"No, we are not doing that," Penelope sounded angry as she rose to her feet. She planted her hands on her hips as she faced Neera. "Don't do that. We are friends, and I know if I need your help, you would come through, same as when you need mine. You aren't burdening me, and it pains me that you think so."
"But… then what of Azriel?" Neera asked. Penelope's frown softened. "What of you two? Is everything okay?"
Penelope folded her arms as if guarding herself against sharing the truth.
"Pen?" Neera called, waiting for her to speak.
"The war is making me worried, Neera, that's all," Penelope answered. "And I am worried about my Master, yes, probably more than a maid should be."
"Do you," Neera shifted closer, and raised her head to look at Penelope. "Do you think that maybe you love him and that's why you are fighting your feelings because you believe it isn't supposed to be so?"
