#high consort

[thethronezone]

High Consort Pt. 3

Like mentioned in previous parts, you have a Custodi bodyguard. But you also have a whole guard of Custodes assigned to guard you, on orders of the Emperor of course. Your Custodi bodyguard just so happens to be the captain of this guard and the one that's always directly by your side. Because of this, you are quite close. So what if they work for your husband? So does every other bitch in the Imperium!

Whenever the Emperor leaves for the Great Crusade, it's up to you and Malcador to hold down the fort and make sure that everyone stay in line, both on Terra and beyond. You especially are seen as an extension of the Emperor and his will. This means a lot of public appearances on your part, with you flanked by your personal guard. Your presence reminds people that while the Emperor may be off planet and busy elsewhere, he is still aware of everything that's going on.

Because of this, you rarely leave Terra, or at least the star system. You might visit Luna or Mars every now and then but it's very rare that you venture to another part of the galaxy. You are needed where you are, providing a sense of stability in the heart of the Imperium.

Some people (mostly nobles) believe that, just cause you're not an incredibly buff, 4 meter tall, armored super-psyker that you are for some reason easier deal with, easier to push around. WRONG. You are both equally as terrible, sorry not sorry. The Emperor is unapproachable and straight up railroads every conversation while you just don't give a shit. You are older than most noble's bloodlines, at some point their rules just stop applying to you. The one big difference between you and Big E is that you at least try to act like a normal person, he doesn't, so people just find it easier to approach you.

There's also a belief that since you are HIGH Consort, that the Emperor is open to getting more consorts/concubines. At first this assumption was funny, the two of you had a good laugh about it. Then people kept trying to marry off their family members to him, accosting him at events, sending letters and some downright begging on their knees for him to accept one of their sons of daughters. Then only you were laughing. And Malcador, of course. He also found it all very funny.

Sometimes, when people want something from the Emperor or want to meet him, they try to get through you first. Butter you up so that you will put in a few good words for them to your husband. You might humor them for a short while, pretending to be as shallow as they appear to think you are, but the moment they no longer amuse you or step out of line you'll give your Custodi bodyguard a look that they know well. It means "I am tired of their chatter, remove them from my presence and if they ever try to approach me again, don't let them." You might be immortal but you won't waste your time on people you don't like.

A family can be a super-human psyker, his consort, their unmarried friend, their 10 000 strong personal army, their 20 18 super-human children and their respective super-soldier legions.

Half the Primarchs look at your and the Emperor's marriage and go "aww, so that's what true love looks like" and the other half goes "why haven't you DIVORCED this man yet?" Mortarion, Angron, and Perturabo full on believe you have Stockholm Syndrome or something.

Meanwhile, Lorgar, Horus and Lion think this is the perfect marriage, like, this is what everyone should strive for. Lorgar has written sermons about it and called it the "most divine and holy union in the galaxy". Would threaten to crucify himself if you and the Emperor ever separated. His legion would join him in solidarity. This is a hostage situation.

[thethronezone]

Silent treatment between Big E and High Consort lasting several decades...which Primarch is on which side?

Mortarion - On the High Consort's side, obviously. Encourages them to actually never speak to the Emperor again and just get divorced already.

Fulgrim - Ends up on the Emperor's side, purely because he thinks the silent treatment is very immature. Thinks they just need to talk it out already.

Angron - Technically on the Emperor's side but only because he thinks the whole 'silent treatment' is stupid and that they should just duke it out and then make up.

Magnus - Is on the Emperor's side because he thinks this silence solves nothing. Isn't it better to talk it out instead, like adults are supposed to?

Perturabo - High Consort, all the way. Does he think the silent treatment is petty? Yeah, but Perturabo is a petty bastard and so he approves the silent war of attrition that's going on.

Alpharius - Who's side is he really on? Both? None? No one is sure. One moment he's talking about forgiveness, the next he's praising the High Consort for their exemplary mental warfare.

Lorgar - On Big E's side but he's also begging the High Consort to forgive his poor father. Lorgar is on his knees, tears in his eyes, praying for his parents not to get divorced.

Horus - Of course he's on the Emperor's side, he's daddy's special little boy after all. Tries very hard to get the two of them to reconcile and plays the mediator.

