Faith
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Chris' POV:
The weight of leadership settled in deeper as the days passed, but it was something I had grown accustomed to. Now, with two children to consider—Drex, Sarah's child, and my own son with Skylar—the future of the Blackwood Empire was secured, at least for the moment.
Drex was a symbol of power and legacy, his birth tying Sarah even closer to the Blackwood bloodline. Sarah had proven herself capable, not just as a mother but as a strong ally. Elena, however, remained in the background, a woman whose role was still unclear. I had always been particular about keeping my concubines in check, and Elena's position remained precarious. There was no room for weakness or rebellion, not with so many eyes watching every move I made.
The empire was growing. The territories expanded, and the Blackwood Union was stronger than ever, but so too were the threats. The whispers about Drex, his potential to rise and lead, were starting to stir. I knew that the other families would have their eyes on him, as they did with my son.
Skylar, on the other hand, had become more focused on her role as a mother. The birth of our son had softened something in her, but I couldn't afford to let her weakness affect the empire. She had her role, and I had mine.
I had yet to fully reveal Elena's child, Drex, to the empire. It was time. The Blackwood name had to be solidified in every possible way, and Drex would be an integral piece of that.
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Sarah's POV:
The birth of Drex was more than just a personal joy; it was a statement. The power and influence that Chris and I held would only grow from here. I hadn't forgotten what he had said when he entrusted me with his child. Drex had to be a symbol of everything Blackwood stood for—strength, power, and the continuation of a legacy.
But there was a silent tension hanging over me. Elena's role in this was still unclear. While I had my place beside Chris, I was not naïve. The other concubines and their children were always under scrutiny. Elena had the favor of Chris, but she would need to prove herself, just as I had done. My connection to Chris was rooted in a solid bond, but I could feel the weight of the upcoming challenge. Would Drex be accepted in the same way?
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Elena's POV:
I had been quiet, my position in the palace one of observation more than participation. But I could feel the weight of my child, Drex, growing in significance each day. Chris had given me everything—his favor, his protection—but it wasn't enough. I wasn't sure if he trusted me completely yet, or if it was merely the power of my son that tied me to his side.
The whispers about Drex were inevitable. A child born of Sarah and a child born of me would be compared. The question was: which one would become the next symbol of Blackwood's power?
As I walked through the palace halls with Drex in my arms, I was keenly aware of the eyes that followed me. Those who had once underestimated me were now watching closely. There was no turning back. The empire would have to accept Drex, and through him, they would accept me.
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Chris' POV:
The next steps in securing the empire's future were clear. The birth of my son with Skylar had sent a message, but Drex's arrival was just as significant. Sarah had proven herself, and now it was time for Drex to begin his journey toward power. I wasn't one to leave things to chance. He would be molded into a leader, as much as my own son would be.
The game of thrones within the Blackwood family was far from over, and I would need to navigate it carefully. Sarah and Elena were both strong women, but I could not afford to show favoritism. There was no room for weakness. The fate of the empire would rest not just on my shoulders, but on the shoulders of my children—and I would make sure they were prepared.
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Drex's birth had set things in motion. It was no longer just a matter of securing the empire, but ensuring the survival of the Blackwood name through generations.