Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 128 "Only the foolish imagine such things," Selena replied. She turned on her heel and walked toward the estate. Her steps were measured, serene, and chillingly indifferent. "lL was once betrothed to Prince Frederick, and what transpired between us has already caused such a scandal. Why would Prince Theodore have feelings for me? Even if he did, the most | could ever be upon entering his household would be a concubine," she added. "You shall never be a concubine!" Sebastian declared firmly, his expression darkening.

"Lena, if you don't wish to marry, remain here at Blackmoor Estate. | will watch over you all my life. No prince shall make you a concubine and bring you suffering." A concubine led a life of quiet shame. Her head forever bowed, and her children overshadowed by the legitimate heirs. Selena cast her brother a wry glance over her shoulder. "So, whether Prince Theodore glances my way or not changes nothing for me.

It is all but an act, a trick to stir my heart." Most men in the world were vain and self-important, willing to use all manner of tricks to make a lady believe they were devoted to her, setting her heart aflutter with worry and hope. In ---- truth, they would turn just as easily to another woman and use the same methods to ensnare her. "The Autumn Hunt concerns the Dragon Sentinels' emblem, so all the princes will compete fiercely again this year. With you being unmatched in mounted archery, others may come to you during this time," Selena pointed out.

After returning to the side parlor and instructing the servants to prepare the evening meal, she turned to her brother and asked, " Seb, do you have a preferred team this year?" Sebastian said nothing. In past years, Frederick's team had been the default for him, with no other option even considered. Choosing which prince's team to join was a delicate matter; a poor choice could affect the future of the Duke of Blackmoor's family. "Lena, do you have any thoughts on the matter?" he asked, seeking her opinion, as was his habit. Selena considered a moment before replying, 'Not yet.

| shall give it more thought." "After all, we won't be joining Prince Frederick's team. Perhaps-" "Who says we absolutely will not?" Selena cut in, her eyes flickering with something unreadable. Sebastian froze, surprised. "Prince Frederick has treated us so ---- poorly! We would never join his team!" "Perhaps that is not so certain," Selena replied, lowering her gaze to mask the sharp resentment burning in her eyes. She had not forgotten Freya's words. It was Frederick who had trapped her brother, giving that woman the chance to strike and ruin his body.

Selena's hand, hidden within the folds of her sleeve, clenched slowly into a fist. Why must her gentle, kind brother endure all this suffering? Those two had joined forces to destroy Sebastian's happiness. Why should they live well? "Lena-" "I'm fine. Perhaps it's not for us to decide how this will end." No sooner had she spoken than Sally rushed into the room, breathless. "My lady, my lord, Ms. Lester has arrived." Meanwhile, Freya had lingered outside Hawthorne Estate for the better part of the day, dithering by the gate for what felt like an eternity.

Surely her presence had been noticed, but Frederick showed no sign of stirring and still had not come out to welcome her back. He must know well enough how much Theodore admired her, ---- and yet he remained so proud and stubborn. Was he truly not afraid she might pay a visit to Theodore's estate? "If it were not for the regard you have shown me, who would bother waiting here for you?" Freya muttered to herself. Though she was angry, beneath it was a hint of unease.

When that scum said that it was over between them, the expression on his face seemed genuinely weary, as though his hope had been spent. Could it be that he had truly given up on her?