Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 200 The Obsidian Monarch had set his sights on the lady of the Duke of Blackmoor's household?! Nathaniel's voice was neither loud nor soft, but clear enough that everyone nearby could hear him. Even Frederick, not far away, caught every word. For a moment, his handsome face clouded over, stormy and dark Sebastian froze as well, but after a moment of disbelief, his expression hardened. "Your Highness, matters of marriage are traditionally arranged by parents and matchmakers.

Lena is still young and unmarried, so please don't trouble her with such talk!" he said, his tone sharp and serious. Selena seemed genuinely startled, silently slipping behind her brother for protection. The young lady's delicate posture, combined with her breathtaking beauty, stirred a deep pang of tenderness in every gentleman present. With his face half-hidden behind his cold, unforgiving mask, the Obsidian Monarch looked terrifying, like a predatory beast before its prey. Nathaniel's gaze flicked to Sebastian, his playful grin vanishing.

" ---- Does your team require assistance, General Campbell?" His voice was low, audible only to Sebastian and a few others nearby. Sebastian remained dumbfounded for a long moment, utterly unable to fathom the meaning behind the prince's words. He could only shake his head. "No need, Your Highness. We are grateful for your concern." "I'm serious, my brother," Nathaniel replied, then tuned and strode away. Sebastian was left utterly shaken and couldn't recover for some time. The Obsidian Monarch had called him "brother"?!

There were only two people in the world who could address him that way: Selena and her future husband. And yet... Selena tugged at his sleeve, pulling him back to reality. "Seb, Aurora has arrived." Sebastian turned to look at Aurora, his expression still clouded with confusion. "Lena, you and the Obsidian Monarch-" "Have absolutely no connection at all," Selena interrupted, discreetly giving his arm a pinch. It was only then that Sebastian fully regained his composure. Seeing Aurora gracefully descend from her horse, he rushed ---- forward without hesitation.

"Aurora!" She inclined her head, then approached Selena with a composed bow. "I have arrived." "Thank you, Aurora," Selena replied. Those nearby could see clearly now that the Duke of Blackmoor's household had finally gathered a full party of five. Most had never met Aurora before, though a few of the generals recognized her. She was the wife of the third son of the Earl of Greymoor's household, and had often accompanied her husband to the battlefield, serving as one of Lara's formidable officers.

Few had witnessed her skill firsthand, so her true prowess in mounted archery remained largely unknown. But no matter how formidable Aurora might be, with just these five, the team was far from balanced. With two young women among them who had no knowledge of combat, the group was simply uneven. Aurora cast a critical glance at Sally and Yuvan, her brow lightly furrowing. "Lena, they won't do." Sally paid it no mind. After all, she was merely a maid. On the other hand, Yuvan's face flushed crimson.

He had always ---- been aware of his own limitations, but being called out openly was another matter entirely. Still, he didn't feel anger, only self- reproach for his lack of skill Selena reached out and gently patted Aurora's hand. "Don't fret. Have some tea first." Once Aurora was seated, Sebastian drew Selena aside and spoke in a low voice, "Lena, with you and Sally as you are, you truly can't join the hunt. At this point, even Aurora's reputation is at stake." If they performed poorly, Aurora's renown would suffer.

It mattered little if Sebastian suffered disgrace, but he could not risk involving others in it. But Selena simply smiled. "There's no need to worry. Let's wait a little longer."