Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 254 Selena knew there was no escaping it this time. After asking Qiana to wait in the courtyard, she hurried back to her grandfather's chambers and knelt before him. "So, you do know that you've done something wrong?" Gideon asked sharply. The memory of certain things seemed to rouse his weary spirit a little. "L only know that I've disappointed you, Grandpa," Selena said, lifting her gaze to meet his.

"But | don't believe | was wrong." Her eyes were clear and resolute as she continued, "Grandpa, the reason | once promised never to display my martial arts skill before others was because | knew how much it pained you. You feared | would follow in my parents' footsteps. But I've grown up. | must protect not only you and my brother, but also our household and the soldiers of the Campbell Regiment." She shuffled closer on her knees and clasped his cold, trembling hand in both of hers. "Please forgive me, Grandpa." There were many things Gideon wished to say, and many questions on his mind.

But in the end, he only sighed. "So, things have ended between you and Prince Frederick?" he ---- asked softly. Selena glanced at Felix, who quickly raised his hands. "I said nothing, my lady!" Gideon smiled wryly. "Child, if things between you and him were still good, you'd have no need to step forward to defend our household yourself. With him protecting our family, you wouldn't be taking up arms. | may be old, but I'm not a fool." "Then, are you angry? For | truly have no ties to him anymore. Prince Frederick and | were never meant to be," Selena replied.

Gideon looked at his granddaughter for a long moment. Her expression was calm, her eyes bright and untroubled. At last, he chuckled. "Then, that foolish boy simply failed to see your worth. It's his loss, not yours. Ah, well. I'm old, child. Do as you see fit. You're wiser and steadier than your mother ever was. | trust your judgment." "Thank you, Grandpa!" Selena rose and took her leave. When she stepped out into the open air, her heart felt lighter than it had in years. Even Qiana could tell that the younger woman's mood had brightened considerably. "Come, Aunt Qiana.

Let's go get your things." ---- Qiana lived not far from Blackmoor Estate, in one of a row of narrow townhouses. Selena knew the type well. It was cheap to rent, but far from ideal. Neighbors passed by at all hours, and only behind one's own closed door could a person find a little peace and privacy. "This neighborhood isn't the best, but please don't mind it. Once night falls, it's very quiet," Qiana said lightly as she led Selena inside. She spoke without embarrassment, her tone easy and warm. It was clear she was a woman who still took joy in simple things.

"| only regret not persuading Grandpa sooner, so you could have come home," Selena murmured, glancing around the small room. Back then, who could have known that Qiana would hold fast for six long years? During that time, Selena had followed Sebastian to the battlefield, serving as strategist under Frederick's command. Though she didn't fight herself, her role as strategist kept her mostly within the camp, directing and advising the troops. She had admittedly been somewhat neglectful of Qiana. Noticing something, Selena stepped quickly toward the wall.

"Is that Uncle Tobias' portrait?" The vivid and lifelike painting made her throat tighten at the sight of it. ---- "He was so very handsome," she said softly, her voice catching Qiana smiled faintly. "Of course he was. The men of the Duke of Blackmoor's family have never been anything less than fine- looking. Look at Sebastian. He's so tall and elegant. Compared to his father in his prime, he is scarcely inferior." But soon, the smile on her lips slowly faded. She looked at Selena and hesitated, as though uncertain how to voice her concern.

At last, she could not contain herself and whispered, "Will Sebastian truly never recover?"