Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 53 Fair game to be killed on the spot ?! At those words , Emily's grip loosened instantly . With a loud clatter , the knife fell to the ground . " I ... I don't know where this knife came from ... " she stammered , truly bewildered . She hadn't brought the blade herself . Somehow , it seemed someone had slipped it into her hand without her noticing . Who would dare bring a weapon into a duke's estate ? That was just asking for trouble , and she wasn't bold enough for such recklessness . But where had the knife come from ?

Glancing back , she saw the men from the earl's household stepping aside uneasily , all avoiding eye contact . No one seemed willing to admit where the knife had originated . Just as a wave of uneasy silence settled over the crowd , someone suddenly snorted loudly . Selena's eyes darkened as turned toward an elderly gentleman seated in a wheelchair . Curtsying respectfully , she said , " Great - uncle Stanley , it has been some time . How is your health ? " 3 . " So , you still remember me ? " Stanley slammed his hand down hard on the wheelchair's armrest , exuding an air of authority .

He was the Earl of Greymoor , and also the younger brother of Gideon , the Duke of Blackmoor . Initially , he bore no title himself . It was his youngest son , Zane Campbell , who had distinguished himself , repeatedly in battle , earning great honor as he fought alongside Selena's father , The king himself had bestowed the title of Earl of Greymoor upon Zane , a mark of great prestige . But none could have foreseen that he would fall in battle several years ago . In honor of Zane's valor , Wilfred had granted his noble title and honors to his father .

That was how Stanley had come to hold the rank of an earl . Blackmoor Estate had a limited number of people employed now , and neither Sebastian nor Selena cared much for company . Aside from visits from the Earl of Greymoor's family during holidays , the two households rarely saw one another . Yet today , it seemed the entire family from the earl's household had turned up . Selena smiled politely . " You flatter me , Great - uncle Stanley . You're my elder , I would never forget you .

" Confident in his son's military achievements and his own seniority , Stanley spoke without the slightest hint of courtesy . " Where is Sebastian ? I've been here for some time , yet he has not come to pay his respects . Bring him here at once . I want to see for myself whether his condition is truly as bad as they say .' 11 Selena's eyes darkened with quiet anger , though she kept her composure . " My brother has just returned from Obsidian Estate . He has yet to learn of your arrival , but I've already sent word to him . " Obsidian Estate ?

When had Sebastian become involved with that household ? Though the Obsidian Monarch and Frederick publicly claimed peace , in truth , they were bitter rivals . If Sebastian was associating with the Obsidian Monarch , was he not risking Frederick's wrath ? 1/2 Chapter 53 +25 BONUS Oh , right ! The engagement between Selena and Frederick had been called off . Now , it seemed they were desperate enough to cling to the Obsidian Monarch after losing Frederick's support . Such urgency only proved that the Duke of Blackmoor's household was truly in decline .

Stanley snorted again , clearly dismissing Selena as insignificant . " Bring him here at once . I've things to discuss with him in person ! Also- " He pointed toward the dozen or so guards blocking the courtyard gate , his temper flaring . " What do those blasted fools think they're doing , stopping me from seeing my own brother ? " " Grandpa's health has worsened recently . A royal physician strictly ordered that no one disturb his rest , so I ordered the guards to protect the estate and not allow any outsiders near , " Selena answered calmly . "That's absurd !

" Emily , still recovering from two blows , scoffed once she caught her breath and regained some spirit . " You insult Father by calling him an outsider ! How dare you ! You have no right to be a Campbell ! Such ungrateful , disrespectful nonsense ! Today , I'll teach you a lesson in honor , for the sake of your poor dead parents ! 11 + " With that , Emily took a step forward and swung her hand toward Selena's face . も 1 4 Chopster ha