Page 41 of If the Shoe Fits (Rainbow Tales #2)

“Where are we going?” Xander asked.

Zane grinned at Xander over his shoulder as he led him out of the royal castle. “On an adventure. You've just arrived in the first realm. Don't you want to see more than a building?” He paused, his grin turning wicked, and added, “And a garden.”

“I do.” Xander quickened his pace to match Zane's. “Show me everything.”

Zane laughed. “I'm afraid that will take more than one afternoon.”

“Then we'll explore for as long as it takes.”

“Someone is bored.”

“Someone is excited,” Xander corrected.

“And that's exactly how I want you.” Zane took Xander's hand and led him to the stable.

A man led a pair of horses out to them, already saddled.

“Thank you, Ren,” Zane said to him.

The man nodded, bowed to Xander, and returned to the stable.

“I didn't think there were servants here.”

“They are paid members of the castle staff, not servants. And I'm sure their jobs are easier than the equivalent in the human realm.”

“Magic,” Xander said.

“Yes, it helps. But some things must be done without magic.” He handed the reins of the horse to Xander. “Animals don't react well to things floating about them and buckling themselves on.”

Xander stroked his mount's side and climbed up into the saddle. “Horses, at least those in my old realm, are skittish beasts.”

“Yes, cats do better with magic. And some birds. Dogs, not so much.” Zane mounted his horse. “I hope you know how to ride.”

“I haven't in a while, but I should be fine.”

“Then follow me!” Zane tugged on the reins, and his horse went galloping out of the castle gates.

Grinning, Xander tapped the reins against his horse's neck and raced after Zane.

They didn't keep up that speed for long. After a few minutes, they were down the incline that led into the surrounding city. Zane slowed his mount, and Xander followed suit. Side by side, they ambled through the cobbled streets, past shining ones who nodded at them and went about their day.

It was just like a human town, with shops, homes, and restaurants clustered together.

People dressed better and were more attractive there, but it was still similar.

Until Xander noticed the magic. Satchels floated behind shoppers, things appeared randomly, and strange devices abounded.

He kept seeing flashes of light and sparkles in the corner of his eye. It was part of everyday living there .

Zane stopped his mount near a golden hitching post, got off, and tied the horse's reins to the post. Xander did the same. And then Zane held out his hand to Xander.

Xander stared at the hand and then at the people walking by.

No one had offered to take his hand like that before—to walk with him publicly.

It was acceptable for men to be with men in the human realm, but not to show such affection in public.

And that wasn't even the height of why Xander was so shocked.

No one had taken his hand like that before because he had never done this before.

Never gone on a walk with a romantic companion.

He'd never been on a walk for pleasure at all.

Maybe when he was young, but he couldn't remember.

And back then, it was more about running and playing than wandering a shopping district.

Zane's smile wavered, and he started to lower his hand.

“Don't.” Xander took his hand. “I was just . . . I don't know how to do this.”

“Hold hands?” Zane teased. “It's easy. See?” He lifted their clasped hands. “You handled it fine last night.”

“Last night, we were alone. I've never done this in public. Even if I could have, even if I'd been an acceptable companion for another man, it wouldn't have been appropriate for us to stroll together like this.”

“Humans.” Zane rolled his eyes. “They're so stuffy about what they deem appropriate behavior. Fuck 'em.”

Xander's eyes went wide.

“I didn't mean literally. But I guess you've done that.”

Xander chuckled. “One at least.”

Zane's eyes widened a little, but he didn't comment on Xander's meager list of lovers. Or lover, rather. He just went on blithely, “Well, this is the first realm, and we don't care who you hold hands with.” Zane leaned closer to whisper in Xander's ear, “Or who you fuck.”

A shiver ran down Xander's spine. “I think I like it here.”

“Don't be so hasty! I still have to show you around.”

“Are you saying I might hate it?”

“You might.” Zane winked at him. “But if you do, I'll find a way to make it tolerable for you.”

“I'm sure you will.”

They strolled down the street, Zane pointing out interesting items in shop windows and styles of Shining One architecture.

He even stopped to show Xander plants that were indigenous to the realm.

Xander had never had such fun learning things.

