Cleopatra dressed in a relaxed Greek style, turned to the opening doors and nodded with a welcoming smile, she held out her hand in informal greeting. Balbus rushed to the Queen and took her hand and bowed low but before he could kiss it she gracefully withdrew her hand from his grasp.
“Welcome to Egypt Balbus.” She turned toward a table and two chairs and gestured to them. “Please have a seat and some wine.”
Once settled in there respective places and being served by a pretty slave Balbus felt a little more relaxed.
“How was your crossing?” The Queen said and then took a small sip of wine.
“It was a little bumpy with the spring storms, but fine beyond that.”
Cleopatra smiled. “So then Balbus, what can I do for you?”