Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 127 Theodore regarded the blood-stained robe with a trace of distaste, tossing it carelessly to a nearby attendant. The attendant watched Freya's retreating figure and snorted coldly. "Does she truly think herself to be someone of consequence? Whoever gave her the right to refuse your invitation?" "It matters little," Theodore replied, his mind clearly elsewhere. "I have heard that the Desert Rose excels in mounted archery. Did you see how she rode just now? Even Frederick couldn't keep pace.

Among the ladies, her skill is surely unmatched." "Do you wish to invite her to join our hunting party for the Autumn Hunt?" the attendant asked. Each year, the Autumn Hunt was dominated by Frederick's party, especially with Sebastian joining their ranks. In truth, though there was no written rule, it was understood that whichever prince's team won the Autumn Hunt would claim the Dragon Sentinels' emblem for that year. Wilfred's intent was clear-the Dragon Sentinels must not fall entirely under the command of any single prince, lest one dominate the capital.

Therefore, the emblem changed hands each year, without exception. ---- But in recent years, it had remained with Frederick, resulting in the city's security being entirely entrusted to his people. This year, with Frederick estranged from the Campbell family, Sebastian would likely not join his team. Yet, the fifth prince had gained a new and formidable asset in the Desert Rose. If Freya joined Frederick's party, their chances of victory were considerable. Theodore smiled.

"If we can secure the Desert Rose, perhaps the Dragon Sentinels' emblem will indeed change hands this year." "But it seems the girl has gone after Prince Frederick," the attendant said. Without Sebastian, but with Freya now in the fold, Frederick's team might still not be defeated this year. "Yet, with the peerlessly beautiful Selena present, true reconciliation between them may be impossible,' Theodore pointed out, clearly in a good mood. "Come, let us pay a visit to Blackmoor Estate." Selena had spent the day strolling through the capital with Lilia.

Only in the evening, after returning the princess safely to the palace, did she make her way back to Blackmoor Estate. ---- No sooner had she arrived than a servant hurried to announce, " My lady, Prince Theodore has arrived. He has been waiting for you these past hours." Selena frowned. "Waiting for me?" She shared little acquaintance with Theodore. What reason could he possibly have to wait for her? She entered the hall, where Theodore and Sebastian were still enjoying their tea. As she stepped inside, a gentle breeze seemed to follow her, stirring softly from the doorway.

Even Theodore, accustomed as he was to a parade of beautiful women, couldn't help the brief flicker of admiration in his eyes. Sebastian immediately rose to guide his sister forward. "You've returned, Lena. Come, pay your respects to Prince Theodore." Selena moved with deliberate grace, inclining her head slightly toward Theodore. "Greetings, Your Highness." Theodore inclined his head in return. "Lady Campbell, I trust you are well. Please take a seat." Though a guest, he was a prince, and his presence commanded the room.

Selena seated herself beside her brother, remaining quiet and unobtrusive. She didn't join their conversation, content simply to ---- accompany them The prince had come from his residence, Tranquil Estate, bearing gifts, with some of them said to have been sent by his mother. Theodore and Sebastian had been discussing the upcoming Autumn Hunt. The prince wished to invite Sebastian to join his own team, but the latter explained that his grandfather, who had been unwell of late, needed his care. This year, Sebastian might not be able to attend the hunt at all.

With that, Theodore could do no more than leave the matter for Sebastian's consideration, urging him to decide before nightfall. When the prince left, the siblings themselves saw his delegation off. As Sebastian watched the grand procession of attendants and horses, an inexplicable anxiety crept over him. "Prince Theodore arriving with such pomp to deliver gifts feels rather improper. What on earth is he thinking, Lena?" All this, for nothing more than an invitation to join Theodore's team? The lavish display brought to mind a single, chilling thought-a marriage proposal.

The notion sent a shiver down Sebastian's spine. "Lena, he couldn't be... interested in you, could he?"