Chapter 87 - The Favor Everyone Needed to Believe

Concubine Seo had been smiling since the King's invitation arrived, although she repeatedly turned toward the bronze mirror as though the expression on her face came only from checking whether her makeup had been applied properly. The previous day, Lee Yeong had ordered her out of his bath with enough anger to make her return to her temporary quarters believing she had ruined whatever chance remained between them. Now one of His Majesty's attendants had delivered a completely different message, informing her that the King intended to dine in her quarters that evening. Concubine Seo touched the pearl ornament near her temple, studied her reflection once more and turned toward the attendants waiting behind her. "Tell the kitchen to prepare the pheasant again, but use less ginger. His Majesty barely touched the stronger dishes this morning, and replace the plum wine with pear wine. If he chooses to remain after dinner, I do not want anything on the table giving him a reason to leave."