The nurses simply held the babies without responding. Lily anxiously took her daughter, unhindered. She immediately opened the blanket, squeezed the baby's hands, and carefully checked for wounds. Reassured that her daughter was unharmed, Lily sighed in relief and examined her son, finding him equally unscathed. After a moment's thought, she checked their mouths, finding nothing amiss. They must be hungry or uncomfortable, she concluded.

Lily looked at the nurses, then at the CCTV camera. "Why did you bring them here?" she asked. She figured the nurses were following orders—Fred, undoubtedly. That fucking asshole! she thought.

Suddenly, a noise from outside—not a cane, but a wheelchair. The wheels turned, and the queen appeared. Lily was surprised; she'd expected Fred, his threats, his demands.

"Your Majesty," Lily greeted, a slight nod replacing a curtsy as she held her baby.

The queen acknowledged the greeting with a nod. She dismissed the others upon entering, and the guards and nurses left, closing the door behind them.

Lily raised an eyebrow. "What are you up to, Your Majesty?"

"I'd like to talk to you," the queen said quietly.

"Alone?" Lily glanced around. "Aren't you afraid I'll try to harm you?"

The queen shook her head and smiled. "You won't."

Without waiting for a reply, she continued, "Besides, my men are everywhere. You couldn't succeed, even if you tried—let alone escape."

"Well, if I hold you hostage—"

"What about your babies? Can you do that while carrying them? Unless you plan on abandoning them?" The queen interrupted, a smile playing on her lips. "I know you're just talking, or I wouldn't be here. Still, I haven't much time, so let's get down to business, shall we?"

She's alone and seems rushed, Lily mused. "Did Fred go out?"

The queen looked surprised, then smiled slightly. "You're clever indeed."