Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 232 The dawn had not yet fully broken, and the autumn morning carried a sharp, lingering cold. Wilfred had unexpectedly not appeared today. Word had it that he had caught a chill from yesterday's wind. It was nothing serious, but out of caution, the royal physician advised him to remain in his quarters for the time being. It was Andrew and Adelaide who read out the rules, which seemed rather unusual this year, on Wilfred's behalf. The target for the day was a black bear. However, it was no ordinary bear.

Its abdomen bore the mark of the Aurensian royal family, though Andrew didn't clarify what it was. After fifteen minutes, the ten teams would set out. During that interval, while each team busied themselves with preparation, Frederick was called over by Ruth. "Last night, | tried to ask His Majesty myself, but he wouldn't reveal so much as a single detail. | don't even know what the mark is," Ruth said, her face taut with worry. Until yesterday, she had believed that her son had acquired an ally no less skilled than Sebastian. She had even witnessed Mira's flawless mounted archery.

Surely, with such talent, this year's hunt would be won without question. ---- But she hadn't foreseen that the Obsidian Monarch and Selena's skill would surpass all expectations. Yesterday, reports from scouts stated that Selena and her team had clashed repeatedly with the team from the Marquis of Arden's household, sparring and bickering the entire day. Ruth had been relieved that her son hadn't chosen Sebastian as his companion. But to her astonishment, even after a day of chaos, Selena's team remained firmly qualified for today's competition. Her disbelief quickly shifted to unease.

"Fred, you were at the hunting grounds all day yesterday. Did you witness the conflict between Selena's team and the team from the Marquis of Arden's household? Were they really all involved? "Ruth asked. Frederick understood his mother's concem. Though he remained mildly vexed by the indifference of the team from the Duke of Blackmoor's household toward himself, the thought of Selena's imperious demeanor brought a faint, involuntary smile to his lips. "Yes, | saw it with my own eyes. | hadn't imagined that Lena could be so commanding," he admitted. Not only commanding, but fierce as well.

Unlike Freya's mindless aggression, Selena possessed courage, cunning, and ---- daring, along with a temper to match. Somehow, the image of her had etched itself deeply into his heart. Ruth and Anna exchanged a glance at the faint, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips, a silent acknowledgment passing between them. Anna's eyes flicked to Ruth, brimming with unease, trying to silently convey, 'My lady, it seems Prince Frederick has taken a liking to Lady Campbell again.' Ruth's brows knitted tightly. She was equal parts frustrated and helpless. It was all Freya's fault.

What a useless woman who couldn't even control a man's heart! "Fred, did you see what Yuvan was doing while they were quarrelling?" Ruth asked suddenly. Frederick's expression darkened, a trace of displeasure crossing his features. "Mother, | know you don't care for Lena, but | witnessed her mounted archery skills myself. They didn't cheat, nor did they give secret orders for Yuvan to hunt on the side. Their skill is genuine." "Fred, you must never let another's talent diminish your own confidence!" No one could surpass her son. At the very least, he had to believe in his own strength!

---- "Fred, no matter how skilled they are, they are outsiders. Your father would never entrust the Dragon Sentinels' emblem to an outsider. Focus on competing with the Obsidian Monarch and leave the rest to me," said Ruth. Frederick inclined his head in acknowledgment and departed. However, Anna remained uneasy. "My lady, from what | can see, Prince Frederick is likely to fall completely under her spell without realizing it. We must deal with Lady Campbell. S-should we proceed with the next plan?"