Chapter 497: Monarchs in the Arena

Ethan's POV

The Queen of Spain's entrance had barely settled before another wave of silence swept the ballroom. The herald's voice rang out once more, commanding attention.

"Presenting His Majesty, King William of England!"

The King of England strode in, regal in posture, his sharp blue eyes scanning the room. Dressed in a tailored black suit with gold accents, he moved with the effortless authority of a ruler who never needed to demand respect—it was simply given.

Beside him, another figure entered with equal presence.

"His Royal Highness, the Emir of Saudi Arabia!"

Classic stiffened. Amal's father.

The Emir moved with quiet dignity, his flowing white robes a stark contrast to the western suits around him. His dark eyes, sharp and unreadable, landed first on Classic, then on Chris. There was no warmth in his gaze—only calculation.

And then, the final name rang out.

"His Majesty, King Idris of Marrakesh!"

Murmurs spread across the ballroom. A king in his own right. A warrior. And the man Chris had suggested for Christiana's marriage.

Tension crackled in the air. This was no longer just a grand ball.

This was a battlefield.

I shifted slightly, watching Chris closely. He was too relaxed, swirling his drink like he had been expecting this all along.

Of course, he had.

"This isn't just a gathering," I muttered to Classic. "It's a power play."

Classic exhaled slowly. "Then I need to find out what move my father just made."

Because this wasn't just a party.

It was a war—dressed in silk and gold.