Chapter 158: The Weight of Loyalty

The King of Spain sat in silence, his fingers clasped together as he absorbed the weight of Chris's words. Loyalty. A word that carried centuries of expectation, duty, and sacrifice. A word that had kept dynasties alive—and torn empires apart.

His gaze flickered toward Isabella. She had remained quiet, but her presence in this meeting was not a coincidence. Chris had noticed it from the start. She was here because the King trusted her judgment. Because she was his contingency.

Chris leaned back slightly, giving the King time to think. He had been in enough negotiations to know that silence was sometimes the strongest weapon.

Finally, the King exhaled. "Loyalty is not given lightly, Mr. Blackwood."

Chris nodded. "Nor is power."

The King studied him carefully. "And if I accept this partnership? What happens to Spain?"

Ethan spoke this time. "Spain remains under your rule, Your Majesty. But with our backing, it becomes stronger. Economically, politically, militarily." He paused. "It ensures that no external force dictates Spain's future—not the European Union, not foreign investors, not rivals looking to undermine your rule."

Chris met the King's gaze. "It ensures that Spain does not become a spectator in global affairs. It becomes a player."

The King tapped his fingers against the table, considering. Isabella finally spoke.

"And what role do you expect Spain to play?"

Chris turned to her. "An essential one."

She didn't look entirely convinced. "You speak of power, of alliances, of influence. But power often comes at a cost. What does Spain risk by standing with you?"

Chris's smirk was barely visible. "Spain risks nothing—if it stands on the right side of history."

She held his gaze for a long moment, then looked toward her father. The King exhaled slowly, as if making peace with the decision forming in his mind.

"And if I agree?" he asked finally.

Chris didn't hesitate. "Then we begin immediately."

The King studied him for a long, heavy moment. Then, at last, he gave a slow nod.

"Very well, Christopher Blackwood." His voice was measured. "Spain will stand with you."

A silent understanding passed between them. A kingdom had chosen it's side.

The game had just changed.