“I may not be hungry, but I am thirsty. A cup of cold tea sounds perfect right about now....”
Casting a sidelong glance at Sohwa—as if to say, if not food, then at least tea—Hwayeong watched for her reaction.
Right on cue, Sohwa rose from her seat, having just finished mending the nightgown.
She walked over to the cabinet and fetched the teapot resting on top.
“I thought as much, Milady. I brewed some floral tea earlier—it’s been steeping in cool water, so it should have a nice aroma.”
“...So you really don’t intend to leave this room, do you?”
“No, Milady. I figured you’d try something like that.”
Caught trying to send Sohwa away and sneak out, Hwayeong finally threw up both hands in defeat.
“Fine, you win. I’ll stay put and paint like a good girl.”
“As you should.”
Watching Sohwa pour the pale, fragrant tea into a cup, Hwayeong finally began painting in earnest—at least for the moment.
