Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 213 "What do you mean by that?" Chloe fumed, ready to curse. "Has my household ever failed to rank among the top? Do you think | fear your threats?" Care to test it?" Selena turned to her four teammates and smiled. "Today, we need not do anything more. Aunt Qiana, when dusk comes, take down a beast or two at your leisure to secure a place in tomorrow's second round. But before sunset..." Her gaze shifted to Colin and Chloe, the smile on her lips turning unexpectedly sharp. "Before sunset, shadow the Marquis of Arden's household's team man for man. Keep eyes on them.

Don't let a single one of their arrows touch any quarry." "Selena, you" Chloe sputtered. "Very well!" Qiana raised her longbow, her excitement barely contained. "rll be keeping an eye on that brat's arrows myself!" "Then, | shall tail Lord Murray for a little sport," Aurora said, her smile warm yet carrying an unplaceable chill. "Il just pick whoever's left," Yvette said, practically bouncing with excitement. Sebastian could do nothing as Selena had already spoken.

He muttered, "Then, | suppose I'll pick one as well." ---- Selena stepped up to the attendant carrying the wild boar, her smile brighter and more captivating than ever. "There's a precedent from years past-disputed prey doesn't count. So, forget about this boar, no one's taking it." With a swift motion, she drew a dagger from her waist. All anyone saw were quick flashes of steel. "Ah!" The attendant screamed in terror and stumbled backward. The blade seemed to slice straight through him, yet when he steadied himself, he realized there wasn't a scratch on him.

The wild boar he had been carrying was now in pieces on the ground. Blood pooled everywhere, even staining Chloe's dress a deep crimson. She screamed and stumbled back, terrified. Colin stared at Selena, so shocked that he could barely breathe. The woman before him was breathtakingly beautiful, yet she wielded a dagger like a demon! It was utterly terrifying! News that the Duke of Blackmoor's family had set their sights on the Marquis of Arden's family spread quickly through the hunting grounds.

Some of the other teams, who had already bagged quite a few prey, couldn't help but curiously watch the commotion. Meanwhile, the Marquis of Arden's household was beside ---- themselves with frustration, shouting and gesturing as if they might come to blows. "Behave, or don't blame us for taking harsher measures!" Chloe stamped her foot, anger sweeping through her as she watched yet another arrow of hers fall harmlessly to earth. She glared at Qiana, who still held her bow. "You dare! You uncultured wench, you dare?!

Do you think | won't have you killed?" She had been so close to felling that stag. After waiting so long, the creature had arrived at last, only for every arrow she loosed to be intercepted by Qiana's shots. From dawn until now, the Marquis of Arden's household had taken nothing. It was already about two hours past noon, and in just over two more hours, everyone would have to carry their game back for judging. At this rate, the Marquis of Arden's household might very well fail to qualify for tomorrow's second round.

"You vicious woman, if you touch my arrow again, I'll see you dead!" Chloe hissed through clenched teeth. Qiana paid her no mind, munching away on a small snack Selena had somehow procured from Sally. She was in excellent spirits. ---- Chloe glared at her fiercely, then looked up at the sky with mounting panic. Time was slipping away. If she couldn't secure game and return, her father would be livid. "You wench! Follow me again, and I'll shoot you through with an arrow!" she snapped.