Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 92 Naturally, Selena would never agree. However, some things couldn't be refused with a simple no. "lil respect whatever choice you make, but I do hope you'll give it some thought, Lady Campbell," said Elias, showing her considerable deference. Since it wasn't a marriage edict, it wasn't something Wilfred could decide on his own. What's more, in alliances between kingdoms, it was always princesses who married princes. For a duke's granddaughter to catch the eye of a prince from Dawnmere was already a rare stroke of fortune. And yet, she was considered refusing?

What could she be thinking? Whispers spread like wildfire, with everyone saying that Selena didn't know how fortunate she was. After the martial arts exhibition concluded, Yuvan and Sally sat in the front cabin of the carriage as it headed back to Blackmoor Estate. The atmosphere inside was somewhat heavy. "Lena, have you and Prince Elias met before?" Sebastian asked cautiously. Selena shook her head. "I've seen him, but he never paid me any ---- mind. What happened today was completely unexpected." Sebastian's brow furrowed. "Unexpected?" A union between two kingdoms was no small affair.

Surely it was more than a mere accident. Could it be that simply because Lena had bested him, he had taken offense and staged such a scene? Immediately sensing what her brother was thinking, Selena said, "Prince Elias doesn't seem the sort to act on impulse." She shook her head, utterly bewildered. What exactly was he planning? "Indeed. A prince of any kingdom represents his realm's honor. Words once spoken can't be taken back. Lena, if His Majesty truly consents, you'll be going to Dawnmere," said Sebastian. This was no trivial matter. However, Sebastian had his own thoughts.

"After seeing Prince Elias in action today, | think he's straightforward and fair in his fighting. His character should be no different." One could judge a man's heart by his martial arts skills. "Moreover, he is already twenty-three, long past the usual age for marriage, yet his household contains not a single lady of note. That shows he's not one given to frivolous desires." ---- Selena fixed him with a sharp look. "Seb, what exactly are you suggesting?" Sebastian knew his sister was unsettled, but as her brother, he wished for her happiness above all else.

"I merely think that Prince Elias is as handsome as Prince Frederick, and by all appearances, his character seems steadier. His rank is certainly comparable. If... if you're willing, he might not be a bad match at all." Since she had broken her engagement with Frederick, finding another suitable match would be difficult in Aurensia. Could the appearance of this prince be another turning point in her life? "Lena..." "Seb!" Selena glared at him, exasperated. "I'm so annoyed!" Sebastian stared at her, caught completely off guard.

After all these years, he had never realized his younger sister could lose her temper like that. He fumbled for words, rushing to soothe her. "Alright, | get it! You don't care for Prince Elias. | shall say no more. | promise, | won't mention it again! Please don't be angry." He patted her back gently, his voice soft and coaxing. "It was my mistake, my very great mistake. Truly. Please don't be cross, Lena." ---- Seeing that even a man as exceptional as Elias couldn't capture her attention, it was clear she still cared for Frederick. But he was... Sebastian sighed How was that to be managed?

Meanwhile, Frederick felt utterly humiliated. He never imagined he could be defeated. Every year, the royal family held equestrian and martial arts competitions. During the five years the Obsidian Monarch had been absent from the capital, Frederick had always been the undisputed champion. But today, he had lost, and lost spectacularly to Elias at that, even dropping his weapon in the process. Ruth was beside herself, almost fainting with frustration. "Do you still have feelings for Selena? If you do, why did you abandon her for that wild girl? What on earth are you thinking?

Even I'm confused by you!"