Moon light:My Beloved Gave Me...

We left the motel at sunrise. No drama. No attack. No chase. Just quiet goodbyes, a few polite nods, and a long, cold road stretching before us.

Our carriage was warm. A warmth that hit hard—too hard for a place drowning in snow.

By noon, the snow was falling heavier. The carriage rocked gently as it rolled through the narrowing path, wheels cutting ruts into the white-covered trail. The driver said nothing—just flicked the reins every now and then, as if that might keep the blizzard at bay.

Yuzhe sat across from me in silence, arms crossed, cloak tight. As usual, he didn't speak. He hadn't said much since we left the motel.

I didn't mind. His silence was strangely comforting—like a quiet fire that didn't flicker. Just burned steady.

I glanced out the frosted window. Endless hills of white stretched beyond the trees. Somewhere past them—just a few hours more—was the Ice Kingdom. And the Empress who awaited us.

I leaned my head against the glass. "The world feels like it's asleep."

"Now you start talking in riddles," he said.

His voice made me smile.

A minute passed. Then two.

I started drifting off, leaning into the corner of the carriage.

Then—quietly—he said, "Stay awake."

I blinked. "Why?"

"Sleep in this cold… you won't wake up."

He didn't look at me when he said it. Just kept watching the snow fall, eyes sharp, unmoving. But something in his voice— Something in it made my heart stir.

Then came a deep voice from the front:

"My lady, my lord—the snow is too deep now. The horses are shivering. The path ahead is buried—too narrow for wheels. We should stop here and walk."

"Sheng, I didn't know you liked me this much," I said, giggling.

"What?" Yuzhe and Sheng said it at the same time—sharp and confused.

"Yes! You called my name first when you informed us," I teased.

"Get out," Yuzhe said flatly as he stepped down.

"Don't shout at me. Even if you're jealous, you should treat me better. Hmph!"

I smirked, pleased with myself.

As I tried to step down from the carriage, Yuzhe reached out a hand to help me. But just as I leaned toward him—he moved aside.

I tumbled face-first into the snow.

"Hey! What are you doing?! I thought you were nice for a second. But nope—never mind!"

I turned toward Sheng— He was *smiling*.

"Sheng… you smiled! You smiled!" I was over the moon.

But the second I pointed it out—his smile vanished.

I stood up, brushing snow off my coat. "We have to walk the rest of the way," I grumbled. "What happened to royal escorts and warm baths?"

No answer. Of course.

Yuzhe was already moving ahead. His steps were silent, efficient, effortless.

I followed. Struggling not to slip.

The snow stung my cheeks. My boots soaked through. Each step grew heavier than the last.

By the third hill, I was lagging behind. By the fourth, my legs were shaking.

"Yuzhe…" I muttered, voice barely a whisper. "Wait…"

He turned. Saw me swaying.

Then—without a word—he walked back. Dropped to one knee.

I blinked. "W-What are you doing?"

He didn't speak. Just grabbed my arm and pulled it over his shoulder.

Before I could protest—he lifted me onto his back.

The sudden warmth of him startled me. His breath visible in the cold. His cloak now partly around me, shielding me from the wind.

I rested my cheek against his shoulder, too tired to argue.

"You're warm," I murmured.

Still, he said nothing.

But his grip on my legs tightened—just slightly. Like he didn't want me to fall.

We didn't speak again after that.

The gates of the Ice Kingdom loomed ahead just as the sun dipped behind the mountains. Glass spires and frozen statues shimmered in the distance. Guards stood in silver armor, silent as the snow around them.

I saw them… And then the world tilted.

Everything spun. My breath caught.

I felt Yuzhe tense as I slumped forward on his back. My arms slipping loose.

And then—

**Darkness.**

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*This episode was all about quiet tension—the kind that hides under silence and snow.

I wanted you to feel the cold, the weight of each step, and the unsaid words between Xiwang and Yuzhe. He barely spoke, but when he did, it mattered. That line—"Stay awake"—might be the softest form of panic Yuzhe has ever shown.

And of course, the small teasing moments with Sheng added just enough lightness to keep us warm 😌

But when Xiwang collapsed and Yuzhe carried her the rest of the way…

No confession. No drama. Just quiet loyalty.

Sometimes, love sounds like nothing at all.

Thanks for being on this cold road with me.

I'm excited (and a little nervous) for what Episode 4 revealed 🥹

Stay cozy,

Li Yuxin

🌝🌝🌝