Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 178 This time, Nathaniel approached steadily, stopping right in front of Selena. With a sudden thud, he dropped to one knee. "Demon Lord..." she gasped, instinctively taking a step back. His words were heavy, almost terrifying Before she could retreat further, Nathaniel caught her ankle in his hand. Selena tried to pull away, but with her foot trapped, she lost her balance and teetered backward. She realized too late that she had retreated right to the edge of her bed, and was now sitting on it.

To her astonishment, Nathaniel lifted her foot and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of it. "W-what are you doing?" she stammered, hastily withdrawing her foot. Even in this intimate gesture, there was not a hint of impropriety. It was deliberate, solemn, and utterly sincere. "This is the greatest vow a man from the Northern Frontier can make to a lady. |, Nathaniel Lancaster, pledge my very life to you, Selena Campbell. If you will have me, then I'll be your slave for as long as | live." ---- "You're speaking nonsense! |...

I'll never accept this!" Selena sprang to her feet and darted toward the door, reaching for the handle. But Nathaniel remained in the same position, still kneeling, his gaze fixed upon her. Her heart pounded and her breath came in ragged gasps. She glared at the man who had so boldly intruded into her chamber, torn between anger and unease. "You're the king's son, a prince of the highest rank. Don't speak such words again or disaster will fall upon me." If anyone in the royal family heard him, trouble would surely follow her.

Nathaniel only smiled and slowly rose to his feet, taking a step toward her. Seeing her ready to open the door at a moment's notice, he halted. "| frightened you, didn't 1?" he asked softly. He hadn't intended to speak so soon, yet after their unexpected closeness tonight, he found he could wait no longer. Couldn't she agree to marry him already? Nathaniel longed to hold her again, closer this time, with a boldness he could barely restrain. He pressed his lips together, forcing himself to stop these wandering thoughts. Some ---- fantasies were like poison.

The more he indulged them, the harder it was to resist. "No matter. I'll give you a little more time to decide," he said. "And what if | never agree?" Selena asked, her expression cool and unyielding. Nathaniel paused, genuinely considering the question. Truthfully, he never imagined that would happen. "| believe you will eventually agree. After all, you once promised to marry me." "Stop talking nonsense!" Selena snapped, glaring at him. Nathaniel's gaze on her remained unreadable, though in the pitch -dark room, Selena could not discern its full meaning. "Lena, do you think me ugly?

Truthfully, I'm far more handsome than Frederick," he said, a touch of wounded pride in his voice. He longed to close the distance between them, yet feared she might flee When raised his hand, Selena cried out, "Don't come any closer!" His long fingers brushed his mask, but her words stopped him. "What use is a man's looks in the end? | don't need a husband ---- and shall never marry! If your feelings are genuine, | beg you to respect my decision,' she said. He hesitated a moment, then lowered his hand. "| won't give up.

| shall wait for the day you give your consent." He turned and walked to the windowsill. Just as he was about to leave, he glanced back at her. "Do you need my assistance for the Autumn Hunt? One word from you and my team will withdraw. My finest mounted archers will be at your command."