Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 138 A chill ran through Yuvan. Though he had never faced Aurora in combat, he had often heard of her exploits. She was renowned as a master of mounted archery, formidable in all martial arts skills. He instinctively knew he was no match for her. Moreover, she was a woman of remarkable courage and character. Yuvan held her in the highest esteem and would never dare raise a hand against her. Since Zane had fallen on the battlefield, Aurora seldom appeared in public.

It was said that she lived a life of quiet devotion, rarely leaving her chambers, content in a world of contemplation and simplicity. But since she remained a member of Stanley's household, she couldn't refuse when he demanded her presence. As Aurora approached, Yuvan inclined his head respectfully. "My lady, | hope this day finds you well." He had seen her before, though in those days he had been but a boy. Aurora had spent many years in seclusion, living quietly, away from the world.

Yet now, seeing someone salute her with the ---- disciplined bearing of a soldier, she couldn't help but feel a pang of bittersweet nostalgia. "Young man, the Earl of Greymoor wishes to see the Duke of Blackmoor. They are brothers, after all. | beg you, grant him the courtesy of passage so that he may speak with his brother," she said. Her presence here was by no choice of her own, and to fight would be an affront to her conscience. Her late husband had served under Thomas, and she was considered to be his subordinate as well. To strike at the servants of Thomas' children would be unjust.

Yuvan could see the reluctance in her expression and hurried to say, "Lady Aurora, we have no authority over this matter. If you can perhaps wait, our mistress-" "She's just a foolish girl. What right does she have to keep me waiting? Aurora, strike down this whelp and make him beg for mercy!" Stanley snapped. Aurora regarded Yuvan with an impassive expression and said, * My apologies." The female guard at her side, Dora Mason, immediately offered her a spear with both hands. Aurora took it, twisting her wrist with a practiced flourish, and the weapon gave a sharp, ringing sound.

Even before she struck, the spear quivered in her grasp, ---- humming with potent inner energy. Such power! Yuvan staggered back half a step, caught off guard. He stumbled slightly, regaining his footing as he met her gaze, urgency in his voice. "Lady Aurora-" "The Earl of Greymoor is Zane's father, and therefore mine as well. | cannot disobey his command. | beg your pardon, young man!" With a swift, elegant motion, Aurora's spear shot forward, aimed straight for Yuvan's chest. He raised his sword in desperation, the clash ringing sharply through the courtyard.

Yet, his blade was no match for her spear. The sheer force of her strike drove him back several paces, nearly toppling him. Before he could even steady his breath, her spear came at him again, this time aimed at his head. He swung his sword to intercept, sparks flying as steel met steel. Aurora's face remained calm and composed, while Yuvan found himself staggering backward, his breath ragged and uneven. "Yuvan, watch out!" Sally cried, beads of sweat forming on her brow, Aurora's arrival was entirely unexpected.

Were it not for her, not ---- even the combined forces of the Earl of Greymoor's family members present could hope to match Yuvan. He could defeat them with a single finger. Aurora's skill was extraordinary. She was a true general on the battlefield, a woman of unparalleled might! Yuvan teetered on the brink of defeat, but what could Sally do? Calling in the Blackmoor Estate guards would make too much noise, and there was no telling whether it might disturb Gideon. Sally's heart pounded in panic. Meanwhile, the family members of the Earl of Greymoor's household continued their loud cheering.

When Emily saw Yuvan falter repeatedly, she leapt up with glee. " Yes, finish him off, Aurora! Wait, no need to kill him! Just break his legs!"