Die, that was what, if I attacked her now. Stupid, stupid, Belaeryth. I resheathed the blade, felt sick. Then, because she was watching me expectantly, I went back to the table to collect my things as if I believed her. I am surprised you will not stay to take her place.
Assassination is an acceptable form of succession.
I could become Matriarch after my aunt, if I was clever enough to hold the House's loyalty behind me. I could be what my mother should have been. I am no priestess. Even as I said it, I knew that was not a permanent obstacle, and a poor excuse for running. I stuffed the last pouch into my sack, turned and met her elven blue eyes with my very drow golden ones.