Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 88 "You ask if | dare?" Elias laughed aloud, as though the idea were the most ridiculous thing in the world. "I've long heard that you're clever and full of wit, Lady Campbell. You're not thinking of challenging me to a battle of words, are you? | have no interest in flowery debates." "Don't worry, Your Highness. | may be well read and learned, but | wouldn't stoop to bullying someone whose muscles outweigh his wits. You've nothing to fear," Selena countered. Her words drew a hush over the spectators for a brief moment, then someone let out a laugh.

Soon, even Lilia couldn't help but giggle. She had never once seen her brother so flustered before a lady. Elias pursed his lips and cast Selena a sharp glance, a low snort escaping him. "Very well, Lady Campbell. Tell me, what shall we use to spar? Spears?" He extended his hand. From below, Damon stepped forward and tossed a spear at the prince. "Here, Your Highness." Elias caught it with a flick of his wrist, and with a sharp twist, it landed upright beside him with a ringing clang.

The platform ---- trembled beneath it, dust rising in little clouds, yet the floor beneath remained flawless with not a crack in sight. A show of formidable inner energy. Selena took a careful step back. Murmurs of worry rippled through the audience. Compared to when he had sparred with Frederick, Elias' power now seemed even greater. There was no doubt that he was angry. Could a delicate woman like Selena truly withstand sparring with him? It looked like she would shatter after one strike! Sebastian and Sally watched anxiously from the foot of the platform.

That single strike of the spear just now made it clear to everyone that Elias was no longer amused. "Lady Campbell, | will grant you three moves. Draw your weapon and begin," the Dawnmerian prince said coolly. "| don't believe you've heard how | propose to spar," Selena replied calmly. "Combat requires strength and skill, not explanations!" he snapped. Selena smiled faintly. "Though it is a duel, you've already sparred with Prince Frederick. Using the same method again would be dull. Shall we try a different kind of contest?" ---- "Very well!" Elias sneered.

As long as it was a match of skill, there was no trick she could pull. He didn't make a habit of bullying women, but this sharp- tongued woman needed taming. Selena turned to the young ladies below the platