Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 65 +25 BONUS At last , Elias and Lilia were safely escorted to Concord Palace , the residence for honored guests . Having spent the entire morning entertaining Lilia , Selena was feeling utterly exhausted by the time they headed back . That young princess seemed to have boundless energy . " My lady , Princess Lilia seems quite sincere . She's an interesting person , " Sally remarked , initially with some concern . She hadn't expected Lilia and Selena to become friends . " She's playful and impatient .

Not a bad person , but after all , she is of the Dawnmerian royal family , " Selena replied lazily . " So , you never really considered being true friends with her , did you ? " Sally said , a touch of helplessness in her voice . Over the years , Selena had lived for Frederick alone and hadn't made many friends of her own . Sally had hoped that this time , her mistress would finally have a companion . " The Obsidian Monarch is like a thorn between us .

As long as that thorn exists , we can never be true friends , " Selena said softly , closing her eyes and leaning against the side of the carriage to rest . " Unless someday , the Obsidian Monarch gives up on using me as a pawn , or the princess stops caring for him . " " A pawn ? " Sally's voice caught with surprise . " Do you really believe Prince Nathaniel truly likes me ? " Selena asked . Sally said nothing . The Obsidian Monarch was a mystery no one could truly unravel . Who could guess what lay in his heart ? " What else can I be , if not a pawn ?

Why else would he deliberately keep me so close ? " But Selena didn't want to continue that line of thought . She knew people could be listening, and careless words could bring trouble . " There's a palace banquet tonight , which Seb will be attending . Stay close to him and don't let people walk all over him , " she instructed . Sebastian was straightforward and honest . With what had happened to him recently , Selena always worried whenever he went out alone . Having Sally watching his back would make her feel more at ease . Sally nodded . " I understand .

" That night , Selena was left on her own . As darkness fell , she made her way to see her grandfather . " His health grows worse by the day , " said Felix Klein , the steward who had served Gideon for many years . " Even with the thousand - year Evergreen Root , he shows little sign of improvement . " Felix now oversaw Elysian Pavilion exclusively . He remained a steady presence at Gideon's side , rarely appearing elsewhere in the estate . As Selena was about to leave , Felix couldn't help but ask , " My lady , is there still hope for Lord Sebastian's condition ?

" " I'm still searching for the right remedy , " Selena replied gently . " Don't worry , Felix . As long as we hold on to hope , there's always a chance . " 1/2 Chapter 65 +25 BONUS Her brother was a good man - honest and straightforward , loyal to his country and his people , willing to give everything for them . Like their father , mother , and uncles , he was a great general who served with unwavering dedication . Such a man surely wouldn't be abandoned by fate . " Grandpa's health is fragile , and he can't bear any shock .

But these days , there's always a chance that troublemakers from the Earl of Greymoor's family might come again . If I'm not here , you must do everything you can to protect Grandpa . Also , keep Seb's troubles from reaching him , " Selena said . " I understand , my lady . You can count on me . I'll protect the duke , even if it costs me my life ! " Selena nodded and took her leave , returning to Moonview Pavilion . Tonight , everyone would be caught up in the festivities at the palace banquet . At last , she could have a quiet evening to herself .

After bathing and changing into loose , comfortable clothes , she stepped out from behind the screen . Just as she reached for a military strategy book , her eyes suddenly narrowed . Someone skilled had arrived in the courtyard . She set the book down and quickly moved to push the window open . Chapter 66