Konrad - Definitely on the High Consort's side because the silent treatment makes sense to him. When he doesn't want to speak to his brothers, he ignores them too.

Sanguinius - Tries to be a neutral party but clearly aims to get his parents to reconcile. Maybe a tad partial to the High Consort's side but does his best to understand both sides.

Corvus - Of course he's on the High Consort's side. If the Emperor made them so upset that they've refused to speak to him for decades then he must have done something real bad.

Ferrus - Most likely on the Emperor's side. Finds the whole silent treatment an immense waste of time, especially considering how long it's been going on.

Rogal - Sides with the High Consort, though he does think the silent treatment should end because this is dragging on longer than it has to. Does, however, respect their tenacity.

Vulkan - On the High Consort's side but tries to get them to forgive the Emperor because he does believe the silent treatment has gone on for way to long.

Lion - Definitely on the Emperor's side. Finds the whole argument silly and thinks the silent treatment is very immature and a waste of time.

Leman - On the High Consort's side because if mom/dad is upset then fuck yeah, he's upset with them. Does however think this is getting a bit silly.

Jaghatai - Is on the High Consort's side. Does he want them to make up already? Yep. Does he tell them that? Yeah. But he ain't getting between those two when they are fighting.

Roboute - Tries to be a neutral party along with Sanguinius. Slightly partial to the Emperor's side of this argument but keeps silent about it and just wants them to get over it.

[thethronezone]

The High Consort demands an actual proper wedding from Big E, and he accepts what will the wedding would look like?

First of all; location. Of course it's going to take place in the Imperial Palace. There's no other option. Well, there were, but they were all shot down. Apparently, there were no large enough wedding venues on Luna, so the palace it is.

A specific section of the palace is chosen and sectioned off for the event so that no wayward guests will accidentally wander off somewhere they are not supposed to be. Security is going to be tight. The custodes are treating this like its war.

The chosen section includes multiple gardens and halls, providing enough space to entertain hundreds of thousands of guests. Which there will be because the Imperium has a million worlds under its rule and that means that a lot of people need to be present to represent them.

And listen, the guests aren't required to bring gifts. That wasn't included on the invitation. But like, how could anyone show up without one? It's practically a competition between guests to one-up each other in order to prove their loyalty and to (hopefully) earn some favor from the royal couple. Multiple rooms have to be emptied to serve as temporary storage areas because of the multitude of gifts. Some noble brought a space ship. A smaller one, yes, but a space ship nonetheless.

Decorations? Decorations. Not cheap little trinkets either, no, they are breaking out the fine shit, the treasures the Emperor and High Consort have collected over the years. And it's a fucking lot. There are different displays of artworks and artifacts, most of them originating from ancient Terra, that the guests can admire and talk about. A retinue of magos go into an excited frenzy when they find an original Macintosh computer. When it also manages to turn on without fail the custodes has to direct the other guests around them as the mechanicus start praising the machine-spirit with full on religious ceremonies.

As for the Primarchs? Of course they're all there. Attendance is mandatory and so is good behavior. So no convincing the High Consort to bail before the ceremony (looking at you Mortarion). They are all expected to be dressed for the occasion so no wearing just any old rag (again, looking at you Mortarion). Some Primarchs adhere to these rules better than others. Fulgrim, Sanguinius and Roboute are all splendid examples, looking behaving like perfect sons. Angron looks and behaves like someone put a honey badger in a suit while Ferrus just showed up in actual armor. Shiny armor, sure, but that's besides the point. Fulgrim forced him to go change.

Speaking of Fulgrim, he practically begged to be part of the planning for the wedding. Surprisingly enough, so did Rogal. Apparently he had a lot of ideas of how to improve the structural integrity and security of the venue. Fulgrim almost stabbed him in the eye when he suggested automated turrets on the banisters, even when Rogal tried to compromise by offering to paint them gold. Malcador had to calm that entire situation down.

The ceremony itself is actually fairly simple. The Emperor and the High Consort exchange some vows, promise to remain loyal to one another and all that and then the celebration starts for real. There is no exchange of rings but they do kiss at the end of their vows.

