Elvis blinked awake—only to find the Emperor, Empress, and a swarm of physicians looming over him.
"What's this, a royal gathering? Why's the whole court camped in my chambers?" Elvis slurred, thoroughly confused.
Empress Vallier's eyes brimmed with tears. "Oh, my poor boy—his wits are scrambled!"
A physician rushed forward, fingers pressing against Elvis's wrist. "Pulse is steady, no serious injury. And his skull's intact... puzzling."
"Yank! Hands off, you fossil!" Elvis jerked his arm away, shuddering theatrically. "I'm no damn patient!"
"Elvis, where does it hurt?"
"What's the big inquisition? Some elaborate jest? Bring on your next trick!"
"Don't you remember?" Denny gripped his shoulders, shaking him. "You took a beating—recall any of it?"
"Bloody hell, she was stunning! How'
