‘Finally, it’s you.’
He thought, his gaze sharpening with rare interest as she approached the dais and stopped just beneath the bamboo screen, bowing politely.
“Hwayeong of Hwacheon greets Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager, and Your Majesty, the Empress.”
The girl who had always seemed like a wild colt before him now maintained a perfect demeanor, bowing politely and leaving no room for fault.
Sinyeong stared at her, bewildered. His expression seemed to ask, ‘What’s going on here?’
The empress spoke first.
“I’ve heard that you’re from Hwacheon?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“It must have been a long journey. Is this your first time in the capital?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. This is my first time both in the capital and in the imperial palace.”
Her voice was gentle and clear.
