The Consort (Tellaran Series) by MacArran Ariel

Author:MacArran, Ariel [MacArran, Ariel]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Here Be Dragons
Published: 2014-07-11T16:00:00+00:00

“Regent,” Mezera, Leader of the War Council began the next morning, her voice chilly as the audience chamber around them, “I have come to discuss matters of Imperial defense, matters that must remain concealed from our enemies.”

“I take it by ‘enemies,’ you mean me,” Kyndan said sharply.

Mezera threw a narrow look at him. “Truly, Majesty, think you it wise to discuss our defenses in the presence of a Tellaran?”

“This is my mate of whom you speak,” Alari reminded quietly.

Mezera’s mouth tightened. “I mean no disrespect to you, Regent.”

But I can go frack myself.

Kyndan’s gaze narrowed and he fought the urge to throw Mezera out. The hostility of the courtiers and clan leaders toward him was escalating with every passing day and making Alari’s task all the harder. Between the strain of taking on the monumental task of regent and fending off the razor sharp teeth of these sercats harping about him instead of doing their godsdamned jobs, she was getting exhausted.

“We’re not at war,” Kyndan bit out. “And in case you’ve forgotten, honored Council leader, my whole purpose in coming to Az-kye was to open peace talks.”

“Those talks are inconsequential now,” she retorted.

Kyndan folded his arms. “Who are you to make that decision?”

“I am Leader of the War Council,” Mezera returned coldly. “And in the absence of an Imperial Warlord to command our forces, such decisions fall to me.”

“Well, then maybe what we need is an Imperial Warlord!” Kyndan snapped.

There was a moment of awkward silence. Alari’s glance flicked away and Kyndan nearly groaned as it snapped into place.

Oh, festering hell, it’s supposed to be me!

That’s why only the best warriors are considered to become consort. That’s why Jazan was the top pick, why he wanted to marry Alari when he didn’t love her. He would have been Imperial Warlord with power and influence to rival hers.

His face heated as he realized that not only had he blundered but that in doing it in front of the Council leader and Imperial advisors he’d embarrassed Alari as well.

“But since we do not have an Imperial Warlord,” Mezera continued acidly. “It is my place to see to the defenses of our empire. The stabilization and protection of our territory takes precedence over any accords the Tellarans want.”

“Accords we want?” Kyndan began furiously. “Because the Az-kye don’t—”

“This audience is concluded,” Alari broke in sharply. “Leave us. All of you.”

Tight mouthed, the War Leader and her assistants quickly gathered their things and bowed. The majordomo and courtiers bowed too and left, shutting the door of the audience chamber behind them.

“I let her get to me,” Kyndan said, annoyed. “I shouldn’t have let her get to me like that.”

“The War Leader was ever sharp spoken. And she is cunning.”

“And she sure as hell doesn’t want her ass out of that leader’s chair.” He met her gaze. “The Imperial Consort is supposed to command the Az-kye military forces.”

“Yes.”

Kyndan wiped his hand over his face. “I didn’t know.”

“There has not been an Imperial Warlord since my father died.

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