Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 70 No , please not that ! +25 BONUS Selena's eyes snapped open , her breath coming in ragged gasps . In the dim light of her chambers , she spotted Sally tidying up . Just as a wave of relief washed over her , her heart jumped . " Sally , when did you come in ? Last night- " " Not long ago , my lady . You were sleeping so soundly that you didn't hear me knocking . I brought you some water , " Sally replied quietly . Sally hadn't wanted to disturb her , but with the day's pressing matters , rest was no longer an option . " You weren't in here at all last night ?

" Selena asked , her brow furrowed and cold sweat dampening her temple . Last night , she clearly felt someone watching her right by the bed . Those eyes were sharp and cold , making her feel very uneasy . Sally shook her head . " No one came in . You told Yuvan to guard the gate , and none of us entered . " Selena paused , then suddenly yanked back the covers and hurried from the room . The garden was silent and empty . In the pavilion , there was nothing . There wasn't even a sign of the blanket she had draped over him just last night . " My lady , the martial arts exhibition is tomorrow .

Lord Sebastian will face Mr. Walsh in combat . He began his morning training early today , " said Sally , panting slightly from trying to catch up to her mistress . " The queen has sent a message . You are to go to the palace to help arrange food and tea for the event . It's getting late . You should quickly freshen up and prepare to pay your respects to Her Majesty , " she added . Selena nodded , but couldn't stop herself from glancing back at the bench beneath the pavilion's railing . " Sally , you only came this morning ? When you arrived , did you see anything unusual ?

" Sally shook her head . " Nothing out of the ordinary , just like any other day . " Though in truth , Sally knew a special guest had visited Moonview Pavilion the night before . But since her mistress forbade any questions , she didn't press . " My lady , I believe Her Majesty has taken quite a liking to you since that evening at the banquet . You'd best prepare yourself to enter the palace . Better not offend her . " Selena turned away and nodded . " Yes . " Adelaide's attitude toward Selena had indeed improved greatly compared to before .

In truth , there was little need to fret over the exhibition's fare . The royal kitchens would prepare the menus and send them for review . Adelaide need only glance through and request any changes . Still , she had summoned Selena . " You personally went to receive Dawnmere's seventh princess yesterday , right ? Did you happen to see Prince Elias ? " Adelaide asked suddenly . " I did , " Selena answered truthfully , nodding . Adelaide's smile deepened . " I've heard Prince Elias is extraordinarily handsome , like an angel . Is it true ?

" 1/2 Chapter 70 +25 BONUS " I've never seen an angel , so I can't say whether that's true or not . But Prince Elias is certainly handsome , " Selena replied . " Compared to Prince Frederick ? " Adelaide paused thoughtfully , then explained , " Lena , I don't mean to bring up Prince Frederick to upset you . It's just that among the men in the city , very few can match his looks . That's why I use him as the standard . I hope you don't mind . " " Of course not , " Selena answered . " Prince Frederick is indeed one of the rare handsome men in the capital .

" However , the image of that half - hidden face she'd glimpsed at the pavilion last night flashed through her mind . One look had left her breathless ; it was a sight she feared she would never forget . She shook her head softly , returning her thoughts to the present . Then , she said quietly , " Prince Elias is just as handsome as Prince Frederick . " Adelaide smiled . " That means he's truly handsome . It seems the world isn't short of remarkable men . Lena , it's his loss if Prince Frederick doesn't want you . You have even greater blessings waiting for you .

" Though the queen was smiling , there was a subtle something in that smile that Selena couldn't quite read .