(Live Imperial Broadcast — Amara's POV)
The empire was watching.
Every screen, every holo-display, every street corner flashed with the same image — the Blackwood crest, burning gold and black. Soldiers lined the stage like a wall of iron; ministers sat frozen in their chairs.
And in the center, under a single white spotlight… stood him.
Chris Blackwood — calm, composed, terrifyingly regal.
Even in silence, his presence ruled.
The announcer's voice boomed:
"Citizens of the Blackwood Empire, your Emperor speaks."
Then he turned — his eyes met mine.
For a heartbeat, I saw not the ruler, but the man I loved.
But only for a heartbeat.
"Bring the Queen forward," he commanded.
Two guards stepped aside, guiding me toward the podium. The world was watching me walk — the fallen Queen, the woman who had dared to strip an Emperor.
When I reached him, he didn't look away. His gaze pinned me in place.
And then, his voice filled the hall.
> "My people… today, I stand not as a broken ruler, but as a forgiving one."
The crowd murmured.
> "My Queen acted out of emotion, not malice. She doubted me — and for that, I do not hate her. For today, before the eyes of the empire, I forgive her."
A stunned silence.
Then a wave of applause began to rise.
Forgiveness — they thought it was mercy.
But his tone shifted. Cold. Sharp. Final.
> "However…" he said, turning to me. "Forgiveness does not erase order."
He took a slow step toward me.
> "You are restored, Amara Blackwood — your authority returned."
I almost exhaled — but then his eyes hardened.
> "Yet never forget who holds the crown. You stand beside me in sight… but beneath me in rule."
The hall went still. Even the air seemed to hold its breath.
He extended his hand — not in love, but command.
> "Now bow."
My heart pounded. Every camera was on me. The entire empire waited.
Soren's eyes flicked toward me from the corner — a warning to comply.
Chris repeated, voice low but firm:
> "You are not my equal, Amara. You are my Queen… and I am your King."
I hesitated. My pride screamed. My soul trembled.
Then slowly — painfully — I lowered my head and bent the knee.
The crowd erupted in cheers. The soldiers saluted.
And Chris… he smiled.
But I saw it — the shadow behind his calm. The rage still buried, waiting.
He raised my hand, addressing the cameras once more.
> "Let this day remind every Blackwood citizen — unity begins with obedience. Even love must kneel before order."
The applause thundered like a storm.
I smiled faintly for the cameras, but inside, my heart whispered:
This isn't over.
— To be continued…