Chapter 492: A Queen’s Leash

Ethan's POV

Chris leaned back in his chair, the firelight casting sharp shadows across his face. He was calm—too calm.

"What if I put Christiana up for marriage?"

The words settled between us like a dagger lodged into wood. Not a question. A move.

I raised a brow. "To whom?"

Chris smirked. "That depends. Who would leash The Dictator?"

Leash.

Not control. Not tame. Leash.

Christiana was a force. Unruly. Dangerous. Unmatched in her cunning. Any man foolish enough to think he could own her would be torn apart before the ink on the marriage contract dried.

"No one could," I said plainly. "She would devour them."

Chris chuckled, swirling his drink. "Exactly. Which means if I choose correctly, her power is tied to someone else. Her influence becomes part of another kingdom's politics." He tapped his fingers against the desk. "It forces her into a different game."

I considered it. A marriage alliance could be a brilliant move or a catastrophic mistake.

"Do you have someone in mind?" I asked.

Chris exhaled slowly, gaze drifting toward the flames.

"There are options. The Crown Prince of Ashford. The Romanov heir. Even the House of Lancaster has expressed interest in strengthening ties."

I scoffed. "And you think Christiana will stand by while you auction her off?"

Chris smirked, but there was something sharper beneath it.

"She won't have a choice."

Silence.

I leaned forward. "You're playing with fire."

Chris' gaze was steady. "I always have."

A marriage would limit Christiana's freedom, force her into negotiations, and redirect her attention elsewhere. It would challenge her power just as Classic's rule was being tested.

But Christiana wasn't someone you simply moved. She was the kind of player who flipped the board when the game wasn't in her favor.

"And if she refuses?" I asked.

Chris smirked. "Then she proves she isn't ready to truly rule. Power isn't just about strategy, Ethan. It's about sacrifice."

I exhaled.

"This will start a war."

Chris lifted his glass, watching the flames dance in the reflection.

"It already has."