Chapter 435: The Emperor Returns

Ethan Carter – The Throne Is His

The grand hall was silent.

Not a whisper. Not a breath.

And then—they bowed.

One by one, every official, every noble, every soldier in the room lowered themselves before the throne.

Even Classic.

He hesitated at first, his jaw tight, his fists clenched—but in the end, he, too, bent the knee.

Because in this moment, there was no debate. No questioning.

Chris Blackwood had returned.

And his rule was absolute.

I stood to the side, watching as he settled into the throne that had been left cold for a decade.

The throne that had only ever belonged to him.

He rested his arm against the gilded frame, his fingers tapping lightly against the surface. He was at ease. Relaxed.

But this was the calm before the storm.

The officials would not challenge him now—not when he had reminded them of the law, not when he had reclaimed his place without bloodshed.

But soon?

Soon, the whispers would start. Doubt would spread. Plans would be made.

Chris knew this.

And he welcomed it.

His eyes swept over the bowed heads before him, lingering on Skylar's empty seat. He exhaled slowly, his smirk barely visible.

"Rise."

A single word.

And like puppets, they obeyed.

The court was his once more.

But ruling was not the same as keeping power.

And as I watched Chris settle into his throne, I knew—his true battle had only just begun.