Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 143 Selena didn't answer Sally's question. If even Freya was permitted to compete, then surely the Duke of Blackmoor's household, with its many talents, could form a team of its own. Forming a team was one thing. To seize the highest honors was quite another. She knew well the strength of Frederick's household, and Theodore's household was no less formidable. At least those she understood, but there was one faction shrouded entirely in mystery. "Sally, find a way to learn who will be representing the Obsidian Monarch's household," Selena said quietly.

"Do what you can, but don't take risks. Above all, make certain his people never discover you were near." The man she called the Demon Lord was a figure of unfathomable depth. She had no wish to provoke him. But if the Duke of Blackmoor's household were to join the hunt, it must be with the intent to seize first place. Anything less would be of no consequence before the king. And if there was a chance of gathering intelligence, she couldn't deny her curiosity about whom the Demon Lord would choose for his team. ---- "My lady, would it not be wise to test Ms.

Talmar's skill as well?" Sally asked, hesitant. "They say her riding and archery skills surpass even her brother's.' Selena frowned. "And where did you hear that?" Kieran Talmar was the greatest horseman and archer of the Great Desert. When Sebastian once pursued him, he had very nearly lost his life to Kieran's arrow. Could it be true that Freya's archery skills surpassed even his? If 'so, that was indeed worth noting. At that very moment, Freya was indeed within Frederick's encampment, engaged in the art of mounted archery.

Her method of practice was simple, yet demanded extraordinary skill. Seated astride her horse, she loosed her arrows at fruit tossed high into the air, all while galloping at full speed. One after another, thirty fruits were cast aloft. Of those, she struck twenty-five with unerring aim, while five slipped past her bow and fell to the ground Freya was far from satisfied, her lips pursed in clear displeasure. "Your skill in mounted archery is already remarkable. It is only ---- that you have neglected the bow too long, so your hand is out of practice.

For my part, | am well content with what | have seen," said Frederick. With that showing, to claim her skills surpassed Kieran was impossible. Yet in Frederick's eyes, colored by affection, she was already peerless. Among ladies, her prowess was unmatched. Freya's lips pressed together in defiance. "No, | won't leave a single target untouched. Again!" She urged her horse onward, racing away to loose more arrows alongside Frederick's comrades. Only when she had ridden out of earshot did William dare step close, his expression troubled. "Your Highness, about Ms.

Talmar's skill..." He faltered, uncertain how to frame his concern. She boasted about being the Desert Rose, supposedly greater even than Kieran himself. Yet all of them had seen the truth with their own eyes. At such a level, she couldn't even match William, let alone Kieran or Sebastian. Lowering his voice, he pressed on, "Your Highness, the Autumn Hunt is unlike any other and carries great weight. At Ms. Talmar's... level, it wouldn't be wise for her to take part. The Obsidian Monarch's household will also be competing this year.

---- Prince Nathaniel has only just returned to the capital, and will surely spare no effort to claim first place. We can't afford to lose. Clearly, Freya couldn't be allowed to join their ranks. At her current skill level, she would only slow everyone down. But Frederick's gaze lingered on Freya, his eyes alight with a gleam he couldn't conceal. His thoughts were altogether different. "Every team will be composed of men. To have a lady among them is a rarity. And while Fey's archery isn't perfect, it's already beyond what any ordinary young woman could manage.

Let her gain some experience through this." William protested softly, "But-" "Do you truly believe our team lacks the strength to cover such a small shortcoming?" Frederick asked, his voice low but firm. Frederick had always admired Freya's indomitable spirit and refusal to yield. It was that very pride which had first drawn him to her. And now, seeing that wildness blaze in her once more, all the feelings he had nearly lost to her stubborn temper and sharp tongue came flooding back with renewed force.