Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 108 "| wish for you to wed Fred in a grand union," Ruth began, her voice measured and calm. "As for General Campbell, the bride | arrange for him shall naturally be accomplished, wise, and entirely devoted to supporting him as a virtuous wife." Before Selena could respond, Ruth continued, "Of course, should you refuse to reconcile with Fred, then General Campbell's bride may very well be arrogant and overbearing. One can't say what havoc she might wreak, or whether she might expose his secrets for all to know.

"And though your family enjoys peace now, should this new bride make a scene, even the most formidable dukes may find themselves unable to restrain her. Lena, | speak only hypothetically." Ruth smiled, seeming kind and gentle as she added, "Lena, what do we women truly seek in this life? Is it not a husband of power, a man capable of bringing us honor, wealth, and a life of comfort? "Fred may have erred, but you and | both know he is merely misled for the moment. He once adored you with all his heart. His feelings for this country girl is little more than a passing fancy.

Soon enough, he will tire of her." ---- Selena lowered her gaze and said nothing. "You're clever enough to understand that marrying a royal is to share your husband with others for life," Ruth said. She studied Selena carefully. Though the young woman remained silent, Ruth could sense the resistance burning quietly in her heart. "To tell the truth, when | was young, | too dreamed of spending a lifetime with only one person and growing old together.

But in the end, such things are nothing more than a woman's wishful thinking." No king in history has ever cared for his beloved more than his throne. "If even the princes are like this, how much more so the king? Lena, do you want your husband to spend his life in obscurity, content just to stay by your side, or would you rather see him rise above all men, honored and revered by the people? "A young girl's dreams are best left in her heart. Once she grows up, she'll learn to think more realistically." At this moment, Ruth's gaze on Selena carried no trace of resentment or hatred.

In a low voice, she continued, "Once you have children of your ---- own, you'll understand that those so-called notions of love are hardly worth mentioning. Your whole life will revolve around your child. As for your husband? Hah..." She gave a derisive little laugh. Selena looked at her, a flicker of surprise crossing her expression Ruth laughed softly. "Did | startle you? But really, what woman in the palace doesn't think this way? If you agree to my terms, | will agree to yours. In the future, your child alone shall inherit everything.

Do you understand?" Selena pursed her lips and remained silent, her expression growing somewhat solemn. Ruth leaned closer, her voice soft but insistent, "Selena-" Selena cut in, "He only has eyes for Freya. Even if | consent, what difference does it make? Not even you can sway him! He promised that his heart is hers alone. Do you expect me to marry him, only to be a widow in all but name?" "He actually said such a thing?" Ruth exclaimed, her expression darkening, But she quickly softened her tone and added, "Don't worry, Lena.

| have my ways to make him see reason." Selena's voice was barely audible as she replied, "I... must consider this carefully." ---- "Very well. | shall grant you three days to think it over," Ruth replied smoothly. Selena regarded her, torn and uncertain Ruth's eyes twinkled with quiet amusement. "No, let it be ten days, then. Is that agreeable?" Selena said nothing, her face grave. After bidding Ruth farewell, she left. From a distance, Anna watched her retreating figure and whispered under her breath, "My lady, do you think she has truly been swayed by your words?"