“If you ever do that to me again, I’ll show you what wrath and swords are really all about, Prince Iver Daring,” she murmured, tears falling from her eyes to land on his chest as she ran her hands over his face.
He used a thumb to swipe at the salty drops. “I did owe you one, did I not? I suppose we can call it even now, eh?” he asked on a chuckle.
Toni fought a sob. “You know what I think? I think we should just wipe the slate clean. Let’s start all over. I’m Toni Vitali from the land of intor-nets, phones, cars that go vroom-vroom and dating—better known as Jersey. Pleased to meet you, Iver.”
Iver smiled up at her, flashing his white teeth. “That’s prince to you.”
Toni poked him in the ribs while she laughed, making him groan as Marty and Wanda helped them from the floor, throwing their arms around them and hugging the couple hard.
Nina roused Dannan, gripping his big fingers and pulling him to a standing position.
He smiled and scooped Toni up in his big hand, holding her in front of his face. “Aye, lass, you are a fine friend and a mighty wench.”
She gripped his fluted ears and kissed the end of his big blue nose before he set her down next to Iver.
Toni took a deep breath as she addressed everyone with a smile, knowing what had to happen next, even as she dreaded it. “Whaddya say we return some shoes and get you guys home?”
King Dick cleared his throat and pointed to the shoes. “About the shoes. I do not know how you came upon them, my lady Toni, but I owe you the deepest of gratitude for their return. They are dangerous when in the wrong hands, which is why, I assume, the good witch Brenda gave them to such a fierce warrior.” He bowed in front of Toni then rose to smile at her.
Toni held up a finger and waved it. “Yeah. Can I get an explanation on these, please? Because trust me when I say, I was the last person on earth someone would nominate to slay dragons back in Jersey and now I’m suddenly fairytale villain slayer of the year.”
King Dick barked a laugh, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Those shoes once belonged to a very powerful queen. She gave them to me upon her death when she could no longer trust they would be guarded with caution. I have kept them a secret for many years now. Simply the knowledge of them could cause great upset in my peaceful land. They allow you to absorb your enemy’s powers, but in the wrong hands, they can be quite dangerous. Which only goes to show, you are honorable and kind.”
Toni ran a hand over her forehead to squeeze her temple. “Just for the sake of security, a drunken witch stole them from you. Maybe you might want to consider tightening your ship?”
King Dick grinned. “Indeed I shall.” He knelt in front of her and asked,” If I might?”
Toni nodded, almost hesitantly. She’d had these things on for almost three weeks. What would she do when her feet were no longer in arched Barbie position?
The king placed his hand at her heel and pulled first one then the other shoe off, leaving her feet finally free. Toni wiggled her toes in gratitude as the tingle she’d grown used to fizzled and dissipated entirely. “Thank you.”
King Dick smiled as he rose. “And now, for your wish. I shall grant you each one. Will it be that you leave Shamalot, Toni, and return to your homeland of Jersey? I wish nothing but love for my son, but I have learned a very hard-won lesson today. I cannot force the heart to do what it does not wish, and I sense your heart is torn.”
Her throat tightened, her stomach clenched. The dreaded eleventh hour was upon her and she had to make a choice. How would she ever choose between the love of her life and her beloved brother?
Damn you, realm!
But Iver stepped forward, his eyes full of determination, his jaw rigid. “I would have this known—if Toni chooses to return home, I shall go with her, Father. I will not leave my true love under any circumstances.”
Marty and Wanda’s wings began to flap wildly. “Fan me, Wanda,” Marty ordered with a breathy demand. “Before I pass out from all this man.”
But now Toni shook her head, bracketing his face in her hands. “No, Jon.” She shook her head and corrected herself. “Iver. I can’t let you do that. I won’t ask you to leave your family, your kingdom, your everything for me.”
“You are everything,” he whispered, gripping her wrists. “None of it matters if you are not by my side to share it. And I will not be denied the chance to know you.”