Ross smiled. "It's difficult to control the timing, so I can't make any promises. After all, Fred is one of my people, and he's served my mother for many years. I can't simply accept your account without further investigation."

"Your Highness," Alexander interjected, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. "You're right to be cautious, but Fred's experiment will endanger not only my wife, but the Queen as well. There's no guarantee of success, and the risks are considerable. We could have arrested Fred for conducting such experiments in Hyderland; however, out of respect for your country, for you, and for Her Majesty, we wished to discuss this matter first."

Cameron nodded. "We want to avoid escalation. Our two countries have enjoyed peaceful relations, and we don't want this to affect our ties." He paused, then his voice deepened. "Furthermore, we possess concrete evidence of Fred's experiments. If this becomes public knowledge, Yudonia will face international condemnation. I'm sure you understand the implications, Your Highness."

"Are you threatening me?" Ross asked, his eyes narrowed in displeasure.

Cameron shook his head. "I'm simply stating a fact, and you know it."

Ross fell silent, lost in thought.

Alexander exchanged a look with Cameron. "The repercussions will be immense. Moreover, we visited the embassy twice and did not see Her Majesty. We're concerned you may have lost contact with her recently."

"She resides in the Royal Palace of Yudonia. You wouldn't find her at the embassy," Ross replied flatly, lowering his gaze. "You're overreacting."

"That's reassuring," Alexander said. "However, for Fred to proceed with the final phase of his experiment, he would likely need Her Majesty's presence. Could he be—"

Ross interrupted. "That's preposterous! The experiment you described is nonsensical. Life extension? How could my mother's soul inhabit your wife's body? Are you attempting to fabricate a conspiracy against Yudonia?" Ross regarded them both with suspicion.

"Your Highness—" Alexander began, but Cameron placed a hand on his shoulder and addressed Ross. "I'm confident you would know if we were lying. Despite Fred's influence, you must have ways of monitoring his activities. Her Majesty has achieved much over the years, but she is aging, while you are in your prime, ready to make your mark," Cameron continued. "Life extension is indeed absurd, yet many throughout history have sought it. Perhaps Fred has influenced Her Majesty. As her eldest son, I'm sure you wouldn't want someone to deceive her in her old age."

"Ron," Ross said gravely, "We're friends, but that doesn't give you license to disparage my family and country."