when he could wait no longer the next day, germanicus called upon lady @Aquene with a decision in mind.

"matrona," he greeted, standing stiffly among her greenery. "i will speak directly: i would like to offer you the quarters formerly occupied by myself and lady ruenna. i am now an unmarried man and should den among my troops."

it hurt. he was not prepared for how much it hurt.

"and i have not slept there since she has been gone. i cannot. it is more space than your own home, though with none of the sentiment, i understand. i ask only that you consider it."