"I still cannot believe you truly did what you said you would."
Cleopatra's voice broke the silence of the chamber, as the words lingered between them. The bedroom was dim, bathed in the soft glow of oil lamps that cast long shadows across marble walls and silk draperies. Outside, Rome slept—unaware that its fate had already been sealed by the man lying beside her.
She rested against Nathan's bare chest, her head tucked comfortably beneath his chin, the rise and fall of his breathing steady beneath her cheek. The aftermath of their passionate union still clung to the air, warm and heavy, mingling with the scent of incense and sweat.
Nathan let out a quiet, amused breath.
"I said many things to you," he replied calmly, one arm wrapped loosely around her waist. "You will have to be more specific, Cleopatra."
She smiled against him, a slow, knowing curve of her lips that spoke of both affection and awe.
