Ethan POV – The Lesson

Ethan stood in the grand hall, reviewing reports from the regional governors, when the heavy doors swung open with force. The sound echoed through the chamber, making everyone turn.

Chris entered first, his steps slow, deliberate—each one carrying the weight of authority that no one dared challenge. Skylar followed, her expression unreadable, but there was fire in her eyes.

Ethan immediately straightened, his grip tightening around the document in his hand. He knew.

The room emptied almost instantly. No one wanted to be present for what was about to happen. Even the guards moved to the farthest corners, ensuring they were out of the line of fire.

Chris stopped a few feet from Ethan, his gaze as sharp as a blade. "Tell me, Ethan," he said, his voice dangerously calm. "What was in your hands when I last saw you?"

Ethan didn't hesitate. "The Queen's crown."

"And why was it in your hands?"

There was no right answer. No way to justify it. But Ethan had never been one to back down.

"Because I believed she no longer deserved it," he said, his voice steady.

Skylar's breath hitched slightly beside Chris, but she said nothing.

Chris tilted his head. "You believed?" he repeated. "You? The ruler of my empire, yet you forget your place?"

Ethan clenched his jaw. "I was acting in the best interest of the empire."

Chris stepped closer, his presence suffocating. "Your empire? Ethan, you rule because I allow it. You hold the Blackwood name because I gave it to you. Do you truly believe you have the right to decide who wears the crown?"

Ethan didn't respond immediately. He knew any words he spoke could either save or ruin him.

Chris's eyes darkened. "You forget your place, Ethan. Skylar is not just my wife. She is your Queen. And no one—no one—questions the authority I have given her."

Ethan exhaled through his nose, steadying himself. "Then let me ask you, Chris—are you saying she is above me?"

The room went silent.

Chris's expression didn't change. "I am saying she is untouchable."

Ethan stared at him. He understood now. Chris wasn't just here to remind him of Skylar's place. He was here to remind him of his own.

"So, what now?" Ethan asked, voice low. "Do you wish to punish me?"

Chris's smirk was almost amused. "Punish you? No, Ethan. I will not punish you." He turned to the side, gesturing toward Skylar. "She will."

Ethan's eyes flickered to her. She was watching him, her gaze unreadable.

"Say the word," Chris said, folding his arms. "And I will enforce whatever judgment you choose."

Ethan wasn't sure if it was a test or a warning.

Skylar stepped forward, her chin lifted. "I don't need punishment to prove my authority," she said. "But I do demand an apology."

Ethan's pride flared for a moment, but he swallowed it. He knew when to bend.

He exhaled sharply. "I was wrong," he said, his voice firm. "I overstepped. It won't happen again."

Skylar nodded once, satisfied.

Chris studied Ethan for a moment longer before turning away. "Good." He began walking toward the exit. "Let this be the last time we have this conversation."

Ethan remained standing as they left, his mind racing.

He had underestimated Skylar.

And more importantly, he had underestimated Chris's unwavering loyalty to her.

This was a lesson he would never forget.