Surrogate for the Alpha Prince in a Coma novel Chapter 37

Chapter 37

Lillian’s POV

+15 Banus

After the Queen’s scolding, despite Benedict’s best efforts to try to cheer me up, I couldn’t even manage a smile. The thought that I could have believed for even one minute that I might be able to relax tonight was now a laughable notion. I should have known better.

Peaceful moments were not meant for people like me.

I felt the weight of the crowd’s gaze upon me. People staring and whispering to one another.

“When will she get pregnant?”

“Why isn’t she pregnant now?”

“Maybe she can’t get pregnant?”

“A surrogate who can’t get pregnant? What use is she, then?”

Benedict finished his drink, then plucked my ignored one from my hand and finished that too. Putting both glasses to the side, he offered me his arm. “Why don’t I walk you back to Grayson’s room?”

“This is your party,” I said. “You should stay.”

He huffed. “The Queen has a way of ruining the mood. I’d rather not stay here myself.”

“But you are the guest of honor,” I said, confused.

He shrugged. “They are used to me running off. It won’t be that shocking when I don’t stay for the toasts.”

“If you are sure,” I said.

He shook the arm he had offered. “I’m positive.”

I slid my arm around his and allowed him to lead me from the room. The whispers dimmed slightly as we went. Though the guests seemed willing to badmouth me, they seemed less inclined to do the same to the King’s younger brother.

In the hallway, I finally exhaled the breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.

“Thank you,” I said.

“No need for thanks,” Benedict said. “I could tell that if you stayed in that room, you might hyperventilate. That wouldn’t be a good look for anyone. Besides, this gives me an excuse to dip out early. I really hate these formal events, and I’d been meaning to step in to check on Grayson.”

“I’m sure he would be appreciative,” I said, though I wasn’t so sure at all. “Though, it is later in the evening. Perhaps a visit could wait until the morning.”

I had no idea what Grayson was up to, but he likely wouldn’t be expecting visitors. I shouldn’t be back for another hour at least.

“Nonsense,” Benedict said. “I’ll only stay a minute. Everything will be fine.”

“Okay,” I said, still unsure. But, Grayson had kept up this ruse for long since before I came into the picture. He must have had spies looking out for him, to alert him when he needed to be in bed. Worrying about this was foolish.

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Chapter 37

+15 Banus

Grayson didn’t need my help in any capacity, least of all this.

Oddly, that thought made me unhappy.

“I know you are under a lot of pressure here, and rightfully so, but sometimes I don’t think the Queen thinks these things through. Putting more stress on you makes you less likely to get pregnant, not more.” Benedict sighed. “I know she’s the Queen, but take her words with a grain of salt.”

“I’ll try,” I said, but I was shaken.

“How about a story?” he asked, randomly.

“Huh?”

“To cheer you up.”

“I don’t know if that work.”

“Oh? Not even if it’s about Grayson in his youth?” Benedict asked, a single brow lifting.

“M

could be talked into hearing that,” I said. “Though I’m not sure if he would approve of me hearing it.”

to praise him, I assure you,” Benedict said. “I’m not all that much older than him. I’m much younger any brother, the King. A bit of a surprise baby, really, with one of his mistresses at the time. Though Grayson Man’t treat me like an outsider. He was disapproving, of course, but only because I didn’t take our studies as seriously as he did. He scolded me many times.”

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