"It wasn't really in doubt. You're very good at impressing people." Felix looks aside, returning the smile. "And I fancy my good taste runs in the family."

Of course, the real unspoken question is whether Jim likes them, but Felix doesn't dare to ask yet. They've only just got here: let Jim have a chance to relax first. Let him make kites with Marcella and warm her up to him. Let him charm Terentius with his wit and good humor. Let him enjoy all the sights and splendor the city has to offer.

Maybe by the end of the night Felix will dare ask.

"Want to grab some of these?" he asks instead. The lanterns look collapsible but the others have already straightened them out and given the brass a good polish. "We can hang a few up and then I'll put the last couple of poles in." That won't take long. They aren't even very tall poles.