Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 197 Soon after, Frederick's contingent arrived. When everyone turned to look, the first figure to catch their eyes was the prince himself, clad in a rich, tailored riding outfit. Though they had heard of his injury at Mount Iron, he now rode a tall, spirited horse, showing no hint of weakness. It seemed he had fully recovered. Soon, everyone noticed the young lady riding not far behind him. It was not Freya! Instead, it was a young woman far more striking in appearance than her.

She wore a matching riding uniform in the same style as Frederick's, though her attire lacked some of his princely finery. Riding beside her was William, whose skill in mounted archery was well known. He had long been part of the prince's hunting teams. William's garb mirrored the young woman's almost exactly, and with the two guards trailing behind them, Frederick's five-person entourage was complete. "The young lady is competing as well! Could the rumors be true? " someone whispered. "What rumors?" "That the young lady... is that person's elder sister." ---- "That person?

Who?" "The Desert Rose." Whispers and speculation rippled through the crowd. Sally arrived with the carriage as well. After parking it at their team's spot, she quickly jumped down from the front and hurried over to Selena. "My lady, that is Ms, Mira. I've seen her once before. | heard her skill in mounted archery surpasses even Mr. Klein's," she said Selena's gaze immediately fixed on Mira, who was unexpectedly also looking in her direction. As their eyes met, Mira gave a slight nod in greeting. Selena returned the gesture with a smile, then they turned away from each other.

Yuvan leaned close and murmured, "My lady, Mr. Klein's martial arts skills may not be exceptional, but his mounted archery skills are remarkable. We've all witnessed it." Selena nodded, acknowledging his words However, Sally scoffed. "Perhaps she's just like Ms. Freya, always fancying herself the Desert Rose, yet can barely hit any targets." She had learned all about the time Frederick took Freya to the ---- barracks to display her mounted archery skills before the soldiers. However, Selena shook her head slightly. "This young lady is nothing like Freya.

Her eyes are sharp and her bearing is steady. Freya doesn't even come close. Mira may well be a true master." "My lady, you shouldn't give others so much credit." "But nor should we underestimate her," Selena replied with a wave of her hand, making it clear she had no wish to discuss the matter further. Yet even as they chose to ignore Frederick's team, they came to them. "General Campbell, Lady Campbell, His Highness has summoned you," William said, stepping forward and bowing casually to the pair. His eyes flicked toward the contingent representing the Duke of Blackmoor's household.

There were only four of them- Sebastian, Yuvan, Selena, and Sally. Could these four truly form a team for the competition? It seemed absurd. Putting aside Yuvan's eligibility, Selena and Sally could hardly qualify. Before entering the royal hunting grounds, one had to pass the trials. Surely the team was here merely for show. Though William held Selena in high regard, he couldn't conceal ---- his disapproval this time. Selena ignored his judging gaze. She and Sebastian approached Frederick and bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness." "Lena, General Campbell, | shall give you one final opportunity.

If you join my team now, Ill overlook everything that happened." Frederick spoke with barely concealed resentment. Their insistence on forming their own team was nothing less than a slap to his face. His tone turned sharp as he added, "Should you persist in this folly, from this day forth, the Duke of Blackmoor's household shall have no further connection with me. | advise you both to think carefully before acting."