Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 170 For the royal family, making someone disappear was a trivial matter. Frederick might rage or grieve, but at most, he would vent his frustrations on Ruth and perhaps snub her. He would never dare show the slightest defiance toward Wilfred. The weight of the words spoken by the king was immeasurably greater than if they came from Ruth, and Selena understood this perfectly. Today, Wilfred had made his position unmistakably clear. He favored Selena because he was keen on having her as a daughter-in-law. And because of that, he was willing to act for her sake.

Freya was just an upstart girl who had appeared from nowhere. She was nothing in the king's eyes. With a single flick of his hand, she would be gone. "Your Majesty" "| can help you this time, Lena. But if anything like this happens again, | hope you'll know how to conduct yourself." At worst, Selena's future husband would inevitably be a prince. A prince could never be satisfied with only one woman, and his household would inevitably contain concubines and attendants. Men, by nature, understood one another.

---- Even with the deepest love, time dulled novelty, and it was only natural for hearts to wander toward other young women. If Selena couldn't see that clearly, then she was indeed ill-suited to marry into the royal family. Suddenly, Selena sank to her knees. "Lady Campbell, what is the meaning of this?" Andrew asked, startled. The king frowned, his gaze fixed upon her. Selena lifted her eyes to meet his. Her expression was calm, her gaze steady, betraying no storm of emotion. "Thank you for your generosity, Your Majesty.

However, | have made it clear that | have no intention of joining Prince Frederick's household. Besides, the royal edict dissolving the engagement has already been issued. How could one possibly take it back?" Wilfred's brow furrowed even deeper. "But you care so deeply for Frederick. Could it be-" "Your Majesty, why do you think | still harbor feelings for Prince Frederick?" Selena asked, her eyes widening ever so slightly, her expression the very picture of innocence. "Your Majesty, it's true that | followed my brother to Mount Iron ---- to rescue Prince Frederick.

His Highness is your son and Aurensia's Warbringer. As subjects of this kingdom, it is everyone's duty to protect His Highness." Selena paused, then added, "However, there was another, even more important reason for my actions." Her gaze was open and honest. Though her words carried a personal motive, her sincerity made it impossible to be angry. "| also wanted you to see my family's strength, Your Majesty. My brother is a formidable general, and | have been well-versed in military strategy since childhood. | even have some understanding of mystical tactical formations.

"The Duke of Blackmoor's household is filled with talents. Even if | don't marry into the royal family, my family can still defend the kingdom and aid you in your burdens," she said. "Lady Campbell, that's-" Andrew hesitated to finish his sentence, initially intending to say that matters of defense and protecting the kingdom were traditionally left to men. But then, he recalled that Selena had ventured alone into the stone forest and led Frederick's forces to safety. Though a woman, she had accomplished what every man in the army could not.

He dared not speak further, instead turning his gaze to the king. ---- Wilfred's expression darkened and his lips pressed tightly together, remaining silent. "I went to Mount Iron alone to save the soldiers, but it was also to show you what | am capable of, Your Majesty." Selena shuffled forward a few steps, her gaze sharp and unwavering. " My mother was a general, and | wish to follow in her footsteps, achieving glory and serving the kingdom. Your Majesty, | humbly ask that you allow me this." For once, Wilfred looked genuinely surprised. "You wish to become a female general?"