Chapter Title: A New Era of Alliances

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Chris's POV

The weight of the empire had never felt heavier. Chris stood at the grand window of his chamber, staring out at the vast stretch of the Blackwood Union—the empire he had forged with his own hands. He could see the distant silhouettes of cities, of nations bound under the same banner, all held together by one currency, one ruler. And now, there was more to consider.

Christiana, his daughter—the Dictator of the Blackwood Empire—was his legacy. She was ruthless, strategic, and most importantly, unwavering. But for all her power, there was one thing she lacked: an alliance that could solidify her reign. That's where the matter of suitors came in.

The door creaked open behind him, and Chris turned to find Ethan entering the room. Ethan, his trusted lieutenant, stood tall, his expression serious but unreadable. It had been a year since Ethan had been reinstated in his position, and though Chris had seen signs of change in him, there was still something of the old tension between them.

"Ethan," Chris said, his voice commanding. "I need you to prepare suitors for Christiana."

Ethan raised an eyebrow, but Chris could see the shift in his demeanor—his thoughts already calculating, weighing the situation. "Suitors? For Christiana?" he asked, though the question wasn't a challenge. It was a sign of something deeper—concern, perhaps, or the complexity of the matter at hand.

"Yes," Chris replied, his voice firm. "Her position as Dictator is secure, but her rule needs to be solidified through marriage. Not just any marriage—an alliance that will strengthen her claim to power and ensure stability in the Empire."

Ethan nodded slowly, his sharp mind already working through the logistics. "You want me to seek out candidates, then. But it must be someone of great power, someone who can not only complement Christiana's strength but also provide the support she needs to continue her rule."

Chris stepped away from the window, walking toward the grand desk where documents were carefully arranged. He picked up a map of the Blackwood Union, the different territories marked with intricate lines and symbols. "Exactly. The Blackwood bloodline must remain unchallenged. Christiana needs a suitor who is not only politically powerful but also capable of standing beside her, of understanding the weight of what we've built."

Ethan took a step closer, eyes scanning the map before meeting Chris's gaze. "Do you have any specific candidates in mind?"

Chris exhaled, his gaze lingering on the map. "There are several families across the empire who could provide the necessary alliances. The house of Falcore in the East has substantial military influence, and their resources would bolster Christiana's power. The Gael family, too—while not as influential militarily, their political reach is unmatched. But I'm not just looking for power, Ethan. I need someone who understands what it means to rule under our vision, under the Blackwood doctrine."

Ethan nodded again, though his expression remained unreadable. "I understand. This is not just about strength. It's about loyalty, stability."

Chris's eyes hardened, the weight of the decision settling back on his shoulders. "Exactly. I will not risk her future on an ill-considered match. We need someone who will respect her authority, and if necessary, challenge her in the right ways—not out of arrogance, but out of understanding."

He turned back toward the window, watching the distant landscape, the horizon a mixture of sun and shadow. The decisions he made now would echo through generations. Christiana would be the one to hold the Blackwood name high, but she would need the right partner—someone capable of standing by her side as both a ruler and an equal.

"I expect you to begin the search immediately," Chris continued, his voice now quieter, but no less intense. "And keep the options broad. We need to consider all angles—alliances with the strongest families, but also those who can bring something unique to the table."

Ethan's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind already moving to action. "Understood. I'll begin preparations right away."

Chris's gaze lingered on Ethan for a moment longer. There had been many times in the past when he'd questioned Ethan's loyalty, his ambition. But now, after all that had passed, he knew that Ethan understood the weight of the Blackwood name. And he had proven himself capable.

"Good," Chris said, his voice sharp once again. "And remember, Ethan—this is not just about finding a suitor. It's about securing the future of the Blackwood Empire. Do not fail me."

Ethan bowed slightly, his expression now unreadable. "I won't, my lord."

As Ethan turned to leave, Chris's mind continued to churn. The power struggles of the past had been difficult enough, but the future was something altogether different. Christiana's rule was assured, but her marriage—her alliance—would be the cornerstone of her reign. And if he played his cards right, it would strengthen the Blackwood Union in ways he could barely comprehend.