promise to be on guard against this foreign peacock,” Ishvari said lightly, although Ketaki’s obdurate hatred for Ramses had begun to trouble her. “I am not so fragile that I cannot take good care of myself.”

Ketaki raised a bushy eyebrow. “So you think to fend off this beast all on your own, eh?” She did not wait for an answer. “Now this is what we shall do: Vasudeva shall stand guard by your chamber all through the evening. If Ramses pushes you there, Vasudeva shall shove him out, claiming Takshak alone has the right to enter your personal quarters. If Ramses resists, I shall emerge, playing the mad old thing I truly am, cursing all who enter the sanctum.” Ketaki chuckled drily. “Like all bullies, this Egyptian is bound to dread the curse of the insane.”...

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