Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 62 Three days later , Elias arrived . He hadn't yet entered the capital and was staying at a lodge just outside the city walls , awaiting the Aurensian royal family's official welcome . To Selena's surprise , Adelaide had assigned her to receive Lilia Talmar , the seventh princess of Dawnmere , who had accompanied Elias on the journey . " Not another Talmar ! " Sally muttered , clearly fed up with the name . Selena smiled gently . " Freya grew up near the desert , right next to Dawnmere . Maybe they all share that surname because they're from the same place .

What's so strange about that ? " Before long , their carriage came to a stop outside the lodge . As Selena stepped out , her eyes caught sight of a tall , slender figure standing nearby . Noticing him too , Sally barely concealed her unease as she commented , " That's the Obsidian Monarch ? " Though surprised , Selena quickly composed herself and walked toward him . " Your Highness , today- " Suddenly , from within the lodge , a small dagger whistled through the air . Selena's brow furrowed just slightly , but before she could react , a flash of dark fabric swept past her eyes .

With a soft thud , the dagger embedded itself deep in a nearby tree trunk . Nathaniel had pulled her aside so quickly that her dress caught beneath her foot . Before she knew it , she stumbled right into his arms . When Frederick arrived , it was to the sight of Nathaniel holding Selena protectively in his arms . Standing next to Frederick , William stared in stunned disbelief ! This was far beyond the bounds of propriety between a gentleman and a lady . Frederick stormed forward , his fury barely contained . " What on earth do you think you're doing ?

" Selena had just steadied herself and was about to pull away from Nathaniel's embrace when Frederick's harsh voice made her legs weaken . She swayed , almost falling back into the fourth prince's arms . A knowing , almost mischievous smile flickered in Nathaniel's eyes . A beauty willingly falling into his arms - why wouldn't he take advantage of that ? He tightened his hold around her . Frederick strode up , grabbing Selena's arm and yanking her free from his brother's grasp . " Lena , do you realize what you're doing ? " " Let go ! You're hurting me !

" Selena shot him a sharp look , her voice cool with displeasure . " What I do is none of your concern . Keep your hands off me ! " " You- " " There is nothing between you and Lady Campbell anymore . If you don't want to cause misunderstandings , I suggest you stop touching her altogether , " said Nathaniel . With a casual wave of his hand , the pressure of Frederick's fingers on Selena's arm was knocked away by an invisible force . Frederick glared at him and coldly retorted , " Then , what exactly is your relationship with Lena , Nathaniel ?

" The fourth prince's smile was sly and unreadable . " Nothing special , really . I'm simply a hopeless admirer of hers . " Everyone nearby nearly had their eyes pop out in shock . Admitting he liked Selena just like that ? That ... seemed far 1/2