Boartusk Heights upon waiting;

she was not to be left alone with her grief.

palming moisture from her cheeks, agrippina glanced at the child. she was aware the matriarcha had her own brood but did not know if this was one of them. better to be safe rather than sorrowful when retribution came.

"may i help you?" she asked in a polite monotone, wishing she had water to wash the stains from her face. vulnerable, experiencing a sense of foolishness, agrippina waited.