Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 205 As Wilfred's brow furrowed in confusion, Andrew hurried to explain, "Your Majesty, the young lady is named Mira Talmar. She is Ms. Freya's elder sister." "Another one of them?" Wilfred asked, his tone carrying a hint of impatience. He could not fathom his son's infatuation with the women of the treacherous Talmar clan. The offspring of traitors and bandits, no matter how accomplished, could never hope to become a crown princess, let alone the mother of a kingdom. What could possibly captivate Frederick so?

Sensing the king's growing disapproval, Ruth hurriedly interjected, "Like Freya, Mira distinguished herself during the pacification of the Talmar clan. She sacrificed familial ties for the greater good of the realm, and thereby earned her merit." Adelaide smiled wryly. "It seems the Talmar clan women are truly remarkable. They're prepared to betray their own kin at any moment. Quite astonishing, isn't it?" Ruth's face darkened, her displeasure evident.

"What are such things when the duty to one's kingdom weighs heavier than all else?" ---- Adelaide said nothing further, only allowed the smile to linger. But Wilfred's gaze upon Mira carried disdain. For all her supposed service to the realm, a woman capable of betraying her own parents and brothers was little different from a traitor who sought only her own gain. The thought made him more averse than ever. Her riding was certainly impressive for a woman. It was swift, controlled, and steady as a rock.

But what left the spectators truly agape was what she did next "She's standing!" "Heavens, she's really standing!" The men around them gasped in astonishment. A mere lady, and yet she stood up on her horse with the steadiness of a mountain. It was utterly breathtaking. But Mira's display went further. Just as she was about to release her arrow, she leapt into the air from the horse's back. "Heavens!" "Goodness!" "S-she actually..." ---- In mid-air, she executed a flawless somersault, releasing the arrow at the very instant she spun through the air. A sharp whistle sounded Bullseye!

By the time everyone looked at Mira again, she had already slid gracefully into her saddle and guided her horse around the arena in a swift, perfect circle. Nearly everyone present stared, mouths agape. The Desert Rose. Somehow, the title came to everyone's mind. But another voice broke the murmur, awed and incredulous, "No, she's not a mere flower of the desert. She's the Desert Hawk!" This was no ordinary woman, and no mere flower could capture her essence. She was a hawk. Her leap just now had been like wings unfurling, soaring across the arena.

Across the entire capital, what maiden could hope to rival her? Not even a man could match such skill. Frederick had been feeling utterly defeated moments ago, but seeing the faint smile and glimmer of admiration in Wilfred's eyes finally lifted his spirits. His gaze shifted to Mira. She was so skilled and capable, one of the finest on his team. Frederick ---- felt a surge of pride Naturally, Mira noted the gleam of astonished appreciation in everyone's eyes. Even Wilfred's gaze carried a hint of delight. She knew she had succeeded.

Even the Warbringer, previously so dejected, now bore a faint smile. What difficulty was there in captivating these men? She allowed her gaze to flick briefly toward Nathaniel's team. Surprisingly, while everyone else's eyes were riveted on her, the fourth prince remained absorbed in quietly sipping his tea This man was truly extraordinary; winning him over would be no easy task. Yet the greater the challenge, the more Mira delighted init. Nathaniel was no ordinary man, and deserved an extraordinary woman. Mira was in no hurry. Across the capital, there could be no woman as formidable as her.

No matter how proud Nathaniel was, he knew what it meant to be exceptional. Mira was sure he just didn't want to fall at her feet like all the other men. His feigned arrogance was childish, but utterly charming!