Chapter 507: The Queen’s Defiance

Skylar's POV

The room was still adjusting to Christiana's declaration when I stepped forward, my heels clicking against the marble floor.

"Denied by the Blackwoods?" I repeated, my voice smooth but edged with amusement. "How interesting."

All eyes turned to me.

Chris, watching with an unreadable expression.

Classic, unreadable but undoubtedly calculating.

Ethan, his gaze sharp, anticipating my move.

And Christiana—smirking, as if daring me to challenge her.

I did.

"You forget something, dear Dictator," I said, tilting my head slightly. "This empire was once ruled in my absence. By me."

A flicker of something crossed Christiana's face—just for a second. She knew.

"You speak of trials," I continued, stepping closer, "as if the Blackwood Union is yours to grant. But power is not given. It is taken. Earned. Proven." My gaze swept the room. "And I see no one more proven than me."

Tension crackled in the air.

Chris leaned forward slightly, resting his chin on his hand. He was enjoying this. Of course, he was.

Christiana didn't waver.

"Then take it," she challenged. "If you can."

The rulers of the world watched in fascination, waiting to see what would happen next.

Classic's voice finally broke the silence.

"Enough."

We both turned to him.

He met my gaze first. Strong. Unshaken. My son.

"The Dictator stands as the gatekeeper," he said, "but Skylar Blackwood is no common ruler. She will not be tested. She will judge alongside her."

Murmurs rippled through the hall.

Christiana's smirk didn't drop, but I saw it—the flicker of annoyance. She had wanted complete control over this process. Now? She had to share it.

I smiled.

"Wise choice, my son."