Page 199 of Night's Fall
“We—”
That was as far as she got.
“Aleksei.”Theking said my mate’s name like an order.
Aleksei accepted that order, and he delivered.
Boy, did he.
“You will return to your lives,”Alekseideclared. “Youwill resume them as you’ve been living them, with no contact with your daughter.Youwill not contact thePalacefor any reason.Youwill also not speak to any media, even if they’re stubborn in their requests for you to do so.Youwill cease to exist for her, and you will consider her the same for you.”
Mom played her ace.
“And we will confirm the interview we have scheduled after this, which we have been assured will be aired precisely after your engagement interview with our daughter.”
Dad scowled atMomlike he could burn her to cinders with his gaze.
Aleksei inclined his head as if conceding.
But then he said, “Therefore,I’msorry to say, if you do that,Iwill be forced to release the picsIhave of you fornicating withShivellChevalforce, whichIcan assure you are quite indelicate.”
Dad’s inhale of outraged shock could be heard throughout the massive room, and that was good, because it covered my surprised one.
I didn’t know him very well, butIdid knowShivellChevalforcewas a jerk.Hewas in my parents’ circle, married to a friend of my mother’s, but none of them really liked him, he was that much of a jerk.
Mom’s face became devoid of color.
“And you,Mr.Makepeace,”Alekseicontinued, “will shortly be receiving the news that theRevenueDepartmentis right now in the process of administering a warrant for the seizure of all comp units from your home and office.”
Dad sat very still.
Aleksei kept going.
“As well as those of aMr.NeeruSandslot, whoIbelieve is your partner in a few ventures that have not been appropriately reported on your tax forms.”
Dad’s face was now devoid of color.
But…dang.
Aleksei didn’t mess around when he tore someone apart.
“Underpayment of taxes once garners a much different penalty than when it happens twice,”Alekseiinformed him. “Andit’s my understanding that the amount left unpaid is much more substantial this time.Youcould be looking at a prison term of no less than a year, as well as full repayment of the taxes, along with penalties.”
“It’s revolting that you would use your superior resources to invade our privacy like this,”Momsnapped.
“You find that revolting, and showing here to assert your position in this family, which, in case you aren’t getting this, you do not have one, after you snapped your daughter’s wristby accident, not even caring enough for your child to take heed as you handle her, isn’t revolting?”Alekseiasked.
BeforeMomcould answer,Isaid, “I’llbe releasing my medical history to the media.”
Mom closed her mouth.
“I’ll do this tomorrow, and this will be a topic of discussion duringAlekseiand my interview.”
I felt him close in on my back, murmuring, “Darling.”
I kept my attention locked on my mother.
“I thought it would be embarrassing, everyone in every realm knowing how you raised me, what you did to me, how you treated me, butI’mcoming to understand the fullness of my destiny,”Ishared. “Andthere are without a doubt far too many beings who will understand my experience intimately, and who will feel no small assurance we share that in common, no matter how unfortunate it is we do.Butmore,Isurvived and thrived, which might, if they’re struggling, encourage them that they can too.”
