Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 100 Selena appeared in front of Nathaniel about half an hour later. Seeing the blood at his feet, a dull ache began throbbing at her temple. "Your Highness, you're wounded. Shouldn't you return to Obsidian Estate to see a physician?" He remained seated in her garden, letting the blood from his injuries stain the ground. She had waited for thirty minutes, hoping he would rise and leave of his own accord. Yet, he refused to move. If he were to bleed to death here, would the blame fall upon her family?

Lately, misfortune seemed to arrive at the Duke of Blackmoor's household in endless succession, and she feared the next calamity might simply overwhelm them. "Your Highness, shouldn't you hurry back to tend to your injuries?" There was blood everywhere. Wasn't he afraid of dying from blood loss? Nathaniel finally lifted his head and regarded her. Beneath the mask, she could clearly see that his face was pale as paper, clearly drained of blood. "Your Highness, do you need me to have someone escort you ---- back?" she asked, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

Almost immediately, she regretted it. Doing that would announce to the world that Nathaniel had been injured in her care. If that happened, the rumors linking her to the Obsidian Monarch would be unstoppable. He leaned against the tree trunk, silently watching her. Though he bled freely from his wounds, his gaze rested on Selena as if the entire affair had nothing to do with him at all. He even allowed himself a teasing remark, "Have you thought of how you'll take care of me, Lena?" Selena nearly lost her temper. "I have no such ability, and | dare not make decisions for you, Your Highness.

Could you please leave on your own?" "You want to kick me out again?" His gaze grew heavy, and his usual arrogance was gone. Somehow, it felt as if even his spirit had been wounded. But Selena knew better. This was just another trick to manipulate her, and she wasn't going to fall for it. She had learned her lesson after Frederick's betrayal, no longer letting men affect her so easily. "Your Highness, propriety must be observed. You're not ---- welcome in my courtyard. If you wish to visit the estate, please enter through the front gate.

My brother will make sure you're properly received, and he can even call a physician to tend to your injuries." "| can't move." Nathaniel exhaled and closed his eyes, looking as if he were resting. His voice was rough when he next spoke. "Lena, you may carry me to the gates of your estate if you must, but let no one but you lay a hand on me. If they dare, they will answer for it with their lives." Selena drew in a sharp breath. He meant it. Every word he said was deadly serious. She was truly at a loss. "What exactly are you planning?" she asked. She could hardly let him bleed to death here.

Also, the pool of blood on the ground was a terrifying sight! "I'm tired. Decide for me, Lena," Nathaniel said with a faint smile. His lips were streaked with blood, yet the smile somehow made him astonishingly handsome. For a brief moment, Selena could only stare. Then, her temple began to throb again. ---- After what felt like an eternity, she gave a resigned sigh. "I can tend to your wounds, Your Highness. But once you're patched up, can you promise me you will leave at once?" "That depends on whether | still have the strength, Lena. I'm far too weary to move," he replied.

He was still smiling! Clearly, he was hinting that he wanted her to carry him. Selena had the sudden, overwhelming urge to kick him out, yet she lacked the courage. Finally, she took a deep breath to calm herself, then bent down to pick up the broadsword. She couldn't leave it there. At the very least, she had to stow it away safely until he was well enough to take it with him. But the moment she reached for the Moonreaver, Nathaniel's eyes darkened and he rasped, "Careful! Don't touch it!" 9