Chapter 173: Which do you fancy

"But can you at least tell me if Neera is safe?"

"Yes, she is", Azriel said. 

Penelope put a relieved hand on her chest. "Thank you… and… you? How are you doing?"

Azriel smiled. "I almost died out there."

Penelope gripped his arm in alarm. "What happened? Did whatever is out there get to you?"

"Even worse."

"Oh no. What happened?"

His eyes searched her worry-filled ones.

"I was parched, very parched."

"I thought you and your men were provided with food and water."

"Not that kind of water, Pen," he said softly, his gaze melting.

The worry in her eyes was replaced with confusion, then realization, and then he could see the exact moment it was replaced with indignation. Before she could come up with any reply, as her lips parted, Azriel's lips met hers.