Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 68 +25 BONUS Selen didn't want either option . " Whether it's my chambers or out here , it's still my courtyard ! I'm an unmarried lady . How could I possibly allow you to stay overnight ? " she said , her heart racing . Nathaniel's voice dropped even lower , thick with a sleepy rasp . It was as if he was already half asleep . " So , you'd have me sleep in your chambers ? " Selena was equal parts angry and flustered . She had never met such a shameless man ! "You carelessly ruin my reputation , yet you'll never truly marry me . Do you honestly not care about me at all ?

How are you any different from the others ? " She expected him to get angry enough to storm off in a huff , then they could leave things be between them. But to her surprise , there wasn't a hint of anger from Nathaniel at all . A mocking smile tugged at his lips . " Why bother with all these rules and etiquette ? Like I said , if you find life in the capital unbearable , you can follow me back to the Northern Frontier . " Selena blinked in surprise . " Your Highness , you actually plan to return to the Northern Frontier ? " This was the second time he'd mentioned taking her there .

But Nathaniel was the Obsidian Monarch , and now a leading contender for the throne . Why would he retreat to the Northern Frontier ? Returning there meant living as a vassal prince , nothing more . 4 Still not knowing whether he was friend or foe , she dared not say any of that aloud . Nathaniel's eyes were closed now , his breathing steady . She even heard the faintest snore from his nostrils . He was truly asleep . On that hard stone bench , far too short for him to stretch out his long legs , Nathaniel lay sprawled without a care .

N Selena had never faced anyone who could render her so utterly powerless . He wasn't afraid of mockery or threats , and no bribe could sway him . Persuasion was useless too , as he was as stubborn as a mule . He was completely unmoved by anything . She had absolutely no way to deal with him ! In the end , she stormed out from under the pavilion and glared up at the great tree where he'd been perched . " Can someone please keep your prince in check ? " From above , Liam dropped lightly at her feet and sighed . " Lady Campbell , I've never dared try to do that .

" " He's sleeping in the courtyard of an unmarried lady , and you don't intervene ? " Selena's usual composure had been completely undone by Nathaniel tonight . Liam shrugged as if it didn't matter . " Only the three of us know about this . I won't breathe a word . " Selena wanted to roll her eyes so badly . Keeping quiet didn't mean it hadn't happened . But Liam had a different take . " If you fear gossip , you should marry His Highness as soon as possible .

" " I don't know when you all started joking about such things , but I can assure you , His Majesty would never permit a lady who was once betrothed to one of his sons to marry a different son . Has your prince given that any thought ? " Selena snapped . Her expression was serious , but she didn't expect Liam to be just as earnest .. 1/2 Chapter 56 +25 BONUS " His Highness has thought it through , " he said quietly . " He has ? " Selena was surprised . Liam's expression didn't seem like he was lying . " Of course he has .

Though he hasn't shared his plans with us , I've served him for years and know his nature well . " Liam looked at her solemnly , his honesty clear . " Please believe His Highness when he says he will marry you properly . He promised to bring you to the estate with all the grandeur you deserve . There will be no slight to your honor , I swear it . " His sincere words made Selena hesitate to argue . But the truth was , no matter what plans the Obsidian Monarch might have , she had never once thought of marrying him .

They'd never truly been close , so how could there be any feelings between them ? And yet , here he was , attaching himself to her as if it were a given . Was there no one who could rein in this stubborn prince ?