The Companion Series by Tanya Bird

Bound by tradition. Now they must follow the rules. SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOOLLAHRA DIGITAL LITERARY AWARDS 2017 Companions are the kingdom’s most beautiful and educated women—possessions of Syrasan’s royal men. Aldara is sixteen years old when she is sold by her farming family to the obnoxious Prince Pandarus as a gift for his younger brother, Prince Tyron. Resistant at first, the new Companion soon realises she must embrace the role or face the consequences of her failure... moreBound by tradition. Now they must follow the rules. SHORTLISTED FOR THE WOOLLAHRA DIGITAL LITERARY AWARDS 2017 Companions are the kingdom’s most beautiful and educated women—possessions of Syrasan’s royal men. Aldara is sixteen years old when she is sold by her farming family to the obnoxious Prince Pandarus as a gift for his younger brother, Prince Tyron. Resistant at first, the new Companion soon realises she must embrace the role or face the consequences of her failure. Prince Tyron has just returned from war. All he wants is privacy to grieve the men who died at the border. At his brother’s insistence, Tyron attends a social hunt where his Companion is introduced for the first time. He senses something beneath the polished exterior presented to him. She is not like the others. While initial encounters between the troubled war hero and his reluctant Companion are awkward, their connection is immediate. But they are soon reminded by those closest to them that there is no place for love between a prince and his Companion. Set amid grief and war, The Royal Companion is a heart-warming love story about what it means to give yourself over to another. Warning: This book contains sexual violence, death and dark themes. Please note: This is a revised edition. It is part one of Tyron and Aldara's story. Their story continues in books two and three—available now. Interview with the Author Q – So, why did you write this book? A – I never intended to write a Romance novel, but when I was pregnant with my second son I experienced really vivid dreams that would remain with me for days after. The two main characters in this book remained with me for much longer. They were in love, and they were in pain. I had to tell their story. There is an intensity to their relationship that I think readers will love. Q – Is this book part of a series? A – Yes, it’s the first book in The Companion series. Aldara and Tyron's story continues in book two, The Common Girl , and book three, The Majestic Impostor . Q – Why should readers give this book a try? A – The Royal Companion is a tender and fierce story about a forbidden love. Readers will lose themselves in this alternate-world, and the characters will remain with them long after they finish reading. Q – Who will this book appeal to? A – This novel does not fit neatly into one Romance sub-genre. Its medieval setting and characters will appeal to both historical and fantasy romance readers. Throw in some horses and action, and you have quite the Romance hybrid. Thanks for reading. less

Hali is about to play a dangerous game. The Companion’s worst fears are realised when she is woken in the middle of the night and told that she will be leaving Archdale. Having grown bored of his Companion, Prince Pandarus is handing her over to the formidable King Jayr of Zoelin. Forced to give up her life and the people she has grown to love; she must now mentor the women sold into the newly formed Companion trade... moreHali is about to play a dangerous game. The Companion’s worst fears are realised when she is woken in the middle of the night and told that she will be leaving Archdale. Having grown bored of his Companion, Prince Pandarus is handing her over to the formidable King Jayr of Zoelin. Forced to give up her life and the people she has grown to love; she must now mentor the women sold into the newly formed Companion trade. Can she find a way to survive the foreign life and the capricious man who now owns her? This short read is part of 'The Companion' series and is best read after The Royal Companion. Interview with the Author: Q - So, why did you write this book? A – Hali was one of my favourite characters in The Royal Companion. She is warm and big-hearted. I really wanted to tell her story. Q – Is this book part of a series? A – Yes, it’s a short read that forms part of The Companion Series. The second book, The Common Girl, is due to be released later this year. Q - So, why should readers give this series a try? A – The Companion Series is a collection of tender and fierce stories centred around an impossible love. Readers will lose themselves in this alternate-world, and the characters will remain with them long after they finish reading. Q – Who will this book appeal to? A – This book will appeal to people who have read The Royal Companion. While its court setting and royal characters will appeal to regency romance readers, the story also contains medieval and fantasy elements. The series is quite the Romance hybrid. And thanks for reading! less

