The curtains of Consort Lian's palace chamber were drawn tightly, blocking out the morning sun as if even the light itself were unwelcome.
Incense burned low, its heavy fragrance clinging to the air, unable to mask the tension gathering within the room.
Five women sat scattered around the chamber on couches, near the tea table, by the window. Each adorned in silk and jade, each bearing a different title, and each wearing the same expression of barely concealed resentment.
Silence reigned for only a moment before it shattered.
"What should we do now?"
The words fell like poison into a still pond.
Consort Ning's fingers tightened around her porcelain teacup. "Nothing."
"Are you sure? Now that she's back, once again she will snatch the emperor's attention away from us," another sneered.
"I heard His Majesty summoned her the moment she returned."
A sharp laugh escaped Consort Lian's lips. "Summoned? Please. He practically flew to her side."
