Chapter Title: The Crowned Celebration

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Chris's POV

The Blackwood Union's grand council meeting had barely ended when word began to spread like wildfire: The Supreme Ruler's birthday was next week—and it would be marked by the most extravagant ball the world had ever seen.

Not just a celebration…

A statement.

In his chamber, Chris stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the capital city of the Union—Blackspire, a place that glittered even in the dead of night. Everything he had built, fought for, and bled for pulsed beneath him like a living monument.

A knock came. Ethan entered, dressed in the signature all-black formal uniform reserved for imperial announcements.

"It's official," he said. "Invitations have been dispatched to every major power across the globe. Royal families, military leaders, Union governors… even the heads of former rival states."

Chris nodded slowly. "And the entry fee?"

Ethan gave a tight smirk. "A hundred million Blackwood credits. Non-negotiable. Only the elite of the elite can afford it."

Chris turned from the window. "Good. This isn't just a birthday. It's a demonstration."

Ethan raised a brow. "Of power?"

Chris shook his head. "Of dominance. Every empire that ever existed—Roman, Ottoman, British—none could dream of what we have now. The entire world under a single banner. One currency. One ruler. And next week, every guest who steps into that ballroom will remember who made it possible."

He paused.

"This will be the most expensive, most televised, most secured celebration in human history. Every corner of the Blackwood Union will be watching."

Ethan's face grew serious. "We've already begun enhancing palace security. No one gets in without a clearance code and an escort. Christiana is personally overseeing the guest list."

Chris gave a satisfied nod. "Good. This will also be her stage. Let the world see the Dictator in her full glory. And by the end of that night…"

His voice trailed as he returned to the window, gazing out.

"...her suitor will stand beside her."

Ethan blinked. "You plan to announce him that night?"

"If he's worthy enough by then," Chris replied coldly. "If not, I'll let them all watch her stand alone—powerful, untouchable—and remind them that the Blackwood bloodline needs no one to survive."

The silence lingered, and then Ethan added, "You do realize this event... will be the largest gathering of power in one place since the foundation of the BU."

Chris smirked. "Exactly. A king's birthday isn't a celebration. It's a message."

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Meanwhile…

Skylar's POV

The Empress stood in her private dressing chamber, watching the palace staff work tirelessly to prepare her ensemble for the event. Silk, obsidian gems, and the finest custom work from across the Union—nothing was spared. This was Chris Blackwood's birthday, after all.

But Skylar's thoughts were elsewhere. She knew Chris. This wasn't just about aging another year. This was about cementing his rule in the minds of billions.

And deep down… she could feel it:

Something was going to happen that night.

Something that would shift the entire power structure once again.

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