The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

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Curtis' frown deepened. "I told you before that your future husband would come for you. this year. You were supposed to marry him, not get involved with another man.

"Are you disregarding my wishes? I've never opposed anything you wanted to do in your life. Is fulfilling this one engagement too much to ask?"

Xena sighed. It was true that Curtis had always supported her choices, even when her parents objected. Perhaps that was why she became the formidable warrior she was. Besides, the engagement was indeed his only request. "But, Grandpa," Xena pleaded, "Marriage is a life-changing commitment. Why are your clinging to this outdated concept of arranged marriages? Don't I have a say in my own love life?"

Curtis patted Xena's shoulder. "I'm not old-fashioned, sweetheart. This engagement wasn't my idea-it was your great-grandpa's.

thought it was impossible, given how far back this mess actually started, Not

born, the agreement would be void." Despite trusting Curtis' honesty, Xena was still full of doubt. "But that's absurd! The engagement specifies Felix's name and his address in Eden Village. How could this be possible if Felix wasn't even born when it was made?" The whole situation

great-grandpa was a warrior, which is where your natural talent comes from. Warriors of that era were capable of extraordinary things beyond our understanding. Don't ask me to explain-I simply can't." With the conversation going

she continued, "What about Jaden? He likes me, he's exceptional, and he saved your life. Wouldn't our family be

disregarding Jaden's life-saving deed. Seeing Curtis' hesitation,

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please... Just let me choose my own path

thoughts for several minutes. As he steeled himself to speak, he noticed something odd about Xena. Her eyes were open,