Laeroth studied the books, glancing back through the list of patrons and the keys he had returned. He calculated the coins he had received and made sure that all the bills were currently caught up. Next was to settle everyone's dining tab and ensure they had paid. He had some guests checking out the next morning, and he wanted to be sure no one slipped out without paying their share.

He had just moved out from behind the desk when the door opened. Letting in the colder air that hinted at fall's arrival. It was a busy time for the inn. He looked to see a figure in the doorway. They were obviously out of their element. The way they carried themselves screamed royalty. Even their clothes were a poor imitation of what commoners might wear.

He wondered what a royal was doing this far away from the palace. They didn't often journey up here. He plastered on a polite business smile. It wouldn't do him any good to pry into the affairs of the royals. He was just fine focusing on his inn. The last thing he needed was to get roped into something far outside his realm of expertise. 

"Welcome to Fallen Grove Inn; how may I assist you?"  He repeated the courtesy greeting that he gave every guest who came in through these doors. 

A clatter of coins on his desk surprised him, and he looked down at the pile. That was enough for several months if the gold coins he counted at a glance were correct. He bit back on the urge to question. Based on their apparent age, he could assume it was the one who was set to be married off next year. Something about promoting relations between the kingdoms or something like that. 

"Work?" 

The request pulled him from his thoughts, and he glanced at them. Did they want to work here? He could see the mess that having a royal working for him would cause. He knew he would probably regret this, but he could tell they were running from something. His expression turned serious. 

"I could use some help in the tavern. Five silver a night." 

Cheap? Sure. They didn't need the coin.