(Palace Press Hall — Immediately Following the Press Conference Speech)
The reporters were still scribbling, cameras still flashing, but Chris and Amara remained at the podium — the aura around them thick with authority… and something far more intimate.
Chris leaned slightly closer to Amara, his voice now softer, almost playful, carrying a note only she could hear over the chaos of flashing cameras.
Chris (whispering, just for her):
"You know, my queen… the entire empire watched you stop an army, and yet… I think they'll remember this kiss more than anything else."
Amara's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
Amara (playfully):
"Should I thank you for giving me a stage?"
Chris chuckled, leaning in further. He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear with the back of his hand, letting his fingers linger.
Chris (smirking, softly):
"No, my love. They don't deserve thanks. You've already given them everything today. And now… I get to have my reward."
Before anyone could react, Chris tilted her chin gently and kissed her.
This was no ceremonial kiss — it was deep, lingering, a mixture of command and desire. A spark that could melt the coldest steel in the hall.
The press cameras didn't blink; some caught the moment live. A few reporters whispered, others froze in awe. But the couple didn't care.
Chris pulled back slightly, his forehead resting against hers. His hands moved to her waist, drawing her subtly closer, letting the entire hall feel the tension between them.
Chris (softly, teasing):
"You know, Amara… an entire army stopped for you today. But I still don't think they saw your best angle."
Amara (breathless, smirking):
"And what's my best angle, Your Majesty?"
Chris (grinning, whispering in her ear):
"This one… right here, in front of the empire. When the crown's queen is mine, and the world can only watch."
He kissed her again — shorter this time, teasing, brushing her lips with his own, leaving her shivering slightly. Then his hand traced the line of her shoulder, gentle but possessive, reminding everyone in the hall who truly owned her heart.
Amara leaned into him, whispering softly, her voice carrying both laughter and warmth:
Amara:
"You really can't resist showing off, can you?"
Chris (grinning, pulling back slightly to look into her eyes):
"Why would I? You stopped an army today. And yet… I think the empire still doesn't know who truly commands it."
The room was silent. Ministers, generals, reporters — all caught between awe, shock, and admiration.
Even Soren, standing stiffly near the back, muttered under his breath:
Soren:
"I… I can't unsee this."
Chris chuckled low, pressing one final kiss to her temple before turning to address the hall once more, still holding her hand possessively.
Chris:
"Let the empire see this. Let them understand… the throne moves with power, courage… and yes, love."
Amara's laugh echoed softly, a musical sound over the hum of technology and camera clicks.
For one perfect moment, the entire Blackwood Union witnessed not just the authority of the crown, but the fire of their rulers' passion — unstoppable, undeniable, and alive.