“Hwayeong offers her greetings to Your Highness.”
“You can relax.”
As the prince returned her greeting in his usual relaxed tone, Hwayeong snuck a glance over the wall, but there was no sign of Sinyeong.
Maybe he was sitting just below the wall? She rose on tiptoe to peek over—but no, he wasn’t there either.
“My brother won’t be coming tonight.”
Sinhui spoke before she could ask, as if he knew who she’d come to see.
Hwayeong’s face fell, just a little.
“Ah... I see.”
“Lady Mother won’t allow him out at night for the time being. So he probably won’t be able to come for a few days.”
“Oh....”
It was a little disappointing, but understandable, given Sinyeong’s condition.
Hwayeong nodded—then paused, suddenly aware of something.
“But what brings you out at this hour, Your Highness?”
“Lady Mother asked me to come in his place.”
Hwayeong stiffened.
It wasn’t Sinyeong who’d sent him—but the Empress. That threw her for a moment.
“...Her Majesty did?”