He'd never had a chance to explore like this.

Or money to spend. He still didn't have money—not with him.

The thought made him frown. He didn't even know what was used for purchasing things in the first realm.

“What's wrong?” Zane asked.

“I didn't bring any money with me.”

Zane laughed. “You're the Prince. We'll just tell them to send the bill to the castle.”

“Really?”

“Yes, royals don't walk around with pouches full of coins.”

“Oh.” Xander chewed at his lower lip. “What's a bill?”

Zane shook his head. “You are adorable. A bill is, well, uh, it's a note of purchase asking for payment.”

“Oh, I see. But who's going to pay my bills? ”

“I don't know. Your grandfather, I assume. Well, not him personally. His exchequer.”

“Exchequer?”

“That's the title of the person who handles the royal accounts.”

“Ah.” Xander nodded even though he had no idea what an account was.

“So, are you hungry?”

“Very!” Food—now there was a subject he could speak about intelligently.

“Good. Because this is my favorite restaurant.” Zane motioned toward an open doorway.

Xander breathed deeply of the scents emanating from the restaurant and grinned. “I think I'll like this too.”

“I hope you will.” Zane ushered Xander inside, and then nodded at a woman who came over to greet them. “Two, please. And this is Prince Xander, son of Princess Levania, freshly arrived from the human realm. So, we'll—”

“Our prince?” the woman cut Zane off. “Welcome, Your Highness!”

“Thank you. This is my first experience at a Shining One restaurant.”

“We are the first restaurant that you've chosen to dine in?” She turned and exclaimed, “Did you hear that, everyone? Prince Xander has chosen our restaurant as the first for him to dine at!”

The guests applauded and stood to bow or curtsy to Xander.

“Please, that's not necessary.” Xander waved them down. Then he whispered to Zane, “They're just going to take your word on my identity?”

“Of course! No shining one would lie about something like that.”

“This way, Your Highness.” The woman led them to a table near the window. “Your meal is complimentary today. If you don't mind, I'd like to bring you our most popular dishes. You should try all of them. That way, you'll know what you like for next time.”

“Oh, thank you so much. Yes, that sounds wonderful.” Xander smiled until the woman danced away, and then he looked at Zane. “What's complimentary mean in this situation?”

“It means that you don't have to pay for it.” Zane beamed at him. “There you are. Your money issue is already solved.”

“They're just giving us the food?”

“Yes, she's hoping you will tell your mother and grandfather how much you enjoyed it. In that way, you will help them attract more customers, possibly even royal customers. Your meal will pay for itself.”

“I see.” Xander shook his head.

“Thinking about your change in circumstances again?”

“It's hard not to. It was just a few days ago that I was mucking out horse stalls. Of course, I've been using magic for that lately.”

“Now that's something I'd like to see.” Zane leaned over the table. “Do you remove your shirt for the task?”

“Only when it's hot.”

“I hope it's hot often. ”

“I hope I'll never have to do it again, even with magic.”

“Go ahead and ruin my fun.” Zane sat back, crossed his arms over his chest, and pouted.

“You're silly. I like that.”

“I am not! You take that back!”

Xander laughed just as the woman returned with a tray full of little dishes and a bottle. There were already two glasses on the table. She poured white wine into the glasses before setting the bottle on the table and then laid down the plates.

“This is an assortment of our appetizers, Your Highness. And a bottle of our finest wine. Please enjoy.”

“Thank you. It smells amazing.”

“My pleasure.”

Xander watched her leave and noticed several of the other diners watching him. He felt heat infuse his cheeks as he looked away.

“Sweet magic! You're blushing,” Zane said. “I don't think I've seen a man blush in over fifty years. Maybe longer.”

“I am not!” Xander mimicked him.

Zane chuckled. “It seems I'm not the only silly man at this table.”

“Good. Then we can be ridiculous together.” Xander held up his glass.

“To being ridiculous.” Zane clicked his glass against Xander's. “But only with you.”

Xander told himself it was the potency of the wine that warmed his chest, but deep down, he knew it was Zane. There was a burst of hope again. If anyone could get him over Leo, it was this man—this Shining One.