Pluie
Pluie: Rain
Peony had never given much thought to her ancestors, especially those from long ago. Her father never spoke much of them, nor her mother. Not even Empress Lan, her grandmother. Perhaps it was because there were a few unfavorables in their line, the late Empress Qing being a noteworthy figure.
But, it was in these times that Peony thought of Qing most of all. The first and last Empress Regent, formerly a commoner. The woman who’s daughter began the line of Qiao — the line that would end with Peony. The woman who killed her firstborn and framed many to be put in that very position.
A sharp intake of breath emitted from the woman, suddenly feeling uncomfortable with her thoughts. The bamboo brush in her hand stilled, ink nearly ruining the document that she was writing before she pulled away. The sound of rain outside of the palace became more apparent, pulling her into reality. The Empress didn’t linger there too long before going back inside of her thoughts, however.
There were a few similarities between the two, she and Qing. They were both Empress Regents, though Peony had not needed to frame anyone to become one. They each had a son first, then a daughter. And, three princes fell for them to ascend to the throne.
Although, Peony would’ve done anything to keep her firstborn alive.
A warm tear rolled down her cheek, making it’s way onto the parchment paper like the rain to the ground. Seconds passed before Peony saw the blot on the document and a breathy, forced, laugh escaped her. It seems like she would have to start all over again.
Like she had to do before.
