Austin explained, "No. Based on the conversation, Fred has failed and been imprisoned. It seems Rick and Rhea remain unpunished."

Ross furrowed his brow, considering. "So he started the experiment? Then, my mother—"

"She should be safe now," Alexander interjected. "Based on the conversation, Fred has failed, and the queen is now in charge."

"My mother's in charge?" Ross exclaimed, surprised. "But didn't Fred hold her captive?"

"Her Majesty is shrewd. Perhaps she was merely playing along," Alexander said gravely.

This seemingly insignificant conversation revealed crucial information: the queen had seized control.

"You mean my mother deliberately misled Fred into believing he had the upper hand?" Ross realized, adding, "I was so worried. I clearly underestimated her."

He mused, If even I evaded Fred's control, my mother certainly could. What was I thinking?

The prince stood, elated. "Then we have nothing to fear. Let's go! I'll return to the embassy and tell my mother to release Lily."

His joy contrasted sharply with the others' somber expressions. Confused, Ross asked, "Aren't you happy? Didn't you want to rescue Lily? This is excellent news! Now that Fred has failed, everything should be fine, right?"

Austin, closest to him, exchanged a look with the others. "Have you considered why Lily hasn't returned, even with Her Majesty in control? And why hasn't my granduncle returned?"

Ross hesitated. "Perhaps my mother wants to speak with them; they'll be back in a few days. Don't worry, I'll tell her to release them."

Mike narrowed his eyes. "That won't work. Now that the queen is in control, Rhea continues her experiment, and Lily and Dominic remain imprisoned. What does that mean?" He looked at Ross solemnly. "It means the entire plan wasn't Fred's, but..."

He trailed off, but Ross understood. Stunned, he blurted, "You're saying this is all my mother's idea?"

The others remained silent, their implication unmistakable.

"No! Absolutely not!" Ross protested vehemently. "My mother would never do such a thing. She's the queen! Why would she conduct those experiments? I'm certain she knew nothing about it!"