Surrogate for the Alpha Prince in a Coma novel Chapter 293

Chapter 293

Lillian’s POV

Grayson didn’t return from the palace that day until late in the evening, after the kids were already in bed. I peeked out into the hallway at his arrival, hoping to speak to him, but he walked by without even seeming to notice I was there.

I thought he might come into my room, to recreate our evening together from the night before, but he didn’t say a word. He looked lost, wandering the hallway as he headed toward his office, not his bedroom. And not mine.

Closing the door, I stayed up for a while, waiting on the couch, thinking that he might want to come and see me at some point in the evening.

An hour ticked by. The longer I waited, the more ridiculous I felt. What was I truly waiting for? Had I been sucked back into this life, this eternal waiting for him to want me?

Was this selfish thinking? I pushed aside these feelings to critically evaluate. My feelings were hurt. I wanted him more than he wanted me, it seemed. But… maybe there was something else going on. For him to look like that, had something happened to him at the palace?

I was almost afraid to find out, especially knowing what I had learned from Reggie’s letter. Would Grayson know if the Queen was attempting to solicit the Bear Ambassador? Would he even tell me if I asked him?

I was afraid the answer was no, and more afraid that if I would be humiliated in the process.

Last night hadn’t changed anything between us, and I needed to remember that. I had to keep my heart in check or I would risk losing it again.

Shaking my head at my own behavior, I locked the door to the living area, protecting the kids and me, and then went to my bedroom to sleep.

In the morning, Grayson was waiting for me in the kitchen, next to the coffee pot. He had changed from the night before, but his hair was a mess. The bags under his eyes were heavy. He really looked like he hadn’t gotten a wink of sleep yet.

“I’d like to go with you to the palace today,” I said, before he could utter one word. “I have business there.”

Unsure if I could trust him with the level of secrecy Reginald recommended, I kept my intentions to myself.

He seemed curious but didn’t pry. This worried me further.

No sleep. Far-away gaze. Not asking me what I’m up to.

Something was bothering him to the point of exhaustion and distraction. I wanted to know what it was.

I couldn’t hold back my concern and curiosity anymore.

“Grayson, what’s going on?” I asked. “Something is clearly upsetting you. You can talk to me about it.”

He breathed deeply for a moment. Just when I thought he might not tell me the truth, he said, “The Queen is working on an arranged marriage for Josephine.”

The words surprised me, rendering me speechless for a time. I blinked a few times, then forced the words out.” Now? She really thinks this is the best time for a wedding?”

“Josie believes that this marriage could be used to stop the war.”

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“How could that be possible, unless… No.”

rayson met my gaze, and I knew instantly what was bothering him now. He looked so tired.

“The possible match. Could it be with the Bear Ambassador?” I asked.

“How do you know about that?” he said.

There was no harm in explaining this part. “Reginald told me. They’ve noticed correspondence from the Queen passing the border into Bear territory. Could she really hope to negotiate with the enemy? Would a bear be interested in a wolf?”

“If she’s a princess, yes, I suspect,” Grayson said, his mouth quirked downward in disgust.

I paused for a moment, considering. Poor Josie. “How does Josephine feel about this?”

“She’s upset, understandably,” Grayson said. “But she’s also resigned herself to it. I think she will do what she feels she needs to, to stop the war.”

My heart ached for her.

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