Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 77 After fifteen minutes of mulling it over , Sebastian realized that he had , for all intents and purposes , accepted the Obsidian Monarch's duskgold spear . It was difficult to refuse a man after accepting his generosity . When Nathaniel began talking to Zachary and no longer paid him any mind , Sebastian quickly turned to Selena . " Lena , you mustn't think ill of Prince Nathaniel's looks any longer . Once , he was the most handsome man in the capital . Even I couldn't help but look twice at him . His looks were beyond anything you could imagine .

" " Seb , I- " He cut her off , adding , " His Highness ' face was ruined for the sake of the people of the Northern Frontier . He was wounded in service to the realm . I know you've always admired a handsome face , but you must not let such prejudice color your view of Prince Nathaniel . It will only make him feel ... insecure . " Insecure ? Selena nearly wondered if she had misheard . If the great and terrible Demon Lord could feel insecure , then no man alive could claim true confidence .

With the force of his presence , insecurity would never , so much as graze him , even if his entire face or body were destroyed . But it was useless to explain . Sebastian would never understand . So , Selena simply pretended to agree and nodded . " I understand . The next time I see His Highness , I'll be sure to smile at him . " By chance , Nathaniel's dark , intense gaze was fixed on them from not far off . Selena could only sigh inwardly .

After shooting Nathaniel a reproachful glance , she curved her lips upwards , and under her brother's watchful eye , offered the prince a most enchanting smile ! In an unnoticed corner , Frederick's cup struck the table with a sharp crack . That woman had just cast the Obsidian Monarch a flirtatious glance , smiling like she was a courtesan! So , this was what she had been reduced to since leaving him ? Must she resort to such methods to preserve the Duke of Blackmoor's household , humbling herself before others to beg their protection ?

Frederick's anger burned hot , mingled with a frustration he couldn't shake . He had never said he would abandon the Duke of Blackmoor's household . It was Selena who had pushed him away again and again . Given all their years of acquaintance , if she had only come back to plead with him , he would still have been willing to shield her family . He had never been a heartless man ! But from beginning to end , Selena had not spared him so much as a glance . Was it truly indifference , or was this simply another of her calculated ploys ?

Just then , the atmosphere in the square grew livelier as the Dawnmere procession arrived . Many in attendance were seeing Dawnmere's third prince for the first time . Word had it that in recent years , the young prince had enjoyed particular favor with the king of Dawnmere . It wasn't impossible that he might one day ascend the throne himself . Many of the young ladies present had taken great pains with their appearance that day , most of them attending with the express hope of catching the eye of the third prince .

Yet , none had expected him to be quite so striking , his otherworldly beauty sending more than a few hearts fluttering . " My lady , I can't help but notice the young ladies seem rather intent today . And of late , there have been certain 1/2 Chapter 77 +25 BONUS whispers ," Sally murmured , leaning closer to Selena . " What whispers ? " Selena asked . She kept her gaze on the Dawnmere procession , though her attention was fixed on Lilia , who was waving to her . She returned the gesture with a smile , acknowledging the greeting .

Sally lowered her voice further as she replied , " I overheard some maids say that Dawnmere and Aurensia may be planning a marriage alliance . From the looks of it , the intended match might very well be Prince Elias . " Selena understood at once . No wonder the young ladies were dressed to dazzle today . Though the gathering was meant for the martial arts tournament, their gowns were elaborate and their faces painted with care . More than a few had even come in full evening attire . Clearly , news of the potential marriage alliance had been circulating for some time .

However , with all that had occupied the Duke of Blackmoor's household in recent days , Selena had paid it no mind . For most young women , to wed Dawnmere's third prince was to step onto a path that might one day lead to becoming the queen of Dawnmere . It was undeniably a road to great fortune . Selena's eyes moved instinctively toward Elias . To her surprise , his gaze was fixed in her direction . Chapter 78