Chapter Title: The Proposition

Chris POV

I paced the length of the room, the heavy silence pressing against me as the door to my private chamber creaked open. She stood there, poised and collected, though I could see the subtle tension in her posture. I had summoned her here for a reason—one that neither of us could afford to ignore.

She stepped inside, closing the door behind her with a soft click, her gaze meeting mine steadily, but I could tell there was a hint of uncertainty lingering in her eyes. Perhaps she was wondering why I had brought her here, away from the prying eyes of the court, and why I had not kept her within the usual confines of the council chambers.

I turned to face her fully, my voice cold and controlled. "You've done well so far. Your information has proven valuable, and I'll honor my word. But I have an offer for you, one that goes beyond mere loyalty and titles."

She remained silent, waiting for me to continue, as though she knew exactly what was coming but had no idea just how it would change everything for her.

"You are ambitious, I can see that," I said, stepping closer to her. "And you have the fire within you to achieve things that others only dream of. But there's something more I require from you—something that will bind you to me, to the Blackwood legacy, in a way that no title ever could."

Her brow furrowed slightly, though she didn't speak. I took that as her invitation to go on.

"I need you to carry my child," I said plainly, as though the words had no weight at all. But I knew how heavy they were, how they would alter everything she had worked for. "And in return, I will ensure that you are not just a member of my court, but someone whose influence reaches deep into the heart of the empire."

I saw the flicker of shock in her eyes, the briefest hesitation before she regained her composure. She knew what I was offering. She understood the power, the prestige, the wealth that came with being chosen by me in this way. But it was more than just that. It was the ultimate symbol of loyalty, the ultimate tie to the Blackwood legacy.

"You'll become a part of my bloodline," I continued, my voice low, deliberate. "A child of mine, born into this empire, would solidify your place here—not just as a woman seeking power, but as someone who holds a claim to the very throne that rules over the entire world."

I could see the internal battle taking place behind her eyes. To accept this offer would mean surrendering part of herself, her freedom, her autonomy. It was a choice few could make easily. But it was a choice many would make if given the chance. The chance to not just be a part of the empire, but to shape it.

"I'm not asking for affection or love," I added, my tone hardening, making it clear that this wasn't about emotions or desires—it was a calculated decision, one based on power, legacy, and control. "What I'm offering you is a position beyond anything you could achieve through political maneuvering or titles. Your child will be the heir to my legacy, to the Blackwood Empire, and in turn, you'll be given authority, wealth, and status that no other noble could ever dream of."

I watched her closely as she absorbed my words. She was no fool; she knew what this meant. The question now was whether she would accept or reject it.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she spoke. Her voice was steady, but I could hear the edge of uncertainty beneath the calm.

"And what do you expect from me in return?" she asked, the question one that I had been expecting.

"Everything," I replied, my voice unyielding. "Your loyalty, your obedience, your support in whatever I deem necessary. You will stand by me, not just as a concubine, but as someone who holds power and influence within the Blackwood Union. Your position will be as high as anyone's in this empire, and you will be treated as an equal—provided you give me the one thing I need: your complete loyalty and your child."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, weighing my words carefully. The room felt heavy with the implications of what I had just proposed. I knew this was not something to be taken lightly. The decision she made here would define the rest of her life.

"Think carefully," I said, my voice softening just enough to show that I wasn't giving this as an order, but as an option. "This is your opportunity to secure a place in history. To be more than just a fleeting name in the records of the Blackwood family. To be remembered, not just as a noble, but as the mother of my child—the one who helped ensure the future of the Blackwood Empire."

She stood silently for a moment, and I could see the wheels turning in her mind. Then, as though she had made her decision, she stepped closer to me. Her voice was firm when she spoke.

"I accept," she said, her words carrying the weight of a decision that would change the course of her life.

I didn't smile, didn't show any outward sign of approval. I had no need for theatrics. This was business. Power. Control. But I knew that in this moment, everything had shifted.

The future of the Blackwood Union, my legacy, and her place within it had just been sealed.

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End of Chapter