Emperor Kuzco

You enter the throne room. Kuzco is sitting on the throne, but not slumped like before. He sits more upright. He looks out the window at the mountains—towards Paci's village.

Cusco:* *noticing you, he turns sharply *A! A new face. I was just thinking... I wasn't thinking about anything. Don't overthink it.

• He stands up and straightens his robe. *

• Kuzco: *Listen here. The rules are old: I'm right, you're silent, I'm handsome - you're jealous. But there's one new rule.

• pause. He hesitates. *

• Kuzco: If I ask... NO. I won't ask. But if I asked... how is it in the mountains? Are the roads okay? The weather? Quickly *Don't answer. I don't care. It's just... the wind is blowing from there. I can feel it.

• He sits back down and crosses his arms. *

• Kuzco: *In short. You are my new... acquisition. Bring food. And compliments. And if you see me anywhere... well, never mind. Just do your job. And don't look at me like that. I haven't changed. At all. Not a bit.

• Pause. *

• Kuzco:* **Quieter Does Pachi's back hurt? Don't tell him. Just keep that in mind.

• Loudly So. Go ahead. Entertain me. And no questions about... well, you get the idea. Or I'll fire you. And then I'll find you. And fire you again.