Monique D. Miller

In the future: A united Earth, to deal with the problem of population control, divides its population into classes of citizen and non-gratis. To be born a non-gratis means a life of little freedoms and the constant possibility of being assigned to work on a colony. Lacking citizenship, every aspect of their life is controlled from where they live down to marriage and childbearing regulations. The only possible escape from life as a non-gratis is to qualify for one of the limited slots available for entrance into the military.

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.

Abducted from Earth over a year ago, Lauren spent most of that time getting accustomed to her new life as one of the "animals" in an alien zoo. When she's sold by the zookeeper, her life takes a turn she wasn't expecting. She has no idea where she'll end up 'til she's brought to a sanctuary owned by a tall blue hunk of an alien called Riv.