STARTER FOR: @spiderings
LOCATION: Chinese retinue’s quarters
Despite the distance from home, little things had been supplied to make the Chinese nobles feel more at ease, though the Empress could not help but be reminded that she was not in her own playing field. The feeling left her uneasy, no matter how much incense or silk was at her disposal. She thought of all that she had left behind, eager to ensure that the visit would be worth it. To win the support of the other kingdoms toward her own ends was front of mind at all moments.
The evening was quiet as she wrote dutifully, eyes focused as her brush moved over the paper. She had taken it upon herself to document what she could, making note of all things worth remembering of the trip to Moscow. That was what occupied her when Geng Dao’s arrival was announced to her, and the Empress smiled faintly, setting her work aside. She held no ill will to the concubine, knowing well that this was just a matter of course in the Emperor’s court. She hardly felt threatened, no matter how many women surrounded her husband, feeling assured at the end of the day that it was she alone who bore the title of Empress.
“Have you yet made any friends, among the Europeans?” She asked Dao by way of greeting, seated at her table and studying the beautiful younger woman. “I admire their efforts to impress. If only they knew what awaited us at home, they would realize we are not so easy to intrigue, wouldn’t you agree?”