Chapter 23
Even so, Xander still beckoned him over.
Zachary hurried forward and offered his hand. Xander’s wrinkled fingers rested on Zachary’s wrist, after a moment, his expression grew grave.
“You’ve made it this far, young man–your family must’ve spent a small fortune on you. You’ve got a precious life.
“We did spend quite a bit in the early years, Zachary answered politely, the stiffness in his posture betraying his nerves.
Xander released his hand and called out. “Six.”
A boy of about fourteen or fifteen came running from the back room 3
“What is it now, Master? If you’re looking for more snacks, I’m warning you–If Alessia finds out I bought them for you again, she’ll have my head.”
Six was still rambling when he suddenly came face–to–face with Alessia’s unimpressed, half–smiling gaze. He swallowed hard and turned awkwardly away.
A hand clamped down on his shoulder. With his back to Alessia, Six looked ready to burst into tears, but when he turned around, he’d already plastered on a sycophantic grin.
Oh, look who’s here–the one and only, breathtakingly gorgeous Miss Alessia Tate! The fairest of them all, the radiant beauty who shames the moon and outshines the stars.”
The sudden shift in tone made Zachary press his lips together to hide a laugh, while Alessia just rolled her eyes and reached out to pinch his ear.!
“Ow, ow, ow! I’m sorry, Lessie, I’m sorry, I swear!” Six yelped so loudly that a stranger might’ve thought she was torturing him.8
In reality, Alessia wasn’t even pinching that hard.
“That’s enough–keep yelling and you’ll go deaf, Alessia said, giving his head a light swat. “I’ll let the snack thing slide for now.”
At her words, Six immediately dropped his act and grinned from ear to ear
Xander ignored their anties, clearly used to the chaos. He gestured again, and Six straightened up, put on a respectful air, and hurried to his side with a slight bow.”
“Six, get everything ready”
“Yes, sir” Gone was the jokester–Six responded crisply and set off to do his task without delay.
As Xander made to stand, Alessia immediately stepped in to help him. Joking around was one thing, but respect and proper manners were never optional.
Zachary took it all in, then lowered his eyes, a fleeting look of disappointment crossing his face as
as some memory stirred.
“Zachary Alessia, steadying Xander as they entered the next room, glanced back to see Zachary still standing where she’d left him. Shaken from his reverie, Zachary quickly masked his expression with a smile and followed them.!!
They crossed the house to the courtyard, where Six was already waiting by a door. When he saw Xander, he stepped forward and took over for Alessia, helping the old man inside.
The room was filled with a faint herbal aroma–not bitter, but soothing, almost refreshing. Zachary breathed it in, liking the scent, lost in thought
Alessia glanced at him but said nothing
“St. Give me your hand
Xanders sone was all business now, a far cry from earlier. Alessia and Six stood quietly on either side, their playfulness gone, replaced by a respectful ence
The room was calm, the air thick with the gentle scent of herbs. Xander asked a series of questions, and Zachary answered each one. Occasionally, Xander would direct a question at Sic if Sux was stumped, Alessia would chime in with the answer
The atmosphere grew unexpectedly serious Six’s nervousness became more obvious, while Alessia remained cool and collected. Every now and then, she’d arch an eyebrow at Six, her expression openly challenging
Zachary noticed their silent exchange but only smiled faintly, saying nothing. “Su
“Yes? Six answered, tense, expecting another question
“Look at you so easily rattled. You should learn from Alessia. She could answer just as well as you do now when she was half your age. Kander’s words made Alessia shoot Six a smug grin. Six glared back, sulking but unable to argue.!!
Chapter 23
“Write out all the questions you couldn’t answer today. Bring them to me tomorrow.“))
“Yes, sir.” Six wilted like a scolded puppy, his tone subdued, but he didn’t dare protest.
