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He couldn’t possibly expect me to wax poetic about the man who killed my father and brother and then raped me for years.
This idiot had no idea what havoc Andraius’s widow could drop on his head. But he was about to find out.
I nodded. “I believe you’re correct.”
Glancing over my shoulder, I scanned the faces of the group behind me.
Concern and worry radiated out from Xander and Theo while the rest of the crowd waited to see what I’d do.
Were they expecting me to fall apart or show them the bitch Andraius labeled me to the world?
I’d do neither.
Stepping forward, I narrowed my focus on the priest and held out my hand. He set the earpiece mic in my palm. Attaching it to my ear, I turned to the crowd and positioned myself in front of Andraius’s casket.
Father Christianos remained near me as if he wanted to maintain the position of authority over this situation he’d created.
It was time to shift his paradigm.
I remained quiet until an uncomfortable silence descended around us.
“You can begin,” the priest ordered.
I covered the mic and looked directly at him. With my height and heels, I stood at eye level with him.
This fucker couldn’t intimidate me, and when it finally registered, a creased formed between his brows.
Maybe it was accepting my change in circumstances or finally feeling that Andraius was no longer a haunting presence in my life. Or perhaps it was my new relationship with Theo and Xander. But I’d never let another man take away my power again.
Plus, using one’s height or body mass as a weapon against a woman was pathetic.
It screamed insecure male with little-dick syndrome.
After meeting Devani, I knew size meant nothing when it came to being lethal. She was the deadliest person I’d ever met and barely reached five-foot-two.
In a low tone meant for his ears, I said, “Not until you step to the side. I am Andraius’s widow and the only one who can speak on his behalf. You wanted this. Now deal with the consequences.”
The look the priest shot me screamed that he’d kill me right on the spot, given a chance. I half expected an argument from him, but to my surprise, he walked away and took a position along the podium’s edge.
I focused on the people before me and started, “Everyone knows my courtship with Andraius was extremely unconventional.”
I paused, holding gazes with all of the heads of families who could have helped me when everything happened. Some glanced away. Others remained impassive. I hoped they understood that I had a long memory.
Peter Angelos hadn’t raised a chump.
“If any of you are waiting for me to say I will miss my spouse, don’t hold your breath. It will never happen in this lifetime or any lifetime. I am happy he is gone.”
A slight gasp came from a few people, followed by a bit of chatter, but they all quieted as soon as I cleared my throat.
“He destroyed my family, then tried to tear down the legacy created over generations due to sheer ego and ignorance, and then his stupidity caused his untimely death. Frankly, I’m surprised it didn’t happen sooner. I am thankful to the person who committed this act of service. They saved me years of my life. Now I will take the seat Papa intended as my birthright.”
My gaze passed over the crowd again.
“Do not assume I am anything like my predecessor. Andraius called me cold-hearted and many other things that aren’t appropriate to repeat now. Men who are intimidated by strong women use name-calling and oppression to cover their insecurities. Hopefully, no one thinks to make similar mistakes.”
My attention shifted to Nyx, who stood next to Simon. She smiled at me from under her umbrella and nodded her approval.
“A few last things. I will not mourn the man behind me. I do not need condolences outside of the ones for the many years my mother, sisters, and I lost because of him. I wish him well wherever he is, whether heaven or hell. All I care about is that he is out of my life. Thank you for taking the time to show your support for the Angelos Family.”
