As she pondered this, her bedroom door opened, and Fred strode in. "Has he contacted you yet?" he asked.

Rhea knew whom he meant. "Yes, the location is correct, and we had a video call just now," she answered readily. Though somewhat puzzled by recent events, she didn't dare tell Fred about them. She couldn't let him know her creation wasn't entirely reliable.

Fred nodded in satisfaction. "Great. Make another call now."

Rhea hesitated.

"Why? Is there a problem?" Fred asked, his tone sharp.

"No, but I just called him. Is there anything you want to ask him?" Rhea was perplexed by his request.

"I just want to talk to him," Fred said, looking at her intently. "Can't I?"

Rhea could only nod. "Of course, you can."

"Then hurry up!" he said impatiently.

Rhea made the call, tightening her grip on the wine bottle, hoping for a smooth interaction. The call connected quickly, and Ross appeared on screen, his face partially obscured by a hat and glasses.

Rhea frowned. "Why did you hang up on me earlier?"

"The call dropped. The signal in the mountains is poor. Also, I think someone was following me," Ross whispered. "I wonder if the Hyderland government is tailing me."

"Tailing you?" Fred leaned closer, and Rhea moved aside to give him room.

Ross was astonished. "Fred?"

"It's me, Your Highness." Fred smiled. "You said you're being followed? By whom? How many? Were they armed?"

It was inappropriate; Ross was the prince. He questioned Ross deliberately, to test Rhea's control.

Ross frowned. "Fred, mind your own business."

"I'm sorry, Your Highness. I'm just worried about your safety," Fred said, giving Rhea a pointed look.

Rhea subtly flicked her finger at the wine bottle. "Your Highness, the duke meant no harm. You should understand."

Hearing a faint ping, Ross blinked, a dazed expression replacing his worry. He nodded. "Of course, I know Fred meant well. The truth is, I have no idea who those people were. They kept their distance. They might just be passersby, but I can't be sure."

He glanced around nervously, as if expecting someone to appear.