Chapter 271: A Nation in Chains (Skylar’s POV)

Skylar held Chris's gaze, searching for any trace of hesitation. There was none.

He meant every word.

A king.

America, a monarchy. His monarchy.

The idea was so absurd, so impossible—and yet, standing here, in the heart of his empire, she knew better than to dismiss it. Because he had already done the impossible.

Chris Blackwood had shattered democracy. Bent an entire nation to his will. Eliminated every obstacle in his path.

And now?

He wanted to rule forever.

Skylar's fingers curled into fists at her sides. She wanted to scoff, to tell him he was insane. But she knew better.

Instead, she asked the only question that mattered.

"And what happens to the people who don't accept their king?"

Chris smiled. That cold, knowing smirk.

"They'll learn," he said simply. "Or they won't be around to complain."

A chill ran through her. Not because she was surprised, but because of how effortlessly he said it.

Chris had always been dangerous. But this? This was something else.

He wasn't just playing the game anymore.

He was rewriting the rules.

Skylar forced herself to stand tall. "You're turning this country into a prison."

Chris tilted his head. "A prison?" He gestured around them. "I see security. Stability. Order."

He took a step closer, lowering his voice. "Isn't that what you wanted?"

Skylar froze.

He was testing her.

Digging into the past. Into the girl she used to be—the one who had craved safety, control. The one who had hated the uncertainty of power shifting hands every election.

But that girl was gone.

Chris studied her reaction, then smirked. "You're quiet, Skylar. That's not like you."

She swallowed the fire burning in her throat. "I don't argue with madmen."

Chris chuckled, unbothered. "You always did have a sharp tongue." He leaned in, his next words like a whisper against her skin.

"You'll use it to swear loyalty to me soon enough."

Skylar's heart pounded.

Because deep down, she knew—this wasn't a warning.

It was a promise.