POV: Chris Blackwood
The grand chamber was filled with an icy silence—one that demanded obedience. The elite guard flanked the marbled walls, their faces expressionless, their rifles vertical and gleaming beneath the chandeliers. Amara stood beside me, eyes locked forward, unreadable as ever.
Skylar was brought in, restrained, defiant.
No tears. No remorse. Just that cold, imperious fire that used to make kingdoms kneel.
But this wasn't the same empire. And I wasn't the same man.
I stood slowly, the floor echoing beneath my polished boots. Everyone fell to their knees the moment I rose. Everyone but her.
"Skylar Blackwood," I said, my voice thunderous yet calm. "Once wife to the Crown. Once the 02. Once the jewel of this empire."
She said nothing. Her chin raised higher.
"You violated the security of the Blackwood Palace," I continued. "You attacked your Emperor in his chamber. You spilled my blood in the heart of my fortress."
"I wanted to finish what I should've done years ago," she hissed.
A ripple went through the guards—but I raised my hand. Silence again.
I turned toward Amara.
"She was your rival," I said. "Your enemy. She tried to kill the man you swore to protect with your life—and yet, I restrained you."
Amara's jaw clenched. "You did."
"And now," I said, slowly stepping toward Skylar, "I no longer will."
Gasps. Stifled and sharp.
I faced Skylar now, barely inches from her.
"I want her dead," I said, calm and final. "This is no longer the judgment of a husband. This is the judgment of an Emperor."
I turned to the guards. "But not today. Not in haste. Her execution will be public. Five days from now. In the Arena of Allegiance."
I looked into her eyes—those same proud eyes that once haunted my dreams.
"You will kneel before the empire you tried to destroy. And then you will fall."
And with that, I left.
Amara followed.
---
POV: Amara (as doors closed)
He finally let me. After all the restraint, all the hesitation—Chris finally chose the Empire over her. Over sentiment.
Now, it was my turn to make Skylar's final days memorable.
She won't just die.
She'll learn what it means to be forgotten.