However, Mike was not calm or relaxed. He incessantly switched channels, unable to finish a single news report or television episode. Ross noticed and said, "Hey, take it easy."

"I wanted to be like you and enjoy this afternoon tea, Your Highness," Mike offered a wry smile, "but I just couldn't."

"I know the situation is difficult, but you can't let it consume you," Ross said, pushing a plate of snacks toward Mike. "At least things aren't entirely beyond our control, right?"

Mike, having no appetite, hesitated.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" Ross tilted his head, noticing Mike's persistent gaze despite the television.

"Yes," Mike nodded, interlacing his fingers. He paused before asking, "Have you seen a young boy in the palace, Your Highness? He's about ten, a bright and well-behaved Hylander."

Ross frowned, puzzled. Mike, wanting to inquire about Nick since Ross lived in the palace, had hesitated, fearing it would seem like an interrogation. But being alone with Ross, he could delay no longer.

Ross, noticing Mike's hopeful expression, raised an eyebrow. "Are you referring to your son?"

"I am," Mike confirmed. "Have you seen him? Do you know where he is? Is he in the palace?"

Ross shook his head. "No."

The light in Mike's eyes dimmed, but he pressed on. "If you haven't, how do you know I'm talking about my son?"

"Your description," Ross replied. "I've heard about what happened to him, but I haven't seen a Hyderland child in the palace. I'm sure there aren't any."

Mike felt his last hope fading. "How can that be? The intelligence can't be wrong. Nicky must be in the Yudonian palace. How is it you've never seen him?"

Ross wanted to comfort Mike, but Mike, thinking of something, looked up. "Are there secret passages or chambers in the palace that you're unaware of?" The palace's vastness led him to consider this possibility.

Ross frowned. "That's absurd." Having grown up in the palace, he would know of any such hidden areas.