The disappearance of Lord Bragaton had left Verdeti in a state of uncertain transition. While the citizens reveled in their newfound freedom from his oppressive rule, the town's leadership was quickly taken up by his eldest son, James Bragaton.

Unlike his father, James was unassuming and far less ambitious, focusing more on restoring order than asserting dominance.

When word reached him that Eighth Prince Alderic of the Rumenia royal family was visiting Verdeti, James was both flattered and deeply apprehensive.

A royal presence in his city meant scrutiny he wasn't prepared for, but he also recognized the opportunity to curry favor with someone of such high standing.

As Alderic's carriage pulled up in front of the Bragaton family manor, James stood waiting at the gates, flanked by his nervous advisors. He adjusted his cravat anxiously, his heart hammering in his chest as the carriage door swung open.

Alderic stepped out with practiced grace, his piercing gaze sweeping over James and his entourage. The prince's air of authority was palpable, his movements measured and deliberate. James bowed low, keeping his eyes respectfully averted.

"Your Highness," James began, his voice tinged with both reverence and uncertainty. "It is an honor to have you visit our humble city. Please allow us to offer you the hospitality of the Bragaton family estate."

Alderic's expression remained unreadable as he considered the offer. "I appreciate your hospitality, but I will decline," he said smoothly. "I prefer to stay in accommodations that are... closer to the heart of the city. Somewhere frequented by travelers."

James blinked, taken aback. "An inn, Your Highness?"

Alderic gave a slight nod. "Precisely."

James hesitated, unsure of the reasoning behind such a choice but unwilling to question the prince. He gestured toward the waiting carriage. "If that is your wish, Your Highness, I will personally escort you to one of our finest inns."

______

As fate would have it, the inn James led Alderic to was none other than the one where Layla, Mary, and Raziel were staying. At the time of Alderic's arrival, Layla was in her room, preparing to leave Verdeti with her companions. The increasing attention from the townsfolk and the rumors of a dragon had made it clear that lingering any longer would only invite trouble.

Layla was fastening her cloak when a knock came at the door. The innkeeper's voice, nervous and hurried, called out from the other side. "Lady Layla? May I have a word?"

Opening the door, Layla found the innkeeper wringing his hands, his face pale. "What is it?" she asked, frowning.

"There's been... an announcement," the innkeeper said hesitantly. "No one is allowed to leave the inn for the next few days. It's a matter of security, you understand."

Layla raised an eyebrow. "Security? What kind of security are we talking about?"

The innkeeper shifted uncomfortably. "I'm not sure of the details, milady, but I've heard it has something to do with the recent... incidents in town."

Layla crossed her arms, her patience thinning. "So, let me get this straight. You're telling me I'm essentially a prisoner here?"

The innkeeper paled further. "Not a prisoner, milady! Just... a precaution. For everyone's safety."

Mary, who had been lounging nearby, snorted. "Sounds like a fancy way of saying someone doesn't want us leaving."

Raziel appeared in the doorway, his expression dark. "Do they honestly think a few guards outside will stop us if we want to go?"

The innkeeper looked like he wanted to sink into the floor. "Please, don't cause trouble. I'm just passing along the message."

Layla sighed, waving a hand dismissively. "Fine. We'll stay put. For now."

______

As the innkeeper retreated, James Bragaton and Alderic arrived at the inn. James was quick to gesture for the prince to enter, his nervous energy evident as he apologized profusely for the inn's modest accommodations. Alderic, however, seemed unfazed, his focus elsewhere.

The prince's sharp eyes swept the inn's interior, his gaze lingering on the stairwell that led to the guest rooms. A subtle smile tugged at his lips, though he said nothing.

"Your Highness, I will ensure that the staff here provide anything you need during your stay," James said, bowing low.

"That won't be necessary," Alderic replied smoothly. "I prefer to keep things simple."

As James took his leave, Alderic approached the innkeeper, who was still recovering from his encounter with Layla. The man stiffened as the prince addressed him.

"Do you have many guests staying here?" Alderic asked casually, though there was an edge to his tone that made the innkeeper uneasy.

"Y-yes, Your Highness," the innkeeper stammered. "Travelers from all over."

"Good," Alderic said, his smile enigmatic. "I look forward to meeting some of them."

Back in her room, Layla paced restlessly, her instincts telling her that something was amiss. Mary watched her from her perch on the windowsill, a knowing smirk on her lips.

"You've been acting like a caged animal since that innkeeper's little announcement," Mary said. "What's got you so wound up?"

Layla paused, turning to face her. "Don't you find it strange? First, we're bombarded by rumors and attention. Now, suddenly, we're being told we can't leave. It feels like someone's trying to keep us here."

Raziel, leaning against the doorframe, nodded in agreement. "She's right. This isn't just about security. Someone's pulling strings."

Mary stretched lazily. "Well, whoever it is, they're not very subtle. Want me to deal with it?"

"No," Layla said firmly. "Not yet. Let's wait and see who shows their hand first."

Unbeknownst to Layla, Alderic was already planning his next move. His arrival at the inn had not been a coincidence—he had pieced together enough from the rumors and reports to suspect that the mysterious dragon-summoning woman was staying here.

As he settled into his room, Alderic's thoughts were consumed by the possibility that Layla might be connected to the imperial family. If she truly was one of his hidden sisters, it would explain not only her magical prowess but also the aura of authority she carried.

For her part, Layla remained oblivious to the prince's interest in her. But as the day wore on, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. Whether it was the townsfolk outside or something more sinister, she didn't know.

One thing was certain: the longer she stayed in Verdeti, the more tangled her situation became. And with Eighth Prince Alderic now in the picture, the threads of fate were tightening around her in ways she couldn't yet comprehend.