The Weight of the Throne

Ethan POV – 

The moment the broadcast ended, the world erupted.

News stations scrambled to make sense of what had just happened. The global elite, rulers of nations, and members of the Blackwood Union all demanded explanations. The empire's enemies saw an opening, while its allies awaited my first move.

Inside the royal chamber, the tension was suffocating.

Chris stood still, his expression unreadable, while Christiana and Classic exchanged a look—silent but charged with meaning. They were both power players in their own right, and now, they had to answer to me.

I turned to face Chris, my voice steady. "You're really doing this?"

He gave a small nod. "I don't repeat myself, Ethan. The empire is yours."

The weight of it settled on my shoulders like an iron mantle. The Blackwood Empire—its people, its military, its economy—everything was now under my command.

I glanced at Classic. His jaw was tight, his expression controlled, but I could see the flicker of thoughts running through his mind. He had prepared to rule. He had studied, observed, and maneuvered. But now, the throne belonged to me.

Christiana, however, was different. She was unreadable, but her posture was tense, her fingers tapping against her wrist—a tell I knew well. She didn't like unpredictability.

Chris, as always, had set the board and made his move. Now it was my turn to play.

I turned back to the gathered council members, my first words as ruler ringing through the chamber.

"Prepare for the first decree of my reign. The Blackwood Empire moves forward under my command. And I will ensure it remains the greatest force the world has ever known."

The transition of power was complete. But what came next?

That was entirely up to me.