The morning sun filtered through the windows of the inn, casting a golden glow over the room where Layla sat, a faint frown on her face as she read the letter delivered to her earlier.

It bore the seal of Lord Bragaton and was written in flowery, formal language, inviting her to a private dinner at his manor that evening. The tone of the letter was uncharacteristically courteous for someone who had so recently tried to capture her.

"Does he think I've forgotten what happened yesterday?" Layla muttered, tapping her fingers against the table. Mary, seated across from her, raised an eyebrow.

"A formal dinner? That doesn't sound like the same Lord Bragaton who sent his guards after us," Mary remarked, suspicion lacing her voice. "What's he playing at?"

"I don't know," Layla replied, folding the letter neatly and setting it aside. "But it's certainly odd."

Even Raziel, who often remained stoic, looked unconvinced. "If he's inviting you, it's not out of genuine respect. We need to be cautious. Bragaton doesn't seem like the type to change his stripes overnight."

Word of the unusual invitation spread quickly among the townspeople. Whispers followed Layla wherever she went, their voices thick with curiosity and doubt.

Lord Bragaton's newfound civility was unlike him, and the locals were all too aware of his manipulative tendencies. This change made them uneasy, and many began to watch Layla with thinly veiled suspicion, as if waiting for her to reveal some hidden connection or agenda.

The weight of the attention grated on Layla. She had never been one to enjoy being the center of gossip or scrutiny, and this sudden, widespread interest in her movements was frustrating.

It didn't help that some of the townsfolk's wariness bordered on outright hostility, with murmurs about her being an outsider and potentially dangerous.

By the afternoon, Layla had had enough. She decided to visit the bustling marketplace to clear her mind and prepare for whatever the evening would bring. Mary accompanied her, though Raziel stayed behind, arguing that one of them should be near the inn in case of trouble.

The market was lively, filled with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares and customers bargaining for the best deals. Layla browsed the stalls, examining fabrics, trinkets, and local delicacies.

Despite her best efforts to blend in, she couldn't shake the feeling of eyes on her back. It wasn't long before she noticed a shadowy figure lingering a few paces behind her, keeping just enough distance to avoid immediate detection.

"They're not even subtle about it," Layla muttered under her breath, glancing at Mary. The maid, ever perceptive, had already caught on and was scanning the crowd for any others who might be watching.

"Do you want me to deal with them?" Mary asked, her voice calm but edged with irritation.

"No," Layla replied, shaking her head. "I'll handle it."

Stepping into a narrow alley between two stalls, Layla made a show of inspecting a rack of scarves while subtly preparing her magic. The figure hesitated, then followed, their movements hesitant but determined. Just as they entered the alley, Layla turned, a faint smirk playing on her lips.

"Looking for something?" she asked, her voice cold and sharp.

The figure froze, startled by the sudden confrontation. Before they could react, Layla snapped her fingers, casting a quick spell that cloaked her and Mary in shimmering light. Within seconds, they vanished from sight.

The pursuer stumbled forward, confused and disoriented. "Where did she go?" they muttered, spinning in circles. Layla watched silently from a rooftop above, irritation flickering in her gaze.

"This is getting ridiculous," she said to Mary once they were safely out of sight. "Bragaton's invitation is suspicious enough, but now I have the entire town treating me like some sort of criminal or curiosity."

Mary gave a sympathetic nod. "It's not just you. They're scared. Bragaton's sudden change in attitude probably has them thinking he's up to something, and you're the easiest person to blame."

Layla sighed, brushing her hair out of her face as they made their way back to the main streets. "Well, let them think what they want. I've dealt with worse."

Even as she spoke, the unease lingered. Something about the entire situation felt off, and Layla couldn't shake the sense that this was only the beginning of whatever scheme Lord Bragaton had planned.

______

In his grand, opulent study adorned with portraits of past rulers and lavish furnishings, Lord Bragaton sat at his desk, penning a letter with deliberate strokes. The light from an ornate chandelier above illuminated the parchment, casting a golden hue on the words he carefully chose. His lips curled into a sly smile as he reviewed the contents of his missive.

"To Their Imperial Majesties," he began, the pen gliding smoothly over the paper. "It is with great loyalty and utmost respect that I write to inform you of a most unexpected yet fortuitous discovery within my humble domain."

Bragaton paused, savoring the weight of his words. He leaned back, stroking his neatly trimmed beard, before continuing.

"By sheer happenstance, I have come across an individual whose striking resemblance to the royal family is uncanny, to say the least. Her presence raises intriguing possibilities. She could serve as a substitute for the more... delicate tasks that the imperial family may wish to address discreetly.

With your permission, I would be honored to ensure her delivery into your service. However, such a delicate operation will require time and resources."

The lord's pen hovered for a moment as he considered the phrasing of his next sentence. His smile deepened as he thought of the rewards this maneuver might bring him.

"Rest assured, my devotion to the crown is unwavering, and I shall see to it that this matter is handled with the utmost care and discretion. I await your guidance, my lords and ladies, and remain ever your loyal servant. Yours faithfully, Lord Bragaton."

Sealing the letter with his personal insignia—a crest shaped like a coiled serpent—Bragaton summoned his trusted courier.