Semua Bab Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Bab 551 - Bab 560

"What do you mean by that?"The words felt like a dagger to Jillian's heart.Back then, Theodore had indeed told her not to pester him anymore. When she kept trying, he even ordered someone to drive her away.She had considered going to her father and asking him to appeal to Wilfred for justice, but Theodore had threatened her, saying that if she dared involve the king, not a single person in her household would escape.Later, Theodore appeared at her door for no clear reason. He didn't do a thing, yet ended up lying beside her. By dawn, they were discovered. And so, it followed naturally that she became his princess consort.However, many of the spoiled young men in Theodore's circle knew the story of how he had previously abandoned her."Lady Campbell, you think—" Jillian turned, only to freeze completely.Beauty and beast! One like a fierce warrior, the other like an ethereal maiden. One inspiring fear, the other making young ladies seethe with envy!Jillian had spent so lon

When Mira arrived, her entrance immediately caused a stir."Even though the Luminous Monarch is of King Salvador's bloodline, he was given the title of a lesser prince, and now has a distinguished status. Lady Whitmore is truly fortunate. Being brought back at this time makes her one of the very few officially recognized county duchesses of Aurensia," said someone in the crowd.Indeed, Aurensia had only a handful county duchesses who were personally granted their titles by Wilfred. Among the unmarried noblewomen of the capital, Mira's standing was unparalleled. Many young nobles had come tonight hoping to merely catch a glimpse of her beauty, while some had even come with the hope of winning her favor."She's stunning.""She truly is worthy of a title bestowed by His Majesty. Her bearing and beauty are truly exceptional.""Is that Prince Frederick walking with her?""Yes, why is it Prince Frederick?""Has his leg healed?""Wasn't it supposed to be impossible?"Frederick approa

As Adelaide and Isolde exchanged polite conversation, Ruth, who had been so bold and overbearing at the start, suddenly found herself quietly sidelined.Other concubines, such as the mothers of Theodore and Zachary, were not inferior in status to Isolde or Ruth. Yet the former two's positions in the harem were clearly beneath the latter two. So, they sipped their tea in silence, careful not to speak out of turn. They smiled politely and pretended to watch the others, all the while wary of choosing the wrong side.Although the combined influence of Adelaide and Isolde far outweighed Ruth's, her power still rested on her son. Now that Frederick's leg had healed, how much influence she held in the harem depended entirely on him. If he were to become crown prince, even ten queens and Isolde together wouldn't compare.For now, patience was required before choosing sides.Soon, Jeremy arrived. After exchanging formal greetings with Adelaide and the concubines, he approached Nathaniel, wh

Selena had already mentioned Sebastian's medication to Nathaniel. When they arrived, she'd made it clear that her brother must not drink, as it would affect the medicine. She hoped Nathaniel could help keep him in check."Don't worry," Selena said, gently squeezing Lilia's hand and pouring her another glass of fruit wine.She took a small sip herself and looked up, only to meet a pair of icy, unreadable eyes.-Later, Sebastian returned. True to form, he hadn't drunk much. Most of the wine had been intercepted by Nathaniel. Sebastian had to admit that his future brother-in-law was surprisingly reliable.The scene was too chaotic, so Selena sought a quiet corner to rest.A shadow followed.Selena pretended not to see him and turned to leave. But she had only taken two steps when he quickly closed the distance, suddenly standing right in front of her and blocking her path."Prince Frederick," she said flatly, looking resigned.Frederick stared at her face, unblinking. He hadn't

"Going to leave it at that? Not going to chase after her? This is your last chance."The voice came from behind, sudden and laced with a teasing, almost mocking tone. Frederick felt a sharp pang in his chest.He whipped around, eyes blazing. "You'd better understand the nature of your relationship with me. Meddling in matters that don't concern you won't bring you any good."Mira stepped forward slowly, the corner of her mouth curved in a smile that carried an unmistakable edge of sarcasm. "Your Highness, you know full well that your actions just now threatened our plans. That is why I'm reminding you. It is not meant as any form of disrespect."She claimed it wasn't disrespect, yet the chill in her manner said otherwise. Frederick felt anger rise in his chest.Mira sighed softly, and the smirk on her lips faded. "Very well. I understand your feelings, Your Highness. I only feel it's a shame for you.""Whether it's a shame is mine to decide, not yours," Frederick snapped."Your