As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the streets grew even more crowded, with the festival reaching its peak. Layla and her companions returned to their rented quarters to discuss their next steps.

"We can't stay here long," Raziel said, his tone serious. "The capital may be festive now, but it's still dangerous. We're too close to the royal family for comfort."

Layla nodded. "Agreed. But we need supplies before we move on. We'll leave tomorrow at dawn."

Mary leaned back in her chair, a sly smile on her face. "And if anyone tries to stop us?"

"We deal with them," Layla said simply.

For the rest of the evening, the group stayed out of sight, avoiding the larger crowds and potential trouble. Layla found herself gazing out of the window of their room, watching the distant lights of the palace garden. Despite her outward calm, her mind was restless.

The capital was vibrant and alive, but it also felt like a trap—a beautiful snare designed to lull visitors into complacency. She couldn't afford to let her guard down, not with everything at stake.

"Don't overthink it," Mary said, joining her at the window. "We'll be gone before they even realize it."

Layla smiled faintly. "I hope you're right."

With that, she turned away from the window, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in the days to come.

______

Layla and her companions entered the bustling capital city of Rumenia, its streets teeming with life and energy.

The sun was high, casting a golden glow over the city's grand buildings and colorful marketplaces.

Raziel, ever practical, immediately took charge of securing accommodations, leaving Layla and Mary to explore their surroundings.

As they strolled through the lively streets, Mary's received a message from the messenger bird that was sent by Rossette. It held simple words.

Mary,

How is Lady Layla doing? I will get even with you later, once I have enough time to get to you.

In the meantime, we will be arrivin at Rumenia tomorrow and we have a gift for you. I hope you like our surprise.

Mary's lips curved into a knowing smile, her curiosity piqued. "A surprise, you say? I hope it's not another of her nfamous schemes."

Mary turned to Layla, her expression softening. "Surprises can be fun, Layla. Sometimes, they bring good things when we least expect them."

Layla sighed, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "I suppose. Let's just hope this one doesn't complicate things further."

Meanwhile, on the road to Rumenia, Rossette and Adam traveled in a well-guarded carriage, their companion none other than Eighth prince Alderic. The prince had been rambling for hours, his self-important demeanor grating on their nerves.

"I must say, this journey is quite taxing," Alderic complained, lounging lazily in his seat. "It's almost as if the entire kingdom rests upon my shoulders."

Rossette, seated across from him, shot Adam a weary glance. "Should I knock him out?" she asked, half-serious. "He's really getting on my nerves."

Adam stifled a laugh, his amusement barely concealed. "Tempting, but let's not cause a diplomatic incident just yet."

Alderic, catching the exchange, bristled with indignation. "How dare you speak about me in such a manner? I am a prince, and you will show me the respect I am due!"

Rossette leaned forward, her expression unamused. "Respect is earned, Your Highness. So far, you've done little to warrant it."

The prince's face turned a deep shade of red, his anger barely contained. "You insolent wench! You forget your place."

Adam intervened before the situation could escalate further. "We're all tired, Your Highness. Perhaps we should rest our voices for the remainder of the journey."

Alderic huffed but conceded, turning his gaze to the passing landscape, while Rossette muttered under her breath. The tension in the carriage remained palpable, promising an interesting reunion once they reached Rumenia.

Back in the city, Raziel returned with news of a suitable inn, interrupting Mary and Layla's conversation. "I've secured us rooms at a quiet place on the edge of the city. We'll have some privacy there."

"Good," Layla replied, her mind still turning over the surprise Rossette mentioned. "Let's get settled and prepare for whatever comes next."

As the trio made their way to the inn, the vibrant energy of Rumenia buzzed around them, a reminder that in this city of intrigue and power, surprises were an inevitable part of the journey.

The atmosphere in the carriage grew tense, though there was an uneasy silence after the earlier exchange.

Eighth prince Alderic, subdued by Rossette's threat, was visibly restraining himself from further outbursts.

However, his restless mind couldn't remain quiet for long. His gaze settled on Adam, who sat calmly beside Rossette, exuding a quiet confidence that seemed to irk the prince more with every passing moment.

Alderic's eyes narrowed, and his voice, though controlled, carried a venomous edge. "You know, Adam, no matter how much you resemble our family's colors, you will never be part of the royal lineage. A commoner like you could never hold the status that true blood carries."

Adam remained silent, his expression impassive as if Alderic's words were no more than a mild breeze.

He had long since learned the value of silence in the face of such provocations, knowing that any reaction could be twisted to suit the speaker's narrative.

But Rossette was not one to let such words slide. She turned to Alderic, her eyes cold and her tone sharp enough to cut through the tension.

"Adam doesn't need a family that discarded him. He's found his place with Lady Layla and me. He's happier with us than he could ever be with those who abandoned him."

Alderic's face paled at her words, his mind racing. His bravado faltered, replaced by a creeping fear. "What are you implying, Rossette? Are you suggesting... that he is connected to the royal family?"

Rossette's eyes bore into him, unflinching. "I'm not suggesting anything you don't already fear, Your Highness. Perhaps you should ask yourself why the mere idea of Adam's connection to the throne terrifies you."