Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 142 Felix's eyes were misted with tears. He opened his mouth to speak, yet words failed him. After a long moment, all he could manage was a single, earnest sentence. "My lady, you must take care of yourself." Selena merely nodded, saying nothing, and turned to leave. No sooner had she stepped out of Elysian Pavilion than Yuvan hurried up, his face tense. "My lady, the bandits in Hartshire have risen again. Last night, they slaughtered a dozen or more innocent townsfolk." "Were they not already driven out? And now they return to kill?" Selena's heart tightened at the thought.

"How much did they take? How many were wounded?" "They stole nothing. They merely slaughtered the townspeople and set a row of houses ablaze, then departed." Selena's brow furrowed deeper. Bandits entering a town only to kill and burn, without theft? That was most unusual. "It seems like... a provocation," she murmured. Could this be revenge? ---- "My lady, the bandits were driven from Hartshire a year ago by Prince Frederick. But in truth, the first strike was led by Lord Sebastian. If this is vengeance, why return to Hartshire to kill?

Why not come to the capital and strike at Prince Frederick or Lord Sebastian?" Yuvan pointed out. What exactly were the bandits planning? "Seb has gone to the hunting grounds today. Go and inform him so he may remain cautious. We shall deal with the rest upon his return," Selena instructed. Any bandit activity would surely draw the attention of the court, and troops would be dispatched. The question was-who would be sent this time? "Find out what Prince Frederick is doing today," Selena said. Hawthorne Estate and Blackmoor Estate were not far apart.

Yuvan and Sally had kept eyes on key points for some time. While they might not know immediately of every movement, news would reach them swiftly. With Yuvan going to the hunting grounds in search of Sebastian, this matter would fall to Sally. Selena had barely returned to her own courtyard when Sally arrived and said, "Prince Frederick has taken Ms. Talmar to the encampment outside the city today." Selena turned her head, her gaze lingering for a moment. "To the ---- encampment?

Do you mean His Majesty intends to send Prince Frederick to suppress the rabble outside Hartshire?" It would hardly be surprising. Last year, Frederick had commanded the campaign himself, so for him to go again this year was not unthinkable. Still, for so paltry a band of bandits, there was little need for a prince to ride forth. Any general of merit could go as well. Sally shook her head. "No. | heard it is Ms. Talmar who wishes to prove her skill in horsemanship and archery." Selena paused in thought, then gave a soft, dismissive laugh. " So, they mean to cast aside my brother and place Ms.

Talmar in his stead. No matter. As long as they do not trouble my family, we may enjoy a measure of peace." She stepped into the apothecary chamber, turning back to her studies of herbs and tinctures. Sally followed close behind and said, "My lady, has Lord Sebastian decided whose team he will join? He must have made some plan." "Why should he be obliged to join another's ranks? Our household has the right to form a team of its own," Selena replied calmly. At this, Sally nearly leapt in alarm. "Our household?

Where would ---- we find enough people of sufficient talent?" Selena's lips curved faintly. "After seeing Aurora today, | cannot say the idea is impossible." "But that would only be Lord Sebastian and Lady Aurora. Yuvan is nowhere near their level. With only two, how could a team be formed?" Sally shook her head, unconvinced. "Besides, after what happened with the Earl of Greymoor's household, would she ever agree to stand with us? She's part of their family, after all." Selena smiled calmly and replied, "Where there is will, there is always a way.

We shall never know unless we try." "Even so, there are still three places left to fill. Who could possibly take them?" Sally muttered under her breath.