Rick remained silent.

Yasmin wheeled around and said blandly, "Bring Lily. I'd like to hear what excuses that sly woman can concoct."

"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "She'll only lie. Why—"

Yasmin interjected, "I want to hear what she has to say."

Rick had no choice but to comply.

Lily was drifting off when she heard noises. She opened her eyes just as Rick entered, his glare cold. "Her Majesty wishes to see you."

Lily calmly stood, as if expecting him. Mike rose to follow, but Rick stopped him at the door. "You stay."

"But we came together!" Mike protested, gesturing for Lily's help.

"The queen doesn't wish to see you. Stay here!" Rick insisted.

Lily patted Mike's shoulder. "Wait for me."

Mike, resigned, watched as Lily left with Rick. "Be careful," he called.

Lily smiled and followed Rick to the queen's bedroom. He knocked, then opened the door. "Your Majesty."

"Let her in," Yasmin said flatly.

Rick gestured for Lily to enter, then stood guard outside, closing the door.

Lily found the queen in her wheelchair on the balcony. The open window billowed the curtains. Lily closed the window slightly, saying, "It's rather chilly."

"Well, based on your decades of experience, you know if I'm right," Yasmin said. Lily held the wheelchair, looking up. "Aren't you curious why I returned?"

Yasmin snorted. "Because of the boy, of course." She knew Lily couldn't stay away from Nick.