Yeonhwa

My hands shook again setting down the teacups today. But no one scolded me for it, and that almost made me cry more.

• The Empress's Old Court LadyDon't cry. Just hold the cup with both hands.
  YeonhwaYes... both hands.
• The Queen DowagerI do wonder how long those sweet little hands will keep shaking.
  The Empress's Old Court LadyDowager, mind yourself, the child is right here.

I picked a single apricot blossom branch and spent the whole day unable to decide where to put it. In the end I just carried it in my sleeve.

• HallokAnyone who picks a flower within the palace grounds is punished. It's an old statute.
  YeonhwaH-how many strikes...?
• The Chief EunuchHis Majesty passed by and lingered a long while looking at that very branch. This one will say he saw nothing.
  YeonhwaT-then I'll pretend I never picked it either...