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Let Me Steal Your Heart [BuzzingBee + Dagger]

Crow was grateful that Penelope seemed to have so much confidence that he would make the right decision for them. While he still didn’t have the faintest clue whether he was going to accept or deny his father’s offer, it was nice to know that she would support him no matter what he chose. He smiled to himself as they continued to hold each other. As long as she was by his side, he felt sure that he would be happy no matter which direction their lives went—even if that meant seriously considering the job Albin wanted him to take.

As Penelope kissed him once more time, he leaned in to meet her lips and then stood up from the bench to walk with her towards the door. After their talk, he felt even more torn about his decision then before. Half of him still yearned for their humble future in Farhill, even though it would force Penelope to give up her life as a noblewoman, while the other half of him was even more tempted to become Albin’s viceroy because of how good she had been to him. He wanted to give her the life she deserved, and now he actually had a chance to do that. It just meant that he might have to give up his own life instead.

Crow was drawn from his thoughts as the door suddenly opened before Penelope could reach it. He looked up in confusion, wondering why someone would have been coming into the room at this very moment. Perhaps Albin had sent his attendant to come and find him instead? It made sense to him, but it seemed that wasn’t the case when an all too familiar figure entered the room. The thief raised a brow as his gaze fell on the man whom he hadn’t crossed paths with in two years.

“Nice to see you again too,” Crow rolled his eyes as William immediately began to question them in a hostile manner. He’d nearly forgotten how unpleasant the older knight could be. His green eyes swept over the other man, and his lip quirked upward in a mischievous smirk. It had been a while since the last time he’d had the pleasure of bothering William. Perhaps he could have a little fun with him for old time’s sake.

“But, if you really must know,” he went on with a shrug. “I was invited here by the king.” His smirk widened to a grin. “I’m his honored guest.”

William stared at him. “What?” he said after a moment, pinching the bridge of his nose. “The king invited a thief into his castle?” He looked up again, his eyes flicking between Crow and Penelope before they narrowed suspiciously. “I can’t imagine this—” he gestured at the two of them. “Has anything to do with what you just told me.” He turned on Penelope. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I happen to remember that this criminal ran off two years ago to save himself. Have you really not learned your lesson since then?”

Let Me Steal Your Heart [BuzzingBee + Dagger]

Crow still has no idea what to do xD
Also, Albin definitely gave him the viceroy's room to try and convince him to take the job lol

Let Me Steal Your Heart [BuzzingBee + Dagger]

Penelope’s initial excitement in response to his words didn’t slip past Crow’s keen eye. He could tell that she was enthralled by the idea of him accepting Albin’s offer, though she was trying not to show it. However, he wasn’t very surprised. After everything she had told him about her power as a lieutenant in the war and her plans to help the outer villages when the battles were over, he had expected nothing less. If she left her life to be with him, she would lose all of that—not to mention the fact that her family would turn against her as well. They would have each other, but for her, he was all she would have left.

As she told him that it was his decision to make, he smiled faintly, appreciative of her selflessness. Even though it was clear to him that she was excited by the prospect of him rising in status instead of dragging her down into peasant life, she was still more concerned about his happiness than her own. It seemed that while he was concerned about giving her what she wanted, she was equally as determined to make sure he was satisfied with their life as well. The realization made his heart swell with affection for the knight, and he leaned in to kiss her tenderly on the lips in a physical expression of his gratitude.

Still, though he knew she was trying to give him the freedom to choose what he wanted, her answer to his question didn’t make things any easier. All she had done was confirm that she would be supportive of him, no matter what he decided to do. He had been hoping she would tell him to take the offer because she didn’t want to have to give up her own life if there was an alternative or refuse it because she was still content with running away with him regardless of the consequences. Instead, she had left the decision of their fate solely in his hands when he didn’t have the faintest clue how to approach it.

Pulling back from her lips after a long moment, Crow met Penelope’s gaze and lifted his hand to rest affectionately against her cheek. “I love you too, Penelope,” he sighed. “I just want to make the best choice for both of us, you know?” Leaning into her a little more, he lowered his hand again to wrap her up in a tight embrace. “I never thought something like this would even be an option for me… It’s a lot to take in,” he went on, resting his head against hers. “I mean; my whole life is in the outer villages. It’s everything I know and everything I’ve ever wanted. Not to mention, I don’t know the first thing about nobility.” He wrinkled his nose slightly at the thought of joining the ranks of the people he most despised in the kingdom.

Suddenly realizing that he was processing out loud, the thief exhaled again and closed his eyes. “At least I still have time. I told my father that I need to think about it before I give him an answer, and he said I could stay in the castle until I make up my mind. Speaking of which,” He pulled back once more to meet Penelope’s gaze with a frown. “I need to find his attendant soon, because my father said he would show me where my room is.” He shrugged. “I guess they already had one prepared.”

