233

As dawn broke over Ephyra, Julius awoke with a slight but manageable ache in his head—a gentle reminder of the previous night's festivities.

He sat up, rubbing his temples, and took a deep breath, letting the cool morning air clear his senses.

Not too bad, he thought, considering the wine, and ale had flowed freely and generously especially after his songs.

He glanced over to see Yuri still fast asleep, buried under the covers of her own separated bed, with only a few stray locks of her light hair poking out.

Try as hard as he could she wouldn't leave his room citing how it was her job to protect him even while he slept, but at least the room he'd taken up had spare beds so at least he was able to sleep without incident and thankfully she'd not come crawling in the night.

She was usually up before him, but not today.

A faint groan escaped her, and Julius stifled a chuckle.