The cold breeze of Xylonia brushed against his skin. Xavier had woken up early to go with the servants to the river and help fetch water. He didn't expect to find a river within the palace grounds, even though it was far from the main buildings. No one had ever mentioned it. It felt like a hidden part of the palace that only those who lived inside truly knew about.
Devine had been right all along—outsiders could only guess what went on inside the palace walls, and most times, they would be wrong. Once the women finished fetching water, Xavier and three other guards led the way back to the quarters. As they walked, he could hear the women whispering behind him, saying how handsome he looked.
But that didn't matter to him. He had more important things to think about than flattery.
When they returned, Xavier hurried to his room and bathed quickly. He dressed for the day's training. Lord Rowland had asked him to join the training once he was done with his morning duty.
