"You're lucky you're handsome."
having recovered enough she grabbed his arm and dragged him away from the drinking circle.
The two ducked into a vine-covered courtyard and sat beneath an ancient fig tree whose roots were curled around the stone like sleeping serpents.
This courtyard was quiet, removed from the ongoing festivities-a hidden sanctuary.
Julius reached out, brushing dust from her cheek.
"If this were our only day-if all of this fell apart tomorrow-i'd still be glad I had it."
Serena leaned into him planting a soft unhurried kiss onto his lips.
just two lovers enjoying themselves in the city that they saved.
~
With nightfall having fallen, torches and braziers now illuminated the city streets as music poured out from every corner.
