Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 246 "My mistress has nothing she wishes me to say. However, there are some words | wish to speak myself if you would permit it, Your Majesty." Sally knelt low, bowing her head. Her frame was slight, but her posture was firm In Wilfred's mind, the image of Selena's spear tearing a deep rift in the ground still lingered. The same crack was right behind Sally. "Speak, then. | permit you," he murmured, the words carrying a faint, weary helplessness. Wilfred sighed inwardly. A strange premonition tugged at him, that the son he favored might not be the man he had believed him to be.

Sally clenched her hands briefly before raising her eyes to the king. "Your Majesty, my mistress never intended to hide her skills. It's just that Prince Frederick once said he disliked girls who practiced combat. Though my mistress always rode out to survey the army herself, she never dared to tell him. "Sometimes, when she saw our forces struggling, she would even mask her face and go onto the battlefield herself. But ---- because she feared His Highness wouldn't approve, she never revealed her identity." A murmur of astonishment swept the area.

So, this was the secret behind Frederick, the so-called Warbringer of Aurensia? A singular, godlike woman, lurking unseen within their ranks, inspecting the battle lines and leading men to victory in disguise? What a marvel! "Liar!" Ruth snapped. She finally understood what was happening. That wretched maid actually intended to let Selena rise by using Frederick as a stepping stone! She would have the world believe that Frederick's triumphs were all Selena's doing? How dare she! "Your Majesty, this wretch is lying to sully Fred's honor. She deserves death ten thousand times over.

Guards, take her away! Have her beaten to death!" Ruth ordered. At her command, the nearest guards stirred, Two came forward and halted a short distance behind Sally, but none dared lay hands upon her. Wilfred had not spoken, and in truth, it wasn't Ruth's place to dictate matters here Still, none dared to ignore her words. They feared she would hold a grudge and cause trouble for them later. Yuvan's heart was pounding, yet he didn't dare speak either. All ---- he could do was quickly step to Sally's side and kneel as well, hoping to share a fraction of the responsibility.

Wilfred waved his hand, and the two guards immediately withdrew. "Your Majesty!" Ruth's eyes blazed with fury and anxiety, but she dared not speak further. Today, Wilfred's mind was a tangle of emotions. He looked at the two kneeling figures, lips pressed tight, Not a soul dared utter a word. Every breath felt heavy in the tense silence. After what seemed like an eternity, Wilfred finally spoke in a cold voice, "Then, today, | shall see if Selena Campbell truly possesses the skill to rescue Frederick.

If she proves capable, | shall ensure her talents are recognized and never wasted!" Upon hearing that, Sally immediately bowed her head. "Thank you, Your Majesty!" Andrew waved his hand. "You're dismissed." "Yes, sir!" Sally and Yuvan hurried back to their seats, making no further disturbance. All eyes turned to the hunting grounds' entrance, worry etched 'on every face. Even the Obsidian Monarch had returned ---- wounded, which meant the black wolf pack must be incredibly fierce. No one knew for sure if Selena could actually bring Frederick back.

Her bold and arrogant display today had all of Aurensia watching. If she failed to rescue the prince, the Duke of Blackmoor's household would surely face disaster. Selena had already entered the Beastlands. Once inside, she let her horse run free while she moved about with her Lightfoot Skill. Black wolves were pack hunters. Though the hunting grounds were vast, Selena knew the direction they had gone and quickly located them. The black wolves now surrounded two men, who were struggling desperately for their lives.

Selena hovered lightly on a treetop, her eyes cold as she watched the men struggle against the wolves.