A False Heiress's Guide to Love and Power

“You’ve got real potential, kid. You seem steady, too. And since your health needs some looking after for the next six months or so, why not stick around? I can teach you. Would you like to learn?”

Zachary stared in astonishment, mouth parted, utterly speechless. Alessia, unable to bear the awkward silence, pressed gently on his back, nudging him forward into a respectful bow toward Xander.

“It would be… such an honor to learn from you, sir. Ever since I started down this path, I’ve admired you so much. I’ve read your papers and books a dozen times over, and every time I get something new from them. I even planned to major in medicine at college. I’ve always dreamed of meeting you in person. I… I promise I’ll work hard. I won’t let you down.”

Zachary’s heart was pounding so hard it almost hurt. The tips of his ears were

scarlet, and his voice trembled with nervous excitement.

Xander narrowed his eyes, chuckling softly, clearly in a good mood.

“This is all rather sudden, but some traditions can’t be skipped. We can forgo the complicated rituals, but a cup of tea is still in order. Six, bring the tea.”

“Yes, sir!” Six answered at once and hurried off.

most gifted–he’d followed Xander and picked up what he could, but he was always a bit of a jack–of–all–trades, more reliable in a pinch than truly skilled. He called Xander “mentor” every

lay elsewhere. So this cup of tea for a formal

his eyes and nodded. If it had been anyone else, he might have hesitated, but since Alessia had brought

let the opportunity slip by. There was

the way home, Zachary stil! couldn’t quite believe

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dreaming.

talked about him—he’s a

Alessia replied, every time Zachary asked, her

did you ask Mr. Dawson to do this? How could he agree to take me on after meeting me just once? And that note…

heart into learning from him, you’ll