Chapter 386: A Lesson in Loyalty

Classic Blackwood

The palace was a masterpiece of power and control. Every corridor, every chamber, every whispered conversation carried a weight only those born into royalty could truly understand.

But tonight, that weight felt heavier.

I sat in my private chamber, still processing everything—the hidden cameras, the invasion of privacy, the realization that someone within these walls had dared to challenge the Blackwood name.

And now, I knew who.

Lady Celeste Whitmore.

I wasn't surprised. The nobility had always been a game of hidden knives, polite smiles masking lethal ambitions. But to think that someone so close had been involved… it ignited something deep inside me.

Rage.

Betrayal.

The need to remind the world why my name carried power.

A knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts.

"Come in."

Ethan entered, his expression unreadable. "His Majesty requests your presence."

I already knew what this was about. My father never summoned me unless it was important. And this was beyond important.

I stood, adjusting my sleeves before following Ethan through the dimly lit halls. The palace at night always felt different—quieter, more dangerous. Secrets felt louder in the dark.

When we reached my father's study, the doors were already open.

Chris sat behind his desk, fingers steepled together, while Skylar stood to the side, arms crossed. There was no warmth in their expressions—only calculation.

A single name rested between them, unspoken but undeniable.

Celeste.

I shut the door behind me, my voice calm but firm. "What happens now?"

Chris gestured for me to take a seat, his sharp gaze locking onto mine. "You're going to learn an important lesson tonight, Classic."

I met his gaze evenly. "And what lesson is that?"

Skylar answered for him. "Loyalty is not a gift—it's a test. And Celeste has failed."

I leaned back in my chair, my fingers tapping against the armrest. "So what's the punishment?"

Chris smirked. "That depends on you."

I stilled.

On me?

Skylar nodded. "Celeste's betrayal targeted you directly. She wanted to expose your marriage, to shake the foundation of your legitimacy. That makes this personal. And in our world, when someone makes it personal, the response must be twice as brutal."

Chris took a sip of his whiskey before speaking. "Consider this your first true lesson in ruling. You have two choices."

He held up one finger. "We destroy her quietly—strip her of her power, remove her from the nobility, make her disappear from the political scene."

Then he held up another. "Or we make an example of her. Publicly. Show the entire kingdom what happens to those who betray the Blackwoods."

The weight of his words settled over me. This wasn't just about punishment. This was about control.

If I handled this wrong, it would show weakness. If I handled it correctly… it would cement my place as a Blackwood ruler.

I glanced at Skylar. She was watching me carefully, waiting to see what kind of decision I would make.

Then I turned to Chris.

And I made my choice.

"Make it public," I said coldly. "Let the world see what happens when someone crosses me."

Chris's smirk widened slightly, but there was approval in his eyes.

Skylar gave a slow nod. "Then it's settled."

I exhaled, clenching my fists. Celeste wanted to play games?

She had no idea what was coming.