Surrogate for the Alpha Prince in a Coma novel Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Lillian’s POV

Benedict placed a hand on his chest, right over his heart. “Whatever it is, I swear I’m innocent.”

Josephine shook her head. “You are supposed to greet Mom and Dad when you arrive. I swear you bypassed the throne room on purpose.

“Why make a big deal about my appearance? I’m here all the time,” Benedict said. “You know I hate those stuffy formalities.”

“Who doesn’t?” Josephine said. “But they’ll be cross with you if you ignore them.”

“My dear big brother will get over it,” Benedict said. “He knows how I am. Besides…” He turned his gaze back to me. “I found something very interesting here. Much more worth my time.”

Josephine rolled her eyes as she approached. “Watch yourself, Lillian. He prides himself as a charmer but really he’s a shameless flirt.”

“Is that any way to talk about your Uncle?” Benedict said with faux offense. His wide grin and the sparkle in his eye countered any harshness the words might have hinted at.

“I suppose I should introduce you,” Josephine said, ignoring him. “Lillian, this is Prince Benedict, brother of the King, and my uncle. Grayson’s uncle too. Uncle, this is Lillian, Grayson’s surrogate.”

Both of Benedict’s brows rose high on his head as he looked at me now. “So you are the one who bested Grayson’s protective wolf.”

“I didn’t do anything,” I said, feeling slightly embarrassed.

“I beg to differ,” Benedict said. “Many women were hurt trying to earn its favor. Some were even killed. For you to have not just survived but been accepted… that means you are special.”

I didn’t feel special. After all that had happened, I still didn’t understand why Grayson’s wolf had accepted me, when it seemed that Grayson himself would have rather I been chased away like the others had been.

He reached out for my hand, clasping it with both of his before I could even think of pulling away.

“Thank you for helping to take care of my nephew,” Benedict said. His smile slowly dimmed. “I take it there has been no change in his condition.”

“There hasn’t been,” I said at once. As angry as I was with Grayson, I was determined not to actually betray him. I never would have, but I was doubly determined now, if only to prove Grayson’s assumptions about me wrong.

“I am sorry to hear that, and not just for his sake. I imagine it must be difficult, undergoing your pregnancy without the support of a mate,” Benedict said. “I have brought you some medicines that I have found in my travels that should help stabilize the pregnancy. They should make things easier for you.

“Thank you,” I said. “But I’m not pregnant… yet.”

“You aren’t?” Benedict asked, surprise clear. “Haven’t you been here a while?”

“Yes, but…”

“No, you don’t have to explain. Forgive my outburst.” Benedict nodded, as if coming to his own understanding without any of my input. “It must be difficult to lie with an unconscious man. Your body probably feels no attraction.”

1/3

Chapter 34

+15 Bonus

Heat rose in my cheeks. Lack of attraction was not one of my problems.

Josephine covered her ears. “I don’t want to talk about this! That’s my brother! So gross!”

“Sorry, Josie,” Benedict said. “Though you will have to face the birds and the bees sooner rather than later. Aren’t you engaged?”

Josephine lowered her hands, but immediately looked like she wished she hadn’t. “No, Uncle Benedict. That wedding is off.”

“Oh.” He titled his head. “Well, good, honestly. That man wasn’t worth standing in your shadow, niece.”

Josephine glowered. “You could have mentioned that before.”

“You were in love,” Benedict said. “You wouldn’t have listened to me if I told you. You had to find that out on your own.”

“I guess,” Josephine grumbled, as Benedict looked back to me.

“There will be a celebratory dinner in honor of my return tonight,” he said. “My brother always does things like that. Any reason to have a party, I think. Though with Grayson the way he is, I can’t help but humor him. Too few good times these days.” He shook his head. “Anyway, I’d be honored if you would attend. The Luna Princess should be there.”

“I’m… not sure…” I said. With how badly things were going with Grayson, it felt dishonest to keep attending events. Likely, sooner rather than later, I was going to be kicked out of this place and left to Calvin’s mercy. I shuddered at the thought.

“You should come,” Josephine said and gave me a weak smile. “We haven’t gotten the chance to know each other well, and… after what happened, I’d like to change that.”

“Ah, see? You might be able to say no to me, but surely not to Josie?” Benedict teased.

He was right.

“Very well,” I said.

Josephine smiled a little wider. Benedict offered us both one of his arms.

“Great, with that sorted, why don’t we head back to the house? I apparently need to make a formal announcement.”

“Sometimes I don’t know why Dad puts up with you,” Josie said, but she was smiling brightly, clearly fond of her wayward uncle.

I could see why. He wasn’t like other royals I’d met so far, charming and laidback. If the whole of the palace could be like him, maybe I wouldn’t feel so unwelcome.

We chatted until we reached the back of the estate, where Prime Beta was waiting, his arms crossed, his face even sterner than usual. His gaze cast smoothly over all of us before settling on me.

“I think you might be in trouble,” Benedict whispered to me.

“You have duties to attend to with the prince,” Prime Beta said, scowling at me. “Those duties should no longer be delayed.”

“I have to go,” I told the others, as I unhooked my arm from Benedict’s.

2/3

Chapter 34

+15 Banus

“Give my regards to my nephew,” Benedict said. “We will reconnect with you, Luna Princess, later this evening at my event.”

I lowered my head with respect. “I will see you there.”

Prime Beta continued to glare.

After parting with the others, I walked to Grayson’s room with Prime Beta behind me. I could feel him watching me, likely willing to give chase if I would try to run. I wasn’t going to run, but a feeling of dread was building up in my stomach.

Grayson didn’t actually need me to attend him. More likely he wanted to scold or punish me. Perhaps he wished to say more cruel things to me, or make more wild assumptions.

Regardless, the prince’s will could not be denied – not if I wanted to keep my head attached – so I went to his room, opened the door, and entered.

The head doctor was already there, inspecting a series of bottles and vials laid out on an end table. Each vial contained a liquid of a different color.

“I’m assuming Benedict didn’t say where he found these potions this time,” Grayson said.

“No,” the doctor replied. “I’m not sure even the prince himself remembers.” The doctor set down the last of the bottles. “But I have tested them. They appear harmless. Placebos, most likely. I don’t think they will do any harm.”

Grayson turned up his nose. “I’m not taking any of these.”

I frowned a little, suddenly even more uncertain. Benedict had seemed like a kind man, who had shown valid concern for his nephew. Did Grayson not trust him?

Comments

Support

Share

3/3