Ye An looked out from the open window. Heavy, low-hanging grey clouds were slowly gathering above the small hut. There was a low rumbling of thunder in a distance with a flash of lightning following shortly after. The branches of the tall bald trees outside swayed as a testament to the wintry night breeze that had gradually picked up in the last couple of hours. Ye An wrapped her clothes tighter against her body as she mused quietly, "A storm is coming."
Xi Chen who was watching her as he fastened his clothes said, "We should probably head back before the snowstorm rolls in."
Ye An turned to look at Xi Chen. The last few hours cocooned in Xi Chen's warm embrace as they talked about whatever that came to mind had been a bliss. A small gift from the heavens.
There was a snowstorm approaching and the only thing that Ye An yearned for was to be an ordinary woman living in this tiny hut with Xi Chen as they braced the snowstorm together. But she knew that was not to be. And once they leave this hut, she would need to return to her role as sovereign and him the lieutenant general, and they would be heading their separate ways. Ye An couldn't help but think if it was possible for her to be selfish this once as she caressed Xi Chen's face with her gaze. Even though she didn't want to admit it, the answer was a glaring no. No, she couldn't be selfish. Not this time and not ever, if she remained on the throne.
She looked down on the ground, her heart sinking. Xi Chen stood up at the slight shift in her demeanor and took a step towards Ye An.
"Hey." Xi Chen coaxed Ye An in the quiet manner that was unique to him as he rubbed her arms.
Ye An lifted her head up. Her eyes were already glistening and she hated herself for it but not as much as how Xi Chen hated himself because he knew that he was the cause of it. Xi Chen sighed with his brows furrowed. He pulled Ye An into a hug. "Don't worry. I'll be back before you know it."
Ye An burrowed her face in his chest without a word.
"I love you." Xi Chen muttered as he kissed the top of Ye An's head which made her look up.
"I-" Ye An started to speak but it was obvious that she was struggling to reply those same words to Xi Chen.
Xi Chen tenderly placed his forehead against hers as he stared into her eyes. "It's alright. I know."
*******
"Be careful once you're on the other side." Ah Lin said as he checked the straps on Xi Chen's horse.
Xi Chen on the other hand was making sure that the two other horses were secured to his horse. "You know that I'll be careful."
The plan that he had come up with earlier today involved him breaking both Northerners out from captivity. Since the main gate would be heavily guarded on both sides not to mention the wide clearing on the Northerner's side which would deter Xi Chen's plans of entering the North undetected, Xi Chen decided that they were going to cross the border where the wall ended at the mountainous terrain. With the snowstorm that was steadily rolling in, it would be impossible to cross the border that way on foot. Even though riding on horseback wouldn't ensure safe passage through the treacherous terrain, it would definitely improve their chances of surviving.
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THE DAY EMPEROR: 阳明王 【The Night Emperor Book 2】
Historical Fiction"There are enough bad things in life, hold on to whatever it is that gives you joy." In the months after Ye An had ascended to the throne, she has learned about all the secrets that were kept from her. Secrets that had spanned generations. But is th...
