Chapter 369: The Veil of Power

Chris Blackwood

The palace halls were quiet at this hour, but I was far from at peace. Ethan's voice crackled through my earpiece, low and edged with restraint.

"There's a problem, sir."

I leaned back in my chair, my fingers steepled beneath my chin. "Go on."

"Security installed surveillance in the royal suite. Audio and visual."

My eyes darkened. "What?"

"It was arranged by the Saudi intelligence team," Ethan continued. "Their excuse? Ensuring the marriage is… consummated as expected."

I slammed my fist onto the desk, the sound echoing in my private study. "How dare they?" My voice was ice, sharp enough to cut.

The very idea—monitoring my son on his wedding night—was beyond unacceptable. It was a direct insult. An act of control disguised as tradition.

"Classic doesn't know yet," Ethan added. "Neither does Amal. But I doubt she'd be surprised."

I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to think. Saudi intelligence was meticulous, always positioning themselves to ensure their interests remained intact. But this? This was a power move wrapped in the guise of duty. A test.

They wanted to see if Classic would submit to the pressure. If he would play the role expected of him without realizing he was being watched.

They wanted leverage.

Fools.

I stood abruptly. "Pull the feed. Now."

"Already in progress." Ethan's efficiency was why I kept him close. "But it's encrypted. Their tech isn't amateur level. We'll need more time to erase all traces."

I paced the room, my mind racing. "And Classic?"

"Still in the dark. But I doubt for long. He's sharp, and if Amal senses something off, she might figure it out first."

I clenched my jaw. This was my fault. I had been so focused on securing the alliance that I hadn't anticipated this level of intrusion.

And now, my son—my heir—was being watched like a pawn on their board.

No.

That will not stand.

I turned back to my desk, my voice laced with quiet fury. "Ethan, I want names. Every officer, every technician involved. And when the time is right…"

A slow, dangerous smile spread across my face.

"We'll remind them that no one spies on a Blackwood and survives it."