“I hope so too,” Crow nodded, biting his lip to stifle the grin that threatened to take over his lips. If they had been sitting with anyone other than Cedric, he wouldn’t have ventured so far as to bring up their courtship, even vaguely. However, he knew the nobleman was a safe enough audience to push the boundaries a little. Since he was interested in pursuing Penelope as well, it would have been in his best interest to keep the information to himself, especially if he had figured out the viceroy was talking about the knight. Even if Cedric was loose lipped, he was far enough removed from the king that it was highly unlikely for news to reach Albin before Crow found him promptly after breakfast. As far as he was concerned, there was no risk.

“Thanks,” he said to the nobleman, reining his smugness back to a minimum. “And disappointed men. She’s a catch.” He knew he was testing his limits with Cedric, but he couldn’t help himself. The other man deserved it after everything he’d done at the party. Careful not to cross the narrow line he was walking, he turned away from the others as Preston approached with his food, pretending to lose interest in the conversation. The attendant performed his usual test for poison and then stepped back with a bow, leaving them alone again.

To Crow’s relief, Cedric seemed to have been put off by his presence and didn’t stay long. He nodded wordlessly as the other man when he said his goodbyes, using a mouthful of rye bread as an excuse not to return any polite words in response. He also needed to eat quickly, so he could catch his father before he grew too busy to have a talk. As much as he enjoyed spending time with Penelope, he was more focused on that at the moment, so he would have to meet up with her later.

“Mhm,” he mumbled his agreement through another bite of food, which he chased with his water. “I’m glad he didn’t try to stay, because I need to get going.” He turned to Penelope with a smile, though there was a flicker of unease in his eyes. “I want to speak with my father this morning. He’s coordinating the preparations for my departure, so I’m hoping that I can get to him before he’s caught up in whatever else it is he needs to do today.”

Turning back to the table, he devoured the rest of his breakfast as fast as he could without upsetting his stomach and pushed the empty plate away with a labored exhale. “Meet me at the southern tower before supper,” he decided, remembering the building she had claimed was a favorite spot of hers before he’d become a nobleman. “Whatever happens, I want to tell you someplace where we won’t be bothered.”