The thought lingered as Hwayeong walked on, her expression darkening. Sohwa, catching on, glanced at her curiously.
“A bad feeling about what?”
“This place may be big, but there are only so many places to hide something in the consorts’ quarters. If Seonhwa reports it to Her Majesty, they’ll search the place—and it’s bound to be found. So why take the embroidery at all? That’s what bothers me. Either it’s hidden somewhere so clever it won’t be found... or the thief is absolutely sure they won’t get caught.”
Or maybe there’s something else going on.
That thought passed through her mind, and she turned to Sohwa.
“Sohwa.”
“Yes, Milady?”
“Go right now. Check if any of the court maids stepped outside the palace last night or this morning.”
“Why?”
“If they’re sure it won’t be found, maybe they smuggled it out. And if that’s the case, the only ones who could’ve done it are the court maids—they’re the ones who come and go most freely.”
