Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 109 "Not for now, of course. But she is a clever young woman," Ruth replied, her gaze following Selena. The young woman's posture remained graceful, even ethereal, yet her steps carried a heaviness that belied her outward composure. "She knows better than anyone that only | can aid her family at present. The queen is no easy adversary, and who can say whether crossing her will bring fortune or ruin?" Ruth mused. " But I'm different. Should she bear my true grandson, | will stand unwaveringly at her side.

By that measure, am | not far more reliable than the queen?" Anna hesitated before asking, "So, you believe Lady Campbell will agree to your terms?" Yet, all that Selena had done thus far suggested fierce resistance rather than compliance. Ruth's lips curved into a slight, calculating smile. "Not necessarily. We shall see." "And if she is merely buying time?" Anna asked, concerned. Ten days might give that clever woman more than enough opportunity to hatch countless schemes. ---- Ruth laughed coldly. "I said ten days, but it need not truly be that many.

Keep a careful eye on Blackmoor Estate during this time. She must feel a measure of pressure, or this will achieve nothing. "Yes, my lady," Anna replied promptly, issuing orders to maintain surveillance over Blackmoor Estate. Later, Ruth added, "Summon Fred to the palace. | must speak with him." When Selena finally left the palace, Sally and Yuvan were waiting, anxious and unsettled. "Did Lady Ruth-" Sally began, her voice trembling. "Nothing," Selena interrupted gently, shaking her head. "We will speak of it later." Both in and out of the palace, there were too many curious eyes and ears.

Once they returned to Blackmoor Estate, Sally could no longer contain herself, asking, "My lady, does Lady Ruth truly intend to force you to marry Prince Frederick?" When Selena remained silent, Sally's frustration boiled over. "For ---- the sake of the Campbell Regiment, that woman will stop at nothing!" "It may not be only about our command over the regiment," Selena murmured to herself. Though she didn't care for Ruth's ways, she couldn't deny the reasoning behind them. Lady Ruth wishes for me to aid Prince Frederick.

In her eyes, she has never regarded Freya as worthy." "How can that wild girl compare to you, my lady?" Who didn't know how many of Frederick's past victories on the battlefield had been thanks to Selena? Even the recent destruction of the Talmar clan had only been achieved due to her tactical genius. Ruth had no doubt discovered the truth-without Selena, her son was nothing! Selena closed her eyes, massaging her temples. "I can't shake the feeling that Freya's actions are...

off." On the surface, she appeared to be nothing more than a pampered, self-important young lady, full of arrogance and disregard for others. Yet, why was it that every time she regained her composure, her actions seemed unexpectedly different? ---- It was almost as if someone was guiding her from behind the scenes. But the Talmar clan had been annihilated. Who could possibly be directing her? "Sally, summon Yuvan," Selena instructed. "at once, my lady," Sally replied promptly.

When he arrived, Selena said, "Send someone to investigate whether anyone from the Talmar clan might have escaped unnoticed." "Understood, my lady!" Yuvan accepted the order immediately and hurried away. "Are you worried that Ms. Talmar's intentions go beyond simply trying to claim Prince Frederick?" Sally asked, a note of surprise in her voice. "| don't know. | simply have a bad feeling," Selena replied, shaking her head Sally bristled. "It is always you and Lord Sebastian who charge into danger for Prince Frederick, only for all the credit to fall to him.

How many enemies have you and Lord Sebastian made on his account? It is truly unfair!" "Whether it's worth it or not, it's still an experience. Once it's done, there's no need for regret," Selena said, waving her hand ---- lightly. "It grows late. You should get some rest. I'm tired as well." Sally sighed, her heart heavy. No matter what, she could never reach the level her mistress had attained. She truly despised Frederick for abandoning Selena after all she had given. Sally was certain that one day, the prince would regret it bitterly. However, Selena would never take him back!

The following morning, Selena barely had risen when Sally burst into her room, panic written plainly across her face. "My lady, you must hurry to the front courtyard! Lord Sebastian is in danger!"