The palace had grown quiet.
The feast in the Empress's courtyard had long ended.
Lanterns swayed gently beneath the night sky while servants completed their final duties before retiring.
Most of the palace slept peacefully.
But not everyone.
---
Inside a secluded courtyard—
Shin Gu sat alone.
A single lantern illuminated the chamber.
Its flickering light danced across the walls, creating shifting shadows.
The room was silent.
Too silent.
---
Unlike the warmth filling the Empress's courtyard earlier—
There was no laughter here.
No family.
No joy.
---
Only Shin Gu.
And her thoughts.
---
A maid entered quietly.
"Madam."
---
Shin Gu didn't look up.
"Has everyone returned?"
---
"Yes."
"The feast ended without incident."
---
The maid hesitated.
Then added softly,
"The Emperor stayed for most of the evening."
---
For the first time—
Shin Gu's fingers paused.
---
The maid lowered her head further.
"The Dowager Empress also appeared pleased."
