"Have you experienced stomach aches since leaving last time?" Lily asked suddenly.

Fred shook his head, puzzled. "No." Then, catching himself, he roared, "That's none of your business! Where is the antidote, damn it?!"

"You don't have a stomachache or diarrhea anymore. You're not nauseous, are you? Just a little dizzy, and your legs feel weak occasionally, correct?"

Confused, Fred pondered. Though he hated it, he admitted, "Yes, I think you're right."

Lily ceased questioning and smiled. Her smile alarmed Fred. "Stop smiling! I'm asking about the antidote—"

"Look at you. You don't look poisoned, do you?" Lily said meaningfully.

He pinched his stomach, then his chest. Indeed, he felt much better. Relieved, but infuriated, his eyes widened. He pointed at Lily, yelling, "You little shit! You never poisoned me!"

"Did I ever say I did?" Lily shrugged. "I can only tell you there's no antidote."

"How dare you lie to me?" Enraged, Fred lunged to choke her.

Lily seized his wrists. "Don't forget what happened to your arm last time. Want to try that again?"

Fred was alarmed. "Do it, and I'll have my men shoot you!"

"I believe you will," Lily said, unflinching. "But don't you need my body anymore? Don't get worked up. They're just babies. How will losing them impact your grand plan? I'm still here, aren't I?"

She released him; he stumbled back, regaining his balance. His anger, though diminished by fear, lingered. "If you didn't poison me, why did the doctor say you did?"

He briefly wondered if she'd conspired with the doctor, but dismissed it as unlikely. He'd returned to Yudonia to see his long-time physician. The embassy doctor had also reached the same conclusion.

"Sometimes appearances deceive," Lily said casually. "Some seem poisoned when they aren't. Others look like patriots, but are traitors, right?" Fred recognized the mockery. He realized the symptoms had misled the doctors.