The grand dining hall was bathed in the golden glow of the chandeliers, the long table filled with the finest dishes money could buy. Yet, despite the luxurious spread, the atmosphere was heavy.
Ethan sat at the head of the table, his posture firm, exuding the authority of a ruler who had finally taken his throne. To his right sat Christiana, her gaze sharp as ever, her wine glass barely touched. On his left, Classic, who was still adjusting to his position, maintained his usual composed expression.
Skylar sat beside Chris, their silent exchanges unnoticed by the rest. Amal, ever graceful, was seated next to her father, the Emir, who had joined them for the evening.
The silence was broken by Chris, who leaned back in his chair, his voice deep and calm.
"So, how does it feel?" he asked, directing his question at Ethan.
Ethan exhaled slowly, setting down his fork. "Heavy." His gaze flickered to his father. "You carried this weight alone for decades. I understand now."
Chris smirked. "Understanding is one thing. Mastering it is another."
Christiana scoffed, swirling her wine. "You gave him absolute power, Father. I hope he knows how to wield it."
Ethan turned to her, his tone unshaken. "You question me?"
Christiana met his gaze head-on. "I always question. That's why I'm the Dictator."
A tense silence followed, but Chris merely chuckled, amused by the exchange.
"That's enough," Chris finally said. "Ethan is the Supreme Ruler. His word is final." He leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping just enough to remind them all of what had changed. "And I? I am only a shadow. No one comes to me with complaints. No one questions his rule. I do not interfere... unless absolutely necessary."
His words settled over them, the finality clear.
Classic, who had been silent, finally spoke. "So, what comes next?"
Ethan took a sip of his drink before answering. "We strengthen what has already been built. The world will know that the Blackwood Empire remains unshaken. That I am not just a successor, but a ruler in my own right."
Chris nodded approvingly.
Skylar glanced at her son, her expression unreadable. "Then make sure you prove it."
A smirk tugged at the corner of Ethan's lips. "I intend to."
The dinner continued, the weight of the future settling over them.