Chapter 458: The Chain of Command

Christiana Blackwood – Dictator of the Empire

I leaned back in my chair, watching as the officials sat stiffly, still processing my father's decree. Power had been redistributed, but I was now at the center of it.

I turned my gaze to Ethan Carter. The Supreme Chancellor. My father's most trusted man. The one person who still held the authority to move in the shadows, operating above even the Prime Minister.

A slow smile curled on my lips. "Hope you all understand now."

Then, I fixed my stare on Ethan. "Ethan, you answer to me. Is that right?"

Silence.

His expression didn't change, but I saw the flicker of defiance in his eyes. The room was waiting for his response.

Then, he spoke. "No."

Murmurs rippled through the officials. He just refused me. Publicly.

I tilted my head. "Excuse me?"

Ethan remained firm. "I do not answer to you, Christiana. I answer only to the King."

A tense pause.

Then I laughed.

The Power Struggle

I stood up, stepping closer to him, my heels clicking against the polished marble floor.

"Ethan," I said slowly, keeping my voice smooth, "I think you misunderstood. My father made it clear—I control the military, the national security, and the structure of this government. That includes you."

Ethan met my gaze without flinching. "And I think you misunderstood something as well." His voice was calm, unwavering. "Your father gave you power, yes. But not over me."

The tension in the room thickened.

I arched a brow. "Is that so?"

Ethan leaned forward slightly. "I was not placed under your command. I was placed beside you. You may be the Dictator, Christiana, but you do not control me."

The Warning

I studied him for a long moment. He was challenging me, but not recklessly.

Finally, I smirked. "We'll see about that."

Ethan didn't move, didn't react.

He knew this wasn't over. I always got what I wanted.

And if he thought I would let this slide, he was mistaken.