Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 136 Selena felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. What had she done in her life to deserve such a brother? It was for that very reason she vowed to keep him safe, whatever the cost. "| know you are a good man, Seb. But it is true that | ruined Freya's body. Even if she bears a child in the future, she will never be able to nurse it as a mother should," she said. At those words, a flush crept over Sebastian's handsome face. Even Sally and Yuvan felt their cheeks burn with embarrassment. Selena herself remained composed, her expression betraying little emotion.

"Prince Frederick may not have intended to hurt you, but he was complicit nonetheless. And with Lady Ruth watching us so closely, we have reached a point where if we don't resist, we will not survive," she added with calm severity. "What do you intend to do?" Sebastian asked uneasily. Selena's eyes darkened for a fleeting moment, then her lips curved into a faint smile. "Nothing much. | am simply thinking that we must find a solution that settles this once and for all." "One is His Majesty's concubine, and the other is his son.

No matter how hard we strive, we remain mere subjects," Sebastian ---- warned He couldn't bear to see his sister sacrifice a lifetime of happiness for vengeance. "What's done is done. Our goal now is to lead the Campbell Regiment to the Southern Frontier and join Grandfather. We shall never return to this city," he added. Selena's chest tightened. Her brother's disappointment in the royal family came from seeing just how heartless they truly were. When someone proved useful, the royals would exploit them to the very end.

Once they lost their value, they were not only cast aside, but erased entirely if necessary. A bitter wave passed through Selena's heart, yet she managed a small smile. "| understand, Seb. | won't act recklessly. However, His Majesty will never allow us to lead the Campbell Regiment to the Southern Frontier without resistance.

We must devise a plan that leaves no room for failure." "Lena..." "Do you intend to join the Autumn Hunt?" Selena asked, abruptly shifting the topic Sebastian hesitated, then replied, "It matters little to me." "Then, whose team do you wish to join?" ---- Sebastian couldn't answer. "Very well. It is late. You should rest. Don't you still have duties tomorrow?" Sebastian nodded. "| must inspect the hunting grounds once more." "You should turn in early, then." Once he had departed, Sally assisted Selena with her bath and dressing.

She couldn't help but let her gaze linger on her mistress ' fair, flawless skin. "My lady, are we truly at the mercy of others?" she murmured. The conversation between Selena and Sebastian had left Sally with a faint sense of loss. Their enemies were members of the royal family. No matter what they did, it would never be enough to shake such power. The thought alone was enough to make one despair. "Of course not," Selena replied, sinking fully into the warm bath, her eyes closing as the rising steam clung to her face.

"They are members of the royal family, but that does not make them the crown itself. The king's power far exceeds theirs." Sally blinked, confused. "What do you mean?" ---- "Though His Majesty can be merciless, he is ultimately a wise ruler. Those who are useful will be valued, while those who are not will be cast aside. If one does not wish to be discarded, one must ensure they are indispensable." Selena lingered in the water for a long moment before opening her eyes. "Lady Ruth has granted me a single day to consider her proposal. But she is a fickle sort.

By tomorrow, she may act without warning. Watch over Elysian Pavilion carefully, and be vigilant."