"Do you want to talk about it?" Penelope asked carefully.
Neera shook her head. "No, don't get me wrong. I wish I could, but it won't be fair on Zavian."
"The King? Is he involved?"
"Pen, please...,"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry it out of you," Penelope said. "But you have to tell him since it is causing you so much pain."
Neera nodded and brought her hands out of the water to wipe her face, making it even wetter.
"But what if... what if it ruins everything, Pen?" Neera asked. "What if... I lose Zavian? What if he never wants to have anything to do with me? What if he stops loving me?"
"Neera," Penelope sank to her knees, so she was at eye level with her best friend. She saw the fresh tears begin to brew in them, and Penelope found what she wanted to say had already been soaked in shock and forgotten temporarily. Whatever it was that held Neera hostage was robbing her of reasoning and joy.
