Laughing, Hephaistion leaned back in his chair. "And I'm modest, too, don't forget."

The mental image of Dora coming to his rescue against Arthur was a pretty amusing one, he had to admit. He wouldn't require it, but it was sweet to offer. "If Arthur is more of an ass than he normally is, you will be the first to know, so you can tell him off. Promise."

"But let us get down to business, shall we? The food smells good, and it would be a shame to waste much more time."