Page 87 of Royal Icing

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Leo asked before he could think better of it.

Ruby’s eyes darted left and right. “Not so loud.”

“You don’t trust me? You think I’m some kind of prejudiced asshole?” he asked.

“No, I know you marched in the Pride parade last year. It’s not that.”

“Okay, then what?”

She took a deep breath. “Telling you would make it real. And if I told you, then I have to tell the rest of them.”

His anger deflated a centimeter.

“How do you think Mom’s going to react when she finds out her precious princess likes girls? And what a scandal it’s going to cause when the world finds out there’s a gay princess in Lynoria?”

Leo stared at the drawing room door. Emma had been right. It was no wonder she didn’t tell him. His mother had just disowned him merely for having a connection with an American. What would she do to her favorite child for not fitting the mold? He rubbed his temples.

“I’m sorry, kid. I understand why you didn’t say anything. And I’m sorry you’ve been struggling with this secret.” He turned to her and grabbed both her hands. “I love you, and I’m so proud of you for embracing who you are. The road ahead might be…challenging, but you’ll always have me. No matter what.”

Ruby’s lip quivered, and she ran in for a hug. He squeezed her tight, wishing he could bottle up this moment while she was still his baby sister. Soon, she’d be in college an ocean away.

“And when or if you do decide to tell them, I’ll be there.”

“Thank you. You better not have been mean to Emma,” Ruby said when she pulled back. “She only found out about it by accident. I blabbed while I was drunk.”

Fuck.

“I…messed things up with Emma,” he muttered. “Oh, and I’m moving out.”

“What?” she looked confused.

“It’s time. I’m leaving.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Does this have something to do with Emma?”

“No. Well, inadvertently.”

Ruby straightened. “Let me guess. Mom flipped out on you for what happened at the ball last night because now that’s all anyone wants to talk about instead of what an amazing and royal triumph her ball was.”

“Are the press really talking about it?”

She pulled out her phone and then scrolled through a series of videos of the altercation at the ball.

“Worse. It’s all over TikTok. No wonder she’s pissed.”

Fuck. It was only a matter of time before someone identified Emma. Then her reputation really might be ruined.

“So you’re really leaving?” Ruby asked.

“Yes.”

“But what about Thursdays? Who’s going to watchStepwives of Seacacuswith me?” Her voice was small.

“I’ll still come. Or you can visit me at my new place.”

“Which is where?” she asked.

“Great question. Haven’t figured that out yet.”