Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 196 Sally's question was one that weighed heavily on both Sebastian and Yuvan. "Lena, | have already sent for Aurora, but we're still two people short," Sebastian said, leaping off his horse to stand beside Selena. "The hour grows late. If we don't set out for the hunting grounds soon, we risk losing precious time. | fear it will displease His Majesty." By now, dawn had broken. The sky was still a dull gray in the early light, and the weather didn't seem very promising. After days of wind and bright sun, today felt unusually heavy and overcast.

With dark clouds gathering and dispersing above them, no one could say whether rain might yet fall. "There's no need to wait for Aurora," Selena replied as she vaulted onto her horse with ease. "We shall go to the hunting grounds first. She will arrive in her own time." Sebastian's eyes widened. Today, his sister was dressed in a form-fitting combat outfit, though a loose cloak wrapped around her hid it at first glance. She had even tied her long hair high, leaving no trace of feminine softness. Instead, she looked bold and heroic. A single image flashed through his mind-their mother, Lara.

---- Today, Selena looked so much like their mother at that age. "Lena, why are you dressed like that? Could it be that you intend to compete?" Sebastian's heart skipped a beat, panic rising. " Before entering the hunting grounds, you must first pass the trials. Even Yuvan may not succeed!" "That's why I never intended to let him participate," Selena said, a bright smile on her lips. Yuvan's cheeks flushed. He knew his own skill fell short, though he was not entirely certain he would fail the trials. "L...L will do my best," he said. "No need. | intend this competition to be flawless.

If you fail the trials, our team loses a spot," Selena replied, tugging on the reins and glancing back at Sally. "Everything's ready, my lady," Sally said hurriedly. "Are you certain you don't wish to ride in the carriage?" "I could use a bit of exercise," Selena replied, and with a sharp squeeze of her horse, she surged forward Sally exchanged a glance with Sebastian before calling out, "My lady says our team members will make their own way to the hunting grounds, so there's no need to wait here. Let's go!" Then, she leapt into the carriages front seat and drove it herself.

---- Both Selena and Sally had long accompanied the troops on expeditions. Perhaps their martial arts skills were modest, but their horsemanship was certainly impressive. Setting off like this didn't strike Sebastian as particularly unusual. However, Yuvan grew uneasy. "My lord, Lady Selena seems prepared to compete. But before entering the royal hunting grounds, one must pass the trials. How could she possibly succeed?" Selena may ride well, but the trials demanded more than horsemanship alone, with archery being equally essential. Yuvan had never once seen her practise with a bow.

Sebastian's chest tightened with worry. But since Selena had already set out, lingering behind served no purpose. "Let's follow and see," he muttered. They had barely left the gate when Sebastian quickly caught up with Sally, but Selena's figure was nowhere in sight. They pressed on, yet still saw no sign of her. Yuvan slowed, scanning the streets, thinking she might have paused along the way to buy something. However, there was not a trace of her. It was only upon reaching the hunting grounds that they finally saw her.

She was astride her horse, gazing toward the field and lost in thought as the wind blew through her hair. ---- Sebastian and Yuvan exchanged incredulous looks. She had actually arrived first. Could it be that they had been moving too slowly?