Surrogate for the Alpha Prince in a Coma novel Chapter 68

Chapter 68

More gasps sounded around the room, coupled with accusatory whispers.

“The Luna princess cheated on our prince?”

“How could she?”

“The harlot has no shame.”

I wanted to speak up, to defend myself, but I had no defense here, not without sacrificing Grayson’s secret. He had already risked so much to save my life, and he didn’t even care for me. How could I put him even more in danger just for the sake of my reputation?

“Admit the truth, Lillian,” Ophelia said. “You came here with bad intentions. You never intended to have Grayson’s child. You only ever wanted to conceive with your lover and put that lesser child on the throne. You wanted to pollute the royal bloodline and steal the throne.”

“I wouldn’t do that!” I demanded, unable to keep quiet against that kind of claim. Let them think what they would about my reputation, but I would not allow them to think I had machinations against the throne. “I don’t want to steal anything!”

“Just Grayson’s time, his fortune, and his power,” Ophelia snapped. “I tried to warn you in the beginning. Mess with Grayson, and you mess with the whole of the pack. Yet you still pushed your own sick priorities anyway. But you got greedy, didn’t you? In your passion, your lover marked you, leaving you exposed. His folly is our fortune, because now I have the proof I need to expose you.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong,” I said, adamant. I looked around at the crowd, ignoring the way Calvin smirked at

Josephine didn’t seem to be there, which was a relief. At least my friend wouldn’t witness my shame.

No one in the court spoke for me, all looking at me with disdain. How quickly they turned, when only just recently they had defended me against the accusations of my sister. Yet, the vitriol of an outsider was easily dismissed. Ophelia was well-trusted, having been Grayson’s friend since youth.

Against her, I would never be believed.

“Do you continue to deny it?” Ophelia said. “Even though we all know the truth.”

“I do,” I said. “I’m innocent of the things you claim.”

“Then, why don’t we ask my servant, who witnessed you leaving the event?” Ophelia said, and looked to the Queen for permission. When the Queen granted it, Ophelia waved at the wall, where a door opened more fully and a familiar servant came out.

The one who had led me away that night. Who had drugged me.

“I saw her leaving the party, and I tried to stop her,” the servant said.

“That’s outrageous,” I said. “She’s the one who led me away, telling me that you wished to see me, your Highness. When I was far enough away, she drugged me.”

“I would never!” the servant gasped.

“You dare accuse my servant of such a heinous act?” Ophelia scoffed. “You would sink to any low to save your own skin, wouldn’t you?”

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+15 Bahus

“I’m not lying-”

“That’s enough,” the Queen’s voice boomed out. “I am ready to give punishment, and I am more than sure that the Elder Council with agree with me.” They nodded in unison. “Lillian. You will henceforth be stripped of your title as Luna Princess, and sentenced to death.”

“But I’m innocent!”

“The crimes you have committed are severe,” the Queen said: “And your guilt has already been proven.”

Fear struck through me, freezing me to the spot.

The guards reached for me. I curled into myself, trying to protect myself from the pain within, the pain without.

Then, through the chatter of the court, a voice called out. “Stop!”

I knew that voice. But it couldn’t be possible.

Not here. Not now.

Grayson?

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