Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 132 "Do you think the title of 'Desert Rose' came to me for no reason? " Freya shot the prince a glare, her eyes full of disdain. "Shall we see how your skill measures up against mine?" "Fey, you were injured today. Best not to push yourself," Frederick said, trusting her entirely. Her brother's mastery of mounted archery had been extraordinary, so if she surpassed him, then her own skills were formidable indeed. At last, he would need no one else's aid. The thought of asking Selena for help now was simply unbearable.

But if Sebastian didn't join Frederick's team, would he truly side with Theodore? Or perhaps, take an unexpected turn and join the Obsidian Monarch's team? Selena had spent quite some time at Harmony Palace. At first, Ruth merely made idle conversation, keeping her own concerns private. Meanwhile, Selena merely sipped her tea without pressing for any answers. After at least half an hour of tea and quiet conversation, Ruth finally smiled and said, "You're far steadier and more composed than | imagined." ---- Selena looked up to meet Ruth's gaze, remaining perfectly calm.

"You flatter me, my lady." "You're truly remarkable, yet vexing beyond measure. Even | have nearly been driven to frustration by you more than once," Ruth added. Selena inclined her head in apology. "I'm most remorseful and beg your guidance, my lady." "Surely you understand why I summoned you?" After sitting for so long, Ruth herself couldn't seem to remain still as a proper lady should. Selena said nothing. To deny understanding now would be insincere, yet the subject held little interest for her.

Unwilling to waste any more time, Ruth set down her cup and spoke with deliberate calm, "At the Autumn Hunt in a fortnight, | wish for General Campbell to join Fred's team, as he has always done." "My brother has not been well of late. | fear even Prince Frederick may have little confidence in him. Otherwise, he would have come to the estate himself to confer with my brother. Has, it not always been so in past years?" Selena said with a smile. "Fred worries you might still hold a grudge against him.

That's why he asked me to act as an intermediary." Ruth was also ---- smiling, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Lena, you know well how much favor | hold for you. As for that wild girl at his estate, she shall never be permitted to become his princess consort. She is wholly unfit." Selena should be well aware of that. Ruth pressed on, speaking plainly at last, "! favor you for two reasons. First, General Campbell commands the Campbell Regiment and can serve as Fred's aide. Together, their combined efforts will benefit both households in the years to come.

Second, your intellect is extraordinary. I've never encountered a woman as clever as you. With you at Fred's side, | can be at ease." However, Selena declined firmly, "My lady, my ties to Prince Frederick have been severed. | could never marry a man whose heart does not belong to me. Prince Frederick is not my destined partner. | beg you to speak no more of this matter." "Fred merely-" "Lady Ruth, actions speak louder than words. Ms. Talmar nearly disfigured me today, yet Prince Frederick's concern was solely whether she had been injured," Selena said with measured calm.

Lowering her gaze, she added, "My feelings for His Highness have long since ended. If there's nothing further, | shall take my leave." ---- She actually rose, preparing to depart. Ruth's eyes narrowed slightly. "If you're willing, | can see to it that the impudent girl is removed from your path. But though | hold you in favor, my patience has its limits. Consider well, for | can grant you only one day to decide." Selena arched a brow, unflinching. "And if | refuse, what then?"