"Perhaps Queen Yasmin isn't even around," Lily mused.

The guards exchanged strange expressions. One waved vaguely and said, "We have no idea."

"Okay, I got it," Lily nodded, leaving the guards puzzled by her apparent understanding. They watched her leave, remaining at their posts.

Back in the elevator, Lily didn't press a button. Rhea's words and the guards' reaction made it clear they had been referring to her; Rhea had sought the queen and been turned away as well.

Lily realized, "Rhea assumed Her Majesty was with me. She rushed back to see Yasmin, which explains her surprise at finding me alone. She must have thought I was with the queen."

Even Lily wondered where else Yasmin could be, besides the laboratory. The lack of an answer fueled her concern over Yasmin's avoidance.

A chilling thought struck Lily. She pressed a floor button, silently hoping her suspicions were unfounded.

Exiting the elevator, she broke into a jog. But alarm seized her before she reached the bedroom door—it was unguarded. Normally, two imposing guards stood watch; now, both were absent. Lily hurried inside, pushing open the door. "Nicky—"

The silence was profound, her voice echoing in the empty room. Still, she refused to give up, calling again, "Nick? Nicky!"

Her search proved fruitless. Her worst fears were confirmed: the queen had taken Nick.

"Since the queen did this without my knowledge," Lily thought, "she must be desperate. Why couldn't she wait for me? She knows how risky the experiment is!"

Lily turned and ran from the room.