Startled, Rhea paused, wondering if Lily knew she was trying to escape. Lily, however, shifted her cold gaze back to Fred. "You've long sought a vessel," she said. "You even chose a young one, giving yourself ample time to prepare, didn't you?"
Fred paled. "Say what you will," he retorted. "I know the Queen won't believe me now, thanks to your lies!"
"You know better than I whether my words are true," Lily replied.
A thought struck Rhea. Despite Lily's cryptic words, she strangely understood. A look of astonishment crossed her face as she considered if her guess was correct. "You still refuse to admit it, huh?" the Queen chuckled. "Then who the hell is Nick Corden?"
Fred, stunned, feigned ignorance. "I don't know what you're talking about, Your Majesty. But I know you won't believe me regardless. I want you to know I've done all this for your sake."
He fell silent, affecting an innocent expression. Those unaware might have pitied him. But Rhea had a strong suspicion about what the Queen's mention of Nick implied. She could hardly believe it.
She never imagined the boy served such a crucial purpose. No wonder Fred wants me to tell Mike his son is dead, she thought, even if it drives him mad! Fred never intended to use Nick to control Mike; that was merely a smokescreen for his true objective. He abducted Nick to be his vessel. Fred must have gone to extraordinary lengths to select the boy, yet remained undetected! If they hadn't exposed him today, I never would have considered it.
"Oh, yeah?" The Queen sighed. "Are you truly so loyal to me?"
Fred remained silent, maintaining his innocent faรงade.
"Since you are," the Queen continued, "you should be willing to sacrifice yourself for me, right?"
Confused, Fred glanced over his shoulder. The Queen wheeled closer, her gaze fixed on him. "I know you're loyal," she said, "and you've done much for me over the years."
Fred, sensing a chance to turn the situation, looked at her expectantly.