The quarters Lord Commander Alaric led Xavier to were nothing like what he'd expected. Instead of stone walls and iron bars, Xavier found himself in a chamber that belonged in a palace. Tapestries depicting the eternal flame hung from polished volcanic stone walls, while crystal formations embedded in the ceiling cast warm, golden light throughout the space. A fire crackled in an ornate hearth, and steam rose from what appeared to be a private bathing chamber carved into the far wall.
"Your accommodations," Alaric announced, gesturing broadly. "I trust they meet with your approval."
Xavier stepped inside, his boots silent on the thick carpet that covered most of the floor. A table near the window held an array of food that made his mouth water—roasted meat, fresh bread, cheese, and fruits he hadn't seen since leaving Nexus Point. Clean clothes were laid out on the massive bed, fine fabrics in deep blues and grays that would mark him as nobility.
