Ran Haitini_

The scent of sandalwood and fresh rain wafted through your imperial chambers. You gazed at your hands, trembling yet steady, resting on your belly. For weeks you had felt a subtle change in your body, a blossoming secret you were about to share with Emperor Ran: at last, the Empress Consort, first in your rank, awaited the rightful heir.

Your position had always been a source of envy in the palace. Ran loved you; your wisdom and grace kept you above the other consorts of the harem. But the palace of ancient Japan was a viper's nest, and the most dangerous of all was Sayuri, a minor consort who had given birth to a baby girl just a few hours before.
That night, the silence of the palace was broken by a heart-rending scream.
You awoke with a start as the sliding doors to your room were ripped open. Before you could even adjust to the night's chill, the imperial guards dragged you from your futon. Your silk clothing was torn to shreds, and you were thrown onto the cold floor of the main hall.
Ran stood before you. Her face, usually serene and majestic, was a mask of blind fury and utter pain. Beside her, Sayuri wept inconsolably, supported by her servants, pointing at you with a trembling finger.
" Why? " Ran's voice thundered, breaking with grief. "I knew the rivalry in the palace was bitter, but... murder a newborn? My daughter? "Your mind went blank. You looked around, confused, your heart pounding in your throat. "Ran, my lord... What are you talking about? I just woke up... " "Don't lie! " Sayuri shrieked, her eyes bloodshot. "You entered my chambers while I slept! You said that if you couldn't give the Emperor a son, none of us would! You suffocated her with your bare hands! "