Surrogate for the Alpha Prince in a Coma novel Chapter 138

Chapter 138

+15 Bohus

Chapter 138

Lillian’s POV

The King demanded that the false evidence be pinned to the far wall of the ballroom. Then, to me, he said, “Hit that.”

I was happy to oblige. Onlookers moved out of the way, giving me a lot of room. Grayson stayed neared me, as did my Teacher. Teacher’s bow was well-loved, but I knew it would aim true.

Notching the arrow, I held my breath, took aim, and released!

The arrow flew through the air, whirling as it traveled the length of the ballroom in mere milliseconds. Then, found its target, piercing the center of the false evidence document and striking into the plaster of the wall beyond.

Everyone was quiet for a moment, and then, all at once, they cheered and applauded.

“Good job,” Teacher said, patting me on the shoulder.

Grayson just looked at me, pride in his eyes.

I turned to face the King, who nodded approvingly at me. The Queen seemed disgusted but was at least trying to hide that reaction behind her fan.

“I am impressed,” the King said. “Your abilities are formally recognized by this court, and your desire to be a warrior is under consideration. We encourage you to continue to hone your skills on the training grounds.”

“Thank you, your Highness,” I said, bowing.

“You are a credit to the bow,” the King said. “I wish to know who your teacher is.”

I gestured to Teacher. “This man taught me everything I know.”

The King gave him only a passing glance. “A credit to you as well, Sir.”

The members of the Council who had glanced at Teacher worryingly now did so a second time.

“May you teach my own troops half so well,” the King said.

“A fine idea, Father,” Grayson said. “Perhaps the Lone Archer would like to have a positon at the training grounds.”

A knowing glance passed between Grayson and Teacher. Was this the opportunity that Grayson had been hoping to present to Teacher, to give him more opportunity to see beyond the curtain of the palace.

“Yes,” the King said, seemingly delighted. “We will make him the Royal Instructor, and Lillian, you could serve as his second-in-command. That would give you more of the warrior-role that you crave.”

“Thank you, your Highness,” I said, bowing a second time.

Teacher didn’t bow, but he did nod. “I accept this position.”

“Good,” the King said and gestured for one of his aides. “Make it so.”

The aide immediately scrambled off, to make it possible.

“Now, we have tarnished my birthday celebration with enough seriousness,” the King said. “My son has returned.

1/3

Chapter 138

+15 Bohus

The true traitor has been revealed. This party will continue.” He clapped his hand. “Band. Start playing again.”

The band picked up their instruments at once and started playing.

Grayson took me by the elbow and led me away. Teacher followed briefly.

“I’ll take my leave now,” he said.

“You could stay,” I told him.

He shook his head. “I’m not much for the merriment, and I’ve been inside too long. But I won’t go far. I’m going to scope out the training grounds.” He smiled at me before his expression turned more serious, looking at Grayson. “Lillian. Grayson. A good evening to you both. We will speak again.”

He walked off then, decidedly not in the direction of the training grounds. Whether he was lost or had some other purpose, I wasn’t sure. Grayson was watching him too, and didn’t seem alarmed by this course.

“Do you know where he’s going?” I asked.

“He has his own agenda,” Grayson said. “But I believe, in the end, we will be aligned.”

I trusted Teacher, but I knew he was loyal to the rogues and to himself. I hoped Grayson knew what he was doing and the two could be allies. I didn’t want to have to choose between my teacher and friend and all that Grayson had become to me, which I wasn’t ready to admit to, let alone name.

Soon, we were joined by Josie, Clara, and Benedict, each of which pulled me into a quick hug. Benedict’s hug was shorter than the rest, bracketed by Grayson’s growling.

“No need for jealousy,” Ben said. “I’m just pleased to see you all alive.”

“I’m not jealous,” Grayson said flatly.

Ben shrugged, even as he smiled.

“What a mess,” Clara said. “Thank the Goddess you arrived when you did.”

“Father didn’t believe me,” Josie said. “No matter what I said, he was set against you. Was that really The Pen?”

“It was,” Grayson said.

“You must have promised him something in exchange for that testimony,” Benedict said.

I was curious about that too, but looking at Grayson, his face was carefully blank. He wasn’t going to share whatever it was he had done. Maybe he would tell me later, privately, but I doubted it. As much as our… whatever we were… had developed, he still didn’t often share his secrets. I guessed I would remain as much in the dark as everyone else.

Grayson held out his hand for me. “Dance with me,

Lily.”

It scared me how fast I placed my hand in his. Sometimes it felt like there wasn’t anything he could ask of me that I wouldn’t immediately say yes to.

A dance, fortunately, was no great request.

Nodding at our friends, I followed Grayson out to the dance floor. His arm wrapped around me, while he gripped one of my hands in his. I placed my hand on his shoulder, and we began moving around the space, in time with the music and other dancers.

2/3

+16 Bghus

As we danced, Grayson’s hold on my waist slowly tightened, and he drew me in closer to him. Closer. Until only a few mere inches separated us. Even that felt like too much, but I didn’t dare cross that line, knowing how my body would react. Even now, feeling the warmth of his closeness, I wanted to kiss him. Such a thing would break proper etiquette. If we didn’t have to worry about that…

Grayson glanced at me and our eyes locked. His face was as expressionless as stone, but fire flared in the depths of his eyes. Did he feel the same way I did? Did I dare to dream that or was I simply protecting my own feelings onto him?

“You did well today,” he said. “1-

Whatever he had been about to say was abruptly cut off as the other dancers stopped and we very nearly collided into another pair. Grayson stopped us just in time, though this time, I did fall into him, moving my hand to his

chest.

“What is the meaning of… this…?” he asked, outraged at first but then somewhat blank as he followed the gazes of the other dancers. I looked as well, up to the top of the staircase entrance where a latecomer was just now arriving at the party.

She wore a beautiful pink, sparkling gown, her blonde hair done up in a crown.

From the surprised glances on all around – even on Ophelia, who looked nearly in tears – this had to be someone of importance, but I had never seen them before.

Grayson’s arm tightened around my waist, keeping me close.

“Grayson. Who is that?” I whispered.

He only gave a one-word answer, “Odette.”

Comments

Support