In the grand halls of the Rumenian royal palace, where tapestries of golden thread adorned towering walls, a single letter arrived, its seal bearing the insignia of Lord Bragaton.

The courier handed the letter directly to a royal servant, who, in turn, placed it in the hands of the Eighth Prince, Alderic.

Unlike his older siblings, Alderic preferred solitude, spending his days in the quiet corners of the sprawling palace, surrounded by books and magical artifacts.

Breaking the seal, Alderic read the letter's contents with growing intrigue. Bragaton's description of Layla, her uncanny resemblance to the emperor, and his intention to offer her as a "substitute" for the royal family's mysterious plans sparked a flicker of curiosity in the prince.

"A hidden sister, perhaps?" Alderic mused aloud, his lips curving into a faint smile. He rose from his chair, the sunlight filtering through the window catching his auburn hair. "How interesting."

Though the letter's contents warranted immediate reporting to the emperor or the council, Alderic made no move to do so. Instead, he carefully folded the parchment and tucked it into his robes. For now, he decided, this matter would remain his secret.

"She might prove useful," he murmured, his gaze drifting toward the distant mountains visible from his window. "Or dangerous."

______

Miles away, Layla, Mary, and Raziel approached the gates of Verdeti, a city known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, and indulgent luxuries. The trio had passed through many towns and villages during their journey, but Verdeti stood apart.

The streets shimmered with golden lanterns, even in daylight, and the aroma of spiced food and sweet wine wafted through the air. Vendors lined the cobblestone paths, their colorful stalls bursting with exotic wares, trinkets, and promises of "the best deals in all of Rumenia."

As soon as they entered the city, the trio was greeted by an onslaught of merchants and street hawkers.

"Ah, travelers! Welcome to Verdeti!" a man with a toothy grin exclaimed, stepping directly into their path. He held up a glittering necklace. "Only five gold coins! A steal for such a rare piece, don't you think?"

Raziel's sharp eyes narrowed as he examined the necklace. "That's glass, not crystal," he muttered, brushing past the merchant.

Undeterred, the man followed. "Glass? Oh no, my good sir, this is enchanted! Look closely, it glimmers in the light! Surely the lady would love such a fine accessory?"

Layla raised an eyebrow. "I think we'll pass, thank you."

The merchant huffed but quickly turned his attention to another group of tourists, leaving the trio to continue their exploration.

As they walked deeper into the city, it became clear that Verdeti's charm was accompanied by a darker undercurrent. Every corner seemed to harbor someone eager to separate visitors from their coin purses. A young boy darted past Mary, his fingers brushing the edge of her satchel. She caught his wrist effortlessly.

"Careful, child," Mary said coldly, her grip firm. "You could hurt yourself."

The boy yelped and twisted free, vanishing into the crowd before Mary could say more. Raziel, ever vigilant, glared after him. "This place reeks of desperation."

Layla nodded, her gaze sweeping the streets. Beneath the city's glittering facade lay a layer of poverty and deceit. While the wealthy flaunted their riches in elaborate carriages and embroidered robes, the less fortunate resorted to schemes to survive.

The trio paused at a small food stall, the enticing scent of roasted meat drawing their attention. Layla placed an order, but when the vendor handed over the skewers, Mary noticed the portions were significantly smaller than what the other customers received.

"Is this some kind of joke?" Mary asked, her tone sharp.

The vendor shrugged, feigning innocence. "Special portions for special customers."

Mary's glare could have frozen the sun. "Fix it. Now."

Intimidated, the vendor quickly replaced the skewers with larger ones, muttering apologies. Layla sighed as they walked away. "We'll need to stay on guard. This city isn't as welcoming as it seems."

______

After a long day navigating the lively yet deceitful streets of Verdeti, Layla, Mary, and Raziel arrived at the Golden Horizon Hotel. Its exterior was impressive, with gold-accented stonework and ivy climbing up the pillars framing the entrance.

A soft glow from ornate lanterns promised luxury and respite, and the faint sound of a harp played from somewhere within.

The trio stepped inside, where they were greeted by a lavishly decorated lobby. Plush red carpets stretched across polished wooden floors, and the scent of lavender filled the air.

A chandelier of crystal and gold hung overhead, scattering light in delicate patterns on the high ceiling.

Behind the reception desk stood a young woman with silver hair pulled into an elegant bun. Her bright smile was as polished as the marble counter she leaned against.

"Welcome to the Golden Horizon," she said, her voice melodious and practiced. "How may I assist you this evening?"

"We need two rooms," Layla said, stepping forward. "Something quiet."

The receptionist tilted her head, her smile unwavering. "Ah, travelers! You've come to the right place. We offer the finest accommodations in all of Verdeti. I'm sure you'll find your stay here unforgettable."

Raziel, ever suspicious, glanced around the room. "How much?"

The receptionist's eyes sparkled as though she had been waiting for this question. "Our premium rooms are available for ten gold coins per night. They come with complimentary meals, access to our exclusive rooftop lounge, and the finest hot baths in the city."

Raziel snorted. "Ten gold coins? That's robbery."

The receptionist's smile didn't falter. "Oh, but sir, it's a bargain for the quality we offer. The Golden Horizon is renowned for its service. After all, nothing is too luxurious for our esteemed guests."

Mary's expression darkened, her arms crossing as she stepped closer. "We're not interested in luxury. What about standard rooms?"

The receptionist hesitated, just a fraction of a second, before her smile returned. "I'm afraid our standard rooms are fully booked for the evening. The premium rooms are all that remain."

"Convenient," Mary said dryly, her tone sharp enough to make the receptionist flinch slightly.

Raziel opened his mouth to argue further, but Layla placed a gentle hand on his arm. "It's fine," she said, her tone calm and measured. "We'll take a premium room. Two, as requested."

The receptionist perked up instantly. "Excellent choice! You'll find the premium experience to be well worth it."

As Layla handed over the coins, Raziel muttered under his breath, "This place screams scam."

Layla smiled faintly. "Let her have her commission. We have bigger issues to focus on."