Prince Alderic sat in his temporary quarters, mulling over Layla's audacious plan. His initial reaction had been one of repulsion—being a distraction felt beneath him, a prince of the realm.
But as the day wore on and he considered the implications of Layla's strategy, he began to see the merit in her approach.
The royal palace was a fortress, both literally and figuratively, and gaining access to the First Prince Loriel's chambers would require more than just cunning; it would require diversion.
Layla's plan hinged on the assumption that Loriel would be too preoccupied with the ball and the ensuing festivities to notice a subtle infiltration.
If Alderic, a member of the royal family, could create enough of a spectacle, it might just provide the cover Layla needed to slip away unnoticed.
By the time evening fell, Alderic had made his decision. He would swallow his pride and play the part Layla needed him to.
