Chapter 438: A Test of Loyalty

Chris Blackwood – The Emperor's Decision

The hall remained silent, tension thick in the air.

Christiana did not waver.

She stayed on one knee, unwavering in her resolve, her chin slightly lifted—a silent challenge.

I exhaled slowly, drumming my fingers against the armrest of my throne. She was bold, I would give her that. But was she wise?

Ethan's words echoed in my mind.

"Loyalty is harder to fake."

And loyalty, as I had learned the hard way, was the one thing that separated rulers from fools.

I leaned forward slightly. "Tell me, Christiana," I said, my voice calm but piercing. "Why should I remove the Prime Minister in favor of you?"

She didn't hesitate. "Because I am your daughter. Because my loyalty is unquestionable. And because the Blackwood Empire needs a leader who will serve with absolute devotion to the throne."

A murmur rippled through the court.

She didn't argue with politics. She didn't argue with experience.

She argued with blood.

Smart.

I tilted my head slightly. "And what if I tell you that blood alone is not enough?"

Her eyes flickered—just for a second—but she remained poised. "Then I will prove myself."

I chuckled. "Prove yourself how, Christiana? By forcing my hand in public?"

She finally lowered her gaze. She knew she had played a dangerous game.

But I wasn't done.

I turned my attention to the Prime Minister, who had remained silent through it all.

"Prime Minister," I said smoothly, my tone unreadable. "What do you think of my daughter's request?"

He stiffened. He knew there was no safe answer.

If he defended his position too strongly, he risked challenging my authority. If he accepted too easily, he would look weak.

After a long pause, he finally said, "The decision is yours, Your Majesty. I serve at your will."

A safe answer. Too safe.

I smirked, my fingers tapping the armrest again.

Then, I made my decision.

"Very well," I said, my voice carrying through the room. "The Blackwood Empire needs leaders who are both capable and loyal."

I let the words hang for a moment before delivering the blow.

"Christiana, you will prove your worth—not by taking the Prime Minister's seat, but by serving under him."

Her eyes widened slightly. She had not expected that.

The Prime Minister exhaled in relief.

The court murmured in shock.

I leaned back into my throne, smirking. "If you are as capable as you claim, you will rise on your own. Prove to me that you deserve the seat—not just because you bear my name, but because you can wield power better than those who oppose you."

It was a test.

If she succeeded, she would earn her place.

If she failed… she would prove that blood alone was never enough.

Christiana clenched her jaw but bowed her head. "I accept, Your Majesty."

I smiled. Good.

Let the games begin.