The time

Baron Elias POV

Location: The Eastern Tower – Guest Wing, Blackwood Palace

The cold marble beneath Baron Elias's boots echoed as he paced the length of his new quarters. Large windows offered a panoramic view of the capital—a shining marvel of order, discipline, and relentless ambition. The city below was painted in lights, streets alive with preparation for the Supreme Ruler's birthday gala.

But Elias could hardly enjoy the beauty.

Chris's words haunted him. "You wear the title of fiancé, but not my approval."

He knew what that meant. This was not just a test—it was a silent war. And Chris Blackwood never waged war without planning the burial.

He dropped into the armchair by the fireplace, his thoughts spiraling. No man had ever ruled beside Christiana—not truly. She had inherited her father's fierce will, and even in silence, her presence demanded submission. Yet she had chosen him.

Why?

That question stalked his mind. Not because he doubted her feelings—but because Chris would never allow her to be with someone weak. And maybe, deep down, Elias feared that Chris didn't see him as strong enough.

A soft knock tapped at the door.

He stood quickly. "Enter."

The door creaked open and in came Colonel Mave, a senior officer under General Henry. Her face was unreadable, but Elias caught the hint of scrutiny behind her eyes.

"Baron Elias," she greeted coolly. "General Henry has assigned me to escort you through tomorrow's trial. You are expected in the Grand Strategy Chamber at dawn. Do not be late."

"Thank you, Colonel," Elias said, his voice steady. He offered a respectful nod, masking the slight burn of unease in his chest.

She gave a sharp nod, then turned to leave.

As the door shut again, Elias sat back and stared at the flames in the hearth.

He wasn't a fool. He knew he was being watched. Every movement, every word, maybe even every breath. Chris didn't trust easily—and trust in the Blackwood Union was more fragile than glass and twice as dangerous when it shattered.

So be it.

He stood and moved to the small vault embedded in the wall. With a biometric scan, it clicked open, revealing a thin data chip. A gift from his father, the late Duke of Crescent Valley. On it were the original tactical simulations used by former war generals of the old Blackwood regime—maps, failed coups, border war archives, and more. It was contraband now, illegal to own without direct permission from the Supreme Council.

But Elias had kept it for this reason. If he was going to prove himself, he needed every edge he could find.

He inserted the chip into a hidden console and activated the holographic map. Lines of conflict and territorial boundaries danced before his eyes.

The voice of Chris echoed again in his mind: "You want to be my son-in-law? Then show me you can rule beside her… or die trying."

Elias clenched his fist.

"I will not die," he muttered. "Not here. Not like this."

He began to study. Memorizing. Calculating. Every detail mattered. Every opportunity to rise would come only once.

And as the midnight bells rang across the city, he whispered to himself—

"For Christiana. For us. I will win your father's war."

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