Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 103 "What?!" Selena nearly jumped in shock. How could Nathaniel say such things at will? "Your Highness, please mind your words. If such things were to spread, | would be slandered." "That is why | speak of it only to you, and no one else," Nathaniel said, closing his eyes once more, hiding everything in their depths. "I feel so wronged, Lena." Selena's expression darkened. "Your Highness, | beg you not to jest!" Since when had she ever spoken of marrying him? From her earliest memories, her heart had belonged to Frederick. Plus, she had scarcely spent any time with Nathaniel.

The fourth prince remained silent, eyes shut as if he had resolved to sleep, indifferent to whatever Selena did to tend his wounds. Occasionally, when she pressed too hard, his dashing eyebrows would draw together ever so slightly. Selena finished bandaging his injury with utmost care, though he seemed already asleep. ---- "Your Highness, your wound has been properly treated. You must return at once," she whispered. No response came. Patiently, she tried again, "Your Highness..." "I shall leave when | awaken," he murmured.

"But you can't sleep in my chamber!" "I'm already asleep," he replied, which meant there was no need to dwell on this matter any longer. Selena realized he had no intention of leaving. Very well. If he wouldn't go, she would. After gathering the medical supplies, she prepared to take her leave. Just as she reached the doorway, a hoarse voice called out behind her. "You truly promised that you would marry me when you grew up." Her steps faltered, her brow knitting with anger. "Your Highness, please-" But when she turned around, all she felt was a cold breeze sweeping past.

The window was open, and he was gone. Even Moonreaver had vanished. ---- A strange unease settled over Selena. The Demon Lord's words were usually flippant, yet that remark carried a hint of grievance, a weight that didn't seem playful at all. Had she actually promised him something before? Impossible. She couldn't remember ever spending time with the fourth prince, now the Obsidian Monarch. Perhaps he had been betrothed to some other woman and simply mistaken Selena for her. Though Nathaniel didn't exactly seem unreliable, who could say for certain?

After all, he had just taken it upon himself to thrash Dawnmere's third prince, which was quite the display of recklessness, Selena tidied everything in the room before returning to bed and lying down to rest. Her mind was full of thoughts, though she couldn't say exactly what. Everything felt jumbled and chaotic. Just as sleep began to claim her, a fleeting image flashed across her mind-of her pressing a sleepy kiss to someone's cheek and murmuring, "When | grow up, I'll marry you." Selena's eyes flew open, her body drenched in cold sweat.

Realizing it had only been a dream, she let out a shuddering sigh of relief. How terrifying! She had dreamt of kissing the Demon ---- Lord and saying she would marry him when she grew up! Had he really brainwashed her? With a frustrated growl, Selena yanked the covers over her head, burying herself completely, as though she could drown out the thought entirely. Yet, the phrase "I feel so wronged, Lena," lingered restlessly in her mind. "Stop it!" she groaned, clutching her head, which felt like it was splitting in two.

Early the next morning, Sally burst into Selena's room "My lady, there's a pool of blood in the courtyard. | washed it away, but what on earth happened?" Sally looked as though she had seen a ghost. After all, that much blood was enough to suggest someone might be dead. Still groggy, Selena barely registered her words. Seeing someone at her bedside, she blurted out without thinking, "Demon Lord, did | really say | would marry you?"