Aneshu's Folly excerpt:

In the portico, flanked by his orange-clad retainers, Amiru bade farewell to Parsa, then, without warning, drew Aneshu aside as though with the intimacy of a brother. “What does one actor do here, among so many dancers?”

His smooth, conspiratorial tone set Aneshu on edge. “The High Prince wishes me to entertain the young prince and princess.”

“And Thanaj sends only one actor?”

Aneshu yearned to dislodge the arm draped over his shoulder. Amiru’s proximity made it increasingly difficult to concentrate. “Sending two troupes across the desert is expensive. You wouldn’t have been able to house us all.”

Amiru, his arm still around Aneshu, turned so they stood face to face. Aneshu wanted to look away, to politely cast his eyes down, but the vizier’s amber gaze kept him riveted. “That is true, indeed. You must be exceptional, though, to come all this way alone. What roles do you play?”

The way his voice caressed the word roles lent it a connotation Aneshu understood all too well. Keep calm. Reveal nothing. Swallowing hard, Aneshu replied, “I am a second actor, sir.”

“Are we so unworthy in Thanaj’s eyes that we do not rate a first?”

“No, sir,” croaked Aneshu. “Merash would have been insufferable.”

“And you are more...agreeable?”

Let him think he’s seducing you. Be pliable. The trouble was that art effortlessly mirrored reality. “A second can perform more roles without help.”

“Hmm, it has been so long since we had talented performers here at Malassar.” Amiru leaned so close that his breath stirred warm on Aneshu’s neck. “A second plays women, tricksters, and villains, yes? Such a curious choice.”

Aneshu resisted the urge to back away. “The High Prince’s agent told my master my talents might amuse the prince and his sister.”

“Some roles are not appropriate, Aneshu.” Amiru’s voice stroked his name, turning it almost into an endearment.

“No, of course not,” replied Aneshu.

“Jahan is much better today, and young Ayashi pesters her chaperone wishing to see the performers. Can we trust your discretion, Aneshu?”

Discretion. He doesn’t mean the roles I play. “Yes, my lord. I have already chosen a suitable part. It will not offend anyone.”