All Chapters of Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Chapter 411 - Chapter 420

Sebastian didn't return all through the night. The next morning, it was Liam who personally brought him back, still thoroughly drunk."Did Seb go drinking with Prince Nathaniel last night? His Highness is not fully recovered. How could he indulge in alcohol?" Selena asked, equal parts furious and exasperated.She glared at her brother, who was sprawled across the bed and snoring peacefully.Liam hurried to explain, "Don't worry, Lady Campbell. General Campbell was the only one who drank excessively, while His Highness merely drank lightly. He also asked me to deliver a message to you.""A message?" Selena repeated.Liam nodded. "His Highness says he has taken your instructions to heart. In the coming days, he will avoid staying up late, refrain from overexertion, abstain from combat, drink moderately, eat well, and rest sufficiently, all to recover as quickly as possible."Also, he intended to visit you last night. But just as he returned home and began his evening bath, General

When the two women met, it wasn't only Isolde's eyes that lit up. Selena herself was struck by the other lady's beauty.At last, she understood why Nathaniel and Oliver were so extraordinarily handsome, even more so than the other naturally attractive royal children. Wilfred had been striking in his youth, but was nowhere close to the breathtaking allure of Nathaniel and Oliver. Their beauty came entirely from Isolde.She was a woman whose beauty commanded attention. Though she was over forty and wore little more than simple, understated makeup rather than anything heavy and elaborate, her natural beauty made her stunning beyond measure. At a glance, she could have passed for a woman in her twenties.Still, there were subtle traces of age. There was a hint of weariness in her eyes and fine lines at the corners. Even so, her elegance seemed entirely natural. No matter how one looked at her, she was beautiful."What is it? Did I startle this girl?" Isolde glanced at Edith, frowning s

"A mother naturally cares about such things, but I'll admit I was at fault too," said Isolde.She closed her hands firmly around Selena's, not letting her pull away this time. Feeling how her fingers were cold as ice, Isolde finally understood that the girl carried no real sense of security in her heart."Lena, will you be willing to hear what's truly on my mind?" she asked."Please, go ahead," Selena answered at once."In the beginning, your mother and I only met in secret. My family had... ambitions. His Majesty knew of them and was displeased. Because of that, anyone from my mother's side became a thorn in his side. To put him at ease, we stopped associating with nearly all the factions at court. And that included your family," Isolde explained.At that, Selena finally understood. If Wilfred distrusted Isolde's family, then her spending time with anyone from the Duke of Blackmoor's household would have dragged them into the same suspicion.No wonder things had happened as they

"Lena, you don't need to worry about going to Southern Mundra for now. Leave it to Nate. He'll pave the way for you."With that, Isolde fell silent.The palace was no place for comfort. If Selena wanted to chat next time, she could go to Obsidian Estate. Here, Isolde couldn't fully relax, even in her own residence."I only had you come today to let you understand my intentions. Nate and I are of one mind, so you and I should be as well," she added, her tone warm and gentle.She held Selena's hand again. "Your mother is gone, and others may try to take advantage of you. Remember this. From now on, Nate and I are your pillars of support. Should anyone dare trouble the Duke of Blackmoor's household, tell us. We will stand up for you."Isolde personally escorted Selena out. The palace was truly not a good place to be. Ever since she returned here, the concubine had felt out of sorts."Once I settle a few matters here and attend to His Majesty and the queen dowager for a few more days

Immediately sensing Liam's discomfort, Selena said, "There's no need to report to me about every guest he sees. Why make such a fuss?""That's not what I meant," Liam replied, still unsure how to explain.He could be rigid at times, but was also sharp when it mattered. His formal tone and deference to Selena, as though he were already her subordinate, suggested the matter was indeed serious."I shall return another day to pay my respects," Selena said at last.As a prince, Nathaniel naturally attracted many seeking his favor. There were matters she simply couldn't involve herself in.Just as she was about to take her leave, a burst of laughter carried across the distance. Four young maidservants approached, each carrying various items, followed by four servants bearing two large chests between them. The chests looked heavy, clearly filled with something substantial. Liam's expression darkened further at the sight of them.Selena's curiosity was piqued. Obsidian Estate didn't empl