Crow nodded at Penelope’s words, staring at the ground in thought. They definitely needed to get away from these rebels as fast as they could. He was no longer expendable to them because of his ability to sneak them into the palace, but now the knights’ lives were at stake. It was only a matter of time before the blonde woman decided they were useless to her, and the thief couldn’t try to save them without giving away his real allegiances. He had to get them out of the rebel camp before he would ever have to make that decision.

Crow glanced over his shoulder to see that Gavin was looking around the camp rather than keeping a close eye on him. It was almost like the young guard was trying to give them some privacy. He turned back to Penelope, suddenly stuck with another idea. “Actually,” he said softly. “There is something you can do. It will require a little bit of acting, but I think you can pull it off. Just wait here.” He climbed to his feet and stepped over to Gavin, offering the guard a friendly grin, “Thanks for letting me see her. You know, I think there might be something between us.” He glanced off to the side and then rested a hand on Gavin’s shoulder, leaning close to the young man as if he were about to share a secret. “So about these special accommodations I’m getting. Does that include a tent for the night?”

“Yes,” Gavin answered, eyeing the thief curiously. “A couple of our men just finished pitching it. Why do you ask?” He raised a brow when Crow cleared his throat and tipped his head towards Penelope. “Oh,” the guard snorted. “Sorry, but I can’t unchain her for you. I’d get in serious trouble.”

“Come on,” Crow pleaded, giving the guard a nudge. “I promise you’ll have her in chains again before the sun comes up. No one has to know.”

Gavin shifted his weight, thinking it over, and then nodded, “Fine, but just this once.”

“Thanks,” Crow grinned. “I owe you one.” He walked back over to Penelope and knelt down in front of her, leaning close to murmur in her ear, “Scrap whatever plans you had before and follow my lead. We’re getting out of here tonight.” He turned his head slightly and planted a kiss on her cheek to hide his whispering from Gavin, who had stepped over to unlock the knight’s chains. Once she was free, the thief helped her to her feet and smiled at her mischievously, “This way, love. We’re going back to my tent.”