Page 49 of If the Shoe Fits (Rainbow Tales #2)

There was a small reprieve before the challenge.

Xander's grandfather granted Leo a day to see the first realm before he faced death.

They would have until the following evening.

But Xander didn't know how to behave with two lovers in attendance.

He loved Leo, and he was anxious—no, terrified—of what would happen to him.

But he was also falling for Zane. Sex had nothing to do with love, and yet it had been a catalyst for his heart.

Becoming intimate with Zane had opened other intimacies between them.

Xander knew it was only a matter of time.

What he didn't know was whether that made one love more important than the other.

So, after his grandfather and the guards left, Xander stood between the two men, speechless.

“I'll leave,” Zane said.

“Zane.” Xander took his hand. “I meant every word I said. Being with you was amazing.”

Zane glanced at Leo. “Yes, I'm hoping they're amazing enough that you remember me even when you're with him.”

Xander couldn't help it. He kissed Zane. Just a quick press of lips to lips, but when he stepped back, Leo was glaring at Zane.

Zane held up his hands. “It was never about stealing your lover, Prince Leovar. I thought he was free.”

“I thought I was too.” Xander looked from Zane to Leo. “I don't know what to do.”

“As I said, I'm going now.” Zane kissed Xander's cheek. “Like the King, I shall give you the day. If he survives tomorrow, however, I will fight for you.”

“So, I'm to have Xander today because you think I'm going to die tomorrow?” Leovar demanded.

“Yes,” Zane said without hesitation. “And I can't stand between a dying man and the one he loves.”

“But if I don't die, you'll gladly stand between us?”

Zane suddenly lost his gentle expression. Eye narrowed and magic sparking in the surrounding air, he said, “I will do more than stand, human. I said I'd fight, and I always mean what I say.”

“You say human as if it's an insult!” Leovar strode over and faced off with Zane again. “Your prince is half human.”

“His Shining One blood is stronger.”

“Enough!” Xander pushed the men apart and then swung around to give them both his back. A trembling had taken over his body, and if the fighting went on any longer, he might just join in. “I can't . . . go, Zane. I need you to leave.”

“Yes, Your Highness. May I accompany you to the challenge tomorrow?”

Xander sighed and turned back around. “That wasn't meant to sound so dismissive. You said you'd give him the day, so give him the day. And yes, I'll need you tomorrow.”

“So, you'll watch me face death for you with another man beside you?” Leo demanded.

“Leo, I didn't ask you to do this! I would rather you went home! ”

“Good day, Your Highness.” Zane bowed pointedly to Xander so that it was clear which “Highness” he spoke to.

“Thank you, Zane,” Xander muttered. He watched Zane leave before looking back at Leo. “Please, just go home, Leo. Get married, have children, be the man you were meant to be. We can both cherish our memories together, and they'll be untainted by blood.”

“Damn you, Xander!” Leo shoved him in the chest. “It's all right for him to fight for you, but I can't? I think you've already made up your mind. Maybe I should go home.”

Xander considered lying to Leo just to save him. But the words wouldn't come. “Fuck, I'm selfish,” he muttered.

“What? Why?”

“Because I want you both! I want you to stay even though it means you might die! I've gone so long with nothing that I should be grateful for one love. But I find myself clutching at two.” He shook his head. “I'm a selfish bastard.”

“No, you're not.” Leovar took his hand. “I'm disappointed that you've found someone else so soon, but I also know how things work at court. You must have had men throwing themselves at you.”

“I wouldn't have allowed myself to even consider Zane if I hadn't seen you kissing another man.”

“As I said—men throw themselves at princes.” Leo's jaw clenched. “I can't change the past. And I can't make you believe—”

“Leo, I believe you. I'm just trying to explain why I've been with someone else. Why I'm falling for him.” He grimaced. “Honestly, I don't regret it. You were my first. And you've been with many men. I don't think you should begrudge me another lover. ”

“I wouldn't have. If he were in the past. But you went to him when we'd barely been parted a week!”

Xander's heart sank. He was suddenly tired. To go from missing Leo to having him there and then to fighting with him was too much. With the threat of death looming, Xander wanted to give up. “Go home, Leo. Know that I will always love you, but I don't want you to risk your life for me.”

“For us!” Leo grabbed Xander's hands. “Do you think I made this decision lightly?

I've been barely existing without you. And unlike you, I've resisted the men who have—” He stopped abruptly.

“I'm sorry. I won't speak of it again. Not like that. You thought I was lost to you, and you were shown something that put me in a bad light. I can accept that you would strive to move on. But now we both know the truth, and we are worth the risk, Xander. At least to me.”

“And say you survive. Then what?”

Leo let go of Xander's hands. “What do you mean?”

“What will you do? Stay here in the first realm with me?”

“Yes, if that's what you want. I was prepared to leave the kingdom with you. Why would this be any different?”

“Because I'm the heir here. You will forever be the human who left his kingdom for me, with no status, no power. Are you sure you want that?”

“I want you , Xander. Where we live and the status I hold don't concern me. But I won't beg. If you truly want me to go, I will.”

Xander's breath caught in his throat, the words piling up.