"Nothing much," Mike paused. "How's my son?"

Rhea fell silent. He still thought of his son, even in this deep hypnotic state. If she told him his son was dead, would the shock break his trance?

"I'm still working on saving him," Rhea said, inventing an excuse. "But I can't leave the embassy, as you know. There's nothing I can do for now. Any news on the invisibility potion?"

"I don't understand," Mike replied.

"Didn't you say they found traces of it? Aren't they studying it? What's the progress?" Rhea persisted, still fixated on the potion. She trusted Mike wouldn't lie, but she wondered if such a potion even existed. If Alexander and the others knew the ingredients, perhaps she could use that information in her research, or even get Mike to steal the formula. That would give her something to show Fred, while simultaneously advancing her own work.

Mike's answer disappointed her. "I don't know. The researchers left, and I don't even know who they were."

"Can't you ask around?" Rhea's frustration grew.

"Why are you angry?" Mike asked, bewildered.

Rhea took a deep breath, striving for calm. Her control over him depended on it. "Well, you should find out. It might help save your son."

"Really?" Mike's voice held excitement. As expected, mentioning his son agitated him.

"Yes, think about it. If I develop an invisibility potion, I can enter the palace and save your son," she continued, drawing him in.

Mike seemed to fall for it. "You're right! But... I don't know where they are."

"Ask Alexander. I'm sure he knows," Rhea added. "Think about your son. It might be your only chance to save him."

"I understand. I'll find out," Mike said. After a pause, he asked, "Are you safe over there?"

Rhea was surprised. It had been so long since anyone had shown her concern; it was almost overwhelming. She forced a smile. "I'm... very safe. Why do you ask?"

"Well, you can only save my son if you're safe," Mike replied simply.

Rhea was speechless.

"I'll save Nick," she said firmly, "but you must obey me. Remember, I'm on your side. Alexander will not, and cannot, help you. Do you understand?" She emphasized the hypnotic suggestion.

"I do," Mike responded readily.

Relief washed over Rhea. "Let's keep in touch. If you find out anything, inform me immediately."