The storm was still brewing in the distance, but Jiho and the Su brothers had no idea what was coming. The next morning, the palace was unusually busy. The Empress and Emperor stood in the grand hall, flanked by the head eunuch, the Su brothers, and many officials. There was a tension in the air, as if everyone was waiting for something.
"Gu Jiho, come forward and greet the Empress and Emperor!" The head eunuch's voice rang out, clear and commanding, as he read from the scroll.
Jiho felt her heart pick up its pace, but she didn't let it show. She stepped forward, feeling the weight of the room's attention on her. The hall was vast, yet the space between her and the royals felt small and suffocating.
Kneeling on one knee before them, she bowed her head. "I greet Your Majesties," she said, her tone polite but lacking warmth. She kept her voice steady, though there was a hint of tension that even she couldn't completely hide.