Let Me Steal Your Heart [BuzzingBee + Dagger]

Crow's just more confused now xD
He's also trying to push the decision onto Penelope, because it's hard and he doesn't want to make it himself lol

Let Me Steal Your Heart [BuzzingBee + Dagger]

Crow followed wordlessly after John as the knight led him and Penelope through the castle. He barely paid attention to where they were going, as his thoughts were still occupied by the conversation he’d just had with his father. Though he was reluctant to speak at the moment, he was eager to tell Penelope about what they had discussed once they were someplace where they wouldn’t be overheard. He wanted to get her opinion on everything, since he still had no idea what to do. She knew him better than anyone else in the kingdom, so surely she would have some word of advice to offer in the midst of his uncertainty.

When they eventually arrived at a small room, Crow stepped inside first, letting his eyes rove over the space. It seemed private enough, so he let his guard drop a bit as he took a seat on the bench in the center of the room. As long as he kept his voice down, he doubted anyone would hear them speaking and grow curious enough to try and eavesdrop on them in a place like this. This was relieving to the thief. While he wanted Penelope’s input, he didn’t want any other unwelcomed opinions from the other people in the castle. If he was going to take or deny his father’s offer, he wanted it to be a decision made only by himself and the knight.

He glanced up at John and Penelope as her father addressed her. It was nice to know that the older knight intended to cover for them while they were in the castle. Usually, he and Penelope had to find ways to cover their own tracks whenever they wanted to be alone together, so he appreciated the extra help that the other man offered. However, his moment of respite was quickly cut short when John turned to speak to him next. He stared at the knight in surprise when he said not to trust his father. He had already known to a degree that it was risky to believe Albin, but hearing it come from someone else was sobering.

But why would he want me to be his viceroy if he isn’t trying to reconcile? He wondered, knitting his brow confusedly. It didn’t make any sense. What did his father have to gain from taking a known criminal into his courts if not to make up for past wrongs? It was true that Albin had had two decades to correct his mistakes, but surely there must have been some reason that had kept him from doing so before. Even if it was suspicious, he couldn’t think of anything else that could explain why the king had made his offer. Still, he was also hesitant to dismiss John’s warning. Perhaps there was something he was missing that the older knight knew.

He was just about to ask, when the Penelope’s father spoke up one more time to offer unexpected advice: “That being said, I’d highly advise taking his offer.”

Crow’s eyes widened slightly. He hadn’t thought John would tell him to take the job, especially since he seemed to believe that the king was lying to him. However, he didn’t have a chance to press for more information before the knight exited the room, leaving him alone with Penelope.

Finally able to relax, Crow let out his breath in a long exhale and gestured for her to come and sit beside him on the bench. At first he said nothing, choosing instead to simply take her hand in his and lean against her side. He still wanted to speak to her about what had happened, but he needed a moment to process through it all before he said anything.

Once he felt ready, he turned to meet her gaze. “My father… didn’t ask me here to buy my silence about our relation to each other,” he started slowly, running his thumb thoughtfully over her hand. “I’m not sure how much of what he said was true, but he claimed that he wants to make things right between us after he abandoned me and my mother all those years ago.” He hesitated, biting his tongue lightly before he went on to explain, “He said he—he wants me to be his new ambassador. Apparently, he found out about my ability to pick up other languages from William, and because of that, he believes I’m qualified to take the job with some added training.”

Crow lowered his gaze to his lap, feeling a tangle of confliction rise up in his chest as he continued in a soft voice, “If I accept his offer, this could change everything for us, but…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “I don’t know. What do you think I should do?” He looked up to meet Penelope’s eyes again with a melancholic expression. “I know you don’t really want to give everything up to run off to the outer villages with me. If I could give us a way to be together without making you lose all that you have, is that something you would want?”

Let Me Steal Your Heart [BuzzingBee + Dagger]

It's how he scored the throne without being related to the last king xD
He bleeds charisma

Crow's feeling super conflicted right now

Let Me Steal Your Heart [BuzzingBee + Dagger]

Crow kept his gaze fixed on the floor as he stepped into the hallway, his mind reeling from everything his father had just said to him. He was shocked by the type of person Albin seemed to be. After creating the image of a brutal and greedy man in his head, he never expected the king to be so… considerate. He didn’t know what to think about that. Part of him was still wary because of what his mother had told him long ago, but after speaking face to face with him, it really seemed like his father had changed. Albin had sounded genuinely remorseful over abandoning him and his mother, and he had even offered him the highest title in the kingdom outside of royalty to make up for the past. If he was lying, then why would he do that?

