Fred stood in the elevator, unease prickling at him. Although Ross, the prince, didn't wield much real power, he did enjoy the support of several ministers. "Just what the hell is he up to, coming here so suddenly?" Fred wondered.

The elevator reached his floor. Fred stepped aside to let the prince exit, then followed.

"Where's your office?" Ross asked.

Fred led the way. "This way, Your Highness." He brought the prince to his office and unlocked the door, but Ross opened it before he could. Piles of documents covered the desk and floor; some items were haphazardly stacked, and the computer remained on. At that moment, Fred's phone rang.

"See?" Fred smiled apologetically. As he moved to answer it, the prince said, "Wait a minute."

He joined Fred, pressed the speakerphone button, and gestured for Fred to proceed. Fred shrugged nonchalantly. "Hello, this is Fred."

The caller reported various official matters—an envoy from Zavonia arriving tomorrow, a meeting scheduled for 3 p.m., and so on. Fred responded steadily. When the caller finished, he glanced at Ross. Since the prince didn't react, Fred hung up.

"You're swamped, as you said, huh?" Ross remarked, settling into Fred's chair.

Fred smiled. "Well, it's all part of the job."

"It must be hard to manage diplomatic duties while caring for my mother. I'll tell her you've done a great job," Ross said calmly.

"I appreciate it, Your Highness. I'm just doing my job," Fred replied, smiling.

Ross turned to the computer screen, filled with documents and data. Casually, he asked, "Oh, yes, my mother hasn't been at the palace lately. Do you know where she went?"

Fred paused. "Her Majesty did visit, but we didn't announce it as it wasn't an official visit. She left afterward, but I'm unsure where she went." He added thoughtfully, "She only said she wanted to travel."

"You follow her everywhere, yet you don't know where she is?" Ross raised an eyebrow skeptically.

"Don't listen to the rumors, sire!" Fred exclaimed earnestly. "I don't mind the gossip about me, but it's damaging to the queen's reputation. People only see me with her because of work." He was eager to demonstrate his loyalty and innocence.

Ross smiled faintly. "Why are you so worried? I'm not insinuating anything."