Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 179 "Whether your household competes in the Autumn Hunt is your concern alone, not mine nor my family's!" Selena said. She pressed herself against the door, wary that he might change his mind and come closer at any moment. Nathaniel cast her a glance, his eyes heavy with an unreadable complexity. He said nothing further and pushed the window open.

Just as he prepared to climb out, Selena spoke again, "Each year, the team that wins the laurel at the Autumn Hunt is awarded the Dragon Sentinels' emblem, provided its captain is a prince or a noble." She paused, then continued, her voice steady but grave, "The Dragon Sentinels may not be large in number, but they play a critical role in defending the capital. Whoever holds their emblem commands at least a third of the city's military strength. Apart from the Dragon Sentinels, there were also the Imperial Guards and the Royal Army.

Both the latter answered directly to Wilfred, while the Dragon Sentinels were vital to the city's protection and held considerable influence. "This Autumn Hunt is your first, and winning the laurel will surely leave the most favorable impression on His Majesty. Such a ---- victory will do wonders for your future endeavors," she added. Nathaniel's eyes softened, a trace of amusement stirring. "Lena, are you willing to scheme for me?" "No. It's merely a polite reminder," Selena replied evenly, expression neutral.

Yet, Nathaniel seemed pleased, glancing at her once more before leaping lightly from the window. When Selena moved to follow, his towering silhouette was already swallowed by the night. She exhaled, and only after a long moment did she open the door. "Get in here." Sally cautiously stepped inside, still shaken. "My lady..." "You dare eavesdrop on the Obsidian Monarch? Have you grown tired of living?" Selena strode forward and lifted the cover off the Night Pearl The room lit up at once. Sally hurried to fetch a robe and draped it over her mistress. "My lady, your nightgown is far too thin.

H-he must have seen everything." Selena shot her a sharp look, half-amused, half-annoyed. "If you're so capable, why didn't you come rescue me sooner?" ---- "lwould be doomed the moment | stepped in! Besides, | highly suspect His Highness already knew | was outside." The Obsidian Monarch's skills were unrivaled. If Selena could hear Sally, it was almost certain he could too. Selena made no attempt to argue. If Nathaniel truly meant Sally harm, he would have acted long ago.

In truth, she could almost sense that the Obsidian Monarch bore no malice toward anyone in the Duke of Blackmoor's household. None at all. In fact, there was perhaps even a hint of goodwill Still, Selena couldn't fathom the nature of her connection to Nathaniel. What history could possibly exist between them? They had never truly interacted. Nine years had passed since she first met Frederick. Occasionally, she would accompany him to meet the other princes and would exchange a few polite words with them, but never in private. As for Nathaniel, contact had been even rarer.

He had already been a general from a young age, never spending much time in the capital as he often marched to war with the great generals. When Selena was twelve, she had maneuvered him into being sent to the Northern Frontier, and he had only just returned now. Five years had passed without so much as a meeting. Where ---- could such deep devotion possibly come from? "But my lady, he said he'd be your slave for life! That's not something said lightly! I-I truly think Prince Nathaniel meant it!" "Don't speak so recklessly!" Selena shot Sally a sharp look, her gaze cold.

"Such words must never leave this room. To do so would bring nothing but trouble upon our household." A prince, swearing himself as her slave? It was nothing less than an insult to the royal family. If anyone heard such reckless talk, it would be a crime punishable by death!