The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

Chapter 457

In a private room, Hector beamed. "Xena, I cleared my evening to celebrate with you. Where are you taking me to dinner?"

Looking at him, Xena felt nothing but gratitude. Without him as her mentor, she would not be where she was today. "Let me cook for you at my place. I can't think of a restaurant worthy of this occasion."

Though she was now Phoenix Warlord and was equal in rank to Hector, her respect for him remained unwavering,

"Sure. I'll try your cooking, then." Noticing her expression, Hector asked, "Is there something on your mind?"

After hesitating, Xena asked, "Lord Hector, did you have Leia bring Felix to my ceremony?"

He thought it was something more serious, so he laughed and said, "Yes. Is that a problem?

was true. Xena pressed on, "Do

a while! He's treated me a few times. You probably know

stunned Xena. Why

Felix is

"Xena, I can assure you Felix is a real man! Wasn't the orphanage incident proof enough? If he were a coward, he could have walked away from that situation, but he put himself on the line instead." His words struck like lightning to her. Combining

Would a coward risk himself for others

come down to this, she found herself telling Hector everything about

"You've been through a lot. I understand being worried about your grandfather and

innocence. But I believe

over, he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Trust me. Felix is an exceptional man. If you end up together, you're the lucky