Page 32 of If the Shoe Fits (Rainbow Tales #2)

“Oh, but it does!” Alma was practically jumping up and down. “My lord, I know where there's a painting of the first Duchess Vesmalden, and she's wearing a ring in it. It's a distinctive ring that she always wore. Would that be enough proof for you?”

“Yes, it would.” The man grinned at Xander. “Especially combined with everything else I've discovered.”

“No!” Duchess Vesmalden ran for the doorway.

The man flicked his fingers again. His men grabbed her and forcefully put her in a seat. They held her in it.

“You will stay here, Madam,” the man said. “Randolph, go with this woman . . . Alma, is it?”

“Yes, sir. I'm Alma.”

The man nodded and looked back at his attendant. “Escort Alma to retrieve the painting. Make sure that nothing happens to either her or that painting. I will attend the Duke while he fetches his mother's ring.”

“Yes, sir!” A man separated himself from the rest of the entourage and nodded at Alma. “Ma'am.”

“You see, my sweet boy.” Alma cupped Xander's cheek. “I knew the truth would come out one day. Your father is watching over you from the other side.”

Xander blinked rapidly and swallowed past the tightness in his throat. “Thank you for standing up for me, Alma. And for looking after me for all these years.”

“It was my honor and pleasure.” She patted his chest and went with the guard.

“Shall we?” the man asked.

“This way.” Xander led him out through the glass doors. He had the ring on his finger, as he always did, but he couldn't reveal it now. He'd have to pretend it was hidden. As they walked across the yard, he cleared his throat. “Um, I don't mean to be rude, but who are you?”

“Oh, my name is Helpin. Perhaps you've heard of me?”

“No, I'm sorry. Should I have? You must be very important.”

“I am indeed.” Helpin grimaced. “You'd think that boy would have mentioned who he had tasked with freeing you.”

“What?” Xander stopped.

“The Prince, of course.” Helpin cocked his head and grinned. “Your lover.”

“Yes, I know you meant Leo, but what do you mean about the task?”

“I am his man. Steward of his affairs. I've been researching your family for a while now, trying to find proof of your parentage. If only you had mentioned the ring to Prince Leovar, we could have dealt with that woman sooner. An item like that—a family heirloom with proof of existence—is irrefutable.” He grimaced.

“Truth be told, I didn't believe the Prince at first. Well, I didn't believe you .

I thought you'd made up a story and were using your influence over him to gain status. But the more I looked into it, the more I believed you. You really are the son of Duke Vesmalden.”

“Yes, sir. I am.”

“Well, then, it will be with great pleasure that I shove the proof of who you are into the face of that horrid bitch in there and then take it to the King himself.”

“The King?” Xander whispered.

“Yes, of course. He will have to decide on Duchess Vesmalden's punishment. Let's just say that she won't be a duchess for long.” Helpin winked at him. “That title is rightfully yours.”

Xander's head spun with thoughts and disbelief.

It's hard to accept good fortune when your life has only had the opposite.

Could he really claim his inheritance? If the King commanded it, he would.

The King . . . but he was planning to blackmail the King.

If Xander wanted his inheritance, that blackmail would have to wait even longer.

Which meant Xander would have to wait even longer to be with Leo.

And if the King helped Xander regain his inheritance, he'd feel even worse about blackmailing him.

“In here.” Xander led Helpin into the stable. “Could you wait here?”

“Of course.”

Xander went into the storage room. He moved the board so Helpin would hear it, and within the shadows of the space beyond, the crystal shoe gleamed at him.

He was suddenly out of breath, but he calmed himself and brushed his hand over the ring as Nevan had taught him.

The large sunset stone on its broad gold band was revealed.

He replaced the board, removed the ring from his hand, and went out to Helpin.

“Here it is.” Xander handed over the ring.

Helpin held the ring up and peered at it. “Dear me. It's strange, but I can feel how special this ring is. Your friend Alma was right; it's distinctive.” He looked at Xander. “You're lucky you kept this.”

“I'm lucky she left it for me.” Xander nodded and waved toward the door. “Shall we?”

Helpin handed the ring back to Xander. “You no longer have to hide this. Put it on, Duke Xander. And wear it proudly. You have endured more than most men I've known and come through it with loyal friends, including a prince. Well done.”

A prince. Yes, Leo's loyalty had just been proven along with Xander's parentage. And Xander had betrayed that trust. But he pushed those thoughts away and forced a smile. “Thank you, sir.”

“Oh, you don't have to call me sir.” Helping patted Leo's back. “Not anymore. Come now, let's reclaim your home.”

“This is really happening?”

“Oh, yes. Just wait until you see what I'm going to do next.” Helpin beamed at Xander.