“Rick, leave us," Yasmin said softly after regaining her strength.Rick looked at the queen and then Dominic before nodding and leaving.Yasmin turned to Dominic and said weakly, “How much time do I have?”"What are you talking about?" Dominic asked. "Come on. I heard that herbal medicine practitioners can tell how long a person will live by just taking their pulse. Am I dying soon?" She frowned. She had always felt she could not hold on any longer. Since Yasmin did not know how much time she had, she was desperate to test the experiment, even though it was not mature enough yet. Still, she ended up getting treated like a guinea pig due to Fred’s greed."What nonsense are you spouting? I'm a physician, not a fortune teller." Dominic shook his head and sighed. He then sat on the chair beside the bed."Don't worry. Although you're weak, your life isn’t in immediate danger. You couldn't catch your breath because you got too worked up.“Anyway, at our age, we must steer away from
Yasmin was quiet but did not look like she agreed with Dominic.Although Yudonia had relatively progressive beliefs regarding education, she had grown accustomed to controlling everything and everyone in the country, let alone her sons. Therefore, she was upset when Ross defied her when other Yudonians had to obey. That was why she got so worked up until she passed out.Dominic noticed her stubborn expression and knew she would not listen. Instead of trying to persuade her, he said, “If you think you’re right, then so be it. I don’t give a rat’s ass, and it’s out of my hands.“Still, I’ll clarify something for you—I can’t help you if you refuse to learn to let go. With your stubbornness, it’d be a miracle if you lived three to five more years.” Dominic spread his fingers while speaking bluntly.Upon hearing his words, Yasmin was so exasperated that she nearly fainted again. No one had ever said such awful things to her. It was almost like he was cursing her. Livid, she said, "Y
"You…" Yasmin glared at him.'How could he act like I'm giving him a massage? This old man sure knows how to take liberties with me!' she thought angrily.Dominic stared at her and laughed. "You're the one who wants me to treat you. You should obey me instead." She glared at him again, knowing he was trying to mimic her previous tone."I told you that your problem is a psychological one. If you don't learn to let go, no one can save you. But things will be different if you do." Dominic pointed at his heart. "Once it's full of troubles, nothing good will happen."Yasmin slowly turned toward him and started to listen intently. 'Nothing good will happen once my heart is full of troubles?'She could not help but think about her life over the past few years. Her people loved her, and she seemed to have aged well. However, the truth was that she had suffered tremendously. Yasmin would constantly worry about what would happen to the country after she died.There were many things tha
"What do you think would happen if you died just now?" Dominic asked. Yasmin was puzzled. Before she could answer, he said, "Would the world have ended? No, nothing would’ve happened. When you die, you will have nothing to do with your people, your children, and everything else. You can't even bother yourself with your funeral." The queen remained quiet."Are decades of life too short? Not really. Many can't even live until your age. All we can do is live each day to the fullest. So why must you be so hard on yourself? What's more important than being happy?“Why bother yourself with your country? You should let the next generation deal with it. It's time for you to rest!" Dominic got carried away as he patted the back of Yasmin’s hand.The queen was stunned. "Oopsie," Dominic said half-jokingly and withdrew his hand. He then got up and said, "I know you won't listen to others because you aren't used to it. Still, you should really take it easy and treat yourself better. I
Ross motioned to charge out of the door when Rick opened it. “Your Highness.”"Ha!" Ross took a step back and looked at him. "So it's you who told them not to let me out of my room!"Rick glanced at the guards and looked back at Ross. "We were just following Her Majesty's orders.""Bullshit! My mom passed out. How could she give out any orders? You’re giving orders using her name. You're just like Fred!" Ross roared.Rick looked upset, and he lowered his head, saying, “Please don’t compare me to that traitor.” His tone was disdainful when he mentioned Fred.Rick was upset that the duke had tried to replace the queen even though she trusted him so much. If not for her, Rick would have shot Fred dead. Therefore, he was upset that Ross kept comparing him to Fred. "Oh, yeah? How are you any different? Aren't you now wielding power in the same way? Who gave you the right to do so?" Ross narrowed his eyes to study Rick. He wondered how a nobody like Rick could suddenly become the quee
Austin looked around as he sat in the embassy’s reception room. Since he was the only one invited, he suspected it was a trap. When he received the invitation, he, Alexander, and Mike were surprised.Furthermore, Austin was not familiar with the place. After some consideration, they finally decided that he should go. After all, they would not be able to find out what the others were up to if Austin did not go.Besides, he should be safe since it was an official invitation. Therefore, Austin arrived at the specified time. The guards then searched him for any prohibited items upon entering.A beautiful woman served him a cup of coffee and left him alone again in the vast room. Austin did not touch nor drink the coffee. Although he wanted to walk around the room, he felt it would be inappropriate.He looked up and around before noticing two surveillance cameras, wondering what these people were up to. At that moment, he heard multiple footsteps just outside.Austin remained seated an
