All Chapters of Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Chapter 381 - Chapter 390

"They deliberately lured you here, Your Highness. Could this have something to do with the struggles within the Dawnmere royal family? And who are they working with?" Liam asked, unable to make sense of it.At present, no one had an answer to such questions.Those capable of challenging the Obsidian Monarch likely had the support of one of the powerful factions in the capital. But no one could say with certainty exactly how many factions remained or where their loyalties lay.Frederick seemed defeated, but could still rise again. However, his power and influence had clearly weakened. Many ministers who originally sided with him were now either cautiously observing the situation or had found new patrons.Since Frederick's injury at the Autumn Hunt, the balance of power in the capital had clearly shifted, with the various factions falling into disarray. At this juncture, which faction was determined to see the Obsidian Monarch utterly destroyed?"Your Highness, we have no intelligen

Upon hearing that Aurora had sustained an injury, Selena hastened to fetch the medicine chest. She entered Aurora's chambers and found her holding a long spear, staring off into space as if lost in thought.Outside, the others were jubilantly celebrating their victory, while Qiana immediately went in search of Yvette. But here in Aurora's room, the atmosphere was quiet and subdued."Lena, you've returned." Aurora smiled faintly when she saw Selena carrying the medicine chest. "It is only a minor wound. I've attended to it already. No need for concern."She set the spear down, but her eyes lingered on it for a moment longer as if reluctant to let go. Selena's gaze fell on her arm. Aurora had changed her attire, but the wound had only been superficially tended to and was not properly bandaged."If the injury is not properly treated, it could lead to complications. It may even do serious harm to your health," Selena said softly, moving to sit beside the other woman and rolling up her

"Aurora, I understand what you seek. Your wish is also mine. However, there is something that troubles me." Selena helped Aurora to her feet. "Come, sit. We should speak properly."Aurora assumed the worst. Thinking she had been refused, a heavy gloom settled over her. "Lena, what is it that troubles you? Are you concerned that our households will have strained relations?""This involves the kingdom, so what does a little tension between families matter? I've never paid the people of Greymoor Estate any mind," Selena replied.She spoke plainly, with no hint of arrogance in her tone. It was simply clear that she held those people in contempt and saw no need to pretend otherwise."So, why—""Aurora, you no longer possess the will to live. To send you to the battlefield now would be to send you directly to your death."Selena exhaled quietly. Seeing the shock in Aurora's eyes made her own heart tighten."Your wish is not truly to defend the kingdom. What you want is to die as Zane

The turmoil in Hartshire was settled at last. However, it was clear that the entire affair had been deliberately orchestrated against the Obsidian Monarch."The greatest point of suspicion is that before His Highness even set out, someone had already approached the nearby bandits and bought their loyalty. Though the scheme was hatched only recently, it must have been in motion before the prince received the royal edict to head to Hartshire," Selena said.The troops were reassembling, preparing to escort the remaining captives back to the capital at dawn.Selena handed Nathaniel the notes she had compiled. "The difficulty is that before His Majesty decided to send Prince Nathaniel to suppress the unrest, not even His Highness knew of the assignment. It is also entirely possible the decision was made on a whim."Ronan frowned. "So, you believe that whoever is behind this was able to anticipate His Majesty's next move. Perhaps he even knew for certain what His Majesty would choose to

Aurora took the woven basket with her. Mother and son stood at the town gate, watching the column of soldiers march away. Even after the company had disappeared well into the distance, the two of them lingered there, reluctant to leave.Aurora's smile had been lovely. It wasn't just her appearance, but something else as well. It was almost as if she carried sunlight with her. The mother and son couldn't explain why it felt that way, only that it did."Mom, the lady gave me something," the little boy said suddenly, holding out what he had been clutching in his hand."Gold!" His mother gasped, her eyes flying wide. "T-the lady gave us gold!"Overcome, the two of them fell to their knees and wept with joy. They didn't rise for a long time.-After the company left Hartshire, they marched for half a day before stopping on the outskirts to rest. Everyone was gnawing on dry rations when Aurora opened the woven basket.Qiana's sharp nose caught the scent at once. "Roast chicken!"The