Chapter 417: The King's Shadow

Ethan Carter

Chris' command was simple—continue. But the weight behind it? It meant everything was still in play.

I stood there for a moment, watching as he skimmed through the report, his expression unreadable. His silence wasn't uncertainty—it was strategy. He was calculating every possible outcome.

Finally, he looked up. "The Prime Minister… Let him believe he's secure."

I nodded. That meant no sudden movements, no aggressive tactics. Just pressure. Enough to remind him that his seat wasn't as stable as he thought.

Chris leaned back slightly, fingers tapping against the table. "And Skylar?"

I hesitated for half a second. She had moved faster than I expected. And her decision to stand by the Prime Minister? It wasn't just about politics—it was a message.

"She's reinforcing her control," I said. "She's watching everyone closely, especially Classic. He hasn't made a move yet, but—"

Chris cut in. "He will."

I nodded.

Of course he would. Classic had never been the type to sit back and do nothing. He was just waiting for the right moment.

Chris exhaled slowly, almost like he already knew how it would play out.

"Let him."

I studied him for a moment. "You're still testing him."

Chris gave a small, knowing smile. "I'm testing everyone."

And he was.

Skylar. Classic. The council. Even me.

He wasn't just waiting to see what they would do. He was pushing them into position.

And no one even realized it.

Shifting the Board

I slid another document across the table.

"A few key players are beginning to stir," I said. "Some believe this is their chance to rise, now that you're 'gone.'"

Chris barely glanced at it. "Let them try."

I expected nothing less. He wasn't worried about opportunists. He had crushed far greater threats before.

But then, he asked something unexpected.

"And Amal?"

I paused.

That was new.

"She's… adjusting," I said carefully. "Her position is complicated. She's watching Classic closely, but she's also wary of Skylar."

Chris gave the smallest nod, like he had already anticipated that. "Good. Keep an eye on her."

I didn't ask why.

Because if Chris Blackwood was paying attention to someone, it meant they were about to become important.

And whether Amal realized it or not—she was now a piece on the board.

Final Orders

Chris glanced at the clock. He had spent years mastering patience, but I could see the anticipation beneath the surface.

He wanted to see what would happen next.

I stood, waiting for my final orders.

Then, in a voice that carried absolute certainty, he said:

"Let them play their roles. And when the time comes… I will return."

The game wasn't over.

It was just beginning.