“We were worried sick when we heard they abducted you. I'm so glad you're okay!""Yeah, right! If you were worried, why didn't you come and save me?" Dominic glared at Austin."We wanted to, but you’re in the embassy. Besides, I doubt you’d let them bring you here against your will." Austin paused for a moment and said, "So you wanted to come, right? To save Lily?"Dominic said approvingly, "Not bad. You know me quite well."However, Austin did not show much excitement at being praised as they did not have much time. He asked, “You were the one who invited me here, right?”Dominic nodded. "They were good enough to grant my request. They wouldn’t let me see Alexander, but you, on the other hand…"He gave Austin a meaningful smile. The latter was not a significant threat to the embassy, so they allowed him to see Dominic. Besides, the embassy monitored the old man and his grandnephew’s conversation."Granduncle, you—"Dominic suddenly held up a hand and said solemnly, "Stop talki
Austin left the embassy as confused as when he came. After all, he and Dominic hardly talked about anything. On his way back, Austin kept thinking about what the old man said but could not make sense of it. 'What the hell is Uncle Dom trying to say?' he wondered.Alexander and Mike were waiting in the house. When they saw Austin, they quickly went over. "So? Why did they invite you?"Worried for Austin’s safety, Alexander even had several men escort him in another car. When Alexander and Mike received news that Austin was on his way back, they were relieved and puzzled because he came out alone."Did they threaten you? What else did they say?" Mike asked anxiously, "Was it Rhea? What was she up to?"Only she could make such an invitation and not do anything to Austin. "No." Austin shook his head and looked at Alexander. "I met with Uncle Dom.""Dominic?" Mike was surprised.Alexander was just as puzzled because he did not expect Austin to see Dominic so easily.‘Why would th
Lily tilted her head up to fight back her tears, saying, “There’s something I find strange.”“What is it?” Mike asked after comforting his son.“Instead of detaining Prince Ross, Her Majesty has sent him back to Yudonia. If so, why couldn’t we reach him?”After some thought, Mike answered, “There are two possibilities. It’s probably due to poor signals, or he doesn’t want us to contact him.”The two shared a look, knowing what each other was wondering.‘Why can’t we contact Ross? Is he planning something?’…Three days later, Lily inserted the last needle into the queen’s leg and looked up at her, saying, “You should start feeling your legs tomorrow. Still, it’ll take some time before you can stand.”Suddenly, Lily chuckled.“Why are you laughing?” Yasmin touched her legs. She had begun to regain sensation in her legs over the last two days. She then began to believe that she could get up. However, the queen was hesitant when the queen heard Lily chuckle.Lily shook her head
Lily straightened up and said without resentment, “Of course, you wouldn’t.”“That’s… quite a pity,” the queen murmured thoughtfully.“Well, there’s a price to pay for everything. That’s how the world balances itself,” Lily continued, “I can’t stop you if you must carry on with R10. Still, I won’t witness whether or not it succeeds. I just wish the outcome isn’t something you’ll regret.”Lily smiled and turned to head out the door.Rick heard their conversation as he stood guard outside. After exchanging looks with Lily as she brushed past him, he entered the room and saw the needles in Yasmin’s legs. “Your Majesty, those needles—”The queen waved dismissively. “It’s okay. Lily will remove them later.”Even so, Rick was wary. “You’re being too careless, Your Majesty. What if that woman—”“She wouldn’t,” Yasmin interjected, shaking her head."Why do you trust her so much?" Rick asked despite himself. The queen fell silent. If Rick had not asked her that, she would not have rea
Lily took out a cloth and unfolded it, revealing a row of silver needles inside. Yasmin was surprised she carried the needles with her.“Tell me. What do you want?” The queen took a deep breath to calm herself. She then reminded herself that she could always say no to Lily’s request. Still, Yasmin was cautious about Lily trying to trick her.Lily casually said, "I left because Prince Ross wanted to help me. I hope you don’t punish him.""That's it?" Yasmin thought she had misheard Lily. 'Is she trying to talk terms with me just so that I won't punish my son?' she wondered in disbelief."Ross is my son. I won't harm him. Don't you think you've wasted an opportunity by making such a request?" The queen shook her head. "I wasn’t sure if you’d blame him, but he did rescue me once. If I don't do anything, it would be ungrateful of me," Lily said gently, "Also, didn’t you already lock him up?"Yasmin was puzzled. "No, I only sent him back to Yudonia. He kept trying to get me to sto
