Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 255 "Seb has been taking medicine all this time. Back then, he managed to shield himself from the worst of the attack, so the injury wasn't completely crippling. But still, he's a man. It would have been improper for me to watch over him constantly while he undergoes treatment," Selena said quietly. As she spoke, she neatly packed away Qiana's things. Her belongings were few, modest, and unadorned, just like the woman herself. She was simple, straightforward, and entirely without pretense.

Once they left the little townhouse and boarded the carriage, Selena continued, "But wounds like his are difficult to heal. The medicine I've given him only helps preserve his strength for now. "Is there truly no cure?" Qiana asked softly, her voice heavy with concern. "Not yet," Selena admitted. "But Sage Sinclair is a miracle healer. Once the turmoil in the capital settles, | intend to take my brother to the Southern Frontier to see her." "Sage Sinclair?" "She's a living legend," Selena replied with a faint smile.

---- She offered no further explanation, but her words alone gave Qiana a spark of hope, and her spirits began to brighten When they returned to Blackmoor Estate, Selena led her straight to Luminous Pavilion, the residence that had once belonged to Tobias. It had been six years. Aside from one visit long ago, Qiana had not stepped into this courtyard since the day Tobias died. The moment she crossed the threshold, her eyes filled with tears. "Aunt Qiana, this will be your home from now on. If you need anything, speak to one of the maids.

They'll let Felix know, and he'll see to it," said Selena. She had arranged for two maids to serve Qiana directly, as well as a private cook, a gardener, and a housekeeper to tend the grounds. The cook and maids were new, but the gardener and housekeeper had long served in that very courtyard. "If you follow this path, you'll reach Starlight Pavilion, where Aunt Yvette lives. She's been keeping to herself these past years and rarely goes out. I've been too busy to visit often, but she'll have someone to talk to now that you're here." Selena pointed toward Starlight Pavilion with a smile.

"If you ever grow bored, you can visit Aunt Yvette. She practices martial ---- arts too and is a generous soul. I'm sure the two of you will get along wonderfully." "Very well! I'll be sure to visit her often," Qiana replied brightly. No sooner had they mentioned Yvette than the woman herself arrived, bearing two large, overflowing trunks. "Qiana, I've been busy fussing over these things and haven't had the chance to welcome you properly. Don't be cross with me, alright? | certainly didn't mean any disrespect!" she said.

They hadn't known each other long, but their bond had grown strong after fighting side by side at the Autumn Hunt. Yvette set the trunks set down, then beamed as she lifted the lids. "Look here, Qiana. These are dresses and fabrics. The gowns should do for now, but | brought extra cloth for you to have outfits made as you please because | don't know your taste. "And I've also brought you some royal jelly and Evergreen Root. All this is from my own secret stash, mind you.

| didn't take it from the estate's stores!" Yvette added Her words were directed at Selena, who only shook her head with an indulgent smile. Drawing Qiana close by the hand, Yvette went on, "These pieces of jewelery are much like what | wear myself. | picked out the ---- prettiest ones for you. I'm too old for such ornaments now, but you're young and lovely. I'm sure they'll look splendid on you. Oh, | still have a few more in my room. Come by sometime, and we'll sort through them together." "Thank you, but | really won't have any use for them," Qiana replied. "Nonsense!

I'm sure you'll make use of it. You're far too pretty not to wear them. Oh, and | brought you a chest of silver coins as well. You'll need money for shopping and such. I've no children to spend it on, so you'll help me use it up!" By the time Selena left Luminous Pavilion, the two women were deep in cheerful conversation and laughing like old friends. Relieved, she made her way back to Moonview Pavilion. But she had barely stepped through the gate when Sebastian appeared, his expression grim. "Lena, the Obsidian Monarch is unwell. You should come at once!