Classic's POV
The grand chamber doors loomed ahead, carved with the sigil of the Blackwood Empire—two ravens circling a crown of fire. Only those summoned by Chris himself ever stepped through them. But today, I wasn't summoned.
I walked in anyway.
Amara was already there, standing beside Chris like a shadow forged in steel and elegance. Her posture was regal, her hand resting on the arm of the emperor's throne, not possessive… but protective. The future 02.
Chris leaned forward slightly, eyes locked on mine. That unreadable gaze of his—ancient and young, cold and burning.
"I wondered when you'd show," he said.
"I wasn't hiding," I replied calmly. "Just moving pieces."
Amara crossed her arms. "Pieces?"
I glanced at her, then back at Chris. "You're both preparing for a wedding. Meanwhile, Skylar's loyalists are growing in the undercurrent. Christiana hasn't made a single public appearance in days. The silence is dangerous."
Chris nodded. "That's why I need to know, Classic… where do you stand?"
I smirked. "Where I've always stood. Behind you. But not as a shadow. Not anymore."
Amara narrowed her eyes. "And what does that mean?"
"It means," I stepped forward, "I'm done hiding my support. I've rallied some of the brightest minds in our generation. Quietly. Strategically. We're ready to protect the empire—your union, this reign—from anything that threatens it."
Chris didn't blink. "Even if that threat comes from within?"
"I was born for this. You made me for this. If a threat comes from within," I said slowly, "then we cut it from the inside."
Amara tilted her head. "So, you've chosen your side."
"I chose it the day I was born Blackwood."
A tense silence followed, charged with unspoken history and future blood. Then, Chris stood up—taller than the throne behind him, and far heavier with power.
"Then welcome back, son," he said, voice low and final.
I nodded.
I wasn't here for glory or applause. I was here because the Blackwood name was my birthright—and no rebellion, no lover, no ghost of the past would steal it from us.
Let the empire witness: The prince has returned.
To be continued…