Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 219 Today, they had offended the Marquis of Arden's household. Though guards were stationed throughout the camp, Sebastian felt uneasy, wary that the Marquis of Arden's family might attempt some underhanded scheme. He knew Selena was inside the tent, so why hadn't she responded at all? This tent differed from the usual quarters. Larger and more secure than the typical army tents, it was built to accommodate the hunting contingents that accompanied Wilfred each year. The accommodations here were remarkably comfortable.

Edward had long wished to speak with Selena, but as a single prince and with her still an unmarried young lady of a duke's family, he had hesitated. A formal request to meet could easily spark gossip. Today, everyone was at the hunting grounds, with various noble households moving about and some even gathering to drink and celebrate. Taking advantage of the commotion, Edward planned to use his visit to Sebastian as an excuse to thank Selena. It was thanks to her favor that Adelaide had taken note of him. Though Selena had never made a fuss about it, Edward understood perfectly well.

---- "Lena?" Sebastian called again. "Are you there? If you don't answer, I'll come in!" "Just a moment, Seb. I'm... changing," came Selena's voice from within. She glared at the man seated at the low table, sipping wine. She nearly wanted to kick him. Had he grown so bold as to barge into a lady's quarters for sport? Was he addicted to such audacity? Sebastian lingered outside, leaving Selena no choice but to communicate her irritation with a pointed stare. Could Nathaniel just leave already? However, the man remained still, watching her without a word.

Outside, Sebastian seemed to sense something amiss. He quickly turned to Edward. "Your Highness, why don't we step outside and have a drink first?" Edward hastily nodded. "Very well, General Campbell. After you." The young lady was in the middle of changing her attire, and as a gentleman, he knew that even if there was something important, he must wait. Besides, it was nothing of real consequence. But neither of them expected that the moment they stepped out of the row of tents, Frederick would appear as well. ---- Edward hurried forward to greet him.

"Greetings, Frederick." Sebastian inclined his head lightly. "Greetings, Your Highness." When Frederick caught sight of his brother, he raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Edward? What brings you here?" "Today, General Campbell's team placed among the top three in the hunt. | came to congratulate him personally," Edward hurriedly replied. Sebastian hastily interjected, "Merely good fortune, Your Highness. We happened upon worthy game. Your praise is undeserved." Frederick sneered. "Our brother, Nathaniel, claimed first place.

Why did | not see you go to congratulate him?" "Well..." Edward faltered, suddenly at a loss for words. Frederick had always been easy enough to converse with. But today, a simple remark had set him off, leaving Edward utterly speechless." "Perhaps Edward visited my quarters first and didn't see me, so he came here," came a low, steady voice, breaking the tension. It was Nathaniel! ---- Frederick's palm clenched. As the man emerged from within Selena's tent, a flicker of fury ignited in his eyes.

"Nathaniel, you were just-" "In Lady Campbell's quarters, yes," Nathaniel said simply, cutting him off. Frederick felt as though he might combust from rage on the spot. Meanwhile, Sebastian nearly fainted. "Your Highness, please don't speak hastily. Lena was just-" He stopped, realizing that both he and Edward had heard her say she was changing. But now, Nathaniel claimed he had been in her tent all along. Edward's eyes widened, a mixture of shock and disbelief. Nathaniel had been in Selena's tent while she was changing? What was the nature of their relationship?