It was late now and so servants placed bronze oil lamps on the tables and balustrade so we could see each other’s faces, though I was mischievously tempted to order them to be taken away so that I would not have to look at Dobbai’s haggard old visage. They also placed stands around the balustrade that held incense sticks made from the dried flower heads of chrysanthemums and lit them. This was to keep away the swarms of mosquitoes from the river below that otherwise would have been attracted to the lamps and would have bitten us and given us the fevers that can lead to death. We also burnt oil made from the balanite tree to keep away these insects.‘He has exceeded my expectations,’ I replied proudly.Gallia flopped down in her chair beside me. ‘No doubt he is more arrogant than ever.’Servants brought us wine and freshly made pastries from the kitchens while others placed silver boxes with holes in their sides around the edges of the terrace. We used these boxes all over the palace.
