Page 97 of Shadow Mark

“No. That’d only make it worse,” she said quickly. The review board’s contempt for her primitive human medicine had been obvious. Siccing Baris on them wouldn’t win her any allies.

“I had no idea you had such troubles.”

Silence fell between them. It was prickly and contentious, ready to turn into an explosive argument with the wrong word. Best to remain quiet then.

“Why did you fail to share your struggles with me?” Baris asked.

“I didn’t want to bother you.” It was a lame excuse, but ultimately true. The person who should have supported Lenore in the past hadn’t. Her ex started screwing around the moment she couldn’t be a full-service housewife.

Oh no. This was that emotional baggage Lydia kept talking about. She could bury it down deep— her first impulse— or deal with it like an adult.

Fine, even though it felt like eating a giant plate of overcooked broccoli.

“That’s not entirely true,” she said. “My ex left when things got difficult. I guess I’m worried you’ll do the same, so I’ve been keeping all this to myself.”

Baris’ brows pulled together in a scowl. “It is fortunate Earth is so far away, or I would have a conversation with that male.”

“A murdery conversation?”

“Is there another kind?”

Lenore laughed, the tension easing in her chest. Talking about problems like an adult actually helped. Amazing.

“Perhaps it would be prudent to pause your studies until after the wedding,” Baris said.

“Absolutely not. I did that once, and I won’t do it again.” She wouldn’t back down on that.

“Yes, your former mate did not honor his half of your bargain. Another reason for a conversation.”

“You remember that?” Lenore was impressed. He had a fever at the time when she shared that tidbit.

“I remember everything,” he replied smoothly.

“I might not be able to give you an heir. There hasn’t been a human-Arcosian pregnancy yet. Heaven knows people are trying. What if it’s not possible?”

“It is. Humans are known to be compatible with other species.”

That much was true. Lenore read a report that claimed some Khargals had been on Earth for centuries and bred with humans. There were human-alien hybrids on Earth, and no one knew. She said, “But what if we’re not? I’m thirty-six. Pregnancy might not be so easy for me.”

“Fortunately, I happen to know a very skilled human physician.” He grinned like that was a joke to him.

“Be serious, Baris,” she said.

“The royal family contains a plethora of cousins. Someone very wise suggested I pick the least horrible one and make them my heir.”

Well, that might actually work.

“I know I won’t be able to have a medical practice after the wedding. I’m not naive,” she said, and that’s where her imagination failed. “I don’t like parties. Tonight was terrible, even before the brouhaha. I’m not a social butterfly. I won’t be that sort of queen. I’m not sure what sort I will be.”

“What do you want?”

That was the first time anyone had asked her.

“I want you, but it’s not just you, is it? I have to take the whole royal package.” She sighed. “Your proposal was impulsive. I accepted before I really thought it through. Maybe it would be smart to call the whole thing off.”

“No.” His tone was firm and brooked no argument. He cradled her face in his hands and pressed his forehead to hers. “It does not matter how many times you suggest it; the answer will always be no.”

“Baris—”

---