Chapter 365: “The Crown and the Chains”

(Classic Blackwood's POV – Wedding Day)

The world was watching.

I stood before the mirror in my private chamber, adjusting the golden cufflinks on my pristine white suit. The emblem of the Blackwood dynasty was engraved into them—a reminder of the weight I carried.

The weight of a kingdom.

The weight of a decision that could never be undone.

Outside, the palace grounds were alive with opulence. Dignitaries, royals, and world leaders had gathered for the most anticipated wedding of the century. The air buzzed with excitement, but beneath it all, I could feel the tension.

This wasn't just a marriage.

This was a binding contract. A statement of dominance.

A move in a game I hadn't chosen to play.

The door opened, and Christiana stepped in. She wore an emerald gown, her crown sitting perfectly on her head. Her arms were crossed, her eyes sharp.

"You still have time to walk away."

I exhaled through my nose. "And then what? Let you take my place?"

Her lips curled slightly. "I'd do it better."

I turned to face her fully. "Would you? Or would you burn everything down the second you didn't get your way?"

Christiana didn't flinch. She stepped closer, lowering her voice. "You think this marriage is power, but it's a chain. And you know it."

She wasn't wrong.

But it didn't matter anymore.

Before I could respond, a knock came at the door. Ethan stepped in, dressed in a sharp black suit. His gaze flickered between us before settling on me.

"It's time."

I took a slow breath.

No turning back.

As I stepped out, the roar of thousands filled the air. The aisle stretched before me, lined with gold and silk, leading to the grand altar where Amal waited—her expression unreadable beneath the veil.

The weight of expectation bore down on my shoulders.

But I was a Blackwood.

And if this was a game, I intended to win it.