Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 30 +25 BONUS Chapter 30 When night fell , Selena changed into a simple white gown . Sally looked puzzled . " My lady , tonight is a formal palace banquet . The queen might not be pleased with your attire . " " Not pretty enough ? " Selena asked with a smile . Sally shook her head . " It's lovely . You look like an angel who's descended to earth . " Selena stepped toward the front courtyard . " Then , why would the queen be unhappy ? " Sally hurried after her . " The banquet will be grand , and everyone will dress to impress .

With how plainly you're dressed , you'll definitely stand out . But the queen will probably think you're taking things too seriously again . " In the harem , women competed to stand out and be unique . That was exactly what the queen despised most . " It doesn't matter . Tonight , the queen won't be angry with me , " Selena said . As she reached the front courtyard , she spotted her brother standing next to a carriage , worry etched across his face . " Lena , you shouldn't go to the banquet tonight , " Sebastian said as soon as he saw her .

" If I don't go , won't that just make it seem like I'm really ashamed of all the gossip ? Like I'm hiding at home , too embarrassed to show my face ? Wouldn't that only make the rumors seem more believable ? " " But if you go , people will talk . I'll be busy offering a toast to the king tonight and won't be able to stay by your side the whole time . I'm worried that- " " Don't worry , Sebastian . I'm no longer a young girl who needs protecting . " Selena just smiled and said nothing more as she stepped into the carriage first .

Left with no choice , Sebastian let out a quiet sigh and climbed in after her . The ride to the palace was short , but the carriage moved so slowly it felt like a lifetime . Once they arrived , Sebastian was promptly pulled away for drinks with a group of generals . At first , Selena worried her brother might feel uncomfortable . After all , no one spoke of it openly , but everyone in the capital knew what had happened to him . Bad news traveled fast , and there were always those eager to spread it further . But as she saw him slowly becoming more cheerful , her worries eased .

Sally watched Sebastian from a distance , her face full of concern . Selena gave her a reassuring smile . " Don't worry . I'm already researching a cure . One day , I'll make sure he's well again . " Sally nodded . Sebastian was such a good man , and Freya had destroyed him . How could anyone not feel for him ? As soon as the two women entered the Royal Garden , they immediately felt dozens of curious eyes fixed upon them from all directions . They chose to ignore the stares and followed the palace maid to their seats . At first , the gathering was quiet , but whispers soon began to spread .

And before long , the entire conversation centered around Selena . " They say the sounds she made were downright indecent , and you could hear everything clear as day even from several tents away . I can't even imagine what the soldiers must've thought when they heard it . " " Look at how she's dressed . Her gown may be pure and spotless , but her reputation ... " " From what I hear , those tents barely offer any privacy . The flaps kept flying open with the wind , so who knows how many people got an eyeful of her , lying there with nothing on ?

" " Heavens , hearing that gives me goosebumps all over ! Do you think the soldiers saw everything ? " 1/2 Chapter 30 +25 BONUS " How can Prince Frederick still want her after that ? " " By now , everyone knows she and Prince Frederick have already been intimate . If he turns his back on her now , won't that make him look like a heartless scoundrel ? " " That's true . So , the rumors might actually work in her favor ? Could she have had someone spread them on purpose ? " " Isn't that shameless ? She's discarded all sense of propriety just to force the prince to marry her .

I really didn't think she'd stoop that low ! " The whispers grew louder and louder until everyone reached the same conclusion . The scandal that ruined Selena's name wasn't the work of someone who wanted to harm her . It was something she had planned herself to secure her place as Frederick's princess consort . When Frederick arrived , the whispers accidentally reached his ears . His handsome face darkened instantly . Beside him , Freya's expression grew even colder . " You said you never touched her . Are you lying to me , Frederick ? "