The queen loosened her grip on the bedsheet and sighed, lying back down. She stared at the ceiling. "Where's Lily?"

"She's doing well and awaits her role as your vessel. Rest assured, I've taken excellent care of your new body," Fred said, smiling.

"My body?" The queen looked at him. "What about your new body, Fred? Have you prepared one?"

Stunned, he recovered with a chuckle. "What are you talking about, Your Majesty? The experiment is for you. I'm still young, am I not?"

"Yes, but for how long?" the queen said coldly. "Fred, your foresight is brilliant. You've worked tirelessly to make this happen, to use me as a guinea pig, haven't you?"

"That's not—" Fred stopped, then burst into unrestrained laughter.

"You're clever, Your Majesty, and you know me well. All right, you've guessed correctly. However, there's no need for anger," he said steadily. "Regardless, you stand to gain immensely if the experiment succeeds. You'll be the first to achieve eternal youth. Imagine! How wonderful that will be!"

The queen desired what Fred promised, but lying there, her resolve had shifted.

"Have you considered the ramifications of this experiment?" she asked solemnly. "Now that you've been so forthcoming, do you believe I'll spare your life if it succeeds?"

"Why wouldn't I live?" Fred asked, sounding carefree and confident. "Have you forgotten I brought your people here? I have considerable support within the country. Once the experiment succeeds, you'll appear as an ordinary Hylander. What could you possibly do to me?"

"Fred, that's treason," the queen said coldly.

"No, Your Majesty, I'm doing this for Yudonia's future!" He took a deep breath. "So you must persevere. You'll witness my achievement firsthand. At least then, I'll have you to share the joy with." He paused. "You conceived this experiment, and you've anticipated its completion for so long. I doubt anyone desires its success more than you. You must rest well, Your Majesty. Your dream will come true tomorrow. I'm sure you anticipate it as much as I do!"

Fred strode from the room, beckoning the doctors. "Take excellent care of Her Majesty, and ensure she remains alive!"

The queen lay in the room, listening as his voice faded.