Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 73 +25 BONUS The royal family was merciless . While one was useful , they were honored with high ranks and rich rewards , and lavished with praise and favor . The moment they ceased to be of use , the royal family found a way to reclaim everything they had been given , instead placing it all in the hands of someone more valuable to them . To take back what had been given , the royal family would stop at nothing . They might even destroy the person in question entirely . Selena suddenly quickened her pace and tugged at the sleeve of her brother's coat .

Sebastian had been lost in thought , reviewing the techniques he would use against Damon . Startled by her touch , he turned sharply . Seeing her pale face , he quickly reassured her , " Don't be afraid . I'll win this bout . And even if by some chance I don't , His Majesty won't blame our family as long as I give my all . " Selena looked up at him , her heart aching . Her poor brother . Loyal to the king and devoted to the realm , a soldier who understood only the field of battle and not the treacherous turns of the human heart .

All his tireless efforts were spent in the hope of bringing honor to his kingdom . He didn't realize that this very square had been prepared for him a carefully crafted snare meant to strip him of his honor and bury him in disgrace . Yet , Selena could say nothing . Like their parents before them , Sebastian's heart burned with patriotism . He was straightforward and sincere , which were rare and precious qualities . She didn't want to see that pure heart crushed . " It's nothing .

I just want you to know that no matter the outcome , as long as you've done your best , there's no shame in it , " she said . He smiled . " No shame at all . " They took their seats together . " + WA 4 4 Though he still wore a smile , the shadow of worry lingered in his eyes . The spear slipping from his 14 grasp showed that Sebastian still lacked confidence . A warrior without confidence was vulnerable , and his mind's pressure would surely affect his skill . Selena's brows furrowed gently as her hand instinctively fell on the spear resting next to her brother .

Sally noticed at once and stepped forward . " My lady . " She gave a slight shake of her head . Her meaning was clear . ' Do you still remember what you promised the duke ? ' Selena pressed her lips together , lowered her gaze , and at last let the spear go . Around them , the noise in the square began to swell . After the ministers and their families arrived , the young sons and daughters of the royal family and noble houses began to appear , one after another . The scene was truly lively .

Frederick had arrived as well , and his gaze found that striking figure standing out in the crowd almost immediately . Whenever she was present , she could draw the eyes of most, especially the men , without the 1/2 Chapter 73 slightest effort . +25 BONUS But when Frederick saw Selena today , there was something about her that caught his eye even more . She wasn't wearing a gown , but a perfectly tailored , fitted riding outfit that hugged her figure . In the sunlight , her lovely curves were clear the slimness of her waist , the gentle roundness of her hips .

She looked both soft and strong , innocent yet strangely captivating . She carried herself with grace and dignity , never once showing a hint of seduction . Yet somehow , a man could feel himself caught in both body and soul when his eyes met hers . And if one were to accuse her of employing some art of seduction , there would be no proof at all , for she had not granted him so much as a single glance . Even seated , she could tempt a man ! Frederick felt a surge of frustration . How had he never realized she was such a woman ? Who was she trying to tempt by dressing like that ?

" So , you were always enchanted by her tricks ? " Freya scoffed , her tone sharp and cold . That scum had been staring at Selena for far too long . Had he not noticed ? Indeed , Frederick didn't know how long he had been looking at her until Freya's cutting remark jarred him from his thoughts . When he looked up , he saw Nathaniel already seated in his place , calmly sipping a cup of tea . Meanwhile , Frederick still stood where he had stopped , quietly fuming !