Scene: Skylar's Private Chamber, Midnight
The moonlight poured through the stained glass, painting the polished marble floors in streaks of violet and gold. Skylar Blackwood stood in silence, her hands behind her back, eyes fixed on the imperial garden far below. She had heard the news—Cardinal Marcus Blackwood, now tax-immune, just walked into the rarest circle of favor in the empire.
And she didn't like it.
Not because of envy.
But because Chris never gave favors without a motive... or a message.
The soft rustle of her robe was the only sound as she turned at the gentle knock.
"Enter," she said calmly.
Christiana, the Dictator herself, stepped in, her cloak dusted with midnight frost, her expression sharp.
"He's moving the pieces again," Christiana said.
Skylar walked to the ornate table and poured two glasses of Blackvine. "When isn't he?"
"Marcus has the nobles rattled. They'll try to appease him… or destroy him," Christiana muttered.
Skylar swirled her wine, her tone dry, "They won't touch Marcus. Not after he marked him untouchable. But I'm wondering… what role you play now that there's a man just under God's favor?"
Christiana narrowed her eyes. "Don't bait me, Mother. My position isn't threatened by a priest with a suggestion."
Skylar smirked. "You're wrong. Chris gave him immunity, but it wasn't a reward—it was a lesson to you. You all bickered in the council, and while you debated, Marcus acted. He didn't beg for power. He offered a solution. That's what Chris rewards. Not titles. Not loyalty. Clarity."
Christiana's fist clenched. "Are you suggesting I've lost my clarity?"
"I'm suggesting," Skylar said, sipping slowly, "that your father sees too many generals… and too few visionaries."
The room went quiet again, thick with meaning.
Finally, Christiana asked, "Do you think he trusts Marcus more than me?"
Skylar looked her daughter straight in the eye. "He doesn't trust anyone. Not even me."
She stepped closer, her voice dropping. "But he uses everyone. And right now… he's using Marcus to remind you what true power looks like—unasked for, but undeniable."
Christiana stood still for a moment, then turned to leave.
But before she exited, Skylar added, "Watch the throne carefully, child. Because the next one he favors might not stop at being tax-free. They might start to look... irreplaceable."
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