Chapter 452: The Empire Still Stands

Skylar Blackwood – A Throne No Longer Mine

I stood by the window of my private chamber, watching as the world reacted to the news. The Prime Minister was dead. One swift order from Chris, and a man who had once wielded power was now nothing but a memory.

I had ruled in his absence for a decade. Held the empire together. Protected it. But none of that mattered now.

Chris was back.

And he had wasted no time reminding everyone who the true ruler was.

The sound of approaching footsteps made me turn. Christiana entered, her expression unreadable.

"Mother," she said, her voice carefully neutral. "You're watching the reports?"

I gave a small nod. "How could I not?"

She hesitated before speaking again. "He's moving fast. Restructuring everything. You know what that means, don't you?"

Of course, I did.

Chris wasn't just reclaiming his throne—he was erasing everything I built.

I exhaled sharply and turned away from the window. "He's making a statement."

"And you?" Christiana asked. "What will you do now?"

I looked at her then. My daughter. My son. My empire.

Or at least… the empire I once called mine.

A slow, bitter smile crossed my lips. "For now, I watch. But if Chris thinks I will simply fade into the background—he's mistaken."

Christiana nodded. "Good."

Because if war was what Chris wanted… he had just ensured he would get it.