"Yes. Yes, goodnight my friend," Zevran said while Neria unlocked the door to their rooms. He had his arm around her waist and his mouth nearly touching her neck as he spoke to the other Crow. As soon as the door was shut behind them, Neria gave a little shudder and slipped out of Zevran's grasp.
Zevran made for a great chair. "Such a reaction you always have when I touch you in front of people, my Warden, and yet I still flatter myself to think that you like me a little."
The corners of Neria's eyes creased in a hidden smile as she loosened her dress and stripped down to her shift. "You never flatter yourself, my Zevran. The closest you come is an understatement of the truth." He gave a wicked grin. She returned to him and lounged across his lap, her legs flung over one arm of the chair, her head over the other arm, and her bottom between his thighs.
"You know why I do this thing that makes you discomfited, I hope?" Zevran traced a slow line over her belly, smoothing the wrinkles in her shift. "And I hope it is working? Truly most Antivans are not used to the thought of powerful women, and I wish to make it very clear that no one has as much power as you."
"It is working, yes. I am making quite a lot of money in bribes for your favor and I am obeyed when I speak." Neria shifted, curling more on her side and fitting her head firmly to the crook of his shoulder. She stroked her fingers through the hair at the nape of his neck and he gave a pleased sigh. "And it is a flaw of mine that I am so superstitious about your public affection. I always feel like the Chantry is watching and we are about to be cut down by the Templars."
Zevran curled his hand over Neria's hip and shifted her closer. "The Chantry of Antiva would not dare touch you. You must know that. The Grand Cleric here is as afraid of the Crows as anyone. As you once said to me, I say to you: you are free, my friend."
Neria just closed her eyes and rubbed her face against the side of his neck.
AN: Hope you like this mini-chapter, which is a transition between That Which Has Passed and That Which Is To Come!
