"Now that Fred thinks you've left Kingsland, he's likely to make a move soon," Alexander said, placing his hands on the coffee table. "He did nothing before. Although Lily would be safe for a while, we couldn't help her. But as soon as he acts, I'm sure we can locate her."

Ross wished things would unfold as he hoped. He raised an eyebrow. "I'm curious. Why the hell are they holding your wife captive?"

Alexander shrugged. "So the queen can live forever?"

"And how is that possible?" Ross asked.

"We're skeptical, but some believe in the experiment," Alexander sighed. He mused, "It's a difficult position for the prince. He doesn't want his mother harmed, but if she lives forever, how will he cope? He'll age while she remains young, continuing to rule until his death."

Mike asked worriedly, "Your Highness, Rhea hasn't discovered your deception, has she?"

Ross shook his head. "I doubt it. I've never been this obedient before." Rhea wouldn't suspect his compliance was an act. "She even wants daily location updates," he said, turning to Alexander. "Can you help with that?"

Alexander gave him an okay sign. "Don't worry, we can manage that with a computer." Altering IP addresses and geolocations was simple; for video calls, they could use a pre-set background.

Ross scanned their faces. "If Fred did this for my mother, why hide her?"

The trio, like others, was surprised. Mike asked, "Perhaps Her Majesty doesn't want to see you, so she told Fred to claim she's missing?"

Ross shook his head. "She could have simply told me she was busy and sent me back to Yudonia. No need for such drama."

They agreed, but couldn't offer a better explanation. Edward cleared his throat, hesitant to speak.

Alexander glanced at him. "Speak your mind. This is my assistant and friend, Edward Sullivan."

Edward was touched. He knew Alexander considered him a friend, but appreciated the acknowledgement before such an important guest.