Page 27 of Shadow Mark

“God, these shoes,” she said, kicking them off with a sigh. “Much better. Now, what’s going on with you? And don’t say nothing because that’s a lie.”

Baris took a mouthful of the hot, bitter tea and swallowed two pills. He said, “It is Symbiote Death Syndrome.”

She blinked. “Wow. That’s an honest answer.”

“I see little reason to be untruthful. You would know.” His first instinct had been to deny, but, as he noted earlier, they would never meet again.

“Untruthful.” She took a sip of the tea. “That’s a politician’s response.”

“It is not something I wish to be freely known.”

“This is confidential.” She waved a hand between them. “Tell me about Symbiote Death Syndrome. Not gonna lie, it sounds gruesome.”

Baris recounted the facts. Triggered by a broken bond with a karu, it was slow-moving, unavoidable, and painful.

“Rest is the best treatment for your condition?” she asked.

“Some medications mask the symptoms, but they wear off. Otherwise, I must wait for it to pass.” He drained his mug, flinching at the bitter taste of the moon root tea. Thankfully, the medication was fast-acting. The ache in his head eased. Unfortunately, he had expected the medication to reduce his fever all evening long. It did not, wearing off alarmingly quickly. Harol had warned that his symptoms would grow worse before they improved. He had hoped for more time.

Lenore made a grumbly, judgmental noise. “I already told you my opinion about patients who can’t follow orders.” She leaned back in her chair. “I’m kicking you out, Your Majesty. It’ll be a long day tomorrow. We both should try to sleep.”

Disappointment twisted in his stomach, taking him by surprise. He couldn’t explain it. This female was a stranger to him, and their conversation was brief in the grand scheme of things, but it pained him to know that they would never share another late-night cup of tea, and she would never scold him for ignoring his medic’s orders.

“I will not take up any more of your time,” he said, shrugging on his frock coat and shoving the gloves into pockets. He moved to the door and exited into the corridor. “Sleep well.”

She followed, leaning against the open doorframe. “Good night.”

No. This wasn’t right.

Baris tugged on the cuffs of his frock coat. He would not let their encounter end like this.

“Are you attractive by human standards?”

LENORE

“Wow, you’re just asking all the questions tonight,” Lenore replied without thinking. She didn’t know how to answer without sounding vain or artificially humble. “You’ve met other humans. You know.”

“I can only judge you by Arcosian standards, but I am asking about human standards.” He took a step closer, narrowing the gap between them. He rested his hand against the door frame above her head, leaned in, and fuck, that was not fair.

“Plain,” she said quickly. “I’m plain. My face isn’t unfortunate enough to be ugly, but it’s not pretty, either. I’m just sort of average. Nothing special.”

With his left hand, he took her by the chin and slowly turned her face from side to side, as if inspecting her for defects. At least, that was how it felt. It also made her all fluttery inside.

“You are incorrect. A pair of fine eyes can elevate a face from ordinary to remarkable.” He brushed his thumb along her jaw, holding her gaze. “Yours are intelligent and kind.”

And now she was blushing.

There was an undeniable pull that she recognized, though she hadn’t experienced it in quite some time. She was about to be kissed, and the internal fluttering intensified.

Lenore held up a finger, placing it over Baris’ lips. “You’re unwell, and you’re a patient. This is an ethical line I can’t cross.”

“My condition has improved, and I am not your patient,” he said, his voice low. “If my advance is unwanted, you need only say.”

The trouble was, it wasn’t unwanted. It was very much wanted. The horny part of her brain spun a dozen reasons why this was a great idea. The best idea. Starting with the fact that Baris wasn’t her patient, there weren’t any questions of ethics. She’d be gone tomorrow, so what did it matter? A handsome man wanted to kiss her, and that didn’t happen too often on Earth or any planet. He hadn’t been well, but he said he felt better now, and who was she to take away his self-determination?

Fuck it. She was taking this far too seriously. She could be spontaneous and have fun. Probably.

“Very much wanted,” Lenore said, stretching up on her toes.

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