Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 67 Selena's heart sank . Back then , the Obsidian Monarch had been only seventeen or eighteen - a young man who would proudly ride his white horse , full of ambition and fire . Selena had still been quite young herself at the time , but even then , she had already heard his name , renowned as the most handsome man in the capital . Why else would Frederick believe that once the Obsidian Monarch returned , he would seek revenge for his ruined face ? It was because Nathaniel had been known throughout the kingdom for his striking good looks .

The incident that left his face scarred had occurred at the Northern Frontier , all because Selena's plan had lured him there from the Ashvale battlefield . Once there , he had been trapped with no means of escape . " I never meant to harm you , Your Highness . During that battle , I only wanted to secure Ashvale for Prince Frederick , " Selena said quietly . W ++ 1 A 11 14 She wasn't trying to shirk her responsibility , but the Northern Frontier had been in chaos back then . Someone had to bring peace and order . 22 17 4 # 4 .

Between Frederick and Nathaniel , she chose to leave the former in the relatively safer Ashvale . After all , she knew the Northern Frontier was perilous , and those sent there might never return . ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ In the end , Frederick returned from Ashvale victorious , hailed as a Warbringer . Meanwhile , Nathaniel remained trapped at the Northern Frontier for five long years . " You care for Frederick quite deeply , don't you ? " Nathaniel asked without even looking up . Before Selena could answer , he added , " I want the truth . " " I used to care for him very much , " she replied .

t For Frederick , she had been willing to stand against the whole world . Nathaniel frowned , finally opening his eyes to look at her pale and flawless face under the moonlight . " And now ? " Selena didn't answer . His eyes darkened even further . " Do you think you can use me as you please and I'll just stand for it ? " " Forgive me ... " " I don't mind if you use me . Use me however you like . But I don't like it when a woman who belongs to me still clings to another man . " Selena was quick to correct him , pointing out , " First , I'm not your woman .

Second , I'm not clinging to any man . " Nathaniel raised an eyebrow . " If you're not clinging to him , then why use me to spite him ? " Selena pressed her lips together and hesitated before saying , " Because ... I'm not willing to accept it . " He studied her face carefully . " Why ? " " He often says that no one will ever want me in the future . Of course , I can't accept that . Though I usually don't care , today I was a little impulsive . " 1/2 Chapter 67 +25 BONUS Nathaniel's gaze grew more complicated , holding hers for a long moment .

Then , suddenly , his lips curved into a small smile . " So , you do have a stubborn streak . " Selena wanted to roll her eyes at him , but held back this time . Nathaniel just kept watching her with a smile . Everyone had some pride , after all . Selena was only seventeen . A young woman as pretty as her , being constantly told by Frederick that no one would want her ? It was no wonder she was upset . Still , she was usually far too clever and far more composed than most girls her age . That proud little temper of hers simply hadn't had a chance to show itself .

" So , do you still like him ? " Nathaniel asked again . Selena pouted but said nothing . She couldn't answer . If she said yes , he would surely get angry . If she said no , he might just keep pressing . " Your Highness , whether I like him or not is of no concern to you . It's late , and since you seem in better spirits , I suggest you return to your estate and get some rest . ' Nathaniel kept his eyes on her . " And how do you know I'm in better spirits ? " 44 " I don't . And I don't want to know . Your Highness , please- " L M Her words caught in her throat , and no sound came out .

Because she saw Nathaniel shift , settling into a more comfortable position ; turning to face her with his eyes closed . As if he meant to sleep . " Your Highness ... " " だ い Nathaniel's eyelids didn't even twitch . His voice was low and rough from the alcohol he had drunk . " I'm very tired . Would you prefer I sleep in your chambers tonight , or right here ? " ** 4 # 2