Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 104 Sally stood frozen for a long moment. Of course she knew who the Demon Lord was, but did Selena truly want to marry him? Setting aside the fact that the Obsidian Monarch's masked visage could be frightening, he did seem to treat Selena rather well. During the martial arts exhibition, Sally had seen with her own eyes how he genuinely helped Selena. And yet... "My lady, the Obsidian Monarch... is far too complicated. He may not be suitable for you," Sally ventured carefully.

What she really wished to say was that royal affairs were far too tangled, and that it would be best for Selena to avoid entanglements with any of the royal men if possible. Moreover, the recent matter with Frederick had made one thing clear-marrying a prince or nobleman meant Selena would never be the only woman in the man's household. In time, she would have to share her husband with other women. And Sally was sure such a fate would be utterly intolerable for her mistress, "When you were very young, you and Prince Frederick secretly developed feelings for each other.

Yet, there were many matters ---- you never truly considered," Sally said gently but firmly. She knew her words might sound harsh, but they were the truth. Having suffered heartbreak this time, it was high time Selena saw things clearly. "Whether it is Prince Frederick or Prince Nathaniel, they will never have only one woman in their life and household. So, perhaps you should simply not consider such men in the future?" Sally expected some resistance, but to her surprise, Selena merely nodded and replied, "Yeah." Sally blinked in astonishment.

Had her mistress truly taken her words to heart and answered so decisively? Selena noticed her expression and smiled gently, offering reassurance, "Having been hurt once, | see things clearly now. | shall not consider men of the royal family or nobility again." "And Dawnmere's third prince-" "Since Prince Nathaniel beat him up last night, he likely won't trouble me for some time." Selena still didn't know what Elias truly intended, but at least he wouldn't come to cause a fuss for now. No matter what he thought, she would deal with whatever came as it came.

---- "Was it truly the Obsidian Monarch who did it? And that pool of blood outside... Sally didn't need to ask. It was almost certainly Nathaniel's blood. No wonder Selena had been dreaming of the Demon Lord. Selena waved her hand dismissively. Last night's events were not something she wished to dwell on. Sally didn't press further. After so many years together, their unspoken understanding was nearly perfect. Even without Selena speaking, Sally could guess much of what had occurred. Though she didn't ask, a slight unease lingered in her heart. "By the way, Ms.

Talmar left a note and ran away last night," Sally suddenly said as they stepped out. "She left a note and ran away?" "She lingered near the city gate all night, then Prince Frederick coaxed her to come back. She didn't cause a scene this time, and seemed far calmer than before." "You know an awful lot. It's a shame you're not a spy," Selena said with a smile. Sally glanced at her. "It is all thanks to you and the skills you made me practice from a young age, my lady." ---- Selena was clever and formidable, so Sally couldn't afford to be anaive fool.

She had to have some skill of her own or risk earning her mistress' disapproval. "Does Ms. Talmar truly intend to leave, my lady?" "She holds Prince Frederick's emblem. If she really wished to go, why linger by the city gate?" Sally snorted, her expression full of disdain. "Of course. That woman is merely putting on airs." Freya spoke of being pure and different, but to Sally, it was clear as day that she was nothing more than a schemer. "Prince Frederick is supposed to be Aurensia's great Warbringer, yet he can't even see through such a trick?

Can someone raised in the royal court be so foolish?" Sally muttered under her breath, irritation creeping in.