Alexander was right. They couldn't stop Ross; he was determined to return.

More than twenty minutes after the prince's departure, Mike suddenly slapped his thigh. "Shit!"

The other two, busy with their tasks, turned to him. "What's wrong?"

"Now that Ross is going back, won't Rhea find out her hypnosis failed?" Mike asked.

After a moment of silence, Austin replied, "Actually, I don't think it matters anymore. She failed to control him. If she's smart, she'll realize her drugs and hypnosis were ineffective. It's insane that she even attempted to control someone's mind." He was shocked by her intentions; the human spirit is a mysterious thing. No one can truly control another's mind through alternative medicine. Even if it were possible, the side effects would be catastrophic. Therefore, it was absurd that Rhea, a mainstream medical practitioner, would even consider such methods.

Alexander nodded. "I agree."

They had tried to deceive Fred, making him believe he was in control, but Yasmin had manipulated him. Having planned this for so long, Fred was merely a pawn.

It was almost dawn when Ross returned to the embassy. His unannounced arrival shocked a worker. Approaching the rear accommodation area, Ross asked, "Is Her Majesty here?"

The worker hesitated.

"Is she?" Ross's tone was sharp.

Rick approached, dismissing the worker with a wave. "Your Highness, Her Majesty is still resting. Please wait until she awakens."

"And you are?" Ross found him familiar.

"I'm Rick," he replied, inclining his head slightly.

Ross's memory clicked. "I remember seeing you beside my mother, but..." He paused. "Didn't you work for Fred?"

"I am a subject of Her Majesty and work for Yudonia," Rick said, his words carrying weight.