"Are you doubting us?" Rick sounded upset. They would have caught Lily if she'd snuck past; they'd blocked access to the elevator and stairwell.

"No, I'm just saying, what if—" Rhea began.

Rick interjected, "There's no 'what if.'"

"Okay, maybe I worry too much," she said awkwardly. Arguing with Rick was pointless.

"I…"

"It's time for you to leave," he said coldly, turning away.

Rhea refused to go. "Can I see Her Majesty? I promise not to interfere or speak." She raised her hand. "I'll do anything you want."

"We want you to leave!" Rick snapped.

Rhea could only mutter, "Okay." She kept glancing over her shoulder as she left. A few steps later, she heard Yasmin call for Rick. Surprised, Rhea slowed, then heard Rick say, "Wait! Come in."

"I'm coming!" she exclaimed, running back.

Rick's upset demeanor suggested Yasmin's order.

Entering the room, Rhea saw it was crowded, much smaller than she'd imagined. Doctors glanced at her, then at two beds where Fred and Nick lay. They're proceeding with the experiment here? Puzzled, Rhea silently turned away, remembering her promise not to interfere. She curtsied before the queen. "Greetings, Your Majesty."

"Why did you insist on coming?" Yasmin asked bluntly.

"I…" Rhea paused, then chose honesty. "I suspected Your Majesty might have started the R10 experiment, and I didn't want to miss it. It would be an honor to observe such a monumental experiment, even if I can't participate."

Yasmin looked at her impassively. "Do you genuinely think it's a monumental experiment?"