All Chapters of Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

A breeze stirred the air, fluttering a few stray tendrils of Selena's long, dark, pinned-up hair. The sight of that, combined with her flowing gown billowing softly in the wind, made Frederick's heart tighten.Though he disliked her schemes and sly ways, there was no denying that her beauty was unmatched in the entire city. Even if he didn't care for her, a woman like Selena still needed to remain in his cage. No other man could touch her.He quickened his pace and called out, "Lena—"But when he saw who was sitting across from her, his steps abruptly faltered."N-Nathaniel?" Frederick was stunned. "When did you return?""I arrived last night and have already seen the king," Nathaniel said, his tall figure resting on a stone bench. Sunlight fell around him, casting a long shadow on the ground.Though it had been years since they last met, he still seemed like the same man. His aura was naturally fierce and mysterious, radiating a chilling presence that most people would be afraid

At first, Selena was stunned, then she burst out laughing.How absurd!"Your Highness, my brother personally went to the palace to demand the annulment edict. Now, you expect me to send someone to the king and ask him to withdraw it? Are you trying to make my family fall out of favor with the king forever?" she said."This mess was created by the Duke of Blackmoor's household. Do you expect me to clean it up for you?"Frederick was holding back his temper as best he could, and even now his tone was relatively polite."Lena, don't be stubborn. You know I can't afford to make mistakes in front of my father. If General Campbell goes to petition the king personally, the worst that can happen is that he will be reprimanded, but the matter can still be salvaged."If General Campbell refuses to do it, then we'll truly never marry. Lena, know when to stop. If the wedding is canceled, anyone who hears of it will laugh at us. Then, there will be no way to fix it."Selena simply said, "I n

"I'll go meet with the palace people." Selena pressed the box into her brother's hand. "Please do me the favor of going to the Obsidian Monarch's estate yourself. Just tell them... that I'm an ill-fated woman who was cast off, and am not worthy of him.""You're not the one who was cast off. You're the one who doesn't want Prince Frederick!" Sebastian protested.How could he accept his sister calling herself ill-fated? Even hearing it out loud made his heart ache."That is the only excuse I can think of. Time is running out, Seb. Hurry," Selena replied, giving him a gentle push.Knowing how urgent the situation was, Sebastian had no choice but to follow her plan for now. He carefully tucked the box away and left immediately.After he left, Selena hurried to the front courtyard. To her surprise, it was Ruth's maid, Anna, who had come.So, it wasn't an agent of the king.Selena let out a relieved breath and walked over with measured steps. "Ms. Lester, what a rare honor to have you

Anna still looked uneasy. "If the king is made a fool of like this, he may well fly into a terrible rage. When that happens, will he blame Prince Frederick for all this?"The Duke of Blackmoor's household had always been loyal and heroic, and now their line was dying out. So, even if the king was angry, he probably wouldn't truly punish them. However, someone had to bear the brunt of his wrath."Of course not," Ruth said with a sneer. "When Fred kneels before his father and honestly explains how Freya won great merit by turning against her father's remaining loyalists, it will be clear that bringing her back to the capital was only to compensate her."It's Selena's own pride that won't let her accept this. But as an honorable man, Fred doesn't want to make a fuss or argue with a young lady over this matter. And in the future, he will be even more protective and caring toward Selena. The king will be pleased to hear such words and proud to have raised such a magnanimous son."Either

When night fell, Selena changed into a simple white gown.Sally looked puzzled. "My lady, tonight is a formal palace banquet. The queen might not be pleased with your attire.""Not pretty enough?" Selena asked with a smile.Sally shook her head. "It's lovely. You look like an angel who's descended to earth."Selena stepped toward the front courtyard. "Then, why would the queen be unhappy?"Sally hurried after her. "The banquet will be grand, and everyone will dress to impress. With how plainly you're dressed, you'll definitely stand out. But the queen will probably think you're taking things too seriously again."In the harem, women competed to stand out and be unique. That was exactly what the queen despised most."It doesn't matter. Tonight, the queen won't be angry with me," Selena said.As she reached the front courtyard, she spotted her brother standing next to a carriage, worry etched across his face."Lena, you shouldn't go to the banquet tonight," Sebastian said as soo