286: Gathering Rumors - Part 2

There was a lot of useless talk around the town and Layla needed to focus her attention on gathering the right one.

One vendor, his voice hushed but urgent, spoke to a customer about the prince. "They say he's gone missing, but the royal family is keeping it quiet. No one's supposed to know."

Another chimed in, her tone conspiratorial. "Do you think it's true? I heard he was last seen near the borders, but then he just vanished."

Mary and Rossette, seemingly unaware of Layla's intent, browsed through the stalls, occasionally holding up an item for Layla's opinion. She responded distractedly, her mind piecing together the fragments of gossip.

"So, what do you think of this scarf?" Mary asked, draping a vibrant silk scarf around her shoulders.

"It suits you," Layla replied absentmindedly, her attention still on the surrounding murmurs.

Rossette, who had been watching Layla closely, frowned. "You're not really here for the shopping, are you?"