The cold pond swallowed them in a rush of bubbles and startled fish. Yuyan gasped, water splashing into her face, but before panic could take hold of her, a strong arm wrapped firmly around her waist.
"Careful," Tian Yu murmured, his voice low and steady, close enough that she felt it against her skin.
His grip kept her upright as the water lapped at their shoulders. Even in the chill, the heat of him seeped through, making her heart trip over itself. Droplets clung to his lashes, making his crimson eyes more beautiful.
"You—let go," she stammered, pushing at his chest, but her fingers tangled in the wet folds of his robe instead.
He smiled faintly, tilting his head. "And watch you slip and drag me with you again?" He teased, coming closer to her.
Her pulse quickened. The koi darted around them in flashes of gold, but the world seemed to shrink until it was only him — his steady breath, his hand at the small of her back and his body holding hers as though she belonged there.
A strand of wet hair stuck to her cheek. He reached up slowly, brushing it aside with his fingers, letting them linger just long enough for her to feel the warmth beneath the water's chill.
"You're trembling," he murmured.
"It's… the water," she whispered, though they both knew better.
His gaze dropped to her lips, and for one suspended heartbeat, neither of them moved. The space between them was so small she could feel the ghost of his breath, warm against the cool evening air.
Just as his lips brushed hers, she startled — a ripple broke between them as her foot slipped on the pond's stones. His hold tightened instantly, steadying her. Without a word, he guided her toward the edge, his hand never leaving her.
He lifted her from the water with effortless strength, setting her gently onto the grass. Water streamed from her skirts, pooling at her feet. He climbed out beside her.
Both dripping and breathless, they stood facing each other. A bead of water slid down his jaw, and his eyes didnt move.
"Let go inside before you catch a cold. "He said and left as she followed his obediently.
When they got inside, the door shut softly behind them, sealing in the cool scent of rainwater and pond lilies. Droplets slid from their hair, trailing over flushed skin and damp clothes. She tried to brush the strands from her face, but her fingers trembled from the chill.
"You'll catch a cold like that," he murmured, stepping closer.
Before she could protest, his hands caught the thick blanket at the foot of the bed. In one motion, he swept it around her shoulders—then around himself too, pulling her against him. Heat radiated from his body, and the world outside the cocoon of warmth seemed to vanish.
"Better?" he asked, his voice low, a faint smile curving his lips.
She opened her mouth to answer, but the words stuck in her throat. His closeness, the scent of rain on his skin and the steady beat of his heart—everything tangled her thoughts. All she could do was nod, her cheeks warm despite the cold.
The blanket clung to them, holding in the damp warmth of their bodies. Yuyan kept her head lowered, unwilling to meet his gaze, though his scent was already weaving its way through her senses—familiar, disarming, dangerously close to something she couldn't name. Her knees felt unsteady beneath her and her heart was unsteady in her chest.
Almost without thinking, she lifted her head. Tian Yu was watching her, his eyes shadowed with a quiet, aching sorrow that caught her off guard. The sight tugged at her heart in a way she had no defense against.
Her hand rose of its own accord, brushing lightly against his cheek. His fingers closed around hers, holding her palm to his face as though afraid to let go. The heat of his skin seeped into her, and then she felt it—a tear, slipping from his lashes and running across her hand.
Neither of them moved or spoke. The world narrowed to that moment, to the silent exchange that said far more than words could.
The door flew open and Ria, her new maid, froze in the doorway, her eyes widening. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I didn't know you had returned. The Emperor is here… with Leng Yue." She backed out quickly, shutting the door behind her.
The fragile stillness between them shattered. A sting pricked behind Yuyan's eyes. She tore herself from his hold and rushed toward the bathroom, the sound of the door slamming echoing in the room.
Yuyan shut the bathroom door behind her, leaning against it as if it could shield her from everything she didn't want to feel. The soft patter of water soon filled the chamber, mingling with the quiet thrum of her heartbeat.
Outside, Tian Yu stood for a moment, his hand resting lightly on the closed door. "Yuyan," he called, his voice low, almost hesitant. "I need to wash."
There was no answer.
He tried again, knocking softly this time. "Let me in. I won't—"
Still, nothing. Only the steady rush of water.
With a faint sigh, he stepped back. He could have insisted, but there was no point in pushing her further away. Gathering his robe around him, he left the chamber and crossed the quiet corridor to the visitors' quarters. The attendants there looked up in surprise when he appeared, but at his request, they quickly prepared the bath.
Steam curled into the air as he slipped into the warm water, letting it wash away the lingering chill from the pond and the strange heaviness that had settled in his chest. He stayed not too long because the emperor was waiting for him. He rinse lightly and dress quickly before making his way back.
By then, Yuyan had already finished. She emerged from the bathroom in a fresh gown, her hair loosely gathered, the faint scent of jasmine clinging to her. Without a word, she adjusted the sash at her waist and headed for the door.
Tian Yu watched her go, the soft rustle of her robes trailing behind her until the door closed, leaving him alone. As he walked slowly after her like a child that missed his way.