(Private Chamber — Blackwood Palace, Midnight)
The grand chamber was silent except for the faint hum of the palace lights. Chris sat at the edge of the imperial balcony, overlooking the glowing city of Blackwood—his empire. The night air was calm, but his mind wasn't. He turned slowly as the doors opened, revealing Amara. Dressed in a flowing silver robe, her steps echoed like a song through the marble floor.
Chris (smirking):
"My queen… my love."
Amara (softly):
"You called for me, my emperor?"
Chris rose, his gaze locked on her with that mix of affection and authority only he could carry. He walked up close, so close that his breath brushed her cheek.
Chris:
"I need a favor from you, my love. A big one."
Amara (raising a brow):
"A favor? You, asking me for a favor? That's new."
He chuckled quietly, slipping his hands behind his back.
Chris:
"Tomorrow morning, the B.A.M. will conduct their largest convoy march ever—hundreds of armored vehicles, all through the capital. The whole nation will watch."
Amara:
"I'm aware. General Soren himself planned it. It's a show of strength for the people."
Chris (grinning):
"Yes… and I want you to block it."
Amara blinked, taken aback.
"Block it? You mean—cancel the route?"
Chris (shakes his head):
"No. I mean physically block it. Stop them midway. Seal the capital roads. Ground the entire convoy. Just for fun."
Amara (laughs softly):
"For fun? Chris, the B.A.M. doesn't know the meaning of fun. If I give that order, Soren will think I've lost my mind."
Chris stepped closer, lowering his voice into that deep, commanding tone that made even steel tremble.
Chris:
"Exactly. Let him think that. Let the whole nation see the convoy stopped… by my queen. No threats. No violence. Just one command from you that halts the most powerful military force in the world."
Amara tilted her head, studying him.
"You want to test their obedience, don't you?"
Chris:
"I want to remind them who truly controls the Empire's pulse. If they obey you without question—then our throne is unshakable."
Amara (smiles dangerously):
"And if they don't?"
Chris:
"Then Soren will learn that even loyalty must kneel when the queen speaks."
A pause. The tension between them thickened, but so did the thrill.
Amara (slow grin):
"Very well, my king. I'll stop your little army tomorrow. But when they ask why, what should I say?"
Chris (leans in, whispering in her ear):
"Tell them… the Emperor wanted to see what silence looks like on the streets."
They both laughed quietly—dark, beautiful, powerful.
Outside, the city lights flickered as if bowing to the idea itself.
Tomorrow, the B.A.M. convoy—the pride of the Empire—would face its strangest enemy yet: the whim of a queen.