The queen looked at Lily. Fred then instructed a guard to remove Lily's blindfold. Lily, having overheard their conversation, remained silent. When the blindfold came off, she squinted against the bright light.
"All right, we're all set. The experiment can begin now," Fred announced happily, clapping his hands. He then looked at Lily. "Oh, considering the sacrifice you'll be making for the queen, I'll grant you one request, if you have one." He smiled kindly.
"Let me go?" Lily asked, looking up at him.
"You know very well that's impossible," Fred said, shaking his head regretfully. "How about something else I can do instead? Like looking after your children, for example?"
This was both a tease and a threat, a warning against resistance for her children's sake. Lily could easily disrupt the experiment if she chose not to cooperate, but her family's safety was paramount. As Fred implied, while the Russells were powerful, they were no match for the Yudonian government. Even if the Hyderland government offered protection, it would be temporary. Unless Lily eliminated the organization, Fred could always retaliate against her family.
"Thanks, but no thanks," Lily said, smiling. "Instead of worrying about my children, you should worry about your own longevity."
Fred recognized her veiled threat, but it sounded like a joke to him.
"Well, I'll live longer than you, but you won't see it, will you? Oh, wait, Her Majesty will. I'll be by her side for a long time," he said, looking toward the queen. "See? I am your loyal servant through and through, Your Majesty."
The queen smiled. "Indeed, you are, Fred. And while we're on the subject, be honest with me about this experiment's success rate."
Her calm tone prevented the question from sounding like a demand. Before Fred could answer, she added, "Don't give me false assurances about your confidence. We both know the success rate might not even reach fifty percent. Now that we've come this far, just tell me the truth, okay?"
Fred hesitated, then looked at Rhea. "Tell her."