[thethronezone]

Can we see the interaction between Clonegrim (from Ember Phoenix comics) and the High Consort during their first meeting?

When the clone enters the chamber, the High Consort almost feel like they have been thrown back in time. He looks like the Fulgrim they remember when they close their eyes. Not the warped being he's since become but the person he was before he fell to Chaos. It's nostalgic.

The clone does not take a single step further into the chamber, standing with his back merely a foot against the door that shuts and locks behind him. The custodes watch him like a hawk, waiting for any excuse to cut him down where he stands. His genetic template would not be granted the same patience.

He opens his mouth to say something but then he meets their gaze and his mouth slams shut as he looks down, staring at the floor with such intensity that it might just catch ablaze.

The High Consort finds that they don't mind the impoliteness of the gesture as even the brief glimpse of his eyes makes them reminiscence once more upon what once was. Because even the look in his eyes are the same as the one the third son had, all those years ago when they first met. He was so young back then. Stronger and wiser than most but still a just a boy in their eyes. He had approached them, eyes, filled with a mixture of hope, pride, joy... and a deeprooted anxiety. The fear of being rejected.

Back then, Fulgrim had been so worried about not being enough, even if he had done his best to hide it behind a veil of confidence and bravado. He never managed to quite let go of this insecurity of his, no matter how hard the High Consort tried.

This one, however, fears being rejected for a completely different reason. He has the same face, voice, even memories of the original. Physically, they are identical, to the last blood cell. A perfect copy.

And that's the problem, isn't it? This isn't Fulgrim, not really. That child is still dancing to Slaanesh's tune, growing more and more depraved with each day that passes.

(And yet, the High Consort can't help but wonder if they would not forgive him in a heartbeat, if he made an attempt to turn his life around. The thought is maddening.)

Finally, the High Consort grows tired of the silence and issues a single command. "Come closer."

The clone of Fulgrim flinches like he's been shot but despite his obvious fear, he treads closer and closer still when the High Consort does not tell him to stop. It's only when he stands right in front of them, an arm's length away, that he comes to a halt. Still, he dares not to look them in the eyes.

Again, the High Consort finds that they do not mind his lack of manners. Instead, they take the opportunity to study him up close.

Visually, he looks identical to Fulgrim, not a mole out of line. But looking at him like this, there are signs that they can not ignore.

Fulgrim favored his hair kept loose and down to his upper back. The clone, however, appears to have chosen to have his hair tucked behind his ears and cut so that it ends just above his shoulders. Then there's the way they carry themselves. Both stand tall, backs straight and dignified but the clone appears more withdrawn, like he would rather stand at the back of the room rather than in the center. Fulgrim never hesitated to take up as much space as he could, to be the center of attention.

And as similar as their eyes are, there's something unfamiliar about the one that stands in front of the High Consort. A light. Not necessarily wrong, just... different.

Clinically, they slide their fingers underneath the clone's chin and tilt it up, forcing him to finally meet their gaze. Like this, the worry and fear he feels is even more evident and the High Consort forces themself to ignore the way their heart aches with sympathy to focus on the truth in front of them.

Ah. So that's it. This is not Fulgrim but nonetheless, it is their son.

The hand they used to raise his chin moves to gently cup his face instead and their face changes from cold and analytical into a smile that they only reserve for a select few.

"You must be weary from your travels. Why don't we sit down and have a talk?"

The clone- they really need to think of a name for him- blinks once, twice in confusion before realization and recognition dawns on them, for those were the exact words the High Consort said to his template when he first arrived on Terra. And just like that, all the fear melts away and is replaced with an expression of heart-aching relief. With shaking legs, they take a step forward before all but collapsing at their feet, burying his face against them.

The High Consort raises a hand to stop the custodes from reaching for their weapons before lowering it to tuck the clone's hair back behind his ear, the way he prefers it. He shudders, a shaky inhale as he tries to keep himself from weeping. Despite this, the High Consort can still feel a few tears dampening their clothes. But that's alright. A child should always feel free to weep in the arms of their parent.

