Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 235 "What are you doing?" Selena's face flushed, and she instinctively tried to step aside. But having just dismounted, her horse still lingered at her side, and her sudden movement nearly sent her colliding into the animal. Nathaniel steadied her with a firm hand. "Don't move so recklessly. This is the Beastlands, and the horses are already skittish. If you startle yours, it may bolt." Selena nodded, running a gentle hand along her horse's mane. "Go wait outside for me," she murmured softly. As if it understood her words, the horse immediately trotted off.

Nathaniel cast a glance at his own horse, which was far cleverer. It seemed to understand his intentions at once and bolted off without hesitation. "Now, could you perhaps give me a little space?" Selena said, stepping aside cautiously. This time, Nathaniel didn't block her, though his gaze lingered on her face. "Did | hurt you last night?" he asked quietly. ---- Selena's cheeks flamed. "What nonsense are you spouting?" But she had to admit that the moment that insolent question was asked, the strange tightness in her chest returned with a vengeance.

However, what drove her nearly to distraction was lifting her eyes and finding Nathaniel's gaze shift from her face to her chest. "You scoundrel! One more such indiscretion, and we shall proceed separately," she warned. Nathaniel's cheeks deepened in color, and he quickly withdrew his gaze. "I... | didn't mean to. Forgive me. Last night, | was.. somewhat out of control. | will do my utmost to restrain myself. At least until you are mine by marriage, | shall not harm you." Selena was the most precious person in his life. He couldn't bear to hurt her. "But...

will you consent to wed me sooner rather than later? | fear | may not be able to restrain myself next time," he added Selena stared at him, utterly unsure how to respond "Lena?" he pressed again. "| have petitioned His Majesty to allow me to serve as a female general. In time, | shall lead troops into battle. Even so, would you still wish to marry me?" ---- She had only intended to scare him off, yet Nathaniel's eyes lit up. "How splendid.

When the time comes, we'll ride into battle side by side as husband and wife." "I never said | would marry you!" Selena exclaimed, eager to prevent any misunderstanding. "Your Highness, | only wish to make clear that | have no intention of marrying anyone." "Then, do you intend for us to be a pair of lovers with no ties?" Nathaniel exhaled, as if pondering the question seriously. "Truly, it would not be impossible. A grand wedding is but a matter of custom. If you don't care for it, then we need not hold one. | only fear that you might feel wronged." Selena's eyes widened in disbelief.

She couldn't fathom the workings of his mind. Nathaniel continued musing out loud, "Perhaps | shall go to Blackmoor Estate and request Lord Campbell to officiate a simple ceremony. If you stay by my side without a title or station, it might bring discomfort to your grandfather. For his sake, | ask that you endure this small concession and grant me the simplest of weddings, Lena." At the very least, there would be a wedding, even the simplest of affairs-just a meal shared with family-would suffice.

---- Otherwise, he could never shake the uneasy feeling of being beside Selena with no official place in her life. What if she refused to acknowledge their marriage one day? He lowered his gaze to the young woman, considerably shorter than himself, and asked softly, "Lena, do you think this would be acceptable?" Selena blinked, stunned, unable to find a single word. Nathaniel frowned, a trace of disappointment in his eyes. "Lena, ask only for the simplest of weddings. Is that too much? Must we remain hidden, stealing moments in secret?

| wish to openly call you mine, to declare to all that you belong to me. Is that so. unreasonable?"