"Your Highness," Hong greeted, curtsying low. She was dressed in a deep red dress, her face free of makeup. Her hair was half up, as a woman betrothed would wear it.
She curtsied when she saw me coming from a long distance away, and I had to run to straighten her fast. "Hong jiejie. Please don't be too formal with me," I protested.
Her face was haggard, and it looked like she had not slept for a long while. "Please forgive this commoner. She has nowhere else to seek help from," she murmured, not looking at me in the eyes.
My heart itched at the way she addressed herself, but the warriors on duty were watching me. I could also feel numerous eyes on my back, which was facing the courtyard.
"Come with me to the West Hall. We should speak somewhere more private." Taking her arm, I carefully led her across the courtyard, ignoring the men's bows of greeting as we passed.
"Your servant will bring refreshments," Qin said when she saw us coming, rushing off to do just that.
