Chris's POV
The decision had been made. The empire, the people, the world needed to know—Amara and I were not just partners in private, but publicly united as one. We were ready to take our place, solidify our power, and let the world see what it truly meant to stand at the top.
I sat in the grand hall of the palace, the walls echoing the weight of my words. The table before me was covered in documents, yet my focus wasn't on policies or the state of the empire at that moment. It was on something far more personal, but just as crucial.
Amara stood beside me, her presence unwavering. Together, we were about to make a declaration that would send shockwaves throughout the empire.
I stood up, my chair scraping lightly against the marble floor. The courtiers, generals, and influential leaders who had gathered for the occasion all stood as well, awaiting my words. Their faces were a mixture of curiosity and respect—they knew the gravity of any decision I made. This wasn't just about a personal moment; this was an empire-wide announcement.
"My fellow citizens, my loyal subjects, and to all who serve this empire," I began, my voice commanding the room, "today, I stand before you not only as your ruler but as a man who has made a decision. A decision that will shape not only my future, but the future of this empire."
I paused, letting the weight of my words sink in.
"Five days from now, I will marry Amara Blackwood. She will become my wife, not only in my chambers, but in the eyes of the world, in front of every citizen of the Blackwood Empire. She will be 02, and she will stand beside me as my equal."
A collective murmur spread through the room. I could feel their gazes on me, the mixture of surprise and anticipation swirling in the air. It was a bold move, and they all knew what it meant.
Amara stood beside me, her expression calm, but there was a sense of pride in her posture. She wasn't just standing by my side; she was standing in her own right as a partner, as the future of the empire.
"This is not just a marriage," I continued, "this is the reaffirmation of our strength, our unity, and the future of our dynasty. The people of this empire will know that Amara Blackwood is as much a part of this throne as I am. We will rule together, and together, we will lead this empire into a new era."
The room was silent, their eyes fixed on the two of us. I knew what they were thinking. They were wondering if this was a calculated move or something deeper. The truth was, it didn't matter. They would follow us, regardless of their doubts.
Amara's eyes met mine, and for a brief moment, I could see the fire that had always been there. She wasn't just my wife by title; she was the other half of my strength. The empire would see that.
"Let it be known," I said, my voice now a command, "that in five days, the marriage of Amara and Chris Blackwood will take place. This will be a union of power, loyalty, and destiny. We will not falter, and we will not be moved."
I turned to Amara then, offering her a smile that was rare for me—genuine, full of purpose. She nodded, and the tension in the room seemed to dissipate as the realization settled in.
"Five days," she said softly, as if reaffirming the decision herself.
The announcement was made. The clock was ticking. The empire would be watching, and nothing would stand in our way.
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