A preview - Renalia Chapter 1 (Patreon)

Renalia found herself in a bit of a conundrum. 

As heir apparent of Runalis, there were certain requirements to ascending to the throne. One, of course, was age. One could not be trusted to run a country if one was too young. No ruler of Runalis had been younger than twenty when they came into power in many decades. Renalia had turned twenty just a handful of weeks ago, which meant she was, at the very least, of age to take the throne. Her father was keen to retire, it seemed, so it seemed it would not be long before the crown would be hers. However, she was missing one very important thing to secure the throne for her own.

Consorts.

Runalis was considered an oddity among the nations. For generations, since before the Artemin family came to power, the monarch had taken on many consorts instead of a singular spouse. A monarch could not simply love one person above all their subjects, after all. As such, to represent their loyalty to their people, they’d taken on harems of consorts.

Renalia’s father had been the only monarch in history to disregard this system. He’d taken on Renalia’s mother as his first consort upon taking the throne, with intentions of taking on more as time went on. But Renalia’s mother had disappeared shortly after she’d given birth. The heart break had shaken her father to the core, and he never looked for another consort. 

Renalia knew that if she wanted to keep others from challenging her for the throne, she needed several consorts before she was crowned queen. Thanks to some meddling from one of the many demon principalities, she already had one. 

Renalia glanced over her book towards Iroha, who lounged in the sun like a cat. Ironic, she thought, considering his people were fox demons. Iroha had been her near constant companion since the day his father gifted him to her. The only person who spent more time with her was Cadell, her personal guard. Renalia glanced towards the library’s door, where Cadell stood in his usual stiff posture. He glanced her way, as if feeling her eyes on him. Renalia simply smiled and waved, brushing off the question in his eyes. 

Yes, she thought as she tapped the dreadfully boring book she was reading against her chin, she was in need of consorts. But more so, she needed allies. Ones who would be willing to come to her aide should some upstart attempt to steal her throne, consorts or no. 

“Iroha, darling?”

A singular, golden eye opened at her call. “Yes, my love?”

“Would you be willing to find me the latest family trees for the nearby monarchies? We should have a ledger in my father's study.”

Iroha stretched, humming lazily. “I suppose I could do that for you.”

Cadell scowled. “You suppose?”

Renalia rolled her eyes. “Don’t start. Iroha, go quickly. And when you get back, I’ll give you a kiss for your trouble.”

Iroha’s eyes glittered playfully at the promise. “As always, you have me wrapped around your little finger, my love.”