Love has never been more dangerous. Companions are the kingdom’s most beautiful and educated women—possessions of Syrasan’s royal men. But the longstanding tradition is about to change. A new trade agreement between two kings will see women sold across the border. Prince Tyron never wanted a Companion, but now he cannot fathom a life without her. But when a rebellious act brings brutal consequences, Tyron realises his feelings put his Companion at risk... moreLove has never been more dangerous. Companions are the kingdom’s most beautiful and educated women—possessions of Syrasan’s royal men. But the longstanding tradition is about to change. A new trade agreement between two kings will see women sold across the border. Prince Tyron never wanted a Companion, but now he cannot fathom a life without her. But when a rebellious act brings brutal consequences, Tyron realises his feelings put his Companion at risk. As her future grows more uncertain, he will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Aldara never wanted to be a Companion, but at age sixteen the choice was made for her. She never imagined she would grow to love the man who owns her more than her own freedom. But when her life at Archdale begins to crumble, Tyron sends her back to the safety of her family, where she must find a way to exist without him. As Zoelin continues to tighten its grip on Syrasan, the pair soon discovers there are no safe havens. Tender and heart-stopping, The Common Girl is a love story about family, sacrifice and the roles that bind us. PLEASE NOTE: This is book two in ‘The Companion' series and is best read after book one, The Royal Companion . This is not a standalone novel. less

A relentless love. An impossible choice. Companions are the kingdom’s most beautiful and educated women—possessions of Syrasan’s royal men. Aldara has left the Companion life behind her. Having returned south to her family, she thought all ties to her prince severed. She was wrong. Now she has a secret—one she must keep in order to protect the people she loves. But when her past shows up at her home, lives begin to unravel... moreA relentless love. An impossible choice. Companions are the kingdom’s most beautiful and educated women—possessions of Syrasan’s royal men. Aldara has left the Companion life behind her. Having returned south to her family, she thought all ties to her prince severed. She was wrong. Now she has a secret—one she must keep in order to protect the people she loves. But when her past shows up at her home, lives begin to unravel. Still grieving the departure of his Companion and the death of his father, Prince Tyron is adjusting to life under his brother’s rule. Shifts in power see him sent to Corneo to take control of the West. Amid the throes of war, he learns that the woman who still holds his heart has been keeping a secret. An impulsive decision delivers him into enemy hands with no way out. Unless she does the unthinkable… Fast-paced and lyrical, The Majestic Impostor is a medieval tale of power and the unstoppable forces of love. PLEASE NOTE: This is book three in ‘The Companion’ series and is best read after books one and two. This is not a standalone novel. less

This is not a love story.Cora is no wilting flower. When the princess of Syrasan agreed to wed the notorious King Jayr of Zoelin, she knew who she was marrying. Protected by her new title, she must begin her marriage how she means to go on—with the upper hand. But her new husband is resistant to change, and he is not one for games. Pity, for she loves to play…Jayr wants one thing—more power. That is why he married the woman no other man could handle... moreThis is not a love story.Cora is no wilting flower. When the princess of Syrasan agreed to wed the notorious King Jayr of Zoelin, she knew who she was marrying. Protected by her new title, she must begin her marriage how she means to go on—with the upper hand. But her new husband is resistant to change, and he is not one for games. Pity, for she loves to play…Jayr wants one thing—more power. That is why he married the woman no other man could handle. Now his new queen challenges everything he thought he knew about control, and he must find a way to pull her into line. A Zoelin queen might seem untouchable, but the young king knows there is more than one way to skin a cat. If she insists on playing games, she better be prepared to lose…This novella is exclusive to subscribers. Get it free from tanyabird.com less

