Chapter 252: The Queen’s Report

Chris sat up against the hospital bed, the pain biting into him with every small movement. He ignored it. There were bigger things to focus on.

His gaze shifted toward Ethan. "Where's Skylar?"

Ethan hesitated for a fraction of a second before answering. "She's here. Down the hall."

Chris exhaled slowly. Of course, she stayed. He wasn't sure why that mattered to him, but it did.

"Bring her."

Ethan nodded and left the room. A few moments later, the door reopened, and Skylar walked in.

She looked different. Colder. More composed than the last time he saw her.

Good.

For a long moment, they just stared at each other.

Then Chris smirked. "How's the country I gave you doing?"

Skylar's expression didn't change. "Not mine to run," she said smoothly. "Just yours to lose."

Chris let out a short chuckle, though it sent a sharp pain through his ribs. "Sharp as ever."

Skylar stepped closer, crossing her arms. "You nearly died, Chris."

"But I didn't."

"Not for lack of trying," she shot back, her voice tight.

Chris tilted his head slightly. "You sound worried."

Skylar's jaw clenched, but she didn't respond.

That was answer enough.

Chris studied her for a moment. Despite everything—the betrayal, the war, the power plays—she was still here.

"Whoever did this," Chris said quietly, his voice turning ice-cold, "I'll find them. And when I do—"

"They'll regret it," Skylar finished for him.

Their eyes met.

For the first time, they understood each other completely.