Chapter 482: The King’s Celebration

Chris POV

As I descended the grand staircase, the entire hall fell into silence. Every eye was on me—some filled with admiration, others with fear. It had been two decades of absolute rule, of watching, of testing. Tonight was not just a celebration of my 40th birthday. It was a reminder.

The master of ceremonies bowed deeply before announcing in a booming voice, "Presenting His Imperial Majesty, Chris Blackwood, Supreme Ruler of the Blackwood Empire!"

The room erupted in applause, but I could hear the undertones—the nervous whispers, the cautious glances exchanged between ministers and foreign dignitaries. Let them whisper. Let them wonder.

Ethan stood at my right, his presence ever watchful. Classic was at my left, standing firm, exuding the quiet strength I had seen in him since childhood. Across the room, Christiana sipped her wine with an amused smirk, her title as The Dictator ensuring she was untouchable.

Then, Skylar.

Our gazes locked, and for a moment, everything else faded. There was no throne, no empire, no power struggle—just the woman who had once ruled in my absence, the woman who had once defied me. But even now, after all these years, the fire in her eyes hadn't dimmed.

"It is an honor to stand before you all," I finally spoke, my voice carrying through the vast hall. "Forty years of life. Twenty years of rule. And the Blackwood Empire stands stronger than ever."

The crowd erupted into applause again. I let it die down before continuing.

"Tonight, we do not celebrate me. We celebrate the legacy we have built. The power we have secured. And the future that will be shaped by those worthy to hold it."

My eyes flicked toward Classic, who straightened under the attention. I could see the weight settling on his shoulders. He knew what was coming.

"With that in mind," I continued, "It is time for a change. A test."

Silence.

Even Ethan, who knew me best, tilted his head slightly in interest.

"For twenty years, I have ruled alone. But power must be earned. So I declare this—" I paused, letting the tension rise, letting them all anticipate what was next.

"A new era begins. And with it, a challenge."

The ministers exchanged nervous glances. The generals looked alert.

"Classic Blackwood," I said, turning fully to my son. "Step forward."

He did, his face unreadable.

"You claim to be ready. To rule. To lead. Then prove it."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"For one year, you will take control of the empire. Not as an heir. But as the acting ruler."

Classic's jaw tensed, but he gave no outward reaction. I continued.

"Ethan will oversee, Christiana will advise, and Skylar… will watch." I turned to her with a knowing smirk. "As she always does."

Skylar raised a brow but said nothing.

"Succeed, and the throne is yours. Fail… and you will learn why I never truly left it."

The room was frozen in shock.

Then Ethan chuckled under his breath. "Interesting."

Classic finally spoke. His voice was steady. "I accept."

I smiled, raising my glass.

"Then let the test begin."