267: The city of pleasure - Part 1

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."