Well I doubt the monarchs themselves could be trifled with such things but I'm sure they have relative authority to deal with it so either way the castle. And yeah he could be following to see if Julia is a reclaimer or not. This sort of means that if he discovers they aren't legal per say that she'll be charged. Is that okay? It's essentially harboring fugitives. 

I like the idea that since that Lalafell town is so close that and they are generally friendly that they are often reclaimed.  This would give Julia an easier time blending in. It would also make sense if that town is more used to outsiders then others are. 

Should we pick up again right after the 4 leave the forest? If they have an hour or more to travel might as well have em talk a bit to get to know each other.