Page 53 of If the Shoe Fits (Rainbow Tales #2)

Everything was still so new to Xander that it was almost as if he were discovering the first realm with Leovar.

He smiled at the Prince, loving how free he seemed.

How happy, despite what hung over his head.

Leo had always been a little too exuberant, as if hiding something beneath his smile.

Now, Xander knew what it was—the pressure of royalty.

In this realm, Leo was a prince without a kingdom.

No power, but no pressure either. The weight had disappeared, and Leo's happiness had mellowed into something real.

Walking hand in hand down the street with him, as Xander had always wanted to, he felt free as well.

But he was also scared. He didn't think Leo fully understood what he was facing.

The power of the realm. If the magic of the Shining Ones was anything to go by, the source of that magic would be vast. Terrifying if you were up against it.

And Leo would have to face it alone as a magicless human.

The breakfast of sweet rolls, sausages, and tea soured in Xander's belly. He considered grabbing Leo's hand, summoning a door, and dragging him back to the human realm. At least Leo would be alive. He'd hate Xander forever, but he'd live.

“Hey.” Leo brushed a fingertip along Xander's cheekbone. “Stop it. I know you're panicking. It will be all right.”

“Love is not magic, Leo. You can't assuage my fear with it, much less stand against the magic of the realm armed only with it.”

“I disagree. I think love is the greatest magic there is. And you don't have to be magical yourself to use it. You'll see. It will give me strength.”

“You're strong. I know that. But this is an entire realm we're talking about.”

“It's decided, Xander. Let's not waste this day worrying about something that we can't change.”

Xander sighed. “I don't know how you can be so calm.”

“Would you do it for me?”

“Yes,” Xander said without thinking. Then he blinked. Processed. Realized it was true. In revelation, he said, “Yes, I would. I would face anything for you.”

Leovar smiled so wide that it took over his face.

“You see? You can't fault me for doing exactly what you would do in my position.” He leaned across the table and kissed Xander.

“And I love this place, by the way.” Leo glanced across the restaurant and then up at the vaulted dome of glass above.

“It's beautiful, and the food is amazing.”

“It's my first time here too.” Xander looked around. “I saw the plants inside.” He waved at the miniature garden set in the center of the room, beneath the skylight. “And I thought it looked magical. But then, everywhere is magical here.”

“I'm glad we're experiencing this for the first time together.” Leo sipped his tea and sighed. “This is perfect, Xander. When I dreamed of leaving the kingdom with you, I never thought it would be like this.”

“I never thought I'd be allowed to even visit this realm.”

Leo narrowed his eyes. “I was wondering about why you were raised in our world by that horrible woman when your mother lived here.”

“I'm half human. My grandfather couldn't make an exception for me just because we're related.”

“Why not?” Leo huffed. “My father does stuff like that all the time.”

Xander grimaced. He couldn't tell Leo he'd thought the very same thing. The last thing he wanted to do was get angry all over again. So, Xander just waved it away. “Let's not talk about this. Why don't we go exploring? We can experience more of this place together.”

“I'd like that.”

Xander paid for their breakfast—he now had a pouch of coins given to him by the castle steward.

With full bellies, they left the restaurant to wander the streets.

Every new wonder was gawked at as if they were children.

Then they'd walk off, giggling to each other.

Xander bought sweets for them to share, and they ate them as they ambled on. And then they came to a jewelry store.

Xander peered in the window at all the sparkling gems.

“Even the jewelry is prettier here,” Leo said.

“Come with me.” Xander took Leo's hand and led him into the store.

“Oh, sweet magic!” a woman behind a glass counter exclaimed. “My Prince.” She inclined her head. “I'm so honored to have you in my shop. How may I help you?”

“How did you know who I am?” Xander asked.

“The King made an announcement.” She picked up a sheet of paper and held it up for him to see. On it was Xander's likeness, rendered in ink. Below his face was an announcement of the King's pleasure over his grandson's arrival .

Xander stared at those words. Had he been too harsh on his grandfather?

Maybe he did have a good reason for summoning his daughter home.

Xander still hadn't given him the chance to explain.

He would have if Leo hadn't shown up. But now, they'd have to wait until Leo's fate was decided.

And if it went badly, he might not care about his grandfather's explanations.

He probably wouldn't care about anything.

Except for Zane.

Shit, how the fuck was he still thinking about Zane?

“Your Highness?” The woman put the paper down.

“Oh! I'm sorry. Lost in thought. Uh . . .” Xander looked at Leo. “This is my . . .”

“I'm his consort,” Leo said.

Consort. The word echoed in Xander's mind. It was the title he had intended for Zane.

“A consort already! How wonderful . . .” the woman trailed off as she stared at Leo.

“Yes, he's human. He's facing the realm's challenge tonight. For me.”

“The challenge?” The woman paled.

Xander did not think that boded well.

But then she cleared her throat and smiled. “How romantic. You're very brave.”

“Thank you,” Leo said to her. Then he looked at Xander. “What are we doing in here, love?”

“Um, I thought . . . well, I'd like you to wear something from me tonight. A symbol of my love for you. I thought a ring would perhaps be— ”

“Xander, are you proposing?” Leo teased.

“It's just a promise to be with you if all goes well.”

“It will. And I'll take that promise, thank you.” Leo pointed at a tray of gold bands in the glass case before him. “I'd like to see these, please.”

“Yes, of course!” The woman pulled out the tray and set it on the glass top of the case before Leo.

Xander watched Leo try on several bands, all on his ring finger. His lips twitched. He might as well have proposed to Leo. His Prince wouldn't accept anything less. And he deserved no less for facing the challenge. But could Xander marry him?

What a turn of events! Xander and Nevan had conspired to trick Leovar's father into allowing them to marry.

Now, Leo was there with Xander, in a place where Xander's family had to be convinced to accept Leo as a husband.

Or maybe it was the first realm that had to accept him.

Xander wasn't sure. All he knew was that the thought of marrying Leo felt right.

But also wrong. Because another man had found a way into his heart.

“This one!” Leo held out his hand for Xander to see. “What do you think?”

It was a gold band etched with a swirling design and set with a single red glittering stone.

“Is that a ruby?” Xander asked.

“No, Your Highness. It's called a heartstone. It's the perfect choice for your consort. The gem is said to protect lovers.”

“It will protect him?” Xander glanced at Leo. “We'll take it.”