The voice wasn’t Sohwa’s. It wasn’t Siyeong’s either. Definitely one of the court ladies.
Drawing that conclusion instantly, Hwayeong paused and answered, “Yes.”
“I’ll be coming in.”
Had word already reached the Empress? She waited in silence, and a moment later, three court ladies stepped into the room.
“What’s going on?”
“May we search your quarters?”
The abrupt request made Hwayeong tilt her head in mild disbelief.
“And why would you need to do that?”
“We’ve received reports that Lady Seonhwa’s embroidery cloth has gone missing.”
“I’m aware. And?”
“There’s a witness who claims to have seen you last night, carrying a red cloth near the scene. We were sent to search your quarters immediately.”
The accusation was so absurd, she could only stare, deadpan.
“Me?”
“Yes.”
Her expression hardened.
According to what they’d pieced together, the cloth had gone missing sometime between early and late evening, when Seonhwa and Siyeong were at the baths.
