Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 134 Adelaide remained silent for some time, her heart gradually finding its rhythm again. She understood perfectly what Selena had implied. No matter how talented Benjamin might be, it was a pity he was far too young. And though Wilfred was king, he had a fragile constitution and might not even live to appoint an heir ten years hence. Selena had spoken in a way she dared not make explicit, yet anyone with ears could understand. Such words were perilous indeed. Could she truly be so bold?

The queen exhaled slowly, and only after a long pause did she ask, "Lena, has Lady Ruth driven you into a corner?" "Partly, yes, but not entirely," Selena replied calmly, meeting her gaze. "There are always paths to try, if one is willing to seek them out." Adelaide pursed her lips and remained silent for a moment. Selena was only seventeen, yet her courage was remarkable Still, it seemed likely that Ruth had truly cornered her, leaving her no choice but to resist. "have heard that when Prince Frederick led his campaigns, you ---- accompanied him each time. Were you...

his strategist?" the queen asked. "lam merely my brother's strategist. Wherever he goes, there | shall be," Selena said firmly. Adelaide's eyes lit up. "Is this a gentle reminder, Lena? That General Campbell-" "My brother is honest and steadfast. His loyalty is to the people alone," Selena interjected swiftly. Adelaide didn't take offense, but she paused thoughtfully before asking, "Then, how do you judge whether one is truly loyal to the people?" "Any wise sovereign will naturally earn my brother's loyalty," Selena replied, her tone unwavering.

She wouldn't allow Sebastian to be drawn into the intrigues of the court. Layla opened her mouth to speak, but Adelaide waved her off and smiled. "Lena, there are many matters in this world beyond our command, yet..." She paused for a moment before continuing, "Yet, | am not allied with Lady Ruth, nor would | ever use force or trickery to compel you to do anything. What | wish is far simpler. | hope you will come and visit more often, to have tea with me and admire ---- the flowers from time to time.

That alone would please me greatly." "Your consideration humbles me, Your Majesty," Selena replied with a small, measured smile. "Yet, | confess, I'm still troubled and hope you might help ease my mind," Adelaide pressed on, giving Selena no chance to decline. "Benjamin is still so young, and my days in the palace are not easy. Even the unassuming Lady Ruth, emboldened by her son's accomplishments abroad, has begun to assert herself in ways most disagreeable." She hurried on, softening her words, "Lena, here, we may speak frankly.

Since | cannot rely on my son yet, | must ask-how am | to endure these days?" "You speak too harshly, Your Majesty," Selena said gently. "You hold control of the harem, and all the prosperity shared with His Majesty is yours. To speak of mere endurance seems altogether beneath you. But..." Adelaide's heart constricted. "But what?" Selena lowered her gaze, hesitating for a moment. "Lena, we have come this far in conversation. Don't leave me in suspense.

When the day comes that | have power, | will not permit Lady Ruth to trouble you or your family again," Adelaide ---- pressed, a hint of urgency in her tone. Selena sighed softly before raising her eyes to meet the queen's. "After all, | am not part of the royal family. Matters of the crown are hardly mine to comment upon." She tilted her head slightly and continued, "But | recall only recently seeing the eighth prince, Prince Edward, at a banquet, and was struck by how strong and imposing he has grown." A faint melancholy touched her features.

"Yet, he is unfortunate, When Lady Agnes gave birth to him, her health declined rapidly, and she soon passed. Had she lived, her guidance and his talent together would have allowed him to achieve as much as the Obsidian Monarch and the other princes. But without her, no one seems to recognize his brilliance." She tuned her gaze to Adelaide and quietly continued, "Your Majesty, do you not think that if Prince Edward had a mother who cared for him, he might yet secure a place for himself within the royal family?"