Whispers in the Air (2)

The rumors had spread like wildfire, no longer confined to the gilded halls of nobility. Across the city, in every tavern and alley, the name of Crown Prince Izan was on everyone's lips, intertwined with scandalous whispers of brothels, betrayal, and a courtesan whose name most of them don't even know.

In the dim, smoky atmosphere of a local tavern, common folk leaned in over their drinks, sharing hushed conversations. The flickering candlelight cast shadows on their faces, but the fire in their voices was unmistakable.

"Did you hear?" a stout man slurred, waving his mug of ale in the air. "The Crown Prince, our future Emperor, down at the Velvet Moon House like he's some commoner!" His eyes gleamed with the satisfaction of knowing such juicy gossip.