The 31st Consort Novels & Stories

“Zenia, did you not inform these young nobles of your marriage arrangements?” I nodded in acknowledgment of my fault. Then, I turned and gave Henry, who was still bowing, a faint smile. Henry froze. His expression was tense. That look of his was quite to my liking. Smiling politely, I accepted the royal decree from the court lady and announced it loudly. “My Prince Consort is Justin Yale, the prince of the Western Regions.” The hall erupted in an uproar. Zachariah jumped to his feet in shock. “Your Highness, did you make a mistake? Haven’t you always—”

I growled, my wolf stirring with irritation at the breach of protocol. The guard threw himself to his knees at the foot of the dais, his chest heaving, his face pale with absolute terror. "My Prince... it's the Consort!" The air left my lungs instantly. The noise of the crowd faded into a dull hum in my ears. "What about Raven?" I demanded, stepping down off the platform so fast my cloak snapped behind me. I grabbed the guard by the collar of his chestplate, pulling him up. "Speak!" "His attendant ran out of his chambers screaming for the healers," the guard stammered, his eyes wide. "She said... she said the consort collapsed on the floor. He isn't responding, my Prince. She said there's pa

"Who will explain to me why my consort was treated like a criminal?" The temperature in the room seemed to drop suddenly. The hotel's head butler—a high-ranking vampire appointed to oversee council affairs—trembled as he stepped forward, fear flashing in his crimson eyes. "Your Majesty," he stammered, bowing deeply. "This... this is a misunderstanding. The hotel had no intention of offending Her Majesty the Queen." "A misunderstanding?" Aurelius coldly retorted. His silver gaze swept across the room. "I saw with my own eyes the council guards laying hands on my consort."

And when the palace realized that the two of us together were the biggest draw, it didn’t take a genius to realize that it would be better if I became the consort to the hereditary princess of Salasia. As for Connor Gallagher, he’d died within three months of the story breaking. We hadn’t heard another word from him since that fateful day at the estate. Niamh, softhearted as she was, had attended the funeral, along with Liam. Neither sibling had shed a tear. “Sorry, sorry, I’m here.” Niamh straightened her tiara. “Is it falling off? I feel like it’s falling off.” I made her stand straight so I could inspect it. “It’s fine. You look beautiful.”

“Where’s Naya, my head maid?” The girl shifted nervously. “The new head consort took her for herself… and assigned me to you.” Serena sat up sharply. “New head consort? When did that happen?” “Yesterday, after the incident, the king announced a new head consort.” The maid explained. Her voice hardened. “Who is the new head consort?” The maid lowered her head. “Head Consort Janina.” Serena blinked, disbelief turning into burning rage. She might hate Lirvana, but at least she had some claim and she doesn’t pretend , but Janina? That scheming daughter of a murderer had no right. And to steal her maid? Unforgivable.

“Hmm.. Very regal, indeed.” “And you will be Royal Consort Akari Nikolai-Kingston.” “It has a nice ring to it.” ****

“After Luna's passing, he had no choice than to have a consort, hoping to crown her son if he happens to not find you until it was time for him to abdicate the throne.” My eyes narrowed. A consort that never showed her face nor did her son. Aren't they aware that I am back? As families, they should be the first to see me and not the Clan members. I gasped and licked my lips. “It sounds great knowing that I have a family and even a brother. Isn't it?” She forced a smile on her face—I noticed that smile wasn't from the depth of her heart. Then what does it mean? Are they….. “It's time we enter the hall.” one of the maids standing at the doorpost announced and I stood. A glance at Evelyn, she c

My heart sank slowly, each word pressing deeper than the last. “As the high consort,” he continued, “your position still holds honor. But your responsibilities, duties, and services must be documented.” Giselle nodded in agreement, turning her head slightly to Scarlett. “That’s why Scarlett and I were making a list of your services. But…” She paused, her expression turning thoughtful, “...we weren’t able to list a single service before. And that could give you the title of a lowly concubine.” High consort, harem, concubine. All these terms seemed foreign to my ears. I truly felt how thin the ground beneath my feet had become.

“Ah! No need to be too courteous, we are one family, please come inside,” “Thank you for your grace, your majesty,” They walked forward until they were close to the table and spread out sideways so the room didn’t look crowded. “What could have brought all of you here on a good day like this? I don’t remember this Queen hosting an event,” I asked them while maintaining a flawless smile. The Royal ladies looked at each other, waiting for who was going to be bold enough to go first. Eventually, lady Brenda, the princess consort of the third prince stepped forward.

com CONSOLATION PRIZE Publishing History Linda Kage, November 2016 Credits Cover Artist: Kage Covers Editor: Stephanie Parent Proofreader: Judy and Shelley Created with Vellum