At her trembling explanation, Sinyeong’s lips curled into a cold smile.
“Your mistress must be quite bold to send a personal gift to a prince while vying to become crown princess.”
His words, implying shameless flirtation, drained the color from her face.
She looked utterly horrified, as though such an interpretation had never crossed her mind.
“Who is your mistress?”
The woman pressed her lips tightly together, refusing to answer.
She was clearly trying to protect her mistress, but Sinyeong chuckled coldly.
Loyalty was admirable, but it wasn’t enough to resolve this.
“If you won’t speak, I’ll summon the maids to drag your mistress out of the concubines’ quarters.”
The sternness in his voice made the woman’s head snap up, startled.
Her audacity in meeting the Crown Prince’s gaze reminded Sinyeong of someone, though he couldn’t quite place who.
She quickly lowered her head again, rolling her eyes and biting her lip in indecision.
