Chapter Title: The Weight of Power

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Skylar's POV

Skylar's footsteps echoed in the long, empty corridor as she made her way to Chris's chamber. The Blackwood Union had always been a world of its own, and she, despite all her years of being married into it, was still on the outside looking in. Her thoughts swirled with uncertainty. Today, she had felt the change in the air—the same kind of tension that had gripped the family since Chris's decisions about the empire's future had become clearer.

As she reached the door, she hesitated for a moment, her hand resting on the cool metal of the handle. She had never been one to back down from what was needed, but this conversation... this one felt different. She had known Chris long enough to recognize when his decisions had already been made, when his mind was set. Today, though, she wasn't entirely sure what was going to unfold.

She took a deep breath and entered the room.

Chris stood at the window, his broad shoulders silhouetted against the light pouring in from outside. The empire stretched before him like a kingdom made of shadows and promises. The empire he had built. His empire.

"Chris," she said softly, but her voice carried in the stillness of the room. It was a word that had been more of a title, a name that carried weight, but in this moment, it felt almost like an intruder.

He didn't turn to face her immediately, but she could feel his attention shift the moment she spoke. His stillness, his silence, was always something she had come to recognize. He was waiting for her to speak further.

"Skylar," he replied, his tone neutral, as though they were merely exchanging pleasantries.

She stepped into the room fully, closing the door behind her with a soft click. Her heart beat a little faster as she approached him, though she maintained her composure. "I know you've been making decisions about the future of the Blackwood name... and your legacy. But I need to know, Chris, where does that leave me?"

Chris finally turned to her, his sharp gaze locking with hers. "What do you mean?"

Skylar let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "You've made it clear that Christiana is to marry. That the Blackwood bloodline must continue, that alliances are necessary. But you've never spoken to me about where you fit in all of this. You've always been the one who built this empire, and I've stood by your side. But now…" She trailed off, feeling the weight of her words.

She wasn't afraid of him—not really. But sometimes, even after all these years, his decisions still had a way of making her feel small in the vastness of everything he commanded.

Chris's eyes softened just a fraction, though his expression remained stern. "Skylar, this empire has never been about personal desires. You know that better than anyone."

Her pulse quickened at the unspoken depth of his words. "I understand that," she replied. "But I also know that it's been built on more than just strategy and power. It's been built on us—our family. And I need to know where I stand, especially now that Christiana's future is being determined."

Chris stepped toward her, his presence filling the room as if the walls themselves bowed beneath his weight. "You stand exactly where you always have, Skylar. As my partner, as the mother of my children. But I have made my decisions, and it's time for the family to grow. Christiana will marry. And we will ensure that the Blackwood Empire continues to rise."

Skylar swallowed, fighting the urge to back down. "But what of my place in this? What of me?"

Chris studied her for a long moment. "You are still my wife, Skylar. Your place is here, with me, and with our son. But we must all play our part in the empire. You've played yours well."

His words were meant to be reassuring, but they felt like a chain being wrapped around her heart, pulling tighter with every passing second. She wanted more than just the role of a mother. She wanted more than just being the woman behind the empire. She had helped build it, too.

"Are you sure?" Skylar asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you sure it's enough for me to remain in the background, supporting your every move?"

Chris took a step closer, his voice steady and certain. "In the background? No. You will never be in the background. But there are some roles that require subtlety, patience. You have the wisdom to know that."

Skylar closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the weight of his words, the weight of everything she had sacrificed for this empire. She had never questioned her role before, but now… now she wondered if it was enough.

She opened her eyes and met his gaze once more, her resolve hardening. "Then I will do my part, as always. But don't forget, Chris, it's not only you who builds the future of this empire. It's the rest of us, too."

Chris didn't reply immediately. Instead, he stepped back, his gaze intense, as if measuring her. After a long pause, he nodded once, his expression unreadable. "You've always been more than capable, Skylar. Never forget that."

And with that, the conversation ended, but Skylar knew nothing would truly be the same. Things were changing—new alliances, new paths. And she would have to navigate them, whether she was prepared for it or not.

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