Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 71 Adelaide didn't continue speaking of Elias . Instead , she sighed and changed the subject . " Lena , your mother was a rare and remarkable woman . Though I live within the palace walls , I often heard tales of your mother fighting alongside your father on the battlefield . I've admired her for many years , and regret never having the chance to truly know her . " Selena remained silent , listening quietly . Knowing how guarded the girl was , Adelaide smiled . " Lena , you need not be so cautious . I truly do like you .

That day at the banquet , the words you spoke went straight to my heart . " " You flatter me , Your Majesty , " Selena replied softly . Adelaide sighed , as though helpless . " And yet , were your words not the very ones I have longed to say ? The sorrows that haunt the women's quarters in the palace are something no man could ever understand . " Selena said nothing . With her high rank and with the king himself as the subject of her complaint , there were some things Adelaide could neither say nor agree with openly . One careless word could bring ruin .

The queen looked at Selena for a long moment before smiling again . " I know you've just endured a great ordeal . Now , you tread carefully in all you do , and dare not bare your heart to me ! " She took Selena's hand , her smile softening even further . " It matters not , Lena . From this day forward , I shall care for you in your mother's stead . In time , you will come to understand the sincerity of my affection for you . ' " Thank you for your kindness , Your Majesty , " Selena replied at once . When they left the palace , Sally chattered all the way home .

" Her Majesty gave us many gifts today . Not jewels or gold , but herbs and medicines . I looked them over , and besides costly supplements to strengthen one's body , there were also ... certain rare remedies meant to strengthen a man's vigor . " Having served Selena faithfully for many years , Sally knew her mistress had dabbled in many fields and possessed considerable knowledge of medicinal herbs . In truth , the Selena of the past had been deeply devoted to Frederick , and would diligently study and train herself in anything that might aid him .

In time , she became a woman of remarkable learning , with knowledge spanning a wide range of subjects and skills in nearly every field . Were it not so , Frederick could never have attained such glory and risen to become Aurensia's famed Warbringer . Yet , she had never sought to display her talents and was content to stay quietly behind Frederick . Thus , no one truly knew just how remarkable she was . In time , even the prince himself had forgotten . When something was given freely for long enough , it began to feel like something expected . But Sally's thoughts were elsewhere .

" My lady , why do you think Her Majesty has suddenly taken such a liking to you ? " " So , you also believe Her Majesty is trying to win my favor ? " Selena asked . She didn't forget to call ahead to Yuvan , " Keep watch of our surroundings . " " I have been watching , my lady . There is no need to worry , " Yuvan replied at once . Sally's voice was already low , but she lowered it further . " My lady , can you guess Her Majesty's purpose ? " 1/2 Chapter 71 +25 BONUS Selena closed her eyes and leaned against the side of the carriage . " Without proof , I would rather not speculate .

" Sally didn't press her further . The next morning , Yuvan drove the carriage into the courtyard of Moonview Pavilion . " My lady , Lord Campbell is ready . We may set out for the palace at any time . " " Has my brother been practicing with the spear all night ? " Selena knew better than anyone how anxious Sebastian must be , for today was the day of the martial arts exhibition . Yuvan nodded , his expression grave. " He lost his grip on the spear several times again last night . " Sebastian's strength was indeed far from what it once was .

His technique had improved , yet without sufficient power , the spear would slip from his grasp . How was he to break free from such a predicament ?