"As you well know, I am not most people," Bagoas teases, closing his eyes to rest his head on his friend's shoulder. Just a little while, he tells himself, then I'll get on with my duties.

"It doesn't sound so different from the customs of my world, though a man would hardly court a eunuch in a formal manner. We are...personal diversions; living embodiments of amusement and companionship and camaraderie. However, before I bring a dark cloud over your head, of course we are much more besides."