"Three days," Lily replied.“That’s it?!” Yasmin was in disbelief. She thought Lily would try to buy some more time and suspected she would say the process would take several months or even years.‘I haven’t felt my legs for over a decade. I wouldn’t mind waiting for three more days.’“Are you sure I can get up and walk in just three days?” Yasmin pressed her legs hard but felt nothing. She would have treated her legs long ago if it were that easy.The queen had visited many famous doctors from various countries, but they could only stop her legs from getting weaker. However, Lily confidently told Yasmin that she could fix her legs so quickly.Yasmin wanted to believe it.After some consideration, Lily said, “I can’t guarantee that you’ll walk as fast as you once could. After all, you haven’t used your legs for a long time, and your muscles have atrophied. Still, you’ll recover slowly.”Yasmin nodded repeatedly, thinking it was good enough. She never dreamed of walking as well a
“Because only our opinions matter." Lily thought of something and said, "Unless you choose to believe Rhea.""I… don't trust anyone." Yasmin’s expression stiffened as she turned her wheelchair away."Your Majesty, I know you're dedicated to the experiment, but there are other things in life. Have you ever considered letting go of your burden to sightsee? You’ve done enough as a queen over the last few decades. Aren’t you tired of living a lonely life?”Lily gently spoke as she gazed at Yasmin’s back.The older woman caressed her knees with both hands and stared down at her legs, murmuring, “Sightsee, huh? I’ve forgotten what that’s like.”Yasmin had not used her legs for many years. Initially, she could still stand up and sometimes took a few steps. However, she could no longer get to her feet.She had grown accustomed to sitting in a wheelchair, but she felt a pang of sorrow after hearing Lily’s suggestion.Lily asked, “What if I can help you stand again? What if you can walk a
"Yes, I returned not just for him but also for you," Lily said, "I'm sure you were anxious for my return, weren't you?"Yasmin scoffed dismissively. "Why would I be? I have my bargaining chip. Besides, did you honestly think I couldn’t bring you back?""Bargaining chip? Do you mean Nick?" Lily shook her head with a smile. "Don't forget that he's not my son. Do you think he'll be much of a bargaining chip to you if I choose to ignore him for my three children?"She did not wait for Yasmin to reply and continued, "Besides, Nick still has a father who’s willing to die for him. If Mike decides to take drastic action against you— Yes, you're a queen, and you don't care much about an insignificant businessman.“However, don't forget that his business spans worldwide. There's no guarantee what he might do. Who knows, he might spread information that can affect Your Majesty and Yudonia's reputation?""You…" The queen was exasperated but could not retort.Lily noticed it and casually said
Rick could only remain silent at that moment.Yasmin then turned her wheelchair around and blandly said, “Bring Lily over. I’d like to see what excuses that sly woman can come up with.”"Your Majesty?" Rick was puzzled. "You know she'll just lie to you. Why must you—"Yasmin interjected, "I'd like to hear what she has to say."Rick had no choice but to leave and do as she said.As Lily was about to doze off, she heard noises from outside and opened her eyes. Immediately after, the door opened, and Rick appeared. He glared at her and spoke coldly, “Her Majesty wants to see you.”Lily glanced at Rick calmly and stood up as if she had expected his appearance. On the other hand, Mike rose before her and headed out.However, Rick stopped him as he reached the door. “You stay.”"But we came together!" Mike glanced over his shoulder at Lily, signaling her to persuade the man. Rick added, "The queen doesn’t wish to see you. Just stay here!"Lily patted Mike's shoulder and said gentl
Everyone was shocked when Lily returned to the embassy with Mike. One of the staff members quickly left to report the news to Queen Yasmin.Meanwhile, Lily saw people peering at her and Mike from the corner. Afterward, several guarded-looking men appeared. Lilt recognized them as the queen’s attendants. They brought Mike and Lily inside and then gave the duo a thorough search.The men only relaxed after finding nothing suspicious about the duo. Even so, Lily could not see the queen as the men told her to wait in an innermost room instead.After returning to the embassy, Lily felt a sense of strange familiarity. Although she knew the place well, her mindset had changed.She previously hated the embassy and simply wanted to escape. However, she had returned with a critical mission. Not only did she have to complete it, but she also needed to leave the place in one piece.While she was calm, Mike was somewhat anxious. He clasped his hands on his knees and glanced around as he sat dow
"I promise I'll do anything you want, okay?" Mike begged. He was desperate to see his son, so he decided to follow Lily when she insisted on returning to the embassy.Mike continued, “If any of you go with her, they might stop or suspect you. They won’t do that to me. It’s natural for me to want to see and rescue my son. I’m the best candidate because it makes sense for me to sacrifice myself for him.”After a short silence, Lily said, “You’re right.” She then looked at Alexander, who pondered before slowly raising his head and saying, “Me too.”Dominic tapped the table. "So do I."Cameron thought for a moment before saying, "I've no objections."Seeing this, Austin spread his arms and said, "Since you all agree, what else can I say? Let's do it!"It did not matter whether or not he agreed, but he just wanted to support Mike. The latter nodded and became emotional, saying, “Thanks, you guys!”"Why are you thanking us? Just be careful, and don’t be rash like you promised," Aust