Fred screamed in pain, and the guards immediately closed in on Lily, though none dared shoot her. A moment of silence followed, then a shout: "Let the duke go!"

Lily glared disdainfully. "Bring my babies to me if you want your duke to live!"

"Nobody moves!" Fred thundered, despite the agony. "I'd rather die serving Her Majesty." He took a breath and gritted his teeth. "Don't let this woman go, and kill her if necessary!"

Alarmed, Lily tightened her grip, twisting Fred's arm further. He groaned, sweat beading on his face, but refused to yield. "I'm nothing compared to Her Majesty's grand plans! Lily, you won't leave here alive, even if you kill me!" He glanced at her sideways.

Lily hesitated. She was gambling, as was Fred; they were at an impasse. She couldn't kill him—her children were her priority. Yet, she knew they wouldn't kill her; her body was needed.

The tension escalated as both sides remained locked in a standoff.

A breathless man burst into the room, startled by the scene. "Your Grace!"

"What is it?" Fred asked, surprisingly calm, his composure remarkable considering his twisted arm.

"Some…officers from the Hyderland government are here. They…want to disinfect our embassy," the man stammered, pointing outward, clearly flustered.

"Disinfection?" Fred frowned. "Tell them to leave. The embassy is perfectly hygienic."

"B-But…" The junior officer clearly felt unable to dismiss them.

Fred glared, sighed, and then looked at Lily. "I suggest you let me go before they do something to your children. You must know I'm not the only duke in Yudonia, and these men might not care about my life."

Lily, considering this new development, didn't release her grip.