Her Majesty's Lover (short story)

Her Majesty's Lover is a short novella related to the Saola Series by T.R.S. Dunn. It was written in 2018. While set in the same universe, it takes place two generations prior to Lords and Ladies.

Background
This story features a separate protagonist than Lords and Ladies. While that novel's protagonist indulged in the partying lifestyle which runs rampant in Reven culture, this novel takes a closer look on the corrupted core of Revès and court society on a whole.

Plot Summary
Alexandre Phillipon is a brooding and pessimistic artist. He is known to be the greatest painter in the land, but is extremely difficult to work with. After Alexandre is hired to paint a portrait of the royal family, the Queen takes a particular liking to the young artist and requisitions him for a special, private painting. Unable to deny Her Majesty, he soon finds himself forced to oblige to her every desire. Even those off the canvas.