Chapter 361: “The Union of Two Kingdoms”

(Classic Blackwood's POV)

The world watched as history was made.

In the grand halls of the Blackwood Palace, two of the most powerful families on the planet stood together. The Blackwood Empire and the Saudi Royal Family—two ruling dynasties—were now bound by an official engagement.

The ceremony was nothing short of breathtaking. The banners of both nations adorned the walls, the royal insignias displayed side by side. Dignitaries, world leaders, and the highest-ranking officials attended, their expressions unreadable as they witnessed a shift in global power.

To the world, this was a celebration.

To me, it was a game of power.

I stood at the center of it all, dressed in royal black and gold, my shoulders squared as the weight of expectation pressed against me. Princess Amal stood beside me, poised, elegant, and unreadable. She played her role well, but I wasn't fooled. She was watching me as closely as I was watching her.

The ceremony proceeded with precision. Vows of alliance were exchanged. The documents were signed, officially merging our two dynasties in the eyes of the world. Applause erupted as the final signatures were placed, sealing the future.

King Salman turned to address the room, his voice steady and powerful.

"This is more than a union of two families. This is a new era—one where strength and unity will guide us forward."

My father, Emperor Chris Blackwood, gave a small nod, his expression unreadable as he studied me.

I knew what this meant to him.

He had built an empire from the shadows, taken control of a world that once resisted him, and now, he was securing its future.

Through me.

My gaze flickered to Christiana, standing at the far end of the hall. She hadn't said much since the announcement. But I knew her silence wasn't submission. It was calculation.

This was not over.

As the ceremony came to an end, and the guests began to celebrate, I felt Amal shift beside me.

"You don't trust me," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

I turned slightly, my expression neutral. "Should I?"

Her lips curved into a slight smile, but there was something sharp behind it.

"That depends, Your Highness. Are we enemies or allies?"

I didn't answer immediately. Instead, I reached for the glass of wine in front of me, taking a slow sip as I studied her.

"We'll see,"I finally said.

The game had only just begun.