Of course, the death that he wished for did not come. Instead, it was chased away by a voice. As instinct demanded, he did his best to snap to an attentive posture. He couldn't bring himself to rise, but he pushed as high into a sitting position as he could manage.<br/><br/>He was still groggy and disoriented, but he was sure that the voice would belong either to his mistress or one of her hand maidens. He paid no real heed to her words, panicking as he found himself not ready for his duties.<br/><br/>"M-milady..." he stammered thickly, forcing the words past dry lips, "My deepest apologies. I shall be ready to attend you presently."