“The streets will only grow more crowded once the market begins in earnest. You could easily lose your way.”
Which, of course, was precisely what Hwayeong was hoping for.
Sohwa turned just in time to see Hwayeong slipping her identification token deeper into her waistband, fingers brushing the hidden pocket beneath her robes.
As Sohwa quietly lamented their fate—wondering if crossing paths with the Crown Prince’s party was a blessing or yet another twist of misfortune—Hwayeong smiled and replied smoothly.
“There will likely be crowds wherever we go. Since we came here together, wouldn’t it be best to stay as a group? It’s safer that way.”
She gestured lightly toward Sinyeong’s guards, and even the palace soldier, unable to argue, fell silent.
Before long, the attendant who had taken their horses to a nearby stable returned, and Sinyeong began to walk. The rest followed.
The palace guard leaned in and said quietly,
“It may be dangerous. Please stay close, Milady.”
