Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 211 "| could have stayed as | was, but | changed myself for you." Selena had left, but her voice lingered in Frederick's ears, haunting him with a persistence that wouldn't relent. She was an exceptional rider, an expert archer, a master of tracking, and frighteningly adept with a sword, even though she claimed it wasn't her strongest weapon A chill ran through Frederick, his heart tightening painfully. He didn't know whether it was anger or regret. William's voice broke through his reverie, "Your Highness, shall we go as well? The others have already entered.

The Obsidian Monarch and his party followed Lady Campbell's team into the Beastlands not long ago. The Autumn Hunt lasts only three days. If we delay, | fear-" Frederick whipped his head toward him, eyes blazing. "Is what she said true? Tell me, did she speak the truth?" he asked, his voice sharp and demanding. William hesitated, unease written plainly across his face. "I-It was so many years ago, Your Highness. |... | can't recall with certainty." ---- Frederick clenched his eyes shut, forcing himself to breathe. Mira had remained a short distance behind, listening to every word.

She offered no judgment, only a calm, measured response, " Whether true or not, it's in the past. Your Highness, the competition is what matters now. The Dragon Sentinels' emblem is on the line. We can't treat this competition lightly." William cast her a grateful glance. At this moment, anger and regret were unnecessary. "Ms. Talmar is right, Your Highness. What matters most now is the bigger picture," William said. Frederick tightened his grip on the reins and took a deep breath Then, with a sharp kick, he spurred his horse forward.

"Move out!" "| fear His Highness is not in the best condition," Mira said to William, her tone firm, almost commanding. "When we reach the Beastlands, you're to guard him. Leave the hunting to me." She turned to the two warriors behind her. "You two handle the spoils. We must win this competition. Failure is not an option!" Though she held no official rank within the prince's household, William felt an unexpected reassurance. With Frederick in such a ---- state of despondency, it was a relief to have someone step forward and take command. "Understood!" he said as he gave her a salute.

If even William obeyed her, the others would have no reason to resist. Besides, Mira, carrying herself with the air of a true commander, was nothing like Freya, who often demanded attention with tantrums and whim. The group charged off toward the Beastlands with great urgency. The hunting field was divided into two sections - the Hunting Grounds and the Beastlands. Beyond that lay the Untamed Peaks, a place far more dangerous than the other sections. Wilfred would be staying near the hunting field for several days.

Most of the young nobles who came only lingered within the regular Hunting Grounds for sport. Meanwhile, those who dared venture into the Beastlands were either after the Dragon Sentinels' emblem or eager to prove their strength before the king Of course, that emblem wasn't something easily obtained, and was usually claimed by one of the princes or dukes. Other teams had no hope of taking it. Their aim was only to place among the top three. The moment they entered the Beastlands, Qiana seemed to ---- come alive.

She spoke more freely now, so different from the shy, uneasy woman she'd been earlier. "Lena, do you think we can take first place?" she asked, riding ahead. With a swift motion, she loosed three arrows in succession. A distant shriek echoed back. She must've hit a wild boar. Excited, she glanced back at Selena. "Lena, do you think we'll offend the princes if we win?"