Page 160 of The Fallen Fae King

“Consorts?” Outrage surges through me.

So, that is why Freya and Daire were moved out of the palace to some cold house.

In my kingdom, Betas are taken as consorts into the nest.

Neither Daire nor Freya is a Beta.

I also know how disrespected the role of consorts is within the Draca Kingdom.

They are not viewed as equals, no matter what title they are given.

I shudder with rage.

Taran straightens. “Well, that gives me my answer. As if our King would take a filthy fae and savage wolf as Emperor and Empress. He has an elite silver Omega now to sit next to him as his proper bride. You were given to us for a month. When King Aurelius has made his other mates into consorts, however, maybe think about what he will do with you after this month is up.”

I shiver.

Yet I am not frightened for myself. My head is filled with a vision of flames, bones, and ash.

When I struggle in the net, Taran laughs.

By the Shadow Devils, if Aurelius tries to marry another Omega, what will Hadrian do?

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Consort House, Shadow Court

Aurelius

Burn down the Shadow Court…Take our mates back and ride on the wave of blood and flames to freedom…

My mouth twists at the incessant whisper of Hadrian’s struggle.

My fingers twitch over the dagger’s hilt.

This morning my eyes are heavy with exhaustion.

How could I sleep in my luxurious bed, while Freya and Daire were cast out of the palace and locked in the Consort’s House?

Unsheathe me. Use me. Kill…

Hurriedly, I clasp my hands behind my back to keep them safe from temptation.

The bright morning sun stings my eyes.

I march toward the rundown limestone Consort’s House, which stands behind the palace.

My eyes narrow, as I scan across the low, sagging roof. Weeds push up around the crumbling walls. No one has cared for this place in the years that it hasn’t been needed.

How much was this house cared for, even when consorts did live here?

I am used to the splendor of the palace. I know about my court’s politics. Lodging someone apart from the other nobles in a place like this would always have been a way to show them their place.

The fuckers who are trying to teach my nestmates that lesson will be taught it back by me.

“Why do Alphas have such long legs?” Lucius scurries to keep up with me. “Are you still growing?”

I snort. “Maybe you’re getting shorter.”