Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 133 What would Ruth do? Of course, she offered no answer to such a question. Selena's mood was plainly sour as she departed. Watching her retreating figure, Anna murmured, "My lady, she carries heavy resentment in her heart. Is there truly any hope for her and Prince Frederick?" However, Ruth appeared in high spirits and was smiling brightly. "If she bore no resentment, then it would truly be impossible. It's precisely because she still harbors some grievance and feels wronged that she still thinks of Fred." Anna's eyes brightened immediately. "I see now!

You're so perceptive, my lady. Such insight comes so easily to you!" Ruth lifted her teacup, a glint of sharpness in her eyes. "But the girl remains far too proud. That pride must be tempered by my hand. Otherwise, | will find it quite impossible to keep her in line if she ever enters our household." As Selena left Harmony Palace, Sally was faithfully waiting at the gate. Seeing her emerge, the young maid hurried to keep pace. After dismissing the other palace maids, the two walked ---- along the corridors of the rear palace.

"Just now, there were two palace maids watching Harmony Palace closely," Sally whispered. Selena merely nodded, offering no reply. Sally fell silent as well. Sure enough, no sooner had they moved a short distance from Harmony Palace than a young maid came running in haste. "Lady Campbell, Her Majesty requests your presence." Selena followed the maid into Serenity Palace, where Adelaide was entertaining Benjamin with a game of chess. Though only six years old, the prince carried himself with the air of a miniature gentleman, the result of strict training from a tender age.

"Greetings, Your Majesty, Your Highness," Selena said upon entering, curtsying gracefully. Benjamin regarded her briefly, then nodded and turned back to the queen. "Mother, | shall return to my chambers to read." "Very well," Adelaide replied with a smile, watching him leave. Once he had gone, she turned to Selena with a warm expression. "Please have a seat, Lena." A maid served tea to Selena. Afterward, all the other maids and chamberlains were dismissed, leaving only Layla Taylor, who ---- attended solely to Adelaide.

Sally remained outside in the courtyard, left with no opportunity to hear even a word. "The hour grows late," Adelaide observed, glancing at a nearby timepiece. Night had fallen. She smiled gently. "Lena, for a young lady to remain out so late is hardly convenient. To spare you any unnecessary trouble, | shall speak plainly and briefly." Selena lowered her gaze, careful to hide all trace of feeling from anyone's view. "Please go ahead, Your Majesty." "What is your impression of the fourteenth prince?" Adelaide asked.

"He is remarkably gifted and carries himself with the air of a sovereign," Selena replied. Adelaide's eyes brightened with satisfaction at her words. However, Selena wasn't done, adding, "But he is so young. To stand on his own, he will need perhaps another ten years." Adelaide frowned. "Lena, speak plainly. You shall not be held culpable." "Ten years from now, who can say whether the court will even be ---- the same?" Selena said with quiet composure, pursing her lips. " Lately, | have been reading medical books that may greatly aid in preserving the health of those advanced in years.

If you wish, | could come by another day and share what I've learned, Your Majesty. "However, the books caution that no matter how skilled the practitioner, the human body can only be preserved, never made immortal. Care may prolong life, but to reverse the natural course is beyond reach. | beg that you place no undue hope in it, Your Majesty." Adelaide's hand trembled, her fingers quivering so much that the cup she held nearly slipped from her grasp. Layla quickly intercepted it, setting it carefully on the table. Even Layla's heart was uneasy.

Selena had spoken boldly, yet with such sincerity, daring to speak so openly with Adelaide. Could it be that this young lady intended to place herself under the queen's protection?