The Challenge

Ethan stood before Skylar, his expression unreadable as he reached for the royal crown resting atop her head. His fingers brushed against the cold metal, and without hesitation, he lifted it away.

Skylar's gaze darkened, her lips parting slightly as if to speak, but she held back. She had expected this moment, yet the reality of it stung more than she anticipated.

"You no longer bear the crown," Ethan stated firmly, his tone void of emotion. "Your authority within the empire is symbolic at best. This is not a personal matter, Skylar—it's simply the way things must be."

Skylar clenched her fists, taking a slow breath to steady herself. "You speak of necessity, but this is nothing more than power consolidation."

Ethan exhaled, stepping back. "If you want to believe that, fine. But know this—your role has changed. You are no longer Queen of the Blackwood Empire. You are the mother of an empire, but you do not rule it."

A sharp silence hung between them.

Then—

The heavy doors to the chamber burst open.

A tall, imposing figure strode inside, the echo of boots against the marble floor commanding immediate attention.

Ethan turned swiftly, his grip tightening around the crown. Skylar's eyes widened slightly, recognizing the presence before them.

Chris Blackwood.

The God of the Empire.

Even without the throne, his aura carried more weight than any ruler alive. The air in the room shifted, thick with tension.

Chris' piercing gaze locked onto Ethan, then flickered to the crown in his hands. His expression was unreadable, but his presence alone sent a clear message—this was not an ordinary visit.

A slow smirk crossed Ethan's face, though his grip on the crown did not loosen. "To what do we owe the honor?"

Chris didn't answer immediately. He walked with measured steps, his silence louder than words.

Then, finally, he spoke.

"You've taken a bold step, Ethan." His voice was calm, yet it carried an undeniable authority that made the room feel smaller.

Ethan met his gaze evenly. "A necessary step."

Chris tilted his head slightly. "Is that what you believe?"

Skylar, still standing beside them, straightened her posture. She knew Chris well enough to recognize when he was testing someone.

Ethan smirked. "This empire has evolved. And so must its leadership."

Chris remained still, his eyes sharp and unreadable. Then, he let out a small chuckle. "You remind me of someone."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess—you?"

Chris' smirk deepened. "No. Someone who thought they could stand above me. You know what happened to them?"

Ethan's smirk faltered just slightly.

Chris stepped forward until he was within arm's reach, his gaze never wavering. "They learned that no matter how high they climbed, the foundation beneath them was mine."

The weight of his words settled in the air.

Ethan exhaled, his grip on the crown loosening for the first time. He knew he was the Supreme Ruler—but Chris was reminding him of one undeniable truth.

The God of the Empire could still shake the very foundation he stood on.

Skylar watched the silent exchange between them. For a moment, it wasn't about politics, power, or the empire. It was a battle of will—one between the man who built an empire and the one who now ruled it.

Ethan finally spoke, his voice steady. "Then I will make sure this foundation never crumbles."

Chris gave a small nod, then turned to Skylar. He reached out—not for the crown but for her hand.

Skylar hesitated only briefly before placing her hand in his.

Chris looked back at Ethan. "Do as you must, Supreme Ruler. But do not forget who laid the path you walk on."

With that, he turned and walked away, his presence lingering even after the doors closed behind him.

Ethan exhaled sharply, staring at the crown in his hands.

Skylar, still watching the doors, finally turned back to him. "You wanted to strip me of the crown, Ethan. But remember—power is not just in a title."

Ethan smirked. "I wouldn't expect anything less from a Blackwood."

The power struggle was far from over.