Yasmin fell silent, seemingly pondering. Lily continued, "I don't know if I'll fear death at your age, but I feel there's a limit to everything. Even wanting immortality, I wouldn't sacrifice others' lives. I wouldn't wish this on my children, friends, or family. I wouldn't want others to do this to me, so I wouldn't do it to them. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

After a pause, she added, "I'm... tired." Yasmin closed her eyes, wanting to avoid further discussion. "You should rest as well."

"Your Majesty," Lily said, "achieving immortality is impossible. I created R10 using the formula they provided, but its efficacy is... truly uncertain. In truth, I believe the chances of it working are essentially zero, despite what I said earlier." Lily spoke bluntly, dispensing with pleasantries.

"Enough!" Yasmin snapped. "Don't push your luck just because I've been kind."

"No, Your Majesty," Lily replied, "I speak as a friend, not a prisoner. You're different from Fred. You only want to live; he desires far more." Lily knew from Fred's behavior that he was an extremist and profoundly selfish.

Yasmin asked coldly, "Do you think praising me will change my mind?"

Lily shook her head. "No, I'm stating a fact. When you helped me fake my death, you considered setting me free, didn't you?"

The queen's gaze wavered.

Lily sighed, "Human nature is complicated. Often, a single decision defines us. A ruler's decisions, especially, have enormous consequences. I'm a nobody, my fate linked to yours by chance. I can't influence you; it's ultimately your choice. I just wanted to speak my mind. I've said all I need to say. I'll rest now. You should rest early and consider this."

As Lily turned to leave, a guard approached, passing her to whisper to Yasmin. Despite the distance, Lily, trained in combat, overheard him: "A Hylander came looking for Rhea."

Lily was surprised an outsider sought Rhea. She glanced over and saw Yasmin looking at her. The guard ceased speaking, waiting for Lily's departure.

After a moment's reflection, Lily left. She paused outside the door, but heard nothing. A guard was waiting to escort her to her room, so she refrained from eavesdropping and departed with him, despite her curiosity.

Yasmin, hearing Lily's fading footsteps, turned to the guard. "Who's looking for Rhea?"

"Someone named Mike. He says it's important. His full name is Mike..." The guard struggled to recall the surname.