Lumielle wanted to laugh in Cordelia's face. She wanted to spit at her and demand that she apologize. She could do it. She knew that she had the power to do so.
"Truly?" Lumielle tested.
"Yes," Cordelia coughed, pulling out a handkerchief and drying her eyes. "To hear that you were poisoned and left here without a mother to guide you."
"I see," Lumielle said, grabbing Cordelia's hand gently clutching it against her chest. The tender embrace pulled the two women together. Cordelia's eyes glittered in the light; Lumielle had forgotten how cruel adults could be.
Smiling sweetly at the woman, Lumielle had to ask, "Can I just ask one question?"
Cordelia nodded earnestly, "Anything, Lumi. What can I do to help you?"
"Aunt," Lumielle interjected, "How old am I?"
She paused, eyes fluttering, "What does this have to do with anything, Lumi?"
