Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 207 Selena and Sebastian's aunt? The wife of Tobias, the Duke of Blackmoor's third son?! Every eye in the field swung toward Qiana in an instant. Tobias had died unmarried, and no one had ever heard of him having a wife. The sudden revelation left many whispering in disbelief. Qiana felt a flush of unease. Her instinct was to retreat and shrink back from the stares. However, a firm hand closed around hers. It was Selena, who held Qiana's hand tightly and knelt before Wilfred without hesitation. "My aunt and uncle were trapped on the battlefield at Wyverndale Fields.

While their fates were uncertain, they decided to secretly pledge themselves to each other, not wanting to regret anything should they fall in battle. They survived that fight, but Aunt Qiana was sent back to the capital to recover. Just days later, my uncle followed my parents to the Northern Frontier and-" Selena's voice faltered, trailing off. Yet, all present knew the tale. The Duke of Blackmoor's family members had been loyal to the end. Three sons, along with the eldest daughter-in-law, perished at the Northern Frontier. What a tragically heroic battle that was!

---- Wilfred exhaled slowly, his expression grave, and cast a long, heavy glance at Qiana. After a long silence, he spoke in a deep, commanding tone, " Your name is Qiana Harper?" "Yes, Your Majesty," she murmured. "Then, hear my royal decree." Qiana hurriedly sank to her knees, uncertain of what was to come. Wilfred's voice rang out, firm and solemn, "You shared a bond of love and loyalty with Tobias Campbell, through life and death alike. I'm deeply moved. Henceforth, | bestow upon you the title Lady Qiana and grant you ten thousand gold coins!" Lady Qiana!

That meant her marriage to Tobias had been acknowledged and accepted! Qiana looked at Selena, startled and at a loss for words. Selena smiled softly. "You should thank His Majesty at once." It was only then that Qiana realized what had happened. She bowed her head low, her voice trembling as she said, "Th-thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" ---- She could scarcely believe it. Not only had Selena acknowledged her openly, but Wilfred had now officially sanctioned her marriage to Tobias!

Though their union had once been considered improper and scandalous, the king's words had now fully legitimized her status. Gideon would no longer have cause to drive her away. She could stay in Tobias' courtyard, guarding the place where he had grown up, and live out her days in peace. As Qiana lowered her head, tears welled up and spilled down her cheeks. Selena squeezed her hand and helped her rise, returning to their contingent. The interruption left everyone speechless. Those who had just mocked their team as a "women's troop" could no longer laugh.

The Duke of Blackmoor's family was one of honor and loyalty. Now, with the men fallen on the battlefield, only widows and orphans remained. The men had all been true heroes. What was there to laugh at? Sebastian inclined his head toward Wilfred and immediately began his demonstration. His arrow hit the bullseye-steady, calm, and unhurried, exactly his usual style. Next came Aurora. As she passed the target, she executed a sudden flick of her wrist, tossing the bow behind her and ---- drawing it backward, releasing the arrow with perfect aim.

A sharp whistle rang out, and the arrow struck the center. "Wonderful!" murmured the spectators, marveling aloud. The third demonstration belonged to Yvette, who didn't even touch her bow. As she rode past the target, she casually tossed the arrow with one hand. A sharp thwack resounded as it struck the bullseye. Not only that, it pierced straight through and lodged in a distant tree trunk! The onlookers froze in astonishment. Rumor had it that Yvette was born with incredible strength.

She was so powerful that her war hammers, each weighing a hundred pounds, could crush the heads of several enemies with a single swing. Before today, it had been just hearsay. After all, she wasn't very well-known. But seeing her in action now, her strength was undeniably astonishing! Those who had been ready to mock her could laugh no longer. The members of the Duke of Blackmoor's household were truly formidable. And now, curiosity hung in the air. What feats might the newly recognized Lady Qiana possess?