Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 58 Sally's mouth twitched as if she wanted to speak , but seeing Selena's calm expression as she sipped her tea , she sighed softly and fell silent . Frederick continued to watch her , waiting for a response . Setting down her cup , Selena smiled faintly . " Rest assured , Your Highness . I've no desire to marry you , much less to be touched by you . " " Lena , stop being so stubborn! Look at the position you and General Campbell have been forced into ! " Frederick snapped . At this point , only Frederick could save the Duke of Blackmoor's household . She had nowhere to turn .

Why was she stubbornly clinging to pride ? " If I had not arrived when I did today , the Earl of Greymoor's family would have stormed Elysian Pavilion and revealed Sebastian's condition to your grandfather . If Lord Gideon learns his only grandson is practically an invalid , how many days do you think his frail body can hold out ? He would die from shock ! " Gideon had been gravely ill ever since losing his three sons in battle , bedridden for years . His survival was a fragile thread , sustained only by expensive medicines and careful care . He couldn't withstand even the slightest blow .

If the Earl of Greymoor's family had forced their way in today and told him everything , no one could say how much longer Gideon would live . Were Selena and Sebastian truly not afraid ? " Breaking our engagement will bring nothing but harm to everyone in the Duke of Blackmoor's household . You may fear I want your family's army , but in truth , your family has no future heirs . Sooner or later , my father will take those troops back . " If we were to marry , even if the Campbell Regiment falls under my command , I could still have General Campbell lead them in the field .

But if my father takes them back , what do you think their fate will be ? " Frederick explained . He truly couldn't understand how Selena , once so clever and sharp , had grown so foolish of late . Had jealousy clouded her mind so completely that she'd act recklessly , ignoring even the safety of her own family ? " Without me , who else do you have to turn to ? " His voice grew heated , but Selena's delicate , beautiful face remained calm and unreadable . She didn't respond to his words . Instead , she changed the subject .

" Your Highness , if my brother weren't injured , how many moves would it take for you to beat him in a fight ? " Frederick blinked , caught off guard . His anger had barely settled when that question threw him for a loop . After a moment , he answered honestly , saying , " If I'm in good form , I could win within twenty moves . If I'm not , it still won't take more than thirty . " " I heard from the Obsidian Monarch that even if my brother was in perfect form , he'd lose to Prince Elias within ten moves , " Selena replied . Frederick's face twisted with disbelief .

" Nathaniel told you that ? " What on earth had she been discussing with him ? Suddenly , a sharp , unfamiliar ache pricked at his chest . It was an unsettling feeling , deep and uncomfortable . 1/2 Chapter 58 +25 BONUS " Yes . " Selena smiled softly . " The Obsidian Monarch knows that my family is about to face Prince Elias ' elite fighters , so he specially invited me and my brother to his estate to offer guidance . " Frederick didn't believe her for a moment . She was Nathaniel's enemy . Why on earth would he help her ?

" Lena- " Selena interrupted him calmly , " I'm not lying to you , Your Highness . The Obsidian Monarch truly wants to help us through this ordeal . I've been thinking about it all day . I'm not so dependent on you that I cannot survive without you , and the same goes for my family . " She lifted the teapot and poured more tea into Frederick's cup herself . " So , there's no need for you to worry about my family . " Frederick's eyes darkened . " What exactly does Nathaniel want you to do for him ? " If she wasn't lying , then the Obsidian Monarch surely had an ulterior motive .

Selena's voice was even as she replied , " He asks for nothing in return . " " That's nonsense ! " Frederick suddenly stood , towering over her with a fierce glare . " Are you trying to tell me Nathaniel is so taken with your looks that he's helping you without any conditions ? Lena , are you still such a naive girl ? Do you really believe that ? "