Chapter 432: The Emperor’s Decree

Ethan Carter – A Kingdom Decides Its King

The room was frozen in time.

Skylar had stood her ground, but Chris had already decided.

I watched as he stepped forward, every movement deliberate, controlled—like a man who had never truly left his throne.

Then he spoke.

"As the ultimate ruler of America, now the Blackwood Empire, I hereby declare your reign non-relevant and strip you of your position as ruler."

Silence.

A silence so sharp it cut through the air like a blade.

The officials shifted, some visibly tensing, others daring to steal glances at one another.

Chris had just erased Skylar's authority with a single sentence.

A decree from the true Emperor.

And no one in this room—not even Skylar herself—could deny the weight of those words.

She had ruled for ten years, but Chris had never publicly handed over his power.

He had never resigned.

He had never died.

And the law was clear—no one could take the throne from a living emperor.

Skylar's lips parted slightly, but she did not speak.

She understood.

She had ruled, but now?

Chris was taking it all back.

The empire belonged to him again.

I exhaled slowly, stepping forward. "Your orders, sir?"

Chris didn't look at me. His eyes were still on Skylar.

"Escort the former Empress to her chambers," he said, his voice calm, but absolute. "She will no longer rule, but she will remain under my protection."

Skylar's fists clenched. "You think I need your protection?"

Chris only smiled. "Oh, Skylar. You may not need it… but you'll have it regardless."

I turned to the guards, nodding once. "You heard the Emperor. Move."

The moment they stepped forward, Skylar lifted her chin—not in submission, but in defiance.

She would not fight. Not here. Not now.

But she would not bow, either.

As the guards escorted her away, the tension in the hall remained thick.

Classic was still watching. His expression was unreadable, but I knew he was calculating.

Christiana, too, was silent, her eyes flickering with thoughts she would not yet speak.

And Chris?

He simply turned to the officials, his voice steady, final.

"Let it be known—Blackwood Empire has only ever had one ruler. And I have returned."