Page 74 of Blinding Light

“Ludo Fandi, fifty-five years of age, unemployed. You are married to Celia Fandi, fifty-eight years of age, unemployed.” A uniform rattled. He looked up from his multi-slate. “Do you confirm this information?”

The man’s gaze darted from the security guards to Moargan, back to Cyprian. “Yes,” he mumbled.

Cyprian sat down on a worn-out chair, ignoring the dubious stains. “Did you have a son twenty years ago?”

“A son?” The man slurred.

“Yes.” He inhaled deeply. “You had a son you gave up for adoption.”

Ludo Fandi stared at him, and slowly, the glassy look in his eyes was replaced by a hardness. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he finally muttered. “You survived that?” The words left spit in the open air. “Another freak. Bet you had a fancy life, didn’t you? Better than mine, at least.”

Cyprian didn’t answer. His throat had locked, eyes burning as he stared at the stranger. There was so much hatred there. He hadn’t…he wasn’t prepared for that.

Ludo let out a wicked grin. “You’ve got the eyes of a lunatic. Look at what they did to you. And now you’ve come here to—what…to meet your maker?” He spit out another intoxicated laugh. “Cyprian. A suitable name for a suitable aberration. Let me tell you something, boy. I gave up four babies and was handsomely paid for it.”

Cyprian felt like a bucket of ice-cold water was thrown over him. The aching melded into a throbbing, and his mind blanketed, turning all common sense to mush. He should say something, but he didn’t know what. Never in a million years had he thought of this outcome.

“Did all these babies have the same mother?” Vandor asked.

Ludo’s gaze swiveled to the Luminary. “Tell me something. Do you always fuck the same woman? Good light, no. Four different bitches and a good paycheck. That’s all I needed from them.”

Cyprian inhaled deeply. He was going to be sick. Before he could do something stupid, Moargan’s hand landed on his shoulder and squeezed. He stood behind him.

“Do you still live with any of the women, Mister Fandi?” Moargan asked. “Your record says you’re married to Celia Fandi.”

Celia. Was this his mother’s name?

Ludo shrugged. “Records, records. I don’t know where the bitch is. She’s been gone for a while. As for the others…. They’re always out and about. Sometimes they stay away for weeks.”

“He’s telling the truth, Imperial Moargan,” Vandor grumbled. He was reading from his multi-slate. “Ludo Fandi has been registered as the father of four babies.”

Ludo flinched, jaw pinching. It was clear he hadn’t recognized Moargan for who he was, and even clearer that he’d decided not to care. Instead, he stared right ahead as he let out a cruel bark of laughter.

“Were you looking for a reunion, Cyprian? Here’s what I say—fuck off. I never wanted to raise a kid, let alone four.”

Cyprian felt his cheeks heat when that cold stare found his.

“I did it for the cash. The Imperials paid handsomely for newborns.” Ludo shrugged. “They didn’t want to give up their children, those emotional bitches. But what could I do? I sat at home with a fractured leg and a wife who wanted the fancy lifestyle.”

“Celia,” Moargan boomed. Cyprian focused on his warm grip on his shoulder. He had to, had to survive this moment.

“So, you decided to make babies so you could pay for your wife’s expensive taste?” He asked incredulously, voice coming out in rugged breaths.

Ludo shrugged. “I guess. It was a good deal.”

“Do we have a record of these other women?” Moargan asked.

“On it.” Vandor already typed away on his multi-slate.

“I don’t see the problem here, Imperial.” Ludo’s words dripped with sarcasm. “Your family was in the process of buying newborns, and I sold them. Offer, demand. Don’t try to turn this into something it isn’t, just becausehe—” Cyprian flinched when he felt that cold gaze on him. “Has gotten all sentimental about it.”

“He—” Moargan lunged for the other man and lifted him up by his throat. “Is my Royal Consort. Myclaimedone.”

Ludo spluttered as Moargan dragged him to stand in front of Cyprian. Cyprian swallowed and scrambled to get out of hisseat himself. His knees felt wobbly, and he had to fight to stay put and not run away and hide.And cry.

“He is yourson, you piece of shit. Although you don’t deserve him.” Moargan tightened his grip, making the other man wheeze as he struggled to breathe. “I want the names of those other three women you impregnated. Am I clear?”

Ludo nodded frantically.

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