Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 101 Nathaniel seized Selena's wrist, but her fingers were already curled around the hilt of Moonreaver. Immediately, she felt a sharp and biting chill, forcing her to instinctively loosen her grip. "Are you hurt?" Nathaniel asked, his eyes soft with concern. Selena shook her head and met his gaze. "Why are you so anxious, Your Highness? Could this blade possibly harm me?" "Itis forged from thousand-year cold iron," he said, his voice low.

"Its chill can overwhelm anyone lacking sufficient inner energy, leaving them breathless and disoriented." When Selena showed no reaction whatsoever, the prince narrowed his eyes at her. She smiled and asked, "So, it can do no harm to those without inner energy?" Nathaniel froze for a fraction of a moment. Was that truly accurate? He couldn't say, as no one unskilled had dared touch Moonreaver. The blade had been under the care of masters of the martial arts world, recovered only by the finest of warriors. Liam and Cloud could handle it, but no one else dared.

Those who had once tried ---- to withstand the chill of that ancient cold iron with their own inner energy had ended up vomiting blood on the spot. But for one entirely devoid of inner energy? He wasn't sure what the outcome would be. Like what happened with Selena, perhaps? Nathaniel studied her impassive expression, his gaze sharpening. "Can you rise, Your Highness?" Selena asked, finally ignoring the blade, her attention fixed entirely on him He smiled faintly. "I can't move.

Will you help me up?" Tyne "Then, | shall remain here, bleeding, until tomorrow, when someone finds my body lying in your courtyard." Selena very nearly lost her composure, her foot itching to kick him. "Your Highness, do you not know that such shameless conduct makes one quite detestable?" "I can't say. It seems everyone rather likes me,' Nathaniel replied with perfect confidence. Selena had never encountered such shameless audacity. The pool of blood on the ground continued to grow.

If their ---- conversation went on much longer, someone would indeed need to come by tomorrow to deal with his corpse. With a sigh, Selena bent and took hold of Nathaniel's arm to support him. He frowned slightly at the movement. "Is your arm also wounded?" she asked immediately. Nathaniel smiled faintly. "You're always so observant, my dearest Lena." "I'm not yours, Your Highness. Choose your words with care," she replied, moving to the other side and carefully helping him to rise. "always choose my words with care, whether before the king or the ministers.

Must | still do the same in your presence? If so, life would become a most weary business." Nathaniel leaned against Moonreaver, using the broadsword to support his tall, solid frame. A small portion of his weight pressed against Selena, but most of it was held by the blade. If not for how delicate she seemed, he would have gladly let his full weight rest on her. For a fleeting moment, Nathaniel allowed himself to linger on thoughts of her soft body. Soon, they stepped inside. Selena helped him into a chair, while Moonreaver was tossed carelessly to one side.

Only when ---- seeing how the blade's weight alone was enough to topple a chair did she realize how heavy it truly was. "Your Highness, | will fetch some medicine. Please don't attempt to move." She paused, then cautiously added, "And if you change your mind and wish to leave, that is also an option." "I shall wait patiently for your return, Lena," Nathaniel replied with a smile. Selena shot him a sharp glance before turning and leaving. When she returned, the prince was reclining on the chair, eyes closed. She couldn't tell whether he was asleep or merely resting.

With a sigh of exasperation, she carefully loosened his clothing. Her eyes widened at the sight of the wound-a clean slash running from his shoulder down to his chest. "The wound is so deep," she muttered, unable to help letting out asigh. Nathaniel lifted his head slightly, a hint of stubborn pride in his voice as he said, "Don't worry. That fellow's injuries were ten times worse than mine." Selena's heart skipped a beat. "So, you truly left Prince Elias gravely wounded? Why? Is he not your friend?"