Skylar Confronts Ethan

Skylar left Chris' chamber with a renewed sense of authority, her steps firm as she made her way toward the throne room. The air was thick with tension, the guards at the door standing stiffly as they let her through. Inside, Ethan sat upon the throne—her husband's throne, once. Now, it belonged to the man Chris had entrusted with the empire.

Ethan barely looked up as she entered, his focus on the reports spread before him. "Skylar," he acknowledged, his tone indifferent.

Skylar didn't waste time. "You will never disrespect me again," she said, her voice calm but edged with warning.

Ethan finally lifted his gaze, one brow arched. "Disrespect you?"

"Yes." She stepped forward, standing tall. "I tolerated it before, but not anymore. Chris may have stepped back, but I am still his wife—the former Empress of this empire. Any insult toward me is an insult to him."

Ethan leaned back in his seat, studying her. "And Chris sent you here to say this?"

Skylar's expression hardened. "No. He doesn't have to. But he did make one thing clear—he won't tolerate an insult to his wife."

The throne room fell silent. Ethan's fingers drummed lightly against the armrest, his expression unreadable. Then, after a moment, he nodded once.

"Understood." His voice held no sarcasm, no challenge—just acceptance. "It won't happen again."

Skylar held his gaze for a second longer before turning on her heel and walking out. She didn't need to say anything more. The message was clear.