The Name of Power

Chris's POV – 

As the months passed, I began to solidify my control over the empire. Not just through military dominance or economic power, but through something more symbolic—something that would be felt by every single citizen in the empire, down to the very roots of their identity.

The name Blackwood would become more than just the name of a family; it would become the name of an empire. It would be the mark of authority, of unity, and above all, it would be a reminder of the new world order that I had built.

It was a simple yet powerful decision. As the supreme ruler, I had the authority to reshape the world in my image, and what better way to do that than to make the very name Blackwood synonymous with the empire?

I walked into the council room, the heavy weight of the decision settling over me. The officials stood, bowing their heads as I took my seat.

"Today," I began, my voice firm and unwavering, "we enter a new chapter in the history of the Blackwood Empire. One where our people, no matter their origin, no matter their past, will carry the name that embodies power, unity, and loyalty."

I paused for effect, allowing the room to absorb my words. The silence was deafening, but I could see the subtle nods of approval from the most trusted members of my council.

"The name Blackwood will become the surname of every citizen within the empire," I continued. "From this day forward, anyone born under the rule of the Blackwood Empire, regardless of their background, will take on the name of Blackwood. Whether you are Danu, or any other name from before, you will now be known as [First Name] Blackwood."

The room stirred with murmurs of surprise. This wasn't a mere change of law; this was a radical shift in the very identity of every person in the empire. The name Blackwood would no longer be a symbol of just the ruling family—it would be a symbol of loyalty and belonging to the new order.

I leaned forward slightly, my eyes scanning the room. "This law is not just a formal decree. It is a symbol of unity. If you are loyal to the empire, if you believe in the strength we have built, you will carry the name with honor. And to those who dare to defy it—well, you will have your consequences."

There was a brief pause as the weight of the law set in. Some of the nobles looked uneasy, but none dared to voice their objections. They knew better than to question me now.

I continued, "From this moment on, every newborn in the Blackwood Empire will be given this name. Every child born will inherit the strength of the empire, the legacy of the Blackwood family. And every adult citizen will carry the weight of that legacy as well."

I took a moment to let the words sink in. This wasn't just about changing the name—it was about changing the very fabric of society. By making every citizen's last name Blackwood, I was not only consolidating power over their identity but also sending a message to the world: the Blackwood Empire was everywhere. It wasn't just a family; it was a nation.

"The paperwork will be processed," I said, "and all legal records will reflect this change. From today onward, anyone without the Blackwood name will be considered a traitor to the empire."

I could feel the energy in the room shift. There were no protests, no resistance. The empire had been reshaped. Every single person under my rule now bore the name of Blackwood, and with that came their duty to uphold the strength of the empire.

As the meeting ended, I watched my officials disperse. The law would be implemented immediately, and the paperwork to change records would be sent out within the hour. It was a monumental change, one that would not only unify the people but also remind them of the absolute authority that had been established. The name Blackwood would be feared, respected, and followed for generations to come.

I stood alone in the council room for a moment, feeling the weight of the decision settle into place. This was more than a name. It was an identity. An empire. A legacy.

And I was the one who had forged it all.