After going through my work here, I decided that I was not setting u the story the way I wanted two, so I am working on changing the story as I wrote it before.

In the wake of a devastating war that had left the United States in ruins, a new world emerged, fragmented into six city-states, each controlled by kings and queens who served under the overarching authority of a distant emperor. The emperor's rule extended like a shadow over the decimated land, dictating the lives of those who struggled to rebuild in the aftermath of conflict.

Within this shattered world, the royals played a pivotal role. Bound by tradition and duty, every royal, whether king or queen, was mandated to choose a royal consort upon reaching a certain age. This union was not just a matter of personal choice; it was a strategic alliance, a partnership designed to navigate the intricate political landscape that defined each city-state.

Outside the realm of royalty, the non-royal citizens faced their own fate as they reached the summer of their sixteenth year. A selection process awaited them, a crucial juncture that would determine their roles and contributions to the city. Jobs were assigned based on the needs of the community, an approach that sought to rebuild society by utilizing the skills of its citizens.

In this particular year, a momentous event was on the horizon. Eight royals were coming of age simultaneously, an anomaly that stirred whispers and speculation throughout the city-states. As tradition dictated, each royal was expected to choose a consort, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their intertwined destinies.

However, this year held an unprecedented twist. Alongside the selection of royal consorts, eight citizens – whether male or female – would be chosen to undergo a transformation into female consorts. Among these chosen ones was Alex, a young man whose life would take an unexpected turn.

Selected as a consort, Alex underwent a transformation that changed not only his physical appearance but also his place in society. He was transformed into a beautiful woman. Before entering the consort training course at Sterling Academy for Young Ladies, he embraced a new identity, navigating the complexities of a world that rigidly adhered to gender norms. The very essence of Alex's previous life was whipped from all records so that no one would question her new life.

Sterling Academy, nestled within the remnants of a once-vibrant city, became the focal point for the training of consorts. Isolated from other students at the academy, the consorts embarked on a journey that extended far beyond the boundaries of etiquette and refinement. Their training revolved around the "Ten Rules of Consorts," a set of guidelines designed to mold them into strategic partners capable of navigating the intricate web of court politics.

The Ten Rules of Consorts:

Rule One: Maintain Proper Hygiene Every Day
Proper hygiene was not merely a matter of personal comfort but a statement of dignity and self-respect. The consorts were taught that cleanliness was a reflection of their commitment to their roles and an essential aspect of their presence in the royal court.

Rule Two: Entertain Your Family with Song and Dance
In the complex world of court politics, the ability to entertain and captivate was a valuable skill. Song and dance became a language through which the consorts could communicate emotions and sentiments, ensuring that they remained a source of joy and distraction for their assigned royals.

Rule Three: Accessorize to Guide the Eye
In a world where appearances mattered, the consorts learned the art of accessorizing to draw attention strategically. Each accessory became a statement, guiding the eyes of those around them and subtly influencing perceptions in the royal court.

Rule Four: A Smile Can Be the Sharpest Knife
A smile, when wielded with precision, could be a powerful weapon. The consorts were taught the art of diplomacy through facial expressions, understanding that a well-timed smile could cut through tension and disarm even the most formidable opponents.

Rule Five: Silence Speaks Louder Than Any Words
The consorts were trained to appreciate the power of silence. In moments of intrigue or tension, withholding words became a strategic choice, allowing the consorts to observe and gather information without revealing their own intentions.

Rule Six: Knowledge Is Beauty
Intelligence and knowledge were celebrated as attributes of true beauty. The consorts were encouraged to be well-versed in various subjects, from arts and literature to politics and history, ensuring they could contribute meaningfully to the conversations within the royal court.

Rule Seven: Your Heart Is Your Own
Amidst the complexities of courtly life, the consorts were reminded that their emotions were their own. While they navigated political machinations and strategic alliances, their hearts remained a sanctuary, safeguarded from external influences.

Rule Eight: Never Let Them See You Cry
Vulnerability was a luxury consorts could not afford. The consorts were taught to be resilient, to endure challenges with grace, and to never reveal their inner turmoil in the public eye. Tears, if shed, were to be in private, hidden from the prying eyes of the court.

Rule Nine: Show Confidence, Not Pride
Confidence was a trait to be cultivated, but arrogance was to be avoided. The consorts learned to walk the fine line between projecting assurance in their abilities and remaining humble in the face of their assigned roles.

Rule Ten: Problems to the Crown Are Best Eliminated
The consorts were instilled with a pragmatic understanding of their roles. In a world where loyalty to the crown was paramount, problems and threats were to be handled swiftly and efficiently. The consorts were taught that sometimes, elimination was the most effective solution.

As the consorts underwent their training, a sense of camaraderie developed among them. Isolated from the other students at Sterling Academy, they formed bonds that transcended the constraints of their assigned roles. The consorts became more than strategic partners; they became a family, united by the shared challenges and responsibilities they faced.

Information flowed freely among the consorts, creating a network of support and collaboration. The lessons of the Ten Rules were not just theoretical; they became a lived experience, shaping the consorts into individuals capable of navigating the complexities of court life with poise and resilience.

In the broader context of the city-states, the world outside the academy continued to grapple with the aftermath of war. The emperor's influence loomed large, and the city-states, controlled by kings and queens, operated in a delicate balance of power. The consorts, now trained in the art of diplomacy and political acumen, were poised to step into this complex world.

The story of Alex, the newly female consort challenging societal norms, unfolded against the backdrop of intrigue, tradition, and the unyielding spirit of those determined to shape their destinies in a world scarred by war. As the consorts embraced their roles, they stood at the intersection of change and tradition, ready to navigate a future that held both promise and peril in equal measure.