Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 177 As Nathaniel's body shifted downward, the pressure pressed against Selena became all too real, and her face flushed hot with fury. "You scoundrel! If you don't rise at once, | won't hold back!" she snapped. From above came Nathaniel's sigh, equal parts exasperation and restraint. At last, he released her. Selena scrambled away, retreating a good distance before she spun around to glare at him. "Your Highness, you may be a prince, but the women of my family are not yours to trifle with.

If you dare again-" "| didn't mean to trifle with you," Nathaniel cut in, unexpectedly eamest. "I merely lost control for a moment. Forgive me." Selena opened her mouth to scold him further, but his apology seemed sincere enough. Besides, what good would berating him do? Still, she was angry. "Lena, let us marry," Nathaniel said abruptly. The fury that had filled her moments before instantly turned to shock. ---- "Do you even know what you're saying? Is this some jest to amuse yourself at my expense?" "have never jested with you," Nathaniel said, his gaze fixed on her.

Selena's voice sharpened as she replied, "If you truly intend to marry me, why not petition His Majesty for a royal edict? Simply stating that you will marry me means nothing. Without the king's command, your words are no more than the boasting of a brash fool!" She had intended only to deter him, never expecting that her defiance would ignite a spark in his dark eyes. "So, does that mean you consent?" he asked, his voice betraying his excitement. "Very well. Since you agree, | shall petition His Majesty tomorrow and secure our marriage." "W-what are you saying?" Selena's protest faltered.

He didn't sound like he was jesting. "Your Highness, | beg you not to toy with me. 'm a woman who broke off an engagement with Prince Frederick. How could | possibly marry you? His Majesty would never permit it!" She hesitated, then understanding struck her. "You dare make such a promise only because you're certain His Majesty will never consent, is that it?" ---- What did a man's promises mean? She had long since seen through them and cared little for them. All she wished was for this Demon Lord to cease troubling her. "l expect he'll be furious, perhaps even beside himself with rage.

" Nathaniel smiled. "But | hold military honors. My victories at the Northern Frontier are not something just anyone can claim. | will petition His Majesty in the grand hall, using my accomplishments to request your hand. He will have no reason to refuse me." Selena felt a chill run through her. "Y-you're serious?" For the first time, she felt the full weight of his intent. He wasn't joking. What was he thinking? "Your Highness-" "Do you think | speak merely to amuse myself, Lena?" Nathaniel leaned against the table, his eyes fixed on her even in the darkness.

However, he didn't dare stare too closely. The sharp and thrilling flutter he'd felt earlier was still there, and keeping it in check had taken more effort than he liked to admit. Such self-restraint wasn't for the faint of heart. He watched Selena's face, wanting to step closer, yet her resistance was plain. He halted his steps but didn't look away, his eyes cold but unwavering. ---- "Lena, I'm waiting for your answer," he said quietly. He was waiting because he respected her. Otherwise, once he petitioned the king, Wilfred would have no choice but to grant the marriage.

Whether she wanted it or not, she would have to go through with it. And how would that be any different from Ruth forcing her hand? "if you agree, I'll petition for your hand immediately. Just give me a clear answer."