Page 14 of If the Shoe Fits (Rainbow Tales #2)

Prince Leovar could hardly believe what he was hearing.

“You want me to get married?” He gaped at his father. “To a woman ?”

King Bessaren scowled at his heir. “Yes, that's what princes do. That's your only duty to the kingdom until you become king.”

“Father, you do know that I'm gay?”

“Son, I don't care with whom you find pleasure, but you need an heir.” The King waved his hand. “Another man cannot give you offspring.”

“Neither can a woman if I never rise for her.”

“You will do what you have to get that rise.” The King leaned closer. “Take lovers. Bring one into bed with your wife. But make sure you end inside her .”

“Are you insane? No woman would allow that.”

“To become a princess and eventually a queen, they will.” King Bessaren's voice hardened. “Your spouse will understand the arrangement if you choose carefully. It's our people who cannot see you cheating. They must believe the marriage is stable. A stable monarch means a stable kingdom.”

“Dear God, Dad! Have you cheated on Mother?”

“No.” The King's expression softened instantly at the mention of his wife. “I love your mother. Ours was a love match. But I don't expect you to be so fortunate.”

“Well, of course not. You want me to marry a woman.”

“This is your duty. Your responsibility. It's the price of the crown, Leo. As I said, you can still have your fun. This is not the end of your life. Just a change.”

“And how do you expect me to find this understanding, sexually open-minded woman?”

“I'm holding a ball. A party in your honor. I'll invite every eligible noblewoman from all the kingdoms. You can talk to them and find one who will be amenable to such an arrangement.”

“Amenable,” Leo murmured. All Leo could think of was Xander. There were now two obstacles to their relationship—Xander's status and his cock.

“Stop pouting, Leo,” the King said. “You've had lots of fun.

I've heard the rumors. I've even seen your lovers sneaking away in the early light.

And I've let you go wild far longer than my father allowed me.

It's time to become a man. And you never know.

Maybe you'll find a woman who will be a good partner for you.

You'll be a father someday, and that joy is greater than anything you can find in bed.” He stood up and came around the table to kiss Leo's forehead.

“I know you feel that I'm being cruel, but I have responsibilities as well. I am trying to do this as kindly as possible. I love you, Son. I want you to be happy.”

Leo wanted to tell his father that he had found his match. He wanted to tell him that it was time for the kingdom to move into the future. There would be two kings ruling after his father passed on. But all he could say was, “I love you too, Father.”