[thethronezone]

You know how Logar was the biggest High Consort and Big E shipper, I like to think that after his fall to chaos he’s constantly sending his mum visions telling her about the really nice in-law suite he has ready for her in his tower or about this really nice greater demon he knows who happens to have very similar interests to her.

(And bonus Corvus occasionally appearing in the back of these vision to say hi)

Lorgar trying to set the High Consort up with one of the Chaos gods while also praying for his parents to divorce every night before he goes to bed.

Lorgar sending the prayer-equivalent of "Hot singles in your area" to the Chaos gods.

Corvus sabotaging his efforts by praying for it to fail.

[thethronezone]

How would the first interaction between the High Consort and TTS Emperor Would go? What would they say to each other?

High Consort: *enters throne room* "I hope your have a good reason for requesting my presence. I was busy doing very important Imperial duties."

*flashback to them playing Go Fish with their dogs*

High Consort: "Do you have any fives?"

Dog: "Bork!"

*flashback ends*

High Consort: "That bitch was cheating for sure..."

Kitten: "Well, my lady/lord, you see..."

Big E: "SUP BABE."

High Consort: "What the fuck!?"

Big E: "IS THAT HOW YOU GREET YOUR HUSBAND? SMH, I THOUGHT YOU'D BE HAPPY TO HEAR FROM ME."

High Consort: "Happy? HAPPY!? You bastard! Do you know how much work I've had to pick up since you decided to semi-die? A shit ton! And because you couldn't even go ahead and fully die, I couldn't even declare myself a widow and take out your life insurance! Stars know the Astra Militarum needs the extra funds..."

Big E: "BOHOO, POOR YOU, HAVING TO WALK AND TALK LIKE A NORMAL PERSON INSTEAD OF BEING CONFINED TO LIFE SUPPORT. YOU HAVE MY SYMPATHIES."

High Consort: "Fuck you you lich."

Big E: "TWAT."

High Consort: "Uggo."

Big E: "BUTT-FACE."

High Consort: "Crusty bitch."

Big E: "GOOBER."

High Consort: "..."

Big E: "..."

Kitten: *under his breath* "Please don't get a divorce, please don't get a divorce..."

High Consort: *chuckles* "I missed our talks."

Big E: "ME TOO BABE. NOW WANNA HAVE HOT PSYCHIC REUNION SEX?"

High Consort: *already in lingerie* Fuck yeah."

Kitten: "Aaaaasnd I'm getting out of here before I get horrifically mentally scarred. Have fun!"

[thethronezone]

Mortarion hates the Emperor and turns traitor... but he never could bring himself to hate his mother. In his eyes, she was also a victim of a man that had forgotten how to be human. Shackled to him with no other option but to remain by his side. It kills him a little inside every time he sees her like that.

That's why, during the Siege of Terra, Mortarion seeks his mother out and urges her to come with him.

Please mom, don't go back to that man, he's a monster and you know it. Just take his hand and Mortarion will take you far, far away, somewhere safe where he can't get to you. Mother, please, trust him.

[thethronezone]

I was reading through your high consort au again, for reasons, and I love the mildly toxic/the honeymoon phase ended two millennia ago dynamic The Emperor and his consort have going on, but I was wondering if you had some stuff on the more romantic side about them?

There's quite a lot of artwork depicting you inside the Imperial palace. Paintings, statues and so on. Some made by famous artists, other made by custodes but a few are actually made by the Emperor himself. He rarely has time for the arts anymore but back before the Imperium, before even the Dark Age of Technology, he would sometimes dedicate a piece of art to you. These artworks are guarded and maintained by the custodes themselves.

Big E may be a bastard but mf is LOYAL. Will never cheat on you. Fully intended this matrimony to be forever. He might have had some flings and relationships before the two of you met but now he's sated.

When he returns back to the Imperial palace after a long time away, the Emperor always brings back a gift for you. "My star, this gem reminded me of you." "A new gown for you. I wish to see you wear it." Stuff that made him think of you so he brought it back. You have quite an extensive collection by now.

He's not clingy but he is touchy. You are out together? He's got one hand settled on your waist or shoulder at all times. In private, he enjoys touching your hair. Likes it when you return the gesture, especially if you decide to comb his hair or place the laurel on his head.