Chapter 409: The Silent King’s Watch

Ethan Carter

I stepped into my private quarters, locking the door behind me. The palace was changing by the hour, but I had no time to dwell on that now.

Chris was waiting.

I activated the secure line, and within seconds, his voice came through. "Report."

I exhaled. "Your wife has taken the throne."

Silence.

Then, a quiet chuckle. "I know."

I frowned. "You don't sound surprised."

"That's because I'm not," Chris replied, his tone amused. "Skylar was always meant to be a queen. The question is… does she intend to give it up?"

I hesitated before answering. "She says it's temporary. Until Classic is ready."

"And do you believe that?"

I thought about the way Skylar carried herself in that council meeting. The way she commanded the room, the way no one—not even Classic—challenged her authority.

"No," I admitted. "I don't."

Chris sighed. "Then my test just got more interesting."

Classic's Silence

I leaned back in my chair. "Classic hasn't made a move against her. He's watching, but he hasn't acted."

Chris was quiet for a moment. Then— "That disappoints me."

"He's not weak," I said quickly. "But he's cautious. Too cautious."

Chris exhaled slowly. "Caution is useful… until it becomes hesitation. If he lets his mother rule unchallenged for too long, people will start seeing her as the true leader. And by then, it will be too late."

I frowned. "Do you want me to push him?"

Chris was silent for a moment. Then he said, "No. I want to see what kind of king he truly is."

I nodded. "And what about Skylar?"

His voice darkened. "If she refuses to step down when the time comes… then she will have to be removed."

I stiffened. "You would go against your own wife?"

"I would go against anyone who forgets their place."

His voice was calm, but I knew Chris. There was a storm brewing beneath that composed tone.

And when it broke…

None of them would be safe.