"We do not worship her," Phradates said. "With us, the moon belongs to Astoreth, who is the same as your Aphrodite, and she has lost her power."
"Are you sure of that?" Thais asked.
The young man looked at her and his expression changed.
"I am sure of nothing," he said thickly.
"Except?" Thais suggested, looking into his eyes and leaning forward on her arm so that the necklace of pearls slid across her bosom, half revealed under the folds of her robe.
"Except that I love you!" he responded.
Thais fell back upon her cushions and began again to stroke the cat.
"You should not insult the Goddess," she said.
"By Melkarth, I think you are she!" Phradates cried.
"Perhaps," she admitted, smiling and nodding her head.