Chapter Title: Structure of the throne

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The Blackwood Citadel was unusually quiet.

Chris sat alone in the Inner Sanctum, the golden insignia of the empire glowing faintly behind him. Before him stood Ethan—reinstated, but still under watch.

Chris didn't speak immediately. He studied Ethan like a chessboard—measuring, calculating.

Then, finally, he leaned back in his chair. "If you are to serve again, then you must understand the new order. My bloodline is no longer just a family. It is a ruling system."

Ethan straightened, attentive.

Chris's voice was calm but firm. "Break it down. One by one. Their titles, their power, their reach. Starting with me."

Ethan nodded, and began.

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1. Chris Blackwood — The God of the Empire

Title: Supreme Emperor & Eternal Sovereign

Authority: Absolute and final. No law, no policy, no command supersedes Chris.

Domains Controlled: The entire Blackwood Empire, all twelve territories, military, intelligence, and foreign affairs.

Power Base: Global control, divine authority, feared figurehead.

Legacy: Founder. Untouchable. Worshipped. Ruthless.

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2. Christiana Blackwood — The Dictator

Title: Supreme Executor of the Blackwood Union

Authority: Commands all internal affairs, oversees governors, manages military strategy under Chris's order.

Domains Controlled: Domestic policies, civil order, surveillance, enforcement.

Power Base: Fear. Precision. Totalitarian execution of Chris's will.

Strengths: Calculating. Obedient. Brilliantly cold.

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3. Skylar Blackwood — The First Empress

Title: Imperial Matriarch

Authority: Limited political power, but immense influence behind closed doors.

Domains Controlled: Diplomacy, internal balance, influence over the Imperial Council.

Power Base: Legacy name. Royal influence. Public trust.

Strengths: Emotional intelligence. Deep understanding of everyone at the table—especially Chris.

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4. Amal Blackwood — The Strategist Queen

Title: Head of the Intelligence Circle

Authority: Oversees covert operations, intelligence, and political manipulation.

Domains Controlled: Espionage networks, counter-rebellion units, elite silent forces.

Power Base: Secrets. Shadows. Loyalty to Classic.

Strengths: Surgical mind. Deadly when underestimated.

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5. Classic Blackwood — The Heir Apparent

Title: Crown Executor & Future Emperor

Authority: Currently in training, but holds official influence over next-gen governance.

Domains Controlled: Skyspire Academy, youth military divisions, innovation councils.

Power Base: Charisma. Inherited command. Potential for both unity and destruction.

Strengths: Observant. Ruthless. Revolutionary mindset. Future of the empire.

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Ethan paused. Chris gave him a nod to continue.

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6. Ethan Blackwood — The Phantom King

Title: Commander of the Outer Rings

Authority: Controls the borderlands, military bases beyond the capital, and foreign expansion.

Domains Controlled: The West Territories, Special Forces, Outer Security Division.

Power Base: Fearless reputation. Tactical genius. Deep military loyalty.

Limitations: No authority over inner council decisions. Under constant surveillance.

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Ethan finished. Chris rose slowly from his seat, hands clasped behind his back.

"You've done your homework," Chris murmured. "Good."

Then his voice hardened. "Remember your rank. You're not part of my bloodline. You serve under it."

Ethan didn't flinch. "I understand."

Chris stepped forward, eyes like fire. "Then let's see how long you last this time… Phantom King."

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Ready for the next move? Things are about to boil.