Skylar’s Resolve

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Skylar walked through the grand halls of the palace, her mind swirling with thoughts. She had never imagined that one day, she would be caught in a political battle not just with rulers of nations, but within her own family.

Chris had always been untouchable. Unquestionable. But now, Ethan sat on the throne, and with that came the burden of power. A burden that was already changing him.

She stopped at the entrance to Ethan's private chamber. The guards bowed as they opened the doors, and she stepped inside without hesitation.

Ethan stood by the window, arms crossed, staring at the city below. The Blackwood Empire stretched beyond the horizon, thriving under the rule Chris had built, and now under the leadership Ethan had been entrusted with.

"You sent for the council," Skylar said, her voice calm but firm.

Ethan didn't turn around. "I did."

"You're planning something," she stated.

Ethan finally turned, his sharp eyes meeting hers. "You don't approve?"

Skylar sighed, stepping forward. "Ethan, I came to warn you. Chris may have given you the throne, but he is still the God of the Empire. That is not a title given out lightly. You're playing a dangerous game if you think you can act without his presence looming over you."

Ethan's expression remained unreadable. "I am the Supreme Ruler now, Skylar. The decisions I make will shape this empire. I cannot afford to rule in fear of a shadow."

Skylar narrowed her eyes. "That shadow built everything you stand on. You should show respect."

Ethan chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "Respect is earned, not given freely. And if Chris wanted to interfere, he would have done so already. But he hasn't, has he?"

Skylar clenched her fists. "Because he believes in the system he built. He's giving you the chance to lead. But don't mistake his silence for indifference."

Ethan took a slow step forward. "And what will you do, Skylar? If you think I am straying, will you run to Chris every time?"

Skylar's lips pressed into a thin line. "No. But I won't sit quietly while you let arrogance blind you. This empire doesn't need a tyrant—it needs a leader."

Ethan tilted his head. "And you think I'm becoming a tyrant?"

"You're walking dangerously close," she warned.

Ethan smirked. "Then let's see how close I can get before I fall."

---

The Council Convenes

An hour later, Ethan sat at the head of the massive ebony table, the council gathered before him. Among them were the most powerful figures in the Blackwood Empire—generals, economic strategists, political advisors.

"As you all know," Ethan began, his voice steady, "the transition of power has been completed. However, we are not a stagnant empire. Progress must continue."

One of the elder advisors, Lord Harrington, cleared his throat. "Your Majesty, there are concerns regarding the changes you have begun implementing. There has never been a ruler in our history who has attempted to move forward without the full guidance of the God of the Empire."

Ethan leaned back in his chair. "Are you suggesting I am incapable of ruling on my own?"

Harrington hesitated. "Not incapable, Your Majesty. But history has shown that any leader who disregarded the wisdom of those before them has—"

"Fallen?" Ethan finished for him, raising an eyebrow. "That won't happen to me."

Another council member, Lady Rivera, spoke up. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, Queen Skylar is right to be concerned. Chris may not interfere, but the moment he deems it necessary, he will. Are you ready for that?"

Ethan's jaw tightened. He had heard the same warning again and again. But he wasn't going to let anyone—including Chris—dictate how he ruled.

"You are all here because I trust you," Ethan said, his voice calm yet commanding. "And I will continue to lead this empire forward. But let me make one thing clear—I am not a puppet ruler. The throne belongs to me now, and I will make my own choices."

A heavy silence filled the room.

Harrington finally bowed his head. "Then may your rule be strong, Your Majesty."

Ethan exhaled. He had secured their loyalty for now. But he knew one thing—Chris was watching. And if there was one thing he had learned from the God of the Empire, it was that patience was the greatest weapon of all.

And Chris Blackwood never acted until the perfect moment.