About forty-five minutes later, Frank reluctantly found himself outside Riff Raff's room.  He could hear the soft murmur of voices from within, and knew both Riff Raff and Magenta were in there.  Ostensibly they should be having their daily post-breakfast conference to review their plans for the day's work.  However, some days what was supposed to be a "planning meeting" turned out quite differently.  Frank devoutly hoped any activities taking place within were being conducted with clothing on and in an upright position.  He leaned closer, and put his ear against the door.  With some relief, he decided the murmurs sounded like words – indistinguishable words, but words nonetheless – rather than moans or grunts.  Frank was far from a prude, but the thought of walking in on certain people having sex made him queasy.  Riff Raff was definitely in that group, no matter whom he was with, but particularly when one considered his sister would be his sexual partner.  Frank had never understood that relationship; had never understood why a woman as alluring as Magenta would take on her pale, gaunt brother as her lover.  Surely she could have found someone considerably more attractive outside the family with whom to fall in love.  Oh well, that was hardly of concern at the moment.  

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to settle the butterflies in his stomach.  The feeling was not dissimilar to stage fright.  Not terribly surprising, if one thought about it…he was about to give the most important performance of his life.

Finally, he squared his shoulders and knocked on the door.  He heard Riff Raff call out "Come in," but with a distinct note of frustration in his voice.  Frank realized he was interrupting just as Riff Raff and Magenta's "meeting" was about to take a more intimate turn.  Despite his bad case of nerves, Frank couldn't help but be more than a bit amused at the idea.  However, amusement was hardly the emotion he was looking to convey.  It was time to get into character, as it were.

He opened the door and rushed in, an expression of extreme agitation on his face.  Riff Raff looked at him with surprise.  "My goodness, Frank.  What is the matter?"

Although Frank looked as if he were trying to compose himself, his voice shook with anger.  "I was just using the communication portal to speak with a friend of mine in the Royal Armed Forces.  He'd just had a meeting with General Luna, and was more than a bit upset."

Both Riff Raff and Magenta stared at Frank, trying to hide a growing sense of apprehension.  Riff Raff managed to paste a look of confusion on his face.  "And?"

Frank glared at him.  "And he said the General, for all intents and purposes, ordered him to take part in a coup being planned against Queen Adrianna.  He pretended to acquiesce, but came to me for assistance…since I am in a position to alert her to the danger she is in, while he, unfortunately, is not."

Riff Raff and Magenta both attempted, with limited success, to look shocked at this revelation.  Riff Raff said, "What absolutely appalling news.  I can certainly understand your distress.  However, why does your anger appear to be directed at Magenta and myself?"

At this question, a flash of pure rage crossed Frank's face.  His voice no longer shook, instead taking on a tone of pure venom that was even more unnerving.  "My friend also happened to mention the identity of the originator of the coup, who will, not coincidentally, rule Transylvania after the overthrow of the Queen.  Imagine my surprise when he said it was none other than our very own Court Scientist…to be assisted, I'm sure, by his loyal sister and lover."

Riff Raff struggled to regain some control of this increasingly ugly situation.  "What an absurd accusation.  I hold Her Majesty in the highest esteem."

Frank's jaw dropped.  "I absolutely cannot believe what I'm hearing.  Do you take me for a complete idiot?  Why would General Luna mention your name were you not involved?  I've known of your ruthless ambition for quite some time, but until this morning I had no idea of the lengths to which it would take you."

Riff Raff refused to back down.  "I repeat…it is an absurd accusation.  I have no ambitions to rule Transylvania.  I am more than happy to serve as the Court Scientist.  The post gives me all the power I could ever need or want."

Come on, Riff Raff, you have to admit it!  Frank went for his trump card.  "If that is indeed the case, I'm certain you won't object to my contacting Her Majesty to alert her to the existence of conspirators plotting against her.  I'm so relieved to learn of your innocence.  Now, if you'll excuse me…"

Frank turned and walked toward the door.  However, he stopped when he heard Riff Raff's voice.  "I'm sorry, I'm afraid I cannot allow you to do that."

Frank turned back, just in time to see Riff Raff reach behind his dresser and pull out a laser.  He pointed it at Frank, who paled.

Riff Raff now had a dangerous smile on his face.  "As it happens, the information your friend received is quite correct.  As he recognizes his own helplessness, it is possible he will escape with his life.  You, however, are not quite so fortunate.  Actually, you should thank me.  With your death, you will become an icon…forever young, lost at the height of your power and beauty.  Just like your lover will be, in very short order."  He laughed cruelly.  "You should have remembered I keep a laser in my quarters."

Frank, in shock, was frozen in place.  Magenta, however, was not.  "Riff Raff – NO!"  She leaped up from the bed where she'd been sitting, and dashed in front of him to grab the laser from his hand.

Her sudden outburst startled Riff Raff, causing his index finger to involuntarily squeeze the laser's trigger…just as Magenta jumped in front of him to grab the laser.

Riff Raff was instantly aware of what he'd done.  He dropped the laser, and sank to the floor in grief.  "NOOOOOO!!!!!!"