Chapter 517: A Throne, Not a Table

Christiana's POV

Silence stretched across the hall. The rulers, once powerful in their own right, now sat under the weight of something greater—a force they could no longer resist. Some still clung to the illusion of negotiation, but I would strip them of that hope.

I placed both hands on the table, my gaze sharp.

"Let me make one thing clear—there are no executives in the Blackwood Union."

A ripple of unease spread through the room. The King of Italy furrowed his brow. "What exactly does that mean?"

I straightened, my voice unwavering.

"This is not a council. Not a democracy. Not a roundtable where you all have a say. There will be no executive meetings, no debates, no voting on policies. There is only one authority—the Blackwood Throne."

The Queen of Spain frowned. "Then what is our purpose here?"

"To obey. To uphold the laws set by the Empire. You rule your lands as sovereigns, but under one banner—ours. You do not dictate policies. You do not form independent governing bodies. You execute orders. You ensure stability. And if you fail to do so, you will be replaced."

The Chancellor of Germany inhaled sharply. "That means we have no power in the Union."

Chris chuckled, the sound low and knowing. Every ruler turned toward him.

"You have power—as long as I allow it."