Page 66 of Vicious Kingdom

“Let’s draw up a contract,” Alfred said with finality.

I knew better than anyone what it was like to have a maniacal father. He was using the same tactics as my own. Annaliese must be under that same oppressive thumb, and I never realized.

Sweet Annaliese, who stole my kisses…. Had she suffered, just like me? Had she broken free, only to be dragged back into the pit?

Maybe we weren’t so different after all.

Almost without me realizing it, the dread turned to hope—or at least that swift substitute players feel right before they see the final card flipped. I had a good hand, one Hertz didn’t know about. It never crossed my mind that Annaliese was in this position. That she was caught like me.

It gave everything a whole new light.

But if you think for one second your daughter will stop me from tearing down your business, you have another think coming.

Chapter 24 – Annaliese

The scent of coffee saturated my clothing. One of the things I loved most about spending hours in a cafe was the way it lingered. It was almost as if I could bring the cozy feelings with me. Which was necessary when I entered a cold, sterile place like my parents’ kitchen.

The bustling catering crew, who’d taken over the space, was a surprise. Typical. My mother hadn’t mentioned a party. She would expect me to show up, to smile, to charm her guests, but there’d been no notice.

I’m always an afterthought.

Shaking my head, I pushed into the foyer, listening for her shrill voice. I wanted a small heads up who I’d be seeing tonight. With the amount of hired help, it was likely to be a bigger party.

A sickening feeling began to churn in my gut. The throngs of people meant somethingothermight soon be crawling around the house.

I’m going to be okay.The words were little comfort to my heart.

I proceeded slowly, seeking my mother out in the sitting room.

“Push the sofa to the left,” she clipped, pointing to where the staff worked to adjust the antique.

“What’s all this?” I asked cheerfully.

The dismissive look was laced with annoyance. “I’m very busy, Annaliese.”

“I can see that,” I hedged. “Should I go put on a dress or hide in my room tonight?”

My mother let out an exasperated breath. “I’ve already had Cheri lay one out. Where have you been?”

“Shopping,” I lied.

“Take a shower, you stink.” My mother waved her hand at me.

Thanks, Mom.“Okay, can do.” I wouldn’t. “Who’s all coming? The usual crowd? Or are we expecting the Pope and queen?”

“Annaliese, I don’t have time for your antics!” snapped the woman who birthed me then promptly handed me off to a nanny. “Go upstairs and make yourself presentable. I swear, between your father’s sudden demands and your inappropriate humor, I’m going to be ill.”

“Well, we certainly don’t want that,” I muttered.

“One would think you’d be here,helping, for your own engagement party. But no, spoilt, ungrateful child that you are, you leave it all to me.” My mother rounded on the staff. “Break that vase and I’ll sue.”

“My…engagement party?” I repeated.

The snap of my mother’s fingers signaled me to hurry.

The sickening feeling in my gut bubbled up my throat. He didn’t…he couldn’t….

No, the Tormentor wasn’t behind this. That would be ludicrous. There wasn’t a church that would bless such a union, and most civil servants wouldn’t agree to such a match. He might be twisted and think we were going to end up together, but that was his secret hope, confined to the letters he sent.