Everyone focused on Austin, but after a long ring, the call went unanswered. He finally hung up, frowning. "No one's answering."

"Perhaps he didn't hear it," Dominic urged. "Try again."

"Actually, he probably can't answer," Lily said. It was pointless to try again; Ross was likely detained.

"Are you saying he's been arrested?" Austin asked.

Lily nodded. "Think about it. How could Queen Yasmin forgive him for helping me escape? We all know how ruthless she is."

The others nodded. The queen's ruthlessness was matched only by her stubbornness. She would have detained Ross, and confiscated his phone. Austin sighed helplessly. "If that's the case, we have no one to contact at the embassy."

"Wasn't Dominic planning to go there?" Mike asked. "If he hadn't run into Lily, he'd be there now. We should stick to the plan."

He sprang to his feet. Lily shook her head. "I don't think that's wise."

Alexander agreed. "Lily was here before our plan; Dominic's visit to the embassy made sense as a cover. Now that Lily's back, it would arouse suspicion. Why would he go? Just to see the queen? She wouldn't believe it."

Mike frowned, silenced by Alexander's logic. It would be too conspicuous. He slumped onto the sofa, glancing around. "I have another way."

Lily and the others looked puzzled.

"From now on, everything I do is separate from you. I'm moving, and removing all your contact information. No one will know where I am or what I'm doing."

"What the hell do you mean?" Austin asked. "You're cutting ties? What are you planning? Don't tell me you're going to storm the embassy and rescue your son! That's insane!"

He stared at Mike as if he'd lost his mind.

"I know it's crazy. That's why it's separate from all of you." Mike leaned back, sighing, and tossed his phone on the table. "I've sold all my assets. And I've made preparations," he added, remaining cryptic.