Lily continued, "If you didn't, Hyderland wouldn't be responsible, and people might question your trespass."

Yasmin shook her head, taken aback. "Do you think it will be so simple? I'm a queen, damn it."

"So what if you are? You'll age and die like anyone else. Besides, I only care about the present," Lily said coldly. "My patience, like yours, is wearing thin."

The queen fell silent, gazing intently at Fred and Nick. She wanted to witness the surgery and its success firsthand; only the outcome would convince her.

But now…

"What do you want?" Yasmin finally asked. "Will you obey me if I release the boy? Can I trust someone holding me hostage?"

"Your Majesty, you mustn't trust her!" Rhea exclaimed, worried the queen would heed Lily. "If you free the boy, she'll still hold you hostage. You shouldn't trust anyone capable of such a thing."

Lily glared at Rhea. "You don't care about anyone, do you?"

"Says who? I care about Her Majesty!" Rhea quickly looked at Yasmin, attempting to convince her. "Only Her Majesty trusts and values me."

Lily scoffed. "If I remember correctly, you said the same to Fred. Then what happened?"

"Says who? I never—"

"Enough!" Yasmin interrupted quietly. "Will you lower your weapon if I release the boy?"

"I will!" Lily said solemnly.

"Good." Yasmin took a deep breath and slowly raised a hand.

Lily watched intently as the queen dismissively waved her hand. "Heed my command. The boy is not to be released."

Stunned, Lily tightened her grip on the gun. "Do you really want me to kill you?"

"So what if I do?" Yasmin looked at Lily, pressing her forehead against the gun without fear. "If you want to shoot, go ahead. Since the boy is so important to you, all the more reason not to release him."

Lily was taken aback; she expected the queen to yield. She'd forgotten Yasmin had ruled for decades; a queen who would yield so easily wouldn't have lasted this long.

The queen grabbed the gun barrel, and Rick shouted, "Your Majesty!"

Yasmin simply stared at Lily. "I know you won't shoot. You're kind. You're unlike me. I might shoot, but you won't!"