Dragoncrest Cliffs the purloined letter

rosalyn did not relent after avicus' explanation. that fell to erzulie, who straightened in a tinge of chagrin.
"we are no longer leadership." perhaps it hurt to say aloud; perhaps the perceived slight to her pride had raised her like a slap to the younger woman's insistence.
or was she too slipping?
"when was de killin'?" she asked next, wanting to gather details before she called for their children. she glanced to rosalyn, wanting her mate to stand down but understanding that to explain would be to force her wife into losing face.