Lahat ng Kabanata ng Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Kabanata 31 - Kabanata 40

Selena was sipping her tea. Though whispers swirled all around her, she remained serene and composed, her every movement graceful. Her calm and dignified appearance left no room for criticism.But just as she set her cup down, a loud crack shattered the peace.With a sharp smack, the teacup on the table in front of her burst into pieces beneath a sudden, furious strike. What tea remained inside splashed in every direction, droplets landing across the table and floor. One of the young ladies seated nearby gave a startled cry and quickly leapt to the side.Freya stood at the table, her eyes blazing. "Selena, what's the meaning of this?"Selena lifted her gaze slowly and looked at Freya. At first glance, her eyes looked calm and still, but a closer look revealed a storm just beneath the surface. For a moment, Freya felt a strange, instinctive urge to step back.That night, she couldn't see clearly and wasn't sure if it was really Selena who had knocked her out. But Frederick had assu

Had Frederick ever touched Selena or not? Everyone was waiting for his answer.Frederick's face burned with anger. He couldn't believe such a scandal was being aired in public—right here in the palace, no less. His father could arrive at any moment. If the king were to witness this, Frederick's standing in his eyes would surely plummet.Furious and humiliated, he shoved Freya aside. "Enough. We'll speak of it back at the estate. For now, get out of my sight!"Freya stared at him, stunned. "What did you just say?"Had he truly told her to leave?She had never clung to him shamelessly. On the contrary, how many times had she tried to leave, only for him to plead with her to stay? And now he told her to go? Just like that?She lunged for him, her hand reaching for the front of his coat. "So, it's true, isn't it? You really did touch her! Frederick, you liar! How dare you lie to me?"This was how they often interacted at his residence.Frederick had never been struck by anyone in h

"Lena, enough with your insolence," Adelaide said sharply.However, there was a strange glint in the queen's eyes as she looked at Selena and slowly added, "It's just some idle rumors. Why make such a fuss? There will always be busybodies spreading tales. If you plan to throw yourself into despair every time someone talks, how many times will you have to die to prove your innocence?"Finally understanding what was going on, Wilfred snorted, clearly uninterested in such matters. "Why let mere whispers trouble you? Everyone, rise."Adelaide smiled too. "Indeed, Lena. People talk, but those with clean consciences need not worry. No one will believe nonsense.""I thought the same at first, and took it as nothing more than gossip from those who enjoy stirring trouble. But then Ms. Talmar dragged me here, demanding I prove my innocence," Selena replied.Adelaide's eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement. That girl certainly didn't disappoint her. Tonight promised to be entertaining!Pr

Adelaide frowned. "It's merely idle gossip. Why give such things any thought?""You are mistaken, Your Majesty. By now, the rumors have spread throughout the palace, and even beyond the city walls. They claim that while I was at the military camp, I spent every night in Prince Frederick's tent. Worse still, some soldiers swear they heard the shameful sounds I made," Selena replied steadily.The moment the words left her lips, the room fell silent once more. Faces flushed with embarrassment and shock. Even Adelaide's cheeks colored faintly. Such scandalous talk spoken aloud in public was enough to make anyone blush.Wilfred's gaze remained fixed on Selena, who knelt with perfect posture. Though her frame was delicate, she somehow gave off the presence of a true pillar of strength. Saying words no other lady dared to voice, she spoke clearly and without a trace of shame.Wilfred saw in this young woman the same commanding spirit once held by the great general, her father, the Marquis

Ruth knelt before Wilfred and gently grasped the hem of his robe. She looked up at him with a hint of sorrow in her eyes.She whispered, "Your Majesty, I truly did it all for Fred. But have I really done something wrong?"Fred, a prince of the realm, can't possibly have only one woman. Yet, Lena cannot understand this and insists on keeping him all to herself. As a man, Fred is helpless when it comes to affairs of the harem, much like you, Your Majesty."She paused for a moment before continuing, "You are also helpless when it comes to the affairs of the harem. You are well aware of Her Majesty's loyalty and have never betrayed her. But first and foremost, you are the sovereign of the kingdom before you are our husband. To maintain balance among the various powers, you have never been truly free to act as you wish."Even if you wished to be devoted to one woman alone, the whole kingdom wouldn't allow it. You are not unfeeling. You act for the good of all your people."We, the wome