All Chapters of Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Chapter 71 - Chapter 80

When they boarded the carriage, Sebastian's expression was indeed grave.Selena smiled and sought to reassure him, saying, "Seb, you need not worry. The technique Mr. Jensen taught you seems quite effective to me. Don't you think so?"Sebastian looked down at his right hand and shook his head with a sigh. "The technique is sound and should be able to counter Mr. Walsh. But I saw him the other night—he is a giant of a man, with strength to rival ten. I fear that a single blow from him might send my spear flying.""But Mr. Jensen's technique ensures your spear will never meet Mr. Walsh's head-on. That way, he won't have a chance to knock it from your grasp," Selena pointed out."You understand the intricacies of the technique that well?" Sebastian asked, astonished.Selena smiled. "I have studied the moves of every school and guild, and can recite volumes on martial arts forms by heart. I can read the essence of a technique at a glance."Sebastian was genuinely amazed. His sister w

Frederick turned away and walked to his reserved seat. He refused to let his eyes stray towards where the people from the Duke of Blackmoor's household were sitting again.However, Freya stood still beside him, making no move to sit.Frederick frowned. "What is it? Are you still feeling unwell?"After her flogging, she had spent several days lying in bed to recover. She had only managed to walk again in the past two days. Frederick had urged her to rest a while longer, but she had insisted on accompanying him, and he had not opposed her.Freya lowered her head and glared at him, clearly vexed. "Don't you think I look different today?"He glanced her over from head to toe.She had indeed dressed with care. Her face was lightly powdered, and her makeup was finely done. She wore a vivid violet gown of courtly fashion, one he had already noticed when they set out. At the time, he had even told her she looked beautiful.But now, Selena sat not far off from them. She was in plain, for

While Selena and Sally were still at a loss over how to console Sebastian, a carriage from Obsidian Estate arrived. Cloud stepped out and made his way toward them."General Campbell," he greeted, inclining his head before turning to Selena. "Lady Campbell.""Mr. York," they both replied, one with a curtsy and the other with a bow.Cloud offered Selena a polite smile, then turned to Sebastian, presenting a long wooden case with both hands.Sebastian's eyes lit up with a sudden gleam, though he hesitated to believe it. Surely not. Yet, of late, Nathaniel had made a habit of doing things that defied all expectations.Cloud unlatched the case. As the lid swung open, Sebastian's breath caught. Nestled within was the duskgold spear. As Cloud lifted it with care and held it out to him, Sebastian shot to his feet, excitement breaking through his usual composure."H-His Highness is willing to lend me the spear?"But Cloud shook his head. "No."Sebastian's face fell at once. If the princ

Selena was momentarily startled, but quickly gathered her thoughts and offered Elias a pleasant smile. He returned it with one of his own, though his expression carried a depth she couldn't easily read. She chose not to dwell on it, turning her gaze away once she had smiled at him.Before long, Wilfred arrived with Adelaide, followed by Ruth, Emma Nash, and Clara Zeller.These ladies had all been Wilfred's concubines before his ascension to the throne. Each had proved fortunate enough to bear him a son, a matter of particular importance within the royal family. For the moment at least, their positions in the harem were secure.Clara was the mother of the second prince, Zachary, while Emma was mother to the third prince, Theodore Lancaster. As for Nathaniel, his mother was Isolde Whitmore, a woman quite unlike the others.Reserved by nature, Isolde disliked noise and avoided the intrigues of the harem. She spent half the year at her residence, Blissford Palace, praying for Wilfred a

Selena had said Samuel would fall in ten moves, and on the tenth, he truly had.Yuvan and Sebastian both stared, utterly stunned. However, Sally wasn't surprised."What's there to be astonished about? My lady could read a match and call the outcome when she was twelve. You simply don't understand her," she muttered under her breath.Sebastian and Yuvan froze, eyes wide.Twelve? Twelve years old! A mere girl, and she could already predict a victor? And yet, somehow, they believed Sally's words. How could someone so young be so remarkable?"Seb, it's your turn next. You'd best steady yourself," Selena reminded him.Sebastian blinked and returned to the moment, just as Andrew announced the second match."The eldest son of the Duke of Blackmoor's household, Sebastian Campbell, will face the Dawnmere warrior, Damon Walsh."Sebastian rose, gripping the duskgold spear. Before stepping onto the stage, he gave Selena a reassuring glance.Sally sighed softly. "Lord Sebastian is always s