"Do you think it's over for me while your guards and ministers find a way to rescue you?" Lily asked.

The queen's expression answered her, though she offered no words. Lily's escape was unlikely after Alexander's two failed rescue attempts, but the queen's situation differed. Fred, though seemingly against her, had prepared the final experiment for her benefit. Moreover, her ministers and subjects would grow anxious with her prolonged absence. This is why the queen didn't feel truly desperate.

"Your Majesty, you're being naive," Lily shook her head. "Do you think Fred dared to do this because the people here have changed sides?"

"So you're saying—"

"Do you truly understand him after all these years? Don't you think he might have bought off many of your ministers?"

The queen was speechless.

"Your Majesty, if either of us escapes, it will be me. Since Fred has turned against you, he won't change his mind. He's burnt his bridges!"

The queen fell silent, acknowledging Lily's truth. Meanwhile, Fred knew he couldn't turn back after his actions. The queen's escape from the embassy meant his death.

"You're laughing at me, aren't you?" The queen turned to Lily, then gazed at the ceiling, exhaustion etched on her face.

"No. Despite the experiment, I'm not your enemy, nor am I in a position to laugh," Lily spread her arms, a gesture encompassing her own imprisonment. "I'm wondering if you'll consider working with me?" Leaning forward, glass of water in hand, she looked at the queen earnestly.

The queen was puzzled. "You want me to work with you? Now?" She chuckled, finding the suggestion absurd.

"That's right," Lily said calmly. "Let's work together to save ourselves."

"How are we supposed to do that?" The queen's confidence wavered. "We can't even leave this room."

"You don't honestly think the R10 experiment is solely for your benefit, do you?"