"What do you think would happen if you died just now?" Dominic asked. Yasmin looked puzzled.

Before she could answer, he continued, "Would the world end? No, nothing would happen. When you die, you'll have no further involvement with your people, your children, or anything else. You won't even be bothered by your own funeral."

The queen remained silent.

"Are decades of life too short? Not really. Many don't even reach your age. All we can do is live each day to the fullest. So why be so hard on yourself? What's more important than happiness? Why burden yourself with the concerns of your country? Let the next generation handle it. It's time for you to rest!" Dominic, carried away, patted the back of Yasmin's hand. The queen was stunned.

"Oopsie," he said, half-jokingly, withdrawing his hand. He rose and said, "I know you're not used to listening to others, but you really should take it easy and treat yourself better. I'm going to rest. You should too."

He stretched and left the room.

Rick, standing guard outside, saw the door open and hurried over, lowering his head. "Sir..."

"I'd like some sleep," Dominic said, arms akimbo.

Rick, treating the old man with VIP deference, replied, "Right away, sir."

After arranging for someone to escort Dominic to his room, Rick went to see Yasmin. "Your Majesty?"

"Leave me alone," Yasmin waved him away, looking away.

Rick obeyed, noting her improved appearance despite her weak voice.

As he left the room, a guard approached. "Prince Ross demands to see Her Majesty."

Rick frowned. "The queen requires rest, and no one is to disturb her."

Ross, enraged in his bedroom, exclaimed, "Why can't I leave? I want to see Her Majesty! I want to know how she's doing!"

Worry gnawed at him. He regretted his harshness towards his mother; after all, she was old and frail. The guards' refusal to let him pass infuriated him. 'How dare they stop me! I'm the prince!'