If this hadn't involved Gerald's orders, even someone as playful as Averill would not joke about it. Felix had almost thought she was teasing.

"What do you mean, 'fiancée'?"

Averill seemed to anticipate his questions. "You lucky dog! Your engagement to Xena was arranged by Mr. Hoffman, Lady Nala through the Greenes, and this fiancée I just mentioned? It's arranged by your birth mother. Get it?"

Felix exploded. "What the hell? Am I some kind of commodity? Everyone's just arranging marriages for me!"

Gerald was family, so that was different. But what gave the Greenes and Cordelia the right to do this?

"I don't know the details. But according to Mr. Hoffman, this fiancée of yours is seriously dangerous. He kept muttering about them sending someone. He doesn't know when they'll show up, but he wanted you to be prepared."

Prepared for what? Felix refused to acknowledge any engagement except to Xena, especially after seeing how Nala would do anything for power. Thank goodness she and