Chapter 419: The King’s Return Begins

Ethan Carter

Chris closed the report, his fingers tapping lightly against the wooden table. Five years in hiding had not dulled him—if anything, it had sharpened him. He had watched from the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment. And now?

That moment was near.

He glanced at the screen one last time, watching Skylar deliver her speech.

"She still holds everything together," he murmured.

"She does," I confirmed. "But she's not the same woman you left behind."

Chris didn't flinch. "No one is."

And he was right.

Skylar had ruled with an iron will, keeping the empire stable. But behind the controlled exterior, there were cracks—ones only Chris would recognize.

Classic had grown into his own authority. He was respected. Feared, even. But he was still searching for something.

Amal had secured her position beside him, standing as his equal, but she had been forced to become stronger than she ever anticipated.

And the Prime Minister? He had survived longer than we expected. But power is a fragile thing, and even his strongest allies were starting to waver.

Chris leaned back, deep in thought. "They think they've won."

I nodded. "They do."

A slow smirk played on his lips.

"Good."

Because that meant they weren't prepared for what was coming next.

---

Classic Blackwood – The Growing Divide

The ceremony ended, and Classic walked away from the public eye, Amal following at his side.

"They still mourn him," she murmured, glancing toward the crowd that lingered in quiet reverence.

Classic didn't respond immediately. His gaze was locked on the massive portrait of his father, the image looming over the plaza.

"It's been five years," he finally said. "They should be moving forward."

Amal studied him carefully. "And you?"

He clenched his jaw.

Moving forward? No. Not yet.

Something never felt right about his father's death.

The reports were flawless. The body was never found, but the evidence had been overwhelming. Still, some part of him—deep inside—refused to accept it.

But if he ever voiced that doubt?

It would be seen as weakness.

And Classic Blackwood was no longer weak.

Amal sighed. "I know that look. You still don't trust what we were told."

"I don't," he admitted. "And neither does she."

They both knew Skylar had never fully accepted Chris' death either. She never said it aloud, but her actions spoke louder than words.

Amal hesitated. "Then why haven't you searched deeper?"

Classic exhaled, eyes dark with something unreadable.

"Because if I find the truth… I have to be ready for what comes next."

And deep down, he wasn't sure if he was.

---

Chris Blackwood – The First Move

I turned back to Chris, watching as he folded the report neatly and set it aside.

"You've tested them long enough," I said. "What's next?"

Chris stood, stretching slightly before walking toward a hidden cabinet. With a slow movement, he pulled out a sleek black device—a communicator linked only to a single person.

He turned it on.

A long silence.

Then, a voice answered.

Chris smirked.

"It's time."

The King had begun his return.