Work Text:
She stands in line before the Emperor.
This is the last time she will qualify for selection.
So she stares up at him, as much as she dares.
And she hopes.
But he isn’t looking at her.
He isn’t looking at anyone else either.
He seems… distracted.
Then his head turns.
His Imperial Noble Consort arrives.
He smiles.
He stands.
And casually indicates the girl at the end of the line.
Before moving away.
Taking his Imperial Noble Consort’s hand.
He hasn’t even looked in her direction.
And she knows that he never will.
Not in this lifetime.
Perhaps never.