"I... I'm not ready," Rossette stammered, a shy look softening her usual confident demeanor. "I need more time."

Before she could turn and flee, Adam reached out, grabbing the back of her cloak. "Not this time," he said firmly, a teasing edge to his voice. "You've wanted this forever, remember? No backing out now."

Rossette squirmed, her face turning an even deeper shade of red, but she couldn't find a reason to protest. Adam's gentle but unyielding hold left her with no escape. Reluctantly, she nodded, and they stepped into the inn together.

Inside, the inn was warm and welcoming, filled with the scent of roasted meats and fresh bread. Layla, seated at a corner table, glanced up as the door opened. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of her companions, especially when she noticed the prince among them.

"Well," Layla said, leaning back in her chair. "This is an unexpected group."

Mary grinned as she led the others to Layla's table. "Surprises can be fun, remember?"

Rossette sat down quickly, trying to avoid Layla's gaze, while Adam took a seat next to her, keeping Alderic close by. The prince glared at everyone around the table, but he remained silent, clearly unhappy with his predicament.

Layla's eyes flicked between them, her curiosity piqued. "So, what exactly brings all of you here with such an... interesting guest?"

Mary's grin didn't falter. "Let's just say we had a bit of excitement on our way here. And it looks like we're about to have a lot more."

Rossette's heart pounded in her chest as she stepped into the inn and laid eyes on Layla. Though she maintained a calm exterior, her mind raced with anxiety. This was the moment she had been anticipating, yet now that it was here, she felt an overwhelming urge to run. But Adam's steady presence beside her grounded her, reminding her to stay strong.

Layla's expression remained neutral as she gestured for them to sit. "Please, have a seat. We have much to discuss."

Rossette and Adam took their places across from Layla, while Mary dragged Eighth prince Alderic to a seat at the edge of the table, keeping him under watchful eyes. The prince was visibly tense, his gaze darting between Layla and Adam with a mixture of suspicion and confusion.

Breaking the silence, Alderic's voice wavered slightly. "How... how is it that you two," he pointed at Layla and Adam, "look so much like the royal family? Are you part of the family, or is this some kind of trick?"

Adam remained stoic, offering no response, while Rossette kept her eyes downcast, unwilling to give away anything with her expressions. Layla, however, leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing as she studied the prince.

Before she could speak, Mary, always quick with her sharp tongue, interjected with a smirk. "Oh, you'd be surprised, Your Highness. The royal family is such a mess these days; who knows what's possible."

Alderic's face flushed with indignation, but he bit his tongue, realizing the precariousness of his situation. His eyes flicked back to Layla and Adam, his mind racing with possibilities. The resemblance was too strong to be mere coincidence, and it gnawed at him, demanding answers.

Layla, sensing the prince's inner turmoil, decided to steer the conversation in a different direction. "Prince Alderic, what brings you to this part of the city? It's unusual for someone of your standing to be here, especially in such circumstances."

Alderic's gaze hardened, but he responded, his voice low. "I'm here on royal business, investigating... certain rumors."

"Rumors?" Layla arched an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "What sort of rumors would require a prince's personal attention?"

"Rumors of a dragon," Alderic replied, his eyes narrowing. "And of a group of suspicious individuals."

Rossette's heart skipped a beat at his words, but she remained silent, letting Layla handle the situation. Layla met the prince's gaze steadily, her expression unreadable. "Dragons are mythical creatures, Your Highness. Surely, you don't believe everything you hear."

Alderic's lips pressed into a thin line. "Perhaps not, but the rumors are persistent. And it seems these 'suspicious individuals' are quite adept at evading capture."

Mary chuckled, the sound light and mocking. "Sounds like you've had your hands full. Must be frustrating."

The prince glared at her, but he held his tongue, aware that he was outnumbered and outmatched in this setting. Layla, on the other hand, leaned back in her chair, considering her next move. She knew they needed to keep their identities and intentions hidden, but the prince's curiosity posed a threat.

Deciding to divert his attention, Layla spoke again, her tone calm. "Tell me, Prince Alderic, what would you do if you found these individuals you're searching for?"

Alderic's eyes gleamed with determination. "I would ensure they face justice for any crimes they've committed."

"And if they were innocent?" Layla pressed, her gaze intense.

Alderic faltered for a moment, the question catching him off guard. "Innocent or guilty, their connection to the rumors would need to be thoroughly investigated."

Layla's lips curled into a faint smile. "Then I suppose it's good we haven't come across anyone like that."

The prince's frustration was palpable, but he nodded reluctantly. The conversation lulled into silence, each party lost in their own thoughts. Rossette stole a glance at Adam, who remained composed, his eyes locked on the prince as if daring him to make a move.

Finally, Layla broke the silence, her voice soft but firm. "You'll find no dragons here, Your Highness. Perhaps it's time you consider returning to the palace and letting the city rest."

Eighth prince Alderic remained seated, his body rigid with barely concealed frustration. His position as a captive weighed heavily on him, evident in the way his fists clenched and unclenched on the armrests of his chair.

Despite his initial bravado, he now sat in tense silence, glaring at Layla, Adam, Rossette, and Mary, the realization of his powerlessness sinking in.

Layla leaned back in her chair, returning his glare with an expression of calm indifference. "You're in no position to make threats, Prince Alderic," she said, her voice cold and measured. "You're our guest here, whether you like it or not."