Stephanie leaned back to consider it for a moment.

"When I first became reacquainted with my father, he was not what you would call a good man. He was ruthless, ambitious and feared by his enemies. But he understood the value of family. He treated those who served him well. He wasn't cruel for cruelty's sake.

When he came back, however, all I've seen evidence of is the cruelty, the brutality. He murdered a hundred people in order to send a message to Selene. He had his own daughter and- at least in part, heir mentally manipulated over a long period."

She set down her glass and shook her head. "I cannot forgive him what he has done to me. And I believe the world will be better without him."