Penelope didn't argue any further as Azriel walked her up the flight of stairs to her chamber. Inside, he set her down on the bed, and Neera came to her with arms outstretched for a hug, but only stopped short, and her arms slowly returned to the position by her sides.
"Let me not do that," the Queen said. "Not until the doctor says it's safe to do so."
"I am fine," Penelope gritted her teeth. Concern, when given in large and constant suffocating and unnecessary doses, was very irritating. "I am not glass that can easily be broken. I am fine."
"Then you wouldn't mind me keeping you company," Azriel said. Instead of him dragging a chair to sit by her side of the bed, he pulled open the duvet on the other side and climbed into the bed. "I could use some rest as well."
