It had been a while since they’d met, but seeing that towering fan-shaped hairdo again, Hwayeong found herself wondering—‘Is it just me, or does her hair get taller every time I see her?’
Setting the thought aside, she stepped forward and offered a polite bow.
“I, Hwayeong of Hwacheon, pay my respects to Your Majesty the Empress Dowager.”
Despite the respectful greeting, the Empress Dowager fixed her with a cold, penetrating stare. She didn’t so much as nod in return.
One glance told her the Empress Dowager was not in a forgiving mood.
As Hwayeong stood silently in place, one of the court ladies who had accompanied her stepped forward and presented the red embroidery cloth taken from her room.
“This was found in her quarters.”
The court lady offered it with both hands, her posture demure. The Empress Dowager accepted it, looked it over briefly, then shifted her gaze back to Hwayeong.
“Is this your embroidery?”
“No, Your Majesty.”
“Then why was it in your room?”
