Skylar's POV
The palace halls were eerily quiet.
Skylar moved swiftly through them, her expression unreadable—but inside, she was furious.
Chris had blindsided her.
He hadn't discussed this. He hadn't asked for her opinion. He had simply declared their son available like he was a piece on a chessboard.
When she reached his office, the guards barely had time to open the doors before she marched inside.
Chris stood near the window, hands behind his back, as if he had been expecting her.
"You had no right," she said, her voice sharp.
Chris turned, his expression calm. "I had every right."
Skylar narrowed her eyes. "This isn't about the empire. This is about Classic. And you gave him no choice."
Chris studied her. "Choice?" He stepped closer. "Skylar, did I have a choice when I took this throne? Did you have a choice when you married into this dynasty?"
She clenched her fists. "This is different."
"It is the same." His voice was cold. "Classic is not just any young man. He is the future of this empire. He does not get to live like an ordinary boy in love with foolish dreams. He must secure his position, his legacy—our legacy."
Skylar's chest tightened. "And what if he refuses?"
Chris's gaze darkened. "He won't."
Silence stretched between them.
Skylar exhaled, pressing a hand to her temple. "You should have told me first."
Chris's expression softened—just slightly. "I knew you would try to stop me."
Skylar shook her head. This wasn't just about Classic. This was about Chris himself. He was ensuring that no matter what happened, their family's power would never be shaken.
She understood it. But she hated it.
Chris stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You want him to be free. I want him to be untouchable."
Skylar swallowed. She hated that part of her agreed with him.
But she wasn't going to make this easy for him.
"Fine," she said at last. "But let me be clear—if he finds someone he truly wants, you will not stand in his way."
Chris didn't respond immediately. Then, with a small smirk, he said, "We shall see."
Skylar hated that answer.
But for now, the game had begun. And Classic?
He had just become the most sought-after prince in the world.