Suddenly, the joy of the day wafted out, like the steam of the bath through the small window above them. She could feel the volcano quake in her. But not now, not in front of Zavian.
"Neera?" Zavian sat up and cupped her face. "Did I say something wrong?"
Neera shook her head. "No," but her voice cracked.
"There's something bothering you," Zavian stated. "And I need you to trust me enough to tell me."
"Oh Zavian," a tear dropped into the water. "Please, stop. I am fine."
"You are not."
"You have to believe me. I am."
"And I have known you long enough to know you aren't." he caught the next tear that fell and wiped it away. "What could be so bad for you to keep to yourself?"
If only you knew, Zavian, if only you knew.
"I'm really tired," Neera said, all the delicious desires she had in mind for the night leaving her. "I should go and sleep. I'd be expecting you in bed."
