Chapter 163: A Royal Warning

 West stood in the King's Chamber of the Royal Palace of Madrid, the weight of Spain's commitment now fully behind him. The room, steeped in history, was where monarchs had once dictated the fate of empires. Now, it would serve a different purpose—a platform for power beyond tradition.

Ethan handed him a prepared statement, but Chris didn't bother reading it. His words needed to come directly from him. From Christopher Blackwood, not a scripted diplomat.

A camera crew stood ready, journalists gathered, their eyes locked on the podium. The Spanish King sat beside him, an undeniable symbol of legitimacy. Princess Isabella stood further back, watching with careful eyes. The room was silent, waiting.

Chris stepped forward.

The cameras went live.

"To the Russian government," he began, his voice smooth, commanding. "Tonight, you heard the echoes of gunfire at your borders. You call it provocation. I call it a reminder."

He let the words settle before continuing.

"I have been patient. I have watched as you made moves, testing the boundaries of power, threatening stability in regions that do not belong to you. You think the world will stand by. You think no one will challenge you."

His expression darkened slightly.

"Let me be clear: Spain, alongside its allies, will not tolerate further destabilization. Your forces on the Ukrainian border are not unseen. Your actions are not unchecked. And if you cross a line…" He paused, his gaze piercing through the camera.

"There will be consequences."

A ripple of tension ran through the room. The journalists scribbled furiously, the air charged with anticipation.

Chris glanced briefly at the King, who gave a slow, measured nod. Then he turned back to the camera.

"This is not a threat. This is a statement of fact. The balance of power is shifting. Choose your next move wisely."

He stepped back. The broadcast ended.

Ethan exhaled. "That'll shake them."

Chris didn't respond immediately. He simply turned toward the King.

"Now, let's see if hey truly understand what's coming."