Chapter 4

Last night's horror was gone from the minds of most girls as the Mistress read over a list of names. Each girl called was one of the king's new consorts and was sent to live in the palace. the king left after last night to prepare after meeting with the Mistress. All the girls spent the night in the common room, the king sent for cleaners to cover up the blood but they haven't arrived yet.

"Anna Storm, Vera Green, Victoria Love, Hanna Wrench, and Lisa Cave. You five have been chosen to become the king's consorts. Congratulations." Mistress spoke

I clutched Anna's hand under the table, thankful we weren't separated. Though, from the way the king spoke of her, I think it was more for me rather then himself.

"Go pack your things ladies, you leave tomorrow"

I got up and retreated to my room. Tje way the king looks at me, I dont like it. Now that he's picked me I dont doubt I'll be spending more time with him. Royal Consorts are nothing but toys for the king and high powered males. A small part of me prayed Anna wouldn't be picked, The king is not a gentle man. Anna may have had her innocents taken, but I would still do anything to protect her.

I swiftly packed my fans and clothes into a large trunk. I didnt own much so it wasn't hard to pack. Dread filled my chest as thoughts of what was to come filled my mind.

***

I stepped out of my carriage, a simple white knee length dress swaying as I moved. I glanced at the other girls as they too stepped from their horse drawn carriages.

Victoria Love was a woman at the age of 32, yet her looks made her appear younger. She has flawless tan skin, long golden hair, a pure blue eyes. If it wasn't for her looks and high request rate Mistress would have kicked her out long ago.

Lisa Cavs is a year older than me with long fire-red hair and exotic green eyes. She's one of the less friendly girls so we've never talked, but all I know is that she enjoys her job a little too much.

Hanna Wrench is a 23 year old woman from the north, she has pale skin and long brown hair. Her eyes are such a dark shade of brown they appear black. We've talked on the occasion and her home town kicked her out because they thought she was a succubus.

Anna stepped beside me, all of us looking to the grand castle in front of us. The huge doors swung open to reveal the king, his four guards, and his royal entourage.

"Welcome to your new home girls," the king spoke with a beaming smile, " You've all been assigned maids and they will lead you to your room. I'll see all of you at dinner"

"Hi, I'm kate, I'll be your maid" A girl younger then Anna said, bowing deeply before me

The girl looked no older then 14, her red-orange hair tied into a tight bun, her brown eyes casted to the floor.

Before I could open my mouth she grabbed my hand and lead me inside. We passed through many expensively decorated hallways until we reached my bedroom.

The main room was bigger than the entire brothel itself, housing a large bed, a bookshelf, a window seat, and a set up for visitors. to the left was a door that lead to an expensive looking bathroom and next to it was a walk in closet. Between the two doors was a divider to change behind.

"I shall leave until you need me, Ring the bell over there and I'll be as fast as I can"

I nodded, waiting for her to leave before I explored the room a bit more. The closet was full of elegant yet revealing dresses and a LOT of lace. I shut the closet door and wandered over to the bookshelf. I frowned when I saw some of my favorite stories, including ones only Anna knew about.

***

Kate had just finished helping me into a fitted red dress that hugged my chest and had a slid up the side for my leg, paired with red heels, when there was a knock at my door.

"Enter" I called out

The familiar blond entered my room, his eyes stealing a quick glance at me in the mirror before bowing slightly.

"Royal Consort Vera," Ryan spoke, "His majesty, King Alex, has sent me to escort you to dinner."

"Tell him I'm sorry for keeping her so late, I got a bit carried away" kate bowed before hurrying from the room

Kate had gotten a bit out of hand, my hair was pulled into a braided crown while my makeup was simple, yet elegant. Neither of us spoke as I stood and followed Ryan to the dining hall. When we entered almost all chatter stooped, eyes glued to me.

The dining hall had two long tables on either side, both filled with guests and council members. Then there was a smaller table on a raised platform with the king and his mother. In front of the platform, directly below the kings table was the consorts.

I found my way to the consort table, chatter only resuming once I was seated. Ryan stood directly behind the king, pretending not to be listenjng.

"You're late Vera, though with the outfit you chose I can excuse it this time. You look ravishing in red" the king grinned

"My deepest apologies, your majesty," I said, ignoring his comment, "My maid got carried away"

"Your maid has quite an eye for appearances" The queen hummed, her gray eyes trailing over me, "Hardly lady like"

"Mother, stop harassing my consorts" the king muttered under his breath

The queen chuckled lightly, "nonsense dear"

The food was brought out and we all dined. Surprising the conversations held between the king and consorts wasn't horrible. Anna and I also spoke and she accidentally slipped up on my biggest secret.

"How's your mother?" She asked softly

I glanced at the king who was now watching us intently, "She's fine"

"Has her illness gotten any better?"

"The doctors are trying their best" I said turning away

My mother is sick and none of the doctors know how to heal her. She fell ill after having a miscarriage with my baby sister and she hasn't been the same since.

The king muttered something to one of the servants before going back to his conversation. After dinner was finished Ryan escorted me back to my room.

"The king was right," He said lowly, "You look beautiful in red"

For some reason, I felt less disgusted by the compliment since it wasn't from the kings mouth. I felt my face heat slightly and my stomach grew uneasy. This has never happened before, I'm probably sick from eating the palace food.

"Goodnight" I said entering my room before he could see my flushed face.

if he knew I was sick he'd probably tell the king and that probably wouldn't end well.

As soon as I was inside my room I changed into my night gown and climbed into bed.