Chapter Title: The Chain of Legacy

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Chris's POV

The room was quiet, save for the distant hum of the empire outside. Chris stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the ever-expanding reach of the Blackwood Union, but his mind was far from the world outside.

Christiana entered the chamber without a sound, her sharp eyes immediately catching his attention. She stood still, waiting for his words, always the perfect image of patience and composure.

Chris turned to face her, his voice unwavering. "Christiana."

She met his gaze, calm but alert. "Yes, Father?"

There was no hesitation in Chris's voice as he spoke. "It is time for you to marry."

Christiana's brow furrowed slightly, though she didn't question him immediately. "I beg your pardon?"

Chris's eyes narrowed. "You heard me. You've been trained, prepared to lead, and now it's time to solidify your place—your future. You can't rule the Blackwood name alone, Christiana. You need an ally. A strong, unshakable partnership. One that binds not only you, but the empire as well."

Her face remained composed, but there was a flicker of something deeper in her eyes. "But, Father, I—"

"No," he interrupted, his voice firm. "You will not question this. It's for the legacy. The future. You can't carry the weight of this empire on your own. You need a counterpart, a king to your queen, a foundation for the strength you'll build."

Christiana took a step closer, her eyes not leaving his. "And who do you think I should marry?"

Chris stood tall, a slight, calculating glint in his eyes. "That's not for me to decide. You know the power structures. You know what alliances are worth. Choose wisely. It may not be a marriage of love, but it must be one of necessity. Of strength."

Her expression softened, but there was still a hardness in her gaze. "You want me to marry for power, for the empire?"

Chris nodded, his face stone-cold. "Power. Control. That is all that matters. You must secure our bloodline and ensure that no one dares to threaten our reign."

Christiana's voice dropped, her tone laced with challenge, though still respectful. "And what of my desires, Father? What of my heart?"

Chris's gaze darkened, his voice a low rumble. "Desires and hearts have no place in the Blackwood legacy. We rule with authority, with strength. Personal matters come second. Always."

He stepped closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "You will marry. It's not up for discussion. The Blackwood Empire requires a partnership—an unbreakable one. Do this, Christiana, and your rule will be beyond reproach. Fail to do this, and you risk everything we've built."

Christiana stood motionless, taking in every word he had said. The weight of his command settled upon her, but there was no doubt in her mind that this was an order that could not be ignored.

"I understand, Father," she replied, her voice steady despite the storm of thoughts racing in her mind.

Chris nodded, his gaze softening ever so slightly. "Good. We don't have time for weakness. Not now, not ever."

With that, he turned back to the window, his thoughts already moving forward, planning the next steps for the Blackwood Empire. Christiana remained still for a moment longer, her mind turning over the implications of her father's words.

Marriage. Power. Legacy.

She had no choice but to obey. For the empire. For the future of the Blackwood name.