Yu Jingchen knew that Nan Zhiyun was afraid of him leaving, so to alleviate her worries, Yu Jingchen said helplessly, "I won't leave."
Nan Zhiyun did not relax just because he said that.
"Then will His Majesty stay here tonight?" Nan Zhiyun asked expectantly.
"You should sleep," Yu Jingchen said, resigned.
"Your Majesty..." Nan Zhiyun's tone held a hint of fear.
"Nan Zhiyun, I warn you, you're pushing your luck." Yu Jingchen had no choice.
"Yes..." Nan Zhiyun fell silent.
Yu Jingchen tucked her in and said, "Rest well."
"And His Majesty?" Nan Zhiyun asked.
"I'll just sit here for a while," Yu Jingchen replied.
Nan Zhiyun asked no further questions, and then heard Yu Jingchen say, "Still afraid of the dark? Shall I put out the candles here?"
"No!" Nan Zhiyun exclaimed, somewhat agitated.
"Overcome it slowly, and I'm here with you, don't be afraid," Yu Jingchen said, then got up to extinguish the two remaining candles.
Nan Zhiyun had wanted to stop him, but the words did not leave her lips. After Yu Jingchen extinguished the last two lamps, Nan Zhiyun was instantly overcome with panic.
She felt as if she were trapped in a black vortex, unable to see anything, surrounded by utter darkness, with no sound, no light.
As she fumbled in distress, someone grabbed her hands. The warmth of the touch steadied Nan Zhiyun's heart, pulling her back from her phantasm to reality.
"Your Majesty..." Nan Zhiyun called out anxiously.
"It's alright, I'm here with you," Yu Jingchen said, holding both her hands.
Yet, Nan Zhiyun was still visibly frightened, her body trembling slightly. Yu Jingchen couldn't understand the depth of her fear.
As his attempts were ineffective and Nan Zhiyun's fear remained unalleviated, Yu Jingchen simply moved closer and pulled her into his embrace.
"Is this any better?" Yu Jingchen asked.
"Your Majesty..." Nan Zhiyun burrowed into his chest as if seeking refuge.
"It's alright, don't be afraid," Yu Jingchen comforted her.
Nan Zhiyun remained in his arms, unable to calm down for a long time. She felt bound, as if tied by ropes, unable to move. She wanted to run, but she couldn't hear any sounds around her, nor could she see the path ahead.
Yu Jingchen gently patted Nan Zhiyun's back. Nan Zhiyun clutched Yu Jingchen's clothes tighter and tighter.
Yu Jingchen grew quiet, simply offering silent solace. After what felt like a quarter of an hour, Nan Zhiyun slowly began to calm down.
"Are you better now?" Yu Jingchen asked.
"Your concubine is afraid..." Nan Zhiyun's voice held a hint of a sob.
"Don't be afraid, everything will be alright, nothing will happen," Yu Jingchen said again.
"Mm..." Nan Zhiyun had not fully recovered.
"Can you tell me why you're so afraid of the dark?" Yu Jingchen initiated a conversation, wanting to address the issue thoroughly.
Nan Zhiyun remained silent for a moment upon hearing this. Yu Jingchen didn't pressure her to answer. He could give her time, and if she still didn't want to speak, then so be it.