Furthermore, Ross wouldn't have learned of Rick's existence had Rick not revealed himself. Ross couldn't help but wonder if others like Rick existed.
Rick pressed the elevator button and stepped aside for the prince. He lowered his head slightly. "I can't answer your question, Your Highness." His reply was both courteous and firm.
Ross knew Rick couldn't tell him, but he was surprised by the directness. Raising an eyebrow, Ross said, "Good. I hope you can remain loyal, unlike Fred."
Rick remained impassive, unperturbed by the prince's comparison to Fred. He soon led Ross to the reception room.
Stunned to find it wasn't his mother's room, Ross exclaimed, "The reception room?"
"Yes, Your Highness. Please wait a moment," Rick replied, and left.
Someone brought Ross a cup of coffee and departed. After a while, he heard a wheelchair approaching, followed by steady footsteps. He knew his mother had arrived.
The door opened, the wheelchair rolling across the floor. Ross remained seated, his back to the door, calmly sipping his coffee instead of turning.
"Aren't you going to greet me?" Yasmin's dignified voice inquired from behind him.
Setting down his coffee, Ross stood and bowed ceremoniously. "Good morning, Your Majesty."
The queen frowned. "What is this? Must I even ask you to greet me?"
"Of course, you can. You can even imprison me now, if you like," Ross replied, looking down at the table.
"Why on earth would I imprison you?" Yasmin frowned, gesturing. "Take a seat."
"I don't deserve to," he said, remaining standing.
Yasmin realized his distress. Sighing, she said, "What's wrong with you? Sit down, please."
"Is that an order?" Ross asked.
Yasmin, growing exasperated, replied, "Yes!"
He sat down heavily. "All right then."
She was speechless, staring intensely at Ross before turning to Rick. "Leave us."
Rick left, closing the door behind him. The queen stared at her son for a moment, then said, "It seems no one is controlling your mind. That's good." Ross looked up, astonished.
"So you knew!" A mix of emotions flooded him.