"Since you're so loyal, I'll give you a chance to prove yourself," Yasmin said with a gentle sigh. "By becoming a guinea pig?" Fred raised his brow, knowing what she was going to say. "Sure. It's not like I can say no.""Do you have any other requests?"Since Fred had served her for so many years, Yasmin wanted to fulfill any reasonable requests he might have. Fred shook his head. "You know I have no one. My wife left me long ago, and my children have followed her to another country. I've devoted my whole life to serving you, Your Majesty. I don't have any requests to make now. Oh, yes. If—”After a pause, he said, "If the experiment works and I manage to live on through the boy, I hope you'll give me the chance to serve you again."His request reignited Yasmin’s desire for the experiment and continuation of life to succeed. Over the last two days, she kept thinking about what Dominic said. She remembered her life when she was young, when Ross was still little, and when her h
‘He always has a retort for everything,’ Yasmin thought. Fred shook his head. "I was just trying to look after you, Your Majesty. I told you Hylanders are cunning and untrustworthy. They must be trying to persuade you to give up the experiment, but you can't fall for it."Remember why we’ve researched the experiment for so long. If you give up now, all our efforts will go to waste!" Fred spread his arms and spoke emotionally, “That’s what they want. However, we can rule the world with immortality if the experiment succeeds.“It’ll threaten everyone, including the Hylanders. That’s why they don’t want us to succeed. Perhaps…” Fred paused and then said slyly, “Perhaps they’re conducting a similar research in secret!”"Is that possible?" Yasmin asked, alarmed. "Of course! You know Rhea…" Fred caught himself. "Oh, yes, what happened to—""She's conducting experiments now," Yasmin answered. Taken aback, Fred caught on and laughed. "See? She doesn't care who she works for as long a
Rick had been waiting outside while Yasmin talked to Fred. The former lowered his gaze and went over to help Yasmin push her wheelchair. The queen remained silent until they entered the elevator.Rick muttered, “Prince Ross wishes to see you, Your Majesty.”She rolled her eyes and sighed. Rick knew what she meant and stopped telling her about it.As Yasmin gazed at the elevator’s floor indicator above, she suddenly said, “Okay.”"Your Majesty?""Bring him to see me." The elevator opened, and she wheeled herself out of the elevator. Rick gathered his thoughts and pressed a floor button. A while later, he brought Ross to the queen's room. Rick then gently knocked on it and found that it was unlocked. "Let him in," Yasmin's impassive voice came from inside. Rick made way for the prince and saluted him. Ross marched in anxiously. "Mom…""Where are your manners?!" She raised her voice solemnly.Hesitating for a moment, the prince knelt on one knee and bowed. "Greetings, Your
Yasmin snorted. However, as Ross was her son, she felt less angry after hearing his apology.Ross lowered his head and said, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said those things.”"Are you really?" Yasmin raised her brow at him. "Look me in the eyes."He slowly looked at her, and they gazed at each other quietly. Yasmin narrowed her eyes and chuckled. “Ross, your eyes tell me you're insincere.”She knew her son best and that he only apologized lest he upset her. However, Yasmin’s mindset changed after she passed out last time. Whenever she spoke to Dominic or Fred, her perspective would shift as well."Ross, you've been in Hyderland for a long time, so I can understand why Hylanders can influence you," she murmured, "But have you ever wondered if they might be using you?"Ross stared at her in disbelief. "Mother, I wasn't born yesterday. I have good judgment."If not for his mother’s health, his retort would have been much harsher.'How can she say such a thing? Does she genuinely th
"No, I didn't." Ross was unusually calm.Yasmin snorted. "Of course not. They wouldn't let you in on such a classified matter, would they?" "Then how did you find out about it?" he asked calmly. Yasmin looked away and gently cleared her throat, saying, "I have my ways. Do not doubt my words. They’re the truth." "I don't," Ross said casually, "I'm just curious since you said it's classified. Of course, you may claim you have spies, but think about it. You’ve been conducting this research for years. How many people know about it?"Ross steadily continued, "Or do you think you’ve done a better job at keeping secrets than the Hyderland government?"His series of questions stumped the queen. "Ross, you—" Ross gently interjected, "Please don't get upset. You know I'm making sense, don't you?"He had done some soul-searching over the past few days and concluded that talking back at his mother would not work. Since Yasmin had grown accustomed to giving orders all these years, she w
As Ross seldom behaved like this, Yasmin stared at him, not knowing how to react."Mom, I know you're scared too. You're scared of aging and death, and you're worried because there are many things you haven't finished yet. I know you want to continue the experiment not just to live forever but because you have many things you want to do for the country."Yasmin fought back her tears upon hearing this.“I know you’ve been exhausted all these years. Whenever I get home late and walk past your room, I can hear you pacing around inside. You’ve shouldered everything, and I wish to share your burden, but…”Ross did not continue. Although he meant well, he did not want his mother to think he wanted her power. The truth was that he just did not want her to tire herself out at her age.“You shouldn’t bend over backward so much,” Ross thoughtfully spoke as he patted the back of Yasmin’s hand, “You’ve worked so hard for so many years. Are you going to carry on forever?”Yasmin hesitated for
Wanting to caress his face initially, Yasmin withdrew her hand. "So you still want me to give up on the experiment." "I just want you to spare yourself." Ross tried to hold her hand, but she moved it away. Yasmin averted her gaze and said, "I'm tired. You should go back to rest as well." "Mom…"Without looking at him, she said, "Rick!"Rick hurried inside and asked, "What can I do for you, Your Majesty?""Bring him to his room," she said coldly.Rick motioned to walk over, but Ross stood up and said grimly, “I know my way out.”As he walked toward the door, he stopped and looked over his shoulder, “Mom, I know you won’t listen to what I say, but I hope you think this through. Consider the ambitions you once had when you were young.“Do you remember what you wanted to do when you first became the queen?” Ross then turned and left.Yasmin sat in her room alone for a long time. However, her gaze was unfocused as her mind drifted off. Her son’s words had affected and reminded
Yasmin probably did not try hiding Nick on purpose, unlike Fred. Of course, the latter had to do many things in secret back then.The man guarding Nick’s room tried to stop Lily before letting her in. As they were under constant surveillance, she guessed it was an order from the higher-ups and that the guard must have received the order through his earpiece.Nick sat obediently in the room. He smiled when he saw her, saying, “Hi, Lily.”“You still remember me, huh?” Lily felt sorry for the boy as she looked at him.“Of course I do.” He nodded.Lily had saved his life in Westwood and helped him a lot afterward. Nick also used to visit her house often before he got abducted. "You've gone through so much, Nicky." Lily noticed his scared expression and could not help but take a step closer. She then pulled him into her arms, but the boy tensed.Lily patted his back and said kindly, “Don’t be afraid. You know I’m not the bad guy, right? You used to play with Galen at my house, rem