Surrogate for the Alpha Prince in a Coma novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Lillian’s POV

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Josephine proved true to her word, and I was provided a gown shortly after. The corset was snug against my ribs, digging uncomfortably into my wounds. But the dull throb was nothing to pains I’d suffered in the past. If anything, it only made me feel more alert, which I needed to be after the attack with the false doctor.

Grayson had said that he’d have me watched, but I felt no security as I walked into the large dining room where the dinner was being held. Other guests had already arrived, with many lining up to great Josephine and the man at her side, presumably Piers. The King and Queen were nearby, surrounded by their own well-wishers.

Piers was tall, dressed in the latest fashion, even with an expensive-looking silk cravat at his throat. His frame was thin, his features traditionally handsome, with not a single hair on his head out of place.

While I watched, twice Josephine reached to hold his hand and twice he moved his hand away, either not realizing that she had reached for him or purposefully avoiding her. I hoped it was the former but feared it was the later.

I moved into the line of guests, patiently waiting.my turn.

At the front, Josephine smiled. “Lillian. I’m glad you made it. The dress looks beautiful.”

“Who?” Piers asked.

“Lillian, my brother’s surrogate,” Josephine said. “You remember I told you? I accidentally walked in-”

“Yes, I remember,” Piers said loudly, cutting Josephine off. “I’ve told you not to talk over me, dear. Sometimes I think you like making me appear foolish.”

Josephine pressed her lips hard together, her gaze falling, downcast.

I opened my mouth, wanting to defend her, but before I could, Piers plucked my hand from my side, bowed a little, and kissed my gloved knuckles.

The action stole all words and thoughts away. Most people treated me like I was some kind of pariah. Yet here Piers was, treating me like a lady. Someone who belonged here.

“Luna Princess,” he said. “It is an absolute pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

He lifted only slightly, still holding my hand.

At the same time, I looked to Josephine, only to see her being pulled away by Ophelia and some of her group. Ophelia cast me a wicked glare, to which Josephine seemed utterly oblivious.

“It’s been too long, Ophelia,” she said. “You have to tell me everything that occurred.”

“I’d be happy to,” Ophelia replied, and my stomach sunk. That didn’t bode well for me.

“Lillian, was it?” Piers asked, reclaiming my attention. He continued before I could respond. “It is nice to make the acquaintance of a fellow outcast.”

“You…?” My brows raised in surprise. I had a difficult time imagining a man this properly dressed feeling like he didn’t belong in a place like this, but as he tugged at his cravat, I wondered if he too had been dolled up in fashion of someone else’s choice and design.

“Do not be fooled by the character I play in front of the royals,” he said. “At my heart, I will always be a country boy. I think, deep down, it’s what they see when they look at me. I don’t think I will ever be able to fully shake that image.”

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“I’m from the country too,” I said. “Or… well, a small town. Much smaller than this. I’ve never been around so many fine things.”

“Then you must see the art,” Piers said. “Do you have any interest in fine arts? I can tell you, collecting those treasures is one thing that the royals do quite well.”

“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen much of it. But I do like paintings and the like,” I said. How long had it been since someone had simply engaged me in conversation like this? My whole life, I’ve rarely had anyone show interest in my thoughts and opinions. Even Calvin had only tolerated me. If I gave any honest opinions, he usually teased me for it.

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