Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 173 "Yes, | did it on purpose. The more people talk about me riding a thousand miles to save my beloved, the more Prince Frederick's image will crumble," Selena said. She gave her brother a playful wink, mischief sparkling in her eyes. "A Warbringer, commanding over ten thousand soldiers to quell an uprising, yet unable to handle a mere few thousand bandits without a woman coming to his rescue. Do you think he still has the nerve to call himself Aurensia's Warbringer?" Sebastian paused, and for the first time, felt a flash of astonishment at the cleverness behind her plan.

"For now, everyone is still in awe of your daring rescue. In a few days, once they've calmed down and realized the truth, they'll see their Warbringer isn't quite what he claims to be," he said. Sally suddenly clapped her hands and jumped up, practically bouncing with excitement. "The more exaggerated the tale becomes, the more Prince Frederick's reputation suffers. And when you make it clear that you want nothing to do with him, everyone will understand that you didn't ride a thousand miles to save your beloved. For Aurensia's sake, you went to save a coward!

My lady, you're the true Warbringer here!" Sebastian shot her a sharp look, his eyes full of reprimand. "Sally! ---- Didn't she realize how dangerous it was to call Frederick a coward out loud? Sally merely stuck out her tongue, grinning, then slipped behind Selena and said no more. Sebastian turned back to his sister. "Lena. "Exactly what Sally said! That's exactly what I'm thinking!" Selena exclaimed.

"At the upcoming Autumn Hunt, the Duke of Blackmoor's household will participate, and the world will see the truth that Selena Campbell has no need for that coward." "Our household will participate?" Sebastian's voice rose in alarm. "Lena, we don't have anyone skilled at mounted archery. If we send poorly trained troops, it will be an insult to His Majesty and he'll be furious." Selena pouted slightly. "Who says we don't have any? If | say we do, then we do!" She was in high spirits, enough that even Sebastian could see it. Little girlish gestures escaped her, so unlike her usual composure.

For the first time, he felt as though he was beginning to truly understand his sister. In the past, Selena had carried herself with measured grace and refinement, all to win Frederick's favor. Now, with no wedding ---- looming over her, she allowed herself to be entirely herself- free, unrestrained, and utterly at ease. Sebastian couldn't tell whether it was her mischievous smile that swayed him, or something else entirely. Somehow, he found himself agreeing that their family should participate in the Autumn Hunt under their own banner.

He even prepared the official dispatch, carefully penned under Selena's watchful eye, and once completed, he immediately sent a messenger to deliver it to Andrew. But that night, as the hours wore on, unease gnawed at him "Where on earth is Blackmoor Estate supposed to find so many experts skilled at mounted archery? From where did Lena get the confidence for this?" he asked. Yuvan spread his hands helplessly. "My lord, if you don't know, how could | possibly know?" Sebastian slammed a hand to his forehead, panic rising. got carried away, egged on by Lena! What am | to do?

How long has it been since they left? Is it even possible to retrieve the dispatch now?" Once the petition had been submitted to Andrew, there was no turning back. They would have to participate in the Autumn Hunt, or it would be considered an affront to Wilfred. Yet, if their performance proved disgraceful, it would still provoke the king's ---- wrath, even if not technically criminal "My lord, the messenger left Blackmoor Estate at least an hour ago. By now, they are surely at the palace. It is too late to withdraw," Yuvan said cautiously.

Sebastian was so distraught that he nearly tore at his own hair. " In this household, we two are the only ones who can form the team. Where are we to find three more?"