Alicia was left unaware of the events that occurred over the last six years while she lived in Coulson. All she knew was Ivan’s deep-seated hostility against his own mother was much greater than the past.

“Didn’t you already take me down and take everything? My power, my people, my limbs, all of it. Why are you so wary of an incompetent old woman who can do nothing? Ivan, I’ve done so many things for you…”

“Don’t you dare say that it’s for me,” Ivan’s voice rose, his teeth grinding against one another. “You say it’s for the kingdom, that it’s for me, but in truth, it’s all done to...