consort 101
Alec dreaded his daily court-holding.
He knew his duty as consort, to look over and manage the royal harem. And what is a better way to do it than hearing the same people arguing over who had the best gold embroidered silk fan collections?
Alec took a sip of his tea, not missing the eyes that traced his every movement. Of course, many were convinced he had enchanted Magnus using a dark magic love spell. Magnus had laughed hearing that once. Then promptly demanded Alec to properly enchant him with his love spells this time. Alec's sore back the next morning did not help much with Alec's enthusiasm to deal with the harem. Many concubines were nice, but the one with the most to say always went out of their way to annoy Alec.
"Oh, your majesty. I haven't noticed how dowdy you look this morning." As if on cue, Jasper stood up and didn't even bother for a decent attempt of worry. "Please forgive me for my oversight." He was on his way to kneel, and it was obvious from the speed he didn't intend to go through it.
Alec smiled faintly. "That's alright. Please stand up. I appreciate your concern, but I am perfectly well."
"Really?" Jasper continued after returning to his seat, not caring at all about Alec's no desire to engage in whatever imaginary feud Jasper was having in his mind. "I thought- Well, you don't have to hide for our sake."
"Our king is a generous lover. Surely you understand that, your majesty. There's no need to be sad." Another concubine giggled.
"The consort will never. Jealousy is frowned upon in the harem. Your majesty knows it better than us."
"That's right."
"In fact, I'm sure the consort is happy for the king. The consort must be tiring himself out taking care of our majesty, and now he has someone to share that responsibility with him."
Voices laced venoms, the room hid the weapons underneath those smiles. Alec already knew the culprit for all of this. Victoria stood still, dress newly made and of the finest quality, all lace details and trim. Alec recognized the fabric. Magnus gifted it to her, and everyone in the palace was under no illusion how much her dressmakers went through for the gown to be a week-done affair.
He felt her staring at him, smugly proclaiming her win over Magnus's heart.
Usually, Alec would let this slide. Arguing with anyone who equated material gain to love was a waste of time, he would rather spend it to force Isabelle's stew not to poison every living creature in close proximity. But today, Alec was feeling a bit mischievous. And curious too. It was a unique combination.
Using the teacup to disguise his next move, he undid the first front lace on his robe, enough to reveal what was underneath. Magnus's marks were a stark reminder of what they were doing with the silk the night before, dotted on the pale column of Alec's throat, down to his collarbone.
"Concubine Johnson got it wrong. How can being with the king ever be tedious?" The chaos from the room erupted even more with his sentence.
"I thought the consort had fallen out of favor."
"How indecent! Showing off those things."
"The consort is so selfish, he's hoarding our majesty and bragging to us."
"Wait, haven't you been begging for that ruby pearl choker foreve-"
"Shut up!"
A range of emotions flashed and switched like rapid flames across many's faces. Alec hid the smirk to himself.
