Chapter 429: The Emperor’s Game

Chris Blackwood – A Lesson in Power

I studied my son.

He was standing still, his fists clenched, his expression cold—but I knew what was beneath it.

Rage.

Disbelief.

Betrayal.

Good.

I had watched him from the shadows for years, unseen but never absent. I had seen his strengths, his weaknesses, his victories, and his failures.

And today, he had finally announced his reign—only for me to take it back in a single breath.

He wasn't ready.

He thought he was, but standing on a throne wasn't the same as holding it.

I smirked. "What's wrong, Classic? You seemed so eager to lead just moments ago."

His blue eyes—so much like mine—burned with unspoken words.

Skylar had yet to speak. She was watching. Calculating.

Christiana, however, had already understood the game.

I turned to Ethan, my ever-loyal right hand. "I trust the disloyal have been handled?"

Ethan gave a sharp nod. "Seized and awaiting judgment."

Perfect.

I stepped forward, my boots echoing in the silent hall. "I want every minister, every noble, every official summoned to the palace tonight." My voice was calm, but absolute. "I have been absent too long. It's time I remind my people who they serve."

I turned back to Classic.

His jaw was tight, his pride holding him still.

"You will stand beside me tonight," I ordered, my voice leaving no room for argument. "You wanted to rule? Then watch how it's truly done."

He exhaled sharply through his nose, but he didn't refuse.

Because he knew what I knew.

This wasn't the end of his claim.

It was the beginning of his real test.

And I will decide if his worthy of my throne?

I would decide whether he was worthy of my throne.