As Crow finished his food, he continued to lean against Penelope’s leg, enjoying her presence. Since they would be parting soon, he wanted to be with her as much as he could before the inevitable split. He knew that once she was gone, he would miss being able to spend time with her during the weeks in which they would be away from each other. Her warmth was also comforting against the cool air that surrounded them. On the road, it hadn’t been terrible because they had been riding beneath direct sunlight, but in the shade of the trees, he began to find it harder not to shiver as the break went on.

So, when the knight stepped away, the viceroy felt himself tip slightly to the side and looked up at her bemusedly. For half a second, he was confused about why she suddenly felt the need to take a walk when she was usually the more focused one between the two of them on trips like this. However, he realized what she was doing just before she subtly signaled to him with her gaze. He shifted his weight, still hesitant to bring up the mercenary he’d seen in Bellmare when he knew it would probably just worry her more. Unfortunately, he’d already committed to doing so when he had mentioned it to her during the ride. He took a steeling breath and climbed to his feet.

“Hold on. I’m coming with you,” he announced, taking a step after her.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Otto asked with a warning edge to his voice. “I don’t think it would be wise of you to stray from your guards, Lockton.”

“We’re still not far from the citadel,” Crow justified and then smirked. “Besides, Penelope is frightening with a sword. I feel just as safe with her as I do with all four of you.” He turned away from the baron to continue after the knight, indicating that he wasn’t going to change his mind on the subject. “We won’t be long.”

“If you’re both going, I want to come too!” Naida jumped up from her boulder.

Crow cleared his throat, “Actually, I’d prefer to spend a few minutes alone with her.” He tilted his head toward Penelope and offered his sister an apologetic smile. “Just this once, okay?”

The princess scrunched her face, as if she was considering arguing with him. After a moment, she exhaled and sat back down, “Fine, but you owe me.”

“Fair enough,” he agreed. With the rest of the group off their backs, he reached for the lieutenant’s hand and laced his fingers with hers, walking into the trees to put distance between them and the others.