Chapter 283: Months Later—The Crowned Heir

 (Skylar's POV)

The world had changed.

Or maybe, she had.

Skylar stood on the balcony of the palace—the White House no longer looked like a government building. It had been transformed into a throne of power. Grand banners hung from its towering columns, bearing the Blackwood crest—Chris's personal emblem, the mark of his rule.

And soon, their child would bear that name.

She placed a hand on her growing stomach, feeling the gentle flutter of life within. She was six months pregnant now. The entire nation watched her every move, every breath, every public appearance.

"The Queen's pregnancy symbolizes a new era," the news anchors would say. A monarchy had risen from the ashes of democracy, and their child would be its first-born heir.

A soft breeze swept through her hair, and she closed her eyes. Was this what she had wanted?

Footsteps approached behind her.

Chris.

Even without turning, she felt his presence—the weight of his gaze, the way the air shifted when he was near.

"You're awake early," he murmured, stepping closer. His arms wrapped around her from behind, his hands settling possessively over her stomach.

"So is your heir," she said, her tone unreadable.

Chris smirked against her neck. "Good. They'll need to get used to running this empire."

She sighed. "They don't even have a name yet, and you're already planning their rule?"

He turned her gently, tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. "Because I know what's coming, Skylar." His voice was quiet, but undeniably powerful. "Our child won't just inherit this kingdom. They'll be born into a world that bows before them."

She held his gaze, searching for something—humanity, vulnerability, a trace of the man she had once known before all of this.

Instead, she found only certainty. Chris Blackwood never doubted. Never wavered.

And neither could she.

Because this child was coming. And there was no changing fate now.