It was late that evening when Elvis finally dared to return to Celestia Keep. After all, he'd slaughtered Mr. Kyra's donkey—if caught, he'd get another beating. Trembling, he crawled into bed and lay awake all night, half-expecting his father to burst in at any moment.
"Mmm... what time is it?" Elvis groaned, sitting up with a thud.
"Past dawn, Your Highness!"
"Quick, dress me! I can't be late for court!" He scrambled upright, arms outstretched, then froze when no maids appeared. Annoyed, he whirled around—
"F-Father?!"
"Oh, now you call me 'Father'? Thought I was just 'Dad' earlier?" Denny's voice dripped sarcasm.
Elvis's stomach dropped. There was no escaping this.
"Sire, I nearly died yesterday!" he wailed.
Denny smirked. "Oh? This ought to be good."
"Father! The Fendari ambass
