As Skylar's footsteps faded from the throne room, Ethan exhaled slowly, his fingers still tapping against the armrest. He hadn't expected her to confront him so directly. Skylar was many things—proud, poised, unshakable—but she rarely stepped into matters of authority like this.
Chris' influence still lingered in everything. Even without holding the throne, his presence shaped the empire. And Ethan knew better than anyone—Chris wasn't a man to be challenged lightly.
Leaning forward, Ethan motioned to one of his advisors. "Send a message to the inner council. I want them here within the hour."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
As the advisor hurried out, Ethan's gaze drifted to the massive Blackwood insignia carved into the wall behind him. Chris won't interfere unless necessary…
Ethan smirked. "Let's make sure i never is."