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?"

So it was true. Xena pressed on, "Do you know Felix?"

"I've known him for quite a while! He's treated me a few times. You probably know how amazing his medical skills are firsthand."

This revelation stunned Xena. Why had Felix never mentioned this?

"Do you