Ross motioned to charge from the room when Rick opened the door. "Your Highness."
"Ha!" Ross recoiled, studying him. "So you're the one who prevented me from leaving my room!"
Rick glanced at the guards, then back at Ross. "We were merely following Her Majesty's orders."
"Bullshit! My mother collapsed. How could she possibly give orders? You're using her name to wield authority. You're just like Fred!" Ross roared. Rick's face fell; he lowered his head. "Please, don't compare me to that traitor," he said disdainfully.
Rick was angered by the Duke's attempt to usurp the Queen, a woman he deeply trusted. Were it not for her, he would have killed Fred himself. Ross's constant comparisons infuriated him.
"Oh, yeah? How are you any different? Aren't you wielding power in the same way? Who granted you this authority?" Ross narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Rick. He wondered how an insignificant man like Rick had become the Queen's confidant.
Rick met Ross's gaze directly. "Your Highness, I have never desired power. I am content to protect Her Majesty."
"Oh, yeah?" Ross remained skeptical. "Are you truly so loyal?"
"Time will tell," Rick replied flatly.
"Cut the crap. How's my mother?" Ross asked gravely.
"So you do care about Her Majesty, huh? Do you know she's in critical condition?" Rick's anger barely concealed itself. "Do you know how much you've hurt her?"
"That's between my mother and me. Stay out of it!" Ross felt a pang of regret. Regardless of her actions, he shouldn't have lost his temper. He had, however, and the recent events weighed heavily on him.
"Queen Yasmin collapsed," Rick said, taking a deep breath to compose himself.
"What?" Ross made a move to leave. "I must see her!"
Rick blocked his path. "There's no need. She's awake. Her life isn't in immediate danger."
"I still must see her!" Anxious, the prince attempted to pass Rick.
But Rick held firm, his arm outstretched. "Your Highness, please! Her Majesty wishes to be alone. It's true! When she's feeling better, I'm sure you'll be able to see her."