The chamber was dimly lit, silence lingering like a shadow. Maps, reports, and diplomatic letters lay neatly stacked on Chris's grand obsidian desk. His fingers drummed slowly against the armrest of his chair, the weight of the conference still sitting heavy on his shoulders—not from regret, but from the sheer scale of what came next.
A soft knock broke the quiet.
He didn't look up.
"Enter."
The doors opened and in walked Skylar, poised in her regal black gown, her eyes searching Chris's. Right behind her stood Baron Elias, silent, composed—but visibly tense under Chris's gaze.
Skylar approached first.
Skylar: "I thought you'd be resting."
Chris gave a dry smile. "Leaders don't rest. Empires don't sleep."
Her eyes softened as she moved closer, lowering herself gently onto the velvet seat opposite him. Elias remained at the doorway, waiting to be acknowledged.
Chris's voice cut through the still air.
"Baron Elias. Step forward."
He obeyed.
Chris (calm but sharp):
"You've proven yourself… capable. But I need more than capability for the man who dares to stand beside my daughter—the Dictator of the Blackwood Union."
Elias nodded, standing firm.
Elias: "I understand, Supreme Ruler."
Chris leaned back, eyes narrowing.
Chris:
"You'll be tested. Publicly. Privately. Spiritually. You wear the title of fiancé, but not my approval—not yet. My daughter's heart is her own, but her future is mine to secure. Do you agree?"
Elias bowed his head. "I do, my lord."
Skylar watched in silence, then turned her gaze to Chris.
Skylar: "He's loyal, Chris. I've watched him closely. He stands for Christiana—not for her title."
Chris's gaze lingered on Elias a beat longer before finally nodding.
Chris:
"Then let the trials begin. Starting tomorrow, you will shadow my generals, sit with my strategists, dine with my enemies, and lead with my name. Fail, and I'll remove you myself. Succeed... and you may earn a seat."
He stood.
Chris (firm):
"You want to be my son-in-law? Then show me you can rule beside her... or die trying."
Skylar rose slowly. She gave Elias a subtle, reassuring glance.
Skylar (softly):
"He'll rise. Like we did."
Chris looked between them—his empress and the man now tied to his legacy—and finally said,
"Then let the world watch."