Chapter 479: The King’s Return

Chris POV

I stepped off the private jet, my polished shoes hitting the royal runway with purpose. It had been too long since I last stood on this soil as its rightful ruler, and I had let them all play their games long enough.

Ethan was waiting for me at the foot of the stairs, hands clasped behind his back, his expression unreadable.

"Everything is in place?" I asked, adjusting the cuff of my suit.

He gave a short nod. "Yes, but Christiana has been tightening her grip faster than expected. She doesn't fear your authority—she embraces it as if it's her own."

I smirked. "Let her think that for now."

As I approached the waiting convoy, security detail surrounded me instantly, a clear reminder that my return was not just symbolic—it was a shift in power.

"Where is she?" I asked as we entered the black armored vehicle.

"In the council chamber," Ethan replied. "She's already making moves. Skylar has been unusually silent since your last transmission, but Classic—he's watching everything. Closely."

I tapped my fingers against the armrest, my mind calculating.

"Then let's not keep them waiting. Drive straight to the council hall."

The car moved, cutting through the streets like a shadow reclaiming its rightful place.

It was time to remind them that my throne had never been taken.

It had only been warmed.