Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 174 Meanwhile, Selena had already bathed and changed, and was sitting leisurely with a military strategy book in hand. "My lady, there are only two days until the Autumn Hunt and you haven't even convinced Lady Aurora to lend her support. Where do you intend to find more people?" Sally fretted, pacing the room in agitation. She had thought her mistress' earlier mention of joining the hunt a mere jest, but after having seen Sebastian roused to action and the official dispatch delivered, it was all becoming terrifyingly real.

"You've dismissed Yuvan's mounted archery skills before, but even if he participates and Lady Aurora consents, there are only three of them. Are you truly planning to go yourself? If Lord Gideon learns of this, he will be furious," said Sally. "He won't learn of it," Selena replied. Sally nearly leapt from the floor, aghast. "What? You really intend to go yourself? My lady..." "Of course | must go. This is the first time in our family's history that we are stepping beyond Prince Frederick's household and participating under our own name.

How could | possibly sit it ---- out?" Selena shot Sally a sharp look. "I stand with my family, come life or death. Do you understand?" "My lady..." Selena gave her a gentle push toward the door. "I wish to rest. You may leave now. Your constant nagging is unbearable." "But even if you go, there will only be four of you. No, you won't let Yuvan join. What exactly are you thinking? My lady-" While the door flew open with a sharp crack, Selena's smile was as dazzling as ever.

Her smile softened as she said, "Move along, or | guarantee you'll never leave the privy tomorrow." "L1'm going!" Sally hurried out without another word. It was worth noting that Selena's skill with medicine was unmatched in all the land, a secret known to none. Who could defy her? Yet even as Sally scurried away, doubts lingered. Four participants wouldn't suffice. What scheme was Selena truly plotting? Night had fallen, heavy and quiet. Selena had lost track of time, immersed in her medical texts.

When she finally looked up, the moon hung high in the sky, casting its pale glow across the ---- room. It was well past midnight. She set the book aside and stretched, a small sigh escaping her lips, then moved to cover the Night Pearl lantern with its lid. Just as she was about to retire for the night, a sudden chill brushed against her skin from outside. Her brow furrowed as she paused mid-step, turning back toward the desk. She reached for the Night Pearl, intending to uncover it, when the windowsill shook violently.

Before she could react further, a shadow shot toward her, swift and silent as lightning. Selena's expression darkened and she instinctively raised her hand, only to pull back her inner energy just before actually striking. It was Nathaniel! "What are you doing?" she demanded, eyes wide as she stared at him, unable to make out his features in the darkness. "Let go of me!" "Are you hurt?" he asked. Nathaniel's gaze was fixed on her, piercing even in the dim light. He was accustomed to moving through the night, and his vision in darkness far surpassed hers.

Every contour of her form was clear to him, even the delicate fabric of her sleepwear. It was... unexpected. ---- "Im not hurt! Your Highness, have some restraint. Let go! What-" Before she could finish, Nathaniel stepped forward. His tall frame closed the distance, trapping her between his arms and the marble table behind her. Selena tried to step back, but the table blocked her path. With nowhere to retreat, she stumbled slightly backward under his advance. Nathaniel leaned in, closing the distance between them. The way they stood together suddenly felt charged with tension.

Her eyes blazed with anger. "Your Highness, what do you think you're doing? Do you believe that just because I'm a woman who broke off an engagement, | can be treated with such disgrace? Get away from me!"