A king without an heir must be in want of a queen. Baris has sacrificed his health to bring peace to the kingdom. He has always put the needs of the crown above his own, even entering into a loveless marriage for a political alliance. He bore it all with stoic dignity. Now the queen is dead and he must select a new queen. Someone who brings wealth or influence. Someone with the approval of the council. So why can’t he stop thinking of the human doctor with the fine eyes? He rescued her when a portal dumped her on a wild moon and he may have made some unflattering remarks about her person. He needs to correct this mistake. He offers her a position at the palace as a medic, fully intending to win her affections. The council won’t approve. Lenore barely tolerates him but his heart is most ardent and will not be denied. First impressions matter. And King Baris? The worst. He’s beautiful and powerful, sure, and he also has an enormous… ego. Lenore overhears what he really thinks of her—not flattering, by the way—and isn’t going to stick around to be insulted. So why then does she accept his job offer? Must be the alien gravity playing tricks on her. You don’t get a second chance at a first impression. Shadow Mark is a slow burn, royal romance with Pride and Prejudice vibes between and alien king and a stubborn human doctor, and a Happily Ever After. No cheating. While Shadow Mark can be read on it's own, it is the sequel to Splintered Shadow, so why not read both?