She had instructed a court maid to take the letter just before midnight, knowing Sohwa would have already retired to her quarters by now.
‘So it should be about time....’
“Oh?”
Peering over the wall toward Baekryeon Lodge, Hwayeong caught sight of Prince Sinhui emerging from the pavilion.
Delighted, she lifted a hand to wave—then froze when she noticed the court maid following him.
Quickly lowering her hand, she stepped back and bowed.
Seeing her, Sinhui’s face brightened, and he approached the wall with a smile.
“It’s an honor to see you again, Your Highness.”
“Indeed. It has been far too long.”
“Have you been well, Your Highness?”
“I have. In fact, I’d been thinking it was time I saw you again. It really has been too long.”
They hadn’t met often, but each encounter had been lively enough to leave an impression.
Thinking as much, Hwayeong smiled brightly.
“It seems our thoughts were in sync. I was hoping to see Your Highness as well.”
“Were you?”
“Yes.”
