Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 60 Sally also found Frederick's words both infuriating and absurd . He was clearly the one begging Selena to take him back , yet he still put on airs , acting as if he was the one doing her a favor . And to top it off , he had the nerve to declare that he'd promised Freya he wouldn't lay a finger on Selena for three years . He made it sound as if Selena was some desperate woman crying and pleading to wed him and share his bed . It would've been laughable if it weren't so maddening . But as Sally watched Frederick storm away in a huff , she couldn't help but feel uneasy .

" My lady , is the Obsidian Monarch truly sincere about helping us ? He does seem ... quite terrifying . " It wasn't just the mask that made him frightening . It was his aura , that mysterious and commanding presence that made one's heart race and one's mind uneasy . Not knowing what he wanted , while feeling as though every part of one's self was laid bare under his watchful gaze , left a person utterly exposed . It was like being a falcon caught in a hunter's grip - helpless to control one's own fate and forced to wait for whatever came next . That sense of powerlessness was crushing .

" Are you really going to put your faith in the Obsidian Monarch , my lady ? " " I don't know . Before the lines are drawn , it's best not to act rashly , " Selena answered . Still , with the Campbell Regiment under her family's command , it was no secret they had become a prize everyone coveted . Even the king himself had his eye on them , and was doing everything he could to wrest control of their army away . The Campbell Regiment had been trained by her parents and uncles . If they were allowed to be picked apart by other powers , they would surely be torn to pieces in the end .

And since they weren't the king's own loyal troops , once drafted into battle under new leadership , they would inevitably be sent on the most dangerous and grueling missions . They weren't Wilfred's personal guards . If they were lost , no one would care . The regiment would become nothing more than tools of war . They would be sent to kill and to die in harsh conditions , with each soldier eventually becoming a forgotten soul . No one would value their lives or their futures . Wherever they went , they'd be pawns easily sacrificed without a second thought .

Thinking of the young , bright faces of her comrades , the loyal eyes of each man , Selena felt as if her heart were being ripped apart . The Campbell Regiment must never fall into another's hands . She would protect them , no matter the cost . Even if death came for them , it would be on the battlefield , with honor and glory , not nameless and forgotten in some unnoticed corner . " If you don't understand the Obsidian Monarch's intentions , then why risk alienating - Prince Frederick at such a critical moment ? " Sally asked .

Making enemies everywhere would only make things harder for her . Selena sighed . " With Lady Ruth and Freya in the picture , Prince Frederick will never be our ally . He may speak nicely now , but with a little encouragement from those two women , he'll forget every promise he's ever made to me . 1/2 Chapter 50 +25 BONUS " So , why should I swallow my pride for him ? I'm my parents ' beloved daughter , cherished and raised with care . Who the hell would want to be trampled into the mud by others ? " Not touch her for three whole years ? Selena scoffed .

As if she'd give him the chance to touch her in the first place , even if he wanted to . How utterly disgusting ! Sally's eyes widened in disbelief , her voice trembling just a bit as she whispered , " M - my lady , you cursed ! " " Sorry , I couldn't hold back . " Selena finished the last sip of her tea , set the cup down with a sharp snap , and stood . " I'm going to see my brother . You ... see to the servants in the household . " Stunned , Sally hurried after her . " My lady , do you suspect- ?

" " The moment I stepped out with my brother today , the Earl of Greymoor's people showed up together . Besides , Emily may lack manners , but she's far too timid to show up with a knife . " So , someone was clearly behind it all . The servants in the Duke of Blackmoor's household couldn't be fully trusted anymore !