Zavian laughed. "Lately Neera, you have been such a humorous presence to have around."
Neera frowned, confused. "I didn't even make any jokes."
Zavian raised his glass her way. "Another beauty you possess."
Her eyes followed the liquid disappearing down his throat. She took the bottle and poured herself a glass, and reached over to fill his own cup again.
Zavian was not expecting what happened next. Neera leaned to him and kissed him, her lips cold against his. She attempted to pull away, but Zavian caught the back of her head and pulled her back to him.
When the kiss broke off, he had a smile on his lips, his gaze still pinned to hers. Neera sat back, cleared her throat, and took the glass of wine, drinking it as if she had been parched for days.
"You have made today one of the best days of my existence, Neera," he told her. "You don't even know how much."
