Surrogate for the Alpha Prince in a Coma novel Chapter 148

Chapter 148

Lillian’s POV

So focused on planning and training, the days ticked by and before I really knew it, the day of Odette’s welcome banquet, my birthday, arrived. I had only seen Grayson in passing, not spending more than a moment’s greeting since he had kissed me in the ballroom during planning.

At night, I was sure he had returned to our bed, though it was after I had already fell asleep. I wasn’t sure if I had dreamed his presence or not, because in the morning, he was gone again. His half of the bed was always made, like it hadn’t been slept in.

I started to wonder if I was losing my mind, or if all of the gossip was finally getting to me.

There wasn’t time to linger on it though. Today was sure to be a busy day, but by Grayson’s promise, it should culminate in private time between the two of us, for us to be reunited at last. Anticipation of that meeting Would get me through today.

Through throwing a party for the woman who everyone wanted to take my place as Luna Princess. On my birthday

The banquet wasn’t set to start until the evening, but I dressed in my purpose gown and went early to the ballroom to put all of the finishing touches on the event. The seafoam banners were already in place, and the purple and blue flower bouquets were in place around the room. The cooks were hard at work on the hors d’oeuvre, and the servants were preparing their outfits.

Everything seemed on track to be ready on time.

I stayed in the back with the servants for a time, helping them by tying their bows or even plating some of the finished appetizers as the cooks pushed them out.

Time went by quickly as I worked. Before long, it was time for the banquet to begin. I couldn’t hide among the servants anymore. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized that was what I had been doing – hiding. The nobles and members of the court had been unkind to me lately, spreading those rumors that hurt me, even if they had been lies. Doubt was cutting, and it continued to twist unfairly inside of me.

Leaving the event, I saw that a few of the court members were already there. The servants moved at once, ready to offer appetizers and drinks. I moved slower. As host, it was my duty to greet each individual, even if I’d rather not.

I wasn’t a coward. I’d stood against much scarier adversaries than a few gossip-mongers. I wasn’t going to back down out of fear for a few awkward conversations.

“Welcome,” I said to those nearest me. “I hope you enjoy tonight’s event.”

“Such a lovely job you’ve done here, Luna Princess,” the lady said.

“A fine job,” said her husband. “It’s incredibly gracious of you to defer to Odette like this.”

“You show true wisdom,” said the lady, “to recognize that Odette is so important.”

“She is the picture of regality,” the husband said, laughing.

“Yes,” the lady agreed, joining in. “It’s good you won’t stand in her way, Luna Princess.

I had listened enough. “Excuse me, I must greet the other guests.”

“Of course!” they said and paid no mind as I walked off to greet the other guests.

The other guests spoke in much the same manner, none showing me any respect, all implying that I had taken

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some kind of high road in preparing an event for the woman who would soon replace me. Their boldness was appalling, speaking to me like I someone beneath them. They couldn’t fathom that I would be offended at the idea that Grayson would leave me for Odette, when, to them, she was so much more superior than me.

Outnumbered as I was, I had no idea how to counter such gossip. Instead, I internalized everything, but replied with only a tight-lipped smile and a request, “Please enjoy yourself tonight.”

Only the servants, who had been treated as invisible by the guests and near enough to clearly hear them talking to me and about me, cast me sympathetic looks.

At least I wasn’t totally alone, I supposed, though it still felt that way. The servants wouldn’t be able to help me combat the rumors and gossip. Nothing would, except direct denial from Grayson and Odette. Odette had denied things, but she’d done so while laughing, sending mixed messages.

Shortly after, Grayson himself arrived with his parents. The guests flocked toward him. I wanted to be near him as well, but he was practically swarmed. My own insecurities swirled around me, and I was suddenly unsure if I should approach him. Did I really have a place at his side?

I missed him, missed the closeness that had become so casual between us. How I wished I hadn’t taken advantage of it now that it was gone.

Miserably, I stayed back, accepting a flute of champagne one of the servants offer to me. I sipped, sticking to the

sidelines.

Ten minutes later, the attention of the room shifted from the royal family to the top of the stairwell, where Odette had appeared with Reginald. Her gown was golden and lovely, low cut on the bodice, flaring out at the waist.

Reginald led her down the stairs. Halfway there, guests stepped up to greet her, each likely eager to earn her favor. Odette smiled at them, clearly enjoying herself and the attention she was being given. Quickly, though, her gaze searched over the ballroom and locked on me.

I froze. What could she want with me? There were plenty of people here who were happy to see her. She didn’t need to waste any time and effort on me.

Still, though, as she reached the bottom of the stairwell, she released Reginald’s arm, wove through the crowd, and made her way to me.

“Lillian! Everything is so beautiful! I love it so much! Did you know seafoam is my favorite color?”

“I didn’t,” I said.

“Well, it is,” she laughed. “You must have been able to read my mind.”

I gave her a tight smile. “I’m glad you like it,”

“I do,” she said, looking around. “Ah, there’s Grayson! I hope he sees me over here. I’m sure he will want to ask me to dance.”

I lifted a brow.

She only laughed again. “I am the woman of the event, aren’t I?”

That was true but… a lead weight built up, sitting heavily in my gut.

The music started, the band practicing a bit. Grayson cut through the crowd toward Odette and me. People around us began chattering in excitement, all of them anticipating Grayson asking Odette to the event’s first dance.

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As he drew nearer, I held my breath, the weight in my heart so heavy, I had to press a hand to my chest to offer a limited amount of support.

“Grayson,” said one of the nearby guests. “Are you going to ask Odette to dance?”

Grayson stopped and looked at the man. “I only dance with my wife.”

I blinked, too shocked to believe my ears.

Grayson turned, walked the rest of the way toward me, and held out his hand.

“Lily, will you dance with me?”

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