Amara's POV
Minutes after Darnova's president declared allegiance to Blackwood live on air
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I burst into the chamber before the guards could even announce me.
The golden doors slammed shut behind me.
Chris stood by the wall-sized screen, watching President Kael Draven give his victory speech. His face was calm — too calm. The kind of calm that came before thunder.
His hands were behind his back, and he didn't turn when I stepped in.
AMARA:
"What did you just do?"
He finally glanced over his shoulder.
CHRIS:
"I made a move."
AMARA:
"No. You started a war."
My heels echoed across the marble as I crossed the room. I didn't care about protocol. I didn't care that this was His Imperial Chamber. I cared about what he just dragged us into.
AMARA (coldly):
"Do you have any idea what that broadcast just caused?"
CHRIS (turning fully):
"I know exactly what it caused. Fear."
I stepped closer.
AMARA:
"You didn't clear this with the War Council. Not even with me. You blindsided the world — and me."
His jaw clenched. For the first time, his eyes showed a flicker of annoyance.
CHRIS:
"You're the Empress of Blackwood. You don't need clarity — you need to stand beside me."
I stared at him, voice steady.
AMARA:
"I stand beside you, not behind your shadow.
You just gave billions of our tech, weapons, and soldiers to a nation that's been in ruins for decades. For what? To prove we still rule the board?"
He walked past me, slow and deliberate, and picked up a sealed document from the table.
CHRIS:
"No.
To remind the world that when Blackwood moves, entire continents tremble.
Darnova is a pawn… but now it's our pawn."
AMARA:
"And when Vandora responds? Or Seltrine? Or Yurevia? You think they'll just watch?"
He handed me the file. I opened it.
Coordinates. Strikes. Schedules. A global chessboard.
CHRIS (quietly):
"They already have. We're not reacting. We're dictating."
A pause.
CHRIS (looking straight at me):
"Do you trust me, Amara?"
I didn't answer immediately.
I looked at him — not the Emperor, not the strategist — but the man I married.
I saw the fire in his eyes.
And the weight of the world on his shoulders.
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AMARA (softly):
"If I didn't trust you, I wouldn't be fighting this hard to make sure you don't burn everything down in the name of power."
He smiled faintly.
CHRIS:
"Good. Then fight beside me."
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