Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 76 +25 BONUS While Selena and Sally were still at a loss over how to console Sebastian , a carriage from Obsidian Estate arrived . Cloud stepped out and made his way toward them . " General Campbell , " he greeted , inclining his head before turning to Selena . " Lady Campbell . " " Mr. York , " they both replied , one with a curtsy and the other with a bow . Cloud offered Selena a polite smile , then turned to Sebastian , presenting a long wooden case with both hands . Sebastian's eyes lit up with a sudden gleam , though he hesitated to believe it . Surely not .

Yet , of late , Nathaniel had made a habit of doing things that defied all expectations . Cloud unlatched the case . As the lid swung open , Sebastian's breath caught . Nestled within was the duskgold spear . As Cloud lifted it with care and held it out to him , Sebastian shot to his feet , excitement breaking through his usual composure . " H - His Highness is willing to lend me the spear ? " But Cloud shook his head . " No. " Sebastian's face fell at once . If the prince wouldn't lend it , why go so far as to tempt him with it ? Oh , how he wanted it !

Cloud caught the disappointment in the other man's eyes , and his smile widened . " General Campbell , His Highness wishes to give this duskgold spear to you . " Sebastian's heart gave a violent leap . He nearly sprang up in sheer delight before a sudden thought stopped him short . Something seemed off . Sebastian glanced toward where Frederick was seated . He and his second brother , Zachary Lancaster , were speaking quietly together , paying no mind to the exchange . Even so , Sebastian couldn't be certain whether he should accept such a gift .

A man shouldn't accept a reward he had not earned . " Mr. York , this spear ... " " His Highness merely hopes you will do him a small favor , General Campbell . In return , the spear is yours , " Cloud replied . Sebastian straightened . " What is it His Highness would have me do ? " Such an open attempt to win over the Duke of Blackmoor's household placed them under considerable pressure . Yet , with relations between them and Frederick now in ruins , and Sebastian's own body being impaired , protecting his sister in the days to come would be no easy task .

For Selena and Gideon's sake , perhaps it was time the Duke of Blackmoor's household found another patron . At present , Sebastian held the Obsidian Monarch in the highest regard . After all , true heroes respected one another . Nathaniel was the man who had reclaimed the perilous Northern Frontier , and in the eyes of soldiers , that was the deed of a truly great man . Still , Sebastian had no wish for his family to be drawn into the princes ' struggle for power at such a time . It was 1/2 Chapter 76 +25 BONUS no easy choice . Cloud's smile warmed .

" There is no need to look so troubled , General Campbell . His Highness only asks that you speak a few kind words to Lady Campbell on his behalf , enough so that she will cease to dislike him . " Sebastian stared at him , utterly stunned . " What ? " Next to him , Selena's eyes darkened . What on earth was that Demon Lord plotting now ? Sebastian was shaken at first , but quickly recovered . " Mr. York , please assure His Highness that Lena holds him in the highest regard . I beg him to believe that she has never once shown him the least bit of disrespect .

" Cloud let out a long , helpless sigh . " His Highness says that Lady Campbell will hardly grant him so much as a smile when they meet . He imagines it must be because he is too ugly . " " That is impossible ... ' " He hopes you will speak a few kind words on his behalf , so that Lady Campbell won't dislike him . If she might be a touch more gracious toward him , His Highness would be perfectly content . " Cloud placed the duskgold spear into Sebastian's hands , then drew back at once , offering a courteous bow before walking away .

Sebastian remained frozen in place for a long moment , unable to quite comprehend what had just transpired . By the time he gathered his wits , Cloud was once more at Nathaniel's side , standing straight and tall . It was then that Nathaniel lifted his cup toward Sebastian in silent salute . Startled , Sebastian hastily set the spear at his side , seized his own cup , and returned the gesture . Yet as he did so , a thought struck him . The spear was already resting beside him . Did that mean ... he had accepted it ?