"You've misunderstood me, Your Grace. I'll show you I can do it!" Rhea said, despite herself. It was a promise not only to Fred but also to herself; she knew delivering on it was crucial to securing her place within the organization.
Fred, impatient with promises, turned and left abruptly. He needed to check the queen's and Lily's data, ensuring everything remained normal. Ross's presence, however, forced Fred to wait until the former departed before proceeding with the experiment's final phase. Although Ross had claimed a three-day stay, he showed no inclination to leave, overstaying by a day and a half.
Worse, Ross remained virtually confined to the embassy. Fred had arranged a city tour for him, but the prince insisted he'd visited recently and preferred to remain, discussing national affairs with the duke.
Frustrated but powerless, Fred descended to examine the data and the subjects' condition. His financial resources afforded him only one chance; this was the optimal time to gather data. Failure to do so would leave him dangerously vulnerable.
After assigning someone to monitor Ross and stationing guards on each floor, Fred proceeded to Lily's room. A growing unease had plagued him for the past two days. Not superstitious, yet he couldn't dismiss a premonition of something terrible. This unease, he knew, would affect his judgment. Taking a deep breath, he instructed the guard to open the door.
She lay peacefully, seemingly asleep.
Fred stood in the doorway, observing her. Lily's breathing was even, but her complexion was pale—perhaps from lack of sunlight. Still, she appeared deeply asleep.
"Lily," Fred called, his voice grim.
She didn't open her eyes. He sneered. Did she think she could fool me?
He said coldly, "Cut the charade! You should have sensed my presence before I even entered. Do you think pretending to sleep will save you? That's naive!" But Lily remained unresponsive.
Fred frowned, approaching her. "Lily?"
He tapped the floor with his cane, but she remained motionless, eyes closed, appearing unconscious. Sensing something was wrong, he gently poked her with his cane. "Lily? End this pretense. Let's talk. It might save your life."