Morning sunlight filtered gently through the carved windows of Lady Chen's courtyard.
Usually, this hour would find her carefully dressed, sitting before a mirror while maids arranged her hair and selected her jewelry.
But today—
She remained seated by the window.
Silent.
Frustrated.
—
Three days had passed since the attack on the Empress outside the palace.
Three days since Shin Gu assured her everything was under control.
Yet instead of feeling relieved—
Lady Chen felt increasingly uneasy.
—
Because something strange was happening.
Something she couldn't explain.
—
She stared at the blooming flowers in her courtyard.
Her expression dark.
—
"I want to visit His Majesty."
The words left her mouth suddenly.
—
A maid immediately bowed.
"This servant will prepare your carriage."
—
Lady Chen nodded.
Finally.
It had been too long since she had seen the Emperor properly.
She needed to remind him of their relationship.
