"Do you think I need your protection?" Dominic knocked Austin's head and said bluntly, "More like you'll mess things up for me." "Hey! Uncle Dom, I—"

Dominic interrupted, "What will you do while I hypnotize the old woman? Sing her a lullaby? Do you think I can hypnotize her with you hanging around?" Austin was speechless.

"I'm going to hypnotize her, not move furniture. I don't need you," Dominic said, turning to Alexander. "Give me two days to prepare. I need to return to my estate to attend to something." Alexander nodded. "Okay. If you need anything, let me know."

The meeting concluded. Although only two days, the wait felt agonizing. Each passing day was unbearable.

Meanwhile, Rhea and Lily poured their energy into their experiments, seemingly competing.

Yasmin hadn't visited the laboratory once. She seemed to have forgotten about it, content to bask in the sun and feel the breeze on the balcony, enjoying a sort of retirement. The sunlight was glorious that day. The queen wheeled herself to a sunny spot, tilting her head back and narrowing her eyes, listening to the birds.

Rick approached and placed a thin blanket over her. "It's rather windy out here, Your Majesty," he said.

His simple act spoke volumes. As he leaned in to adjust the blanket, Yasmin said, "You're blocking the sun."

Rick quickly straightened and moved aside, allowing Yasmin to enjoy the warmth. He stood silently.

Yasmin remained quiet for a long time, seemingly asleep, until the sound of a car engine echoed from below. She opened her eyes slightly and glanced downstairs, disturbed by the noise. Her position offered a view of the gate, but from her wheelchair, she could see nothing. She grunted and shifted. "How long was I asleep?"

"Not long, Your Majesty," Rick answered gently. "Only about an hour."

"An hour, huh? I felt like I slept for much longer. That was a good nap." Feeling slightly stiff, she stretched her neck and looked at Rick. "It would be wonderful to sleep that well every day," she mused.

Age had made good sleep a luxury. Rick, unlike the more voluble Fred, remained silent. Fred would have flattered Yasmin, assuring her she was still young. Rick, however, simply continued his vigil.