Title: Brewing Storms Behind Smiles

Skylar's POV

The press conference was over. The fake unity. The handshakes. The "for the people" slogans. It all collapsed the moment Amara walked in.

And now, back in my office, I was pacing.

"You don't act for the empire," I muttered under my breath, mimicking her. "You act for Chris."

That wasn't the same thing. And everyone knew it. But nobody had the spine to say it—except me.

I should've pushed back harder. Should've said more. But something in her eyes—sharp, unwavering—made me hesitate. And that hesitation could cost lives.

I turned to the screen behind me, scanning the agency's latest intelligence feed. Reports were flying in. Known dissenters disappearing. Surveillance footage mysteriously corrupted. One of our inner coordinators was missing.

"She's already started," I whispered.

Then the door creaked open. Christiana entered—silent, rattled, furious.

"Nice performance," I said coldly, sitting down.

She shot me a glare. "You let her humiliate us."

"I let her? You sat there like a doll, Christiana."

She crossed her arms, voice low. "Don't forget who built the infrastructure of this empire while you were playing queen of pity parties."

"And don't forget who actually cares about the people starving in the streets while your father played God."

Silence.

Bitter. Electric.

But in that silence, a grim truth grew between us.

We had to work together—even if we hated it.

"She's watching us both now," Christiana finally said. "Which means every move we make from here… must be flawless."

I leaned forward, voice cold and precise. "I'm not backing down. I'll protect the people—even if it means going through Amara. And if Chris wants war, I'll bring it to his palace gates."

Christiana smirked. "Then we'd better build an army she can't smell coming."

We didn't shake hands.

But the alliance was formed.

A secret.

A storm.

And Amara just lit the match.