Love is long-suffering… but she has suffered long enough. Behind every Companion is a mentor who must prepare her for the role. For nine years, Petra has existed within the castle walls. For nine years, the king has taken whatever he pleases—even her son. When tragedy strikes, Petra realises she can either accept her fate or run from it. But the man who owns her will stop at nothing to keep her. To survive, she must put her trust in enemy hands. To heal, she must learn to open her heart... moreLove is long-suffering… but she has suffered long enough. Behind every Companion is a mentor who must prepare her for the role. For nine years, Petra has existed within the castle walls. For nine years, the king has taken whatever he pleases—even her son. When tragedy strikes, Petra realises she can either accept her fate or run from it. But the man who owns her will stop at nothing to keep her. To survive, she must put her trust in enemy hands. To heal, she must learn to open her heart. Sir Leksi is the prince’s right hand man and Syrasan’s fiercest knight. He is also the kingdom’s most notorious womaniser. When he stumbles across a runaway in the woods, he is surprised to learn her identity, but even more surprised when he is ordered to protect her. Intrigued by the hunted mentor, he decides to see what lies beneath the unsmiling face and vacant gaze. What he discovers might change him forever… If you enjoy gritty medieval romance, then you will love The King’s Obsession . Please note this is book four in The Companion series. These books are best read in order. Trigger warning: This book contains abuse, violence and dark themes. less

Love is for the weak of mind. Astra is queen of the Companion world. She has been at the king’s side for ten years, but his interest is waning. If she can just hold on a little longer, she will take her rightful place as mentor and never share a man’s bed again. But a single game of cards threatens to bring her future to ruins. The king’s wager is a brutal reminder that she is replaceable, disposable—a prize to be won... moreLove is for the weak of mind. Astra is queen of the Companion world. She has been at the king’s side for ten years, but his interest is waning. If she can just hold on a little longer, she will take her rightful place as mentor and never share a man’s bed again. But a single game of cards threatens to bring her future to ruins. The king’s wager is a brutal reminder that she is replaceable, disposable—a prize to be won. Now she must find a way to survive outside the castle until she can find a way back inside its walls. Dion is captain of the Galen army, a soldier, a humanitarian—and possibly a traitor. He does not believe in people as property, so the concept of a Companion is confronting. Mistress or slave? He cannot decide. The king’s Companion seems content enough with her eternal smile and ability to command a room with just a tilt of her head and flash of blue eyes, but he sees past the painted face and rehearsed laughter. She is broken. She is fire. And a game of cards later, she is entirely his problem. This is book five in The Companion series. If you enjoy a moving love story set in a medieval world, then you will love The Captain’s Prize . Trigger warning: This book contains violence and dark themes. less

A rising king. A falling queen. An unimaginable love.Queen Cora is married to a monster. Three years she has played wife, and all she has to show for it is a marked face, an empty womb, and a bitter taste in her mouth best washed away with wine. It is a good thing she is made of something solid, because marriage is a life sentence. Or is it? The rebel prince is coming for the crown. Powers will shift, and loyalties will be tested... moreA rising king. A falling queen. An unimaginable love.Queen Cora is married to a monster. Three years she has played wife, and all she has to show for it is a marked face, an empty womb, and a bitter taste in her mouth best washed away with wine. It is a good thing she is made of something solid, because marriage is a life sentence. Or is it? The rebel prince is coming for the crown. Powers will shift, and loyalties will be tested. As Cora’s future unravels, she must fight to keep hold of her position, her sanity—and most definitely her heart.Brom is leader of the Nydoen people, a mountain rebel—and next in line to rule. His brother is self-destructing, and the time has come to replace him. He has the love of a kingdom and a clear path to the throne, but not everyone wants him to succeed. War is coming. He is going to need allies if he stands any chance against his enemy. The one they call Ice Queen might be the key. Experienced, intelligent, well-connected. Intoxicating. If he can just find a way to thaw her solid heart, she may prove to be his greatest ally yet.This is the sixth and final book in The Companion series. If you enjoy a medieval tale with a strong heroine and plenty of action, then you will love The Rebel’s Queen.Trigger warning: This book contains violence and dark themes. less