Chapter Title: The Fire Beneath the Throne

Chris's POV Continued

The war chamber was quiet when I entered, the tall iron doors groaning as they shut behind me. Flames danced in the hearth, casting flickering shadows against the marble walls, where maps of the world under the Blackwood Union were carved in gold.

I didn't wait long before Christiana — the Dictator — entered, dressed in her all-black command uniform. Her hair was tied back in a tight braid, her eyes sharp as always. She bowed deeply, but there was a trace of emotion in her gaze. She knew. She had heard.

"Father," she said carefully, "Mother and Lady Elira… both expecting?"

I gave her a nod. "Yes. You'll have a sibling... two, actually."

Christiana exhaled but remained composed. "Does the Empire know?"

"They will," I said. "But not now. I want you to handle the rollout. When the time is right, you'll craft the announcement."

She gave a quick nod. "Of course. I'll ensure the media, the press, and every news outlet follows a single, clear narrative. I'll contact BNN tonight."

I rose and walked over to her, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. "You've done well, Christiana. But this next era — it's not just about me anymore. It's about all of you. Classic. The unborn heirs. Even you. This family must never fracture."

Her expression faltered just slightly, revealing the weight she carried. "Do you trust me to hold it all together?"

"I raised you to rule if needed," I said quietly. "You are not just a symbol. You are power."

She straightened, nodding again with renewed conviction. "Then I will not fail. The future heirs will grow in a world secured by the Dictator's hands."

I stepped back, turning toward the blazing fire again. "And we'll begin with reshaping the Council. I want new names. Loyal names. Those ex-royals stripped of title? Replace them with commoners who've proven themselves. Farmers, inventors, scientists, and soldiers. I want real people running this world now."

"I'll begin the vetting process immediately," she responded.

Before she left, I stopped her.

"Christiana…"

"Yes, Father?"

"Your sibling may come from a concubine," I said slowly, "but make no mistake — if they earn their place… they'll rule beside you."

She held my gaze for a long moment, then bowed deeply. "Understood."

As the door closed behind her, I stood in the silence once more. The Blackwood Empire was changing. Not weakened. Not softened. But evolving.

And me?

I wasn't just building an empire anymore.

I was raising a dynasty.

The world would remember the day Chris Blackwood didn't just rule the Union — he redefined it.

And this was only the beginning.