The job offer was something else that Crow didn’t know how to approach. For his whole life, he had believed he was and always would be a peasant. It was the life he had been born into, and even though he’d known his father was a noble, he’d never thought the man would approach him, let alone tell him that he could rise in status to claim his ‘birthright.’ It was completely unexpected. Plus, he still didn’t know if he even wanted to take the position of viceroy. After all, saying ‘yes’ would change the course of everything he had achieved for himself as a thief. Though it was dangerous, he really liked being a fugitive. His life was fun and fulfilling, and he didn’t have to bow down to any man. It was the kind of life in which he thrived.

But on the other hand, if he did say ‘yes,’ Penelope wouldn’t have to give anything up to be with him. He knew she claimed to be content with leaving her life behind to run away with him, but if there was a chance that he could make it so she wouldn’t have to do that, wouldn’t it be selfish not to take it? He’d always been a little insecure about the fact that he couldn’t provide her the same life that a nobleman could anyway. If he took his father’s offer, then it would change everything. Their life together would look much different than what he had pictured for them in Farhill, but he could give her what she deserved. He could make sure she wouldn’t regret being with him.

Crow was so lost in thought that he didn’t hear Penelope’s question. He glanced back over his shoulder as John stepped out of the council room, followed shortly after by his father. The king caught his eye and flashed him one last warm smile, which the thief returned with a faintly upturned lip, before he turned and walked off down the far side of the corridor, leaving the group behind.

Letting out his breath in a conflicted exhale, Crow turned back to Penelope and studied her confused face for a moment before he finally spoke up in a soft voice, “We should go somewhere more private.” His eyes swept guardedly over the passing servants and knights in the castle. “I don’t want to talk here.”

Let Me Steal Your Heart [BuzzingBee + Dagger]

Albin's basically Crow but with twenty more years of experience manipulating people into doing what he wants xD

Let Me Steal Your Heart [BuzzingBee + Dagger]

As soon as all three men were inside the council chambers, Albin closed the door behind them and circled around Crow, observing him with interest. “My, my,” he mused. “You certainly are my son, aren’t you?” He moved to stand in front of the thief with an amused smile. “I’ve seen your wanted posters, but I have to say, I never expected you to look this much like me in person.”

“You almost sound proud of that,” Crow muttered, avoiding his father’s piercing green eyes. He hated how much he was being reminded of his appearance today, since it wasn’t something he liked about himself. “I would have thought you’d be disappointed that your bastard son bears any resemblance to you.”

Albin chuckled lightly, “It certainly makes things a bit more difficult, but I’m not disappointed by any means.” He gestured at the council table in the center of the room. “Have a seat wherever you’d like, Crow. We have much to catch up on.”

The thief shifted his weight uncertainly. His father was much different than he had expected him to be. After two decades of building the man up in his head as the vilest person to walk the Earth, he was caught off guard by his amicable nature and charismatic personality. He had to remind himself not to trust the silver words that flowed off the king’s tongue, since his mother had told him long ago how manipulative Albin could be. He may have been acting friendly now, but it had to be because he wanted something.

After a moment of hesitation, Crow stepped over to the table and sat down in one of the chairs. Even though he had decided to keep his guard up around the king, he still needed to find out what the man wanted from him.

Albin seemed pleased with his compliance and moved to sit in the chair directly adjacent to him. “So,” he exhaled and leaned forward, lacing his fingers together as he rested his forearms on the stone table. “Tell me about yourself.”

Crow blinked, unprepared for the question. He had been expecting his father to get straight to the point, not spend time ‘catching up’ with his estranged son. He wasn’t sure how to answer the question either. No matter who Albin was to him, he wasn’t about to open up about himself to a man he had just met. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’d prefer to talk about the reason you invited me here,” he said slowly, trying to redirect the conversation.

“And we will,” Albin said dismissively. “But first, I want to learn more about you.” His lip quirked upward in another warm smile. “I know all about the face you put on as a thief, but I want to know the man beneath all that. Tell me more about my son.”

“If you really wanted to know me, then why didn’t you stay when you found out my mother was pregnant?” Crow narrowed his eyes accusingly. Despite his efforts to remain civil with Albin, he couldn’t help the bitterness that leaked into his words.

At his question, Albin’s expression turned melancholic, catching the thief by surprise yet again. “I wish I had,” he sighed. “Not a day goes by when I don’t think about Madeleine and what I did to her. She deserved so much better. I’m sorry I let her—and you—down all those years ago.”

Crow faltered. He had expected his father to get defensive or give him some ridiculous excuse about having to choose his status over his mother, not apologize for what he’d done. Still, that didn’t explain everything. “But you called her a harlot,” he ventured warily. “She told me you ruined her reputation.”

“I know, and I did,” Albin shook his head sadly. “It was a terrible decision, but I panicked. I did care for your mother, but I had just been named the viceroy to the king. I was afraid of losing everything I had worked for, and I wanted to save myself from the consequences of what I had done. However,” he held up his hand as Crow opened his mouth to speak. “That doesn’t make what I did right, and I acknowledge that. I was twenty years old back then, Crow. I was young and foolish. Can you really hold something against me that I did as a scared and unprepared boy? Surely you’ve done things that you regret as well.”

Crow stiffened slightly as Hazel’s face appeared in his mind. It was hard to disagree with his father when he knew the man was right. He had hurt the herbalist when he had led her on years ago—when he had been younger and more naïve. How could he hold a grudge against his father for doing the same thing? As much as he hated to admit it, it was getting harder to stay mad at the king now that he’d heard his side of the story.

Albin seemed to catch that he’d struck a chord with the thief. “See? You must understand,” he pressed. “I truly wish that I hadn’t hurt Madeleine, but I can’t change the past. The only thing I can do now is try to make things right with my son.” He reached out to rest a hand on Crow’s arm.

Crow looked up to meet his father’s gaze. “And just how do you plan to do that?”

“By offering you the position I held before the last king passed,” Albin’s warm smile returned. “Crow, I want you to be my viceroy.”

The thief fell into a stunned silence. His father wanted him to be a royal ambassador? His startled eyes flicked to John, but the knight was gawking at them with as much surprise as Crow felt. He turned back to Albin, stammering slightly as he found his voice, “I-I’m sorry… What?”

“You heard me,” Albin laughed, seeming to find his reaction entertaining. “I want you to be my viceroy. I can’t take back my mistakes of the past, but I can still move forward with my son, and that’s what I’m going to do.”

“Yeah, I got that part,” Crow leaned back in his chair, pinching the bridge of his nose as he took a moment to process what was going on. “But why do you want to give me such an honored title? I’m not a noble, and I certainly don’t have the training or qualifications needed for that position. And wouldn’t the rest of your followers be upset with you for giving a criminal such a job?”

Albin chuckled again. “You’re my son, so you’re already nobility by birthright,” he said simply. “As for your qualifications, you’re already more prepared for this job than any other noble in this kingdom.” He leaned a little further forward as his eagerness seeped into his voice. “It seems you took after more than just my appearance, Crow, because I heard about your talents with other languages from William when he returned from your mission in Younis. Combined with that charisma you’re so well-known for, you already have the makings of a skilled viceroy. All that’s left is to educate you on any gaps in your knowledge, and that shouldn’t take longer than one or two years if you work hard enough.” His smile broadened. “Any nobles who disagree with me will see soon enough what a perfect fit you are for the position, so I’m not concerned about them either.”

Crow bit the inside of his lip. It sounded like his father had given this quite a bit of thought, but he didn’t think he wanted to accept the offer. He had always hated nobles and their way of life. Nothing about it was appealing to him. He liked his life in the outer villages, too. He had good friends, and he was doing quite well for himself as a thief. How could he give all that up to work for the king?

Suddenly, he thought of Penelope, and his heartbeat quickened in his chest. He didn’t like the idea of accepting his father’s offer, but if he did, he would be given the title of a noble. She wouldn’t have to give anything up to be with him, because he would have risen to the same rank that she held.

But what about our life in Farhill? His heart protested. The life we pictured can’t happen if I take this job. But what if Penelope would be happier if he did? He exhaled and ran a hand through his hair, feeling conflicted. “I don’t know…” he murmured, looking up to meet his father’s gaze again. “It’s a lot to think about.”

“You don’t have to decide right now,” Albin assured him. “Take all the time you need. And while you’re thinking about it, please, make yourself at home in the castle. My attendant can show you to your room.”

“Thanks,” Crow nodded absently, still caught up in his own thoughts as he tried to work through everything his father had just said to him.

“You’re quite welcome,” Albin said, standing up from the table. “If you need anything else or feel ready to tell me what you’ve chosen, come and find me at any time.”

“I will,” Crow nodded again, rising to his feet a bit dazedly.

Albin stepped closer to embrace him, patting the thief heartily on the back. “I’m glad I was finally able to meet you, son,” he grinned as he moved back to open the door again. His pale green eyes followed Crow as he exited the room before the friendly expression disappeared from his face, and he turned to John with a stern frown, “Make sure the guards are prepared the next time he approaches me. I want them ready to arrest Lockton if he denies my offer.”

Let Me Steal Your Heart [BuzzingBee + Dagger]

I sort of did, haha xD

Oh, cool! I'll go ahead and look them over now ^^