Skylar stormed into Chris' chamber without waiting for permission. The heavy doors slammed shut behind her, but Chris didn't flinch. He simply sat there, his fingers lightly tapping against the desk, watching her with that same unreadable expression.
"You told me he would be the supreme ruler," she began, her voice sharp, "but this—this is not what I expected."
Chris leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "Ethan rules as he sees fit. That was the agreement."
Skylar's frustration flared. "And what about the people? The decisions he's making—the power he's centralizing. He's changed laws without consulting anyone. He's enforcing policies that even you wouldn't have dared to implement so recklessly."
Chris remained silent, his gaze piercing through her.
"I know you're watching," Skylar continued, stepping closer. "You're seeing everything. Are you really going to stand by and do nothing?"
Chris sighed, finally standing. He walked toward the window, staring out at the empire he had built. "I made a vow," he said calmly. "Ethan is unquestionable. If I interfere now, it undermines everything."
Skylar clenched her fists. "Then what happens when his rule becomes a danger? When he crosses a line even you can't ignore?"
Chris turned to face her, his expression still composed but with something darker beneath the surface. "Then," he said, "I will remind him why I am still here."