A mortal scribe bound by ancient treaty. A shadow king who devours his brides. Their marriage could save two realms—or destroy them both.
Islyn Marrowen has spent years transcribing fae treaties in silence, careful never to understand the words that bind mortal lives to immortal whims. When the Shadow King demands a bride from the border cities, she is chosen as tribute—sacrificed to a ruler whose previous queens never survived their wedding night.
Varyx, the Shadow King, has ruled the Umbracourt for centuries, bound to a throne that consumes his queens to sustain its power. He expects Islyn to die like the others. But when the crown touches her head, something ancient awakens in her blood—starlight magic that defies the shadows themselves.
Now, with the Veil between realms fracturing and political forces plotting against them, Islyn and Varyx must navigate a dangerous alliance. She wields power that could balance his darkness. He offers protection in a court where survival means betrayal. Their forced marriage becomes something neither expected: a partnership that could reshape reality itself.
But the Conclave wants her dead, the throne hungers for her soul, and the shadows whisper that love between mortal and fae king is the most dangerous magic of all.
A dark, sensual arranged marriage fantasy romance featuring a resilient mortal heroine, a brooding shadow king, political intrigue, explicit content, and a love powerful enough to rewrite ancient curses. For readers who crave enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, dark fae royalty, and high-stakes fantasy with heart.
Shadow King’s Bride is a full-length standalone dark fantasy romance with a guaranteed HEA, no cheating, and substantial steam. It contains mature themes including arranged marriage, political violence, and explicit sexual content. Intended for readers 18+.
