While she was trying to decipher the meaning of the woman’s mysterious smile, Hwayeong’s eyes met those of the woman standing at the far right.
Hwayeong’s eyes widened in recognition.
‘That face... I’ve seen it before...’ And then reality hit her.
“Seonhwa....”
An unexpected encounter with someone she recognized, in such an unlikely place, filled her with a mix of surprise and happiness.
As she stared at Seonhwa, who had also turned to look at her, she noticed a brief flicker of surprise in Seonhwa’s eyes, followed by a moment of awkwardness and hesitation, which quickly turned into a warm smile.
Just as Hwayeong was about to say something, a commanding female voice rang out from behind her.
“The Empress Dowager and the Queen are entering.”
* * *
Tension filled the audience chamber as the sudden appearance of the Empress Dowager and the Queen created an air of formality.
