occurred to her. “You’re right,” She squirmed in her seat, looking around the tavern before she went on tentatively, “What if we invited more people t’ play with us? Then it’s not as likely t’ happen…”