Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 244 Ruth's eyes suddenly brightened, a spark of realization cutting through her panic. She turned sharply to Selena. "Do you wish to become Frederick's princess consort? If so-" Selena interrupted calmly, "Lady Ruth, what | seek is quite the opposite." Her gaze was fixed entirely on Wilfred, her expression serious and unwavering. "When | was ordered to go to Mount Iron to save Prince Frederick, the tale of my daring rescue of my beloved spread like wildfire. But the truth is that | don't love him, and our ties ended long ago.

"As an unmarried woman, such rumors could destroy my reputation for life. Your Majesty, | am willing to go into the Beastlands to rescue Prince Frederick, but | ask only one thing. Grant me a title and an official reason to do so, to silence the endless gossip." Andrew's heart raced with alarm. Selena's audacity was growing by the moment! And at such a critical juncture, she even dared to delay Frederick's rescue. "Your Majesty-" ---- "Very well," Wilfred said firmly, his decision made. His son's life outweighed any hesitation.

"Today, the Duke of Blackmoor's household claimed victory in the Autumn Hunt. | am greatly pleased, and hereby decree that the Dragon Sentinels! command be placed jointly under Sebastian and Selena. Sebastian shall serve as commander, and Selena as deputy commander. From this day forth, the Dragon Sentinels are under your charge," he announced. To hand over command of the Dragon Sentinels entirely to a woman skilled in mounted archery but of unknown martial prowess wasn't a choice Wilfred relished, but granting it to Sebastian was acceptable.

But what Selena really wanted was for the Dragon Sentinels to be placed in the hands of the Duke of Blackmoor's household. Whether the command was given to her or Sebastian made no difference. "Thank you, Your Majesty!" As commander of the Dragon Sentinels, it was Sebastian's duty to ensure the safety of every member of the royal family. The siblings rose immediately. At a sharp whistle from her, Selena's horse appeared as if from nowhere and charged to her side. In one fluid motion, she vaulted into the saddle.

---- Nathaniel moved to rise, but the instant he shifted, a surge of blood from his wound flared violently in his chest, forcing him to halt. Liam hurriedly supported him, pressing the prince down without a sound. "Your Highness, Lady Campbell said you must not move!" At this moment, perhaps only Selena's words could still hold any sway over him. Nathaniel's hand clenched over his chest, forcing himself to remain still Before he could react further, Selena suddenly called out, "Sally!" The maid bit her lip, then spun and dashed into a tent. In moments, she returned with a spear in her hands.

"Catch, my lady!" she cried, flinging it with all her strength. A flash of silver gleamed as the spear landed perfectly in Selena's grasp. Without hesitation, she swung it in a wide arc. A chill of silver light streaked through the air, followed by several thunderous cracks as the spear's force scorched the earth, leaving a long, deep fissure that shimmered with flickering flames. "Heavens!" "H-her inner energy is astonishing!" ---- "She's a master hiding in plain sight!" "How can this be?" How was this possible?

Wilfred leapt to his feet in shock, while Adelaide's teacup slipped from her fingers with a sharp clatter. Ruth had forgotten even to breathe, staring at the figure on horseback, her body trembling. Liam and Cloud were equally stunned. The latter could only manage to utter Selena's name and nothing else. Sebastian, who was just about to mount his horse, misstepped and nearly fell at the sight of his sister. If Aurora hadn't steadied him in time, the newly appointed commander of the Dragon Sentinels would have face-planted in front of everyone!

Yuvan was equally stunned, grabbing the person next to him. But when he saw her indifferent expression, his eyes widened. "Sally, you knew all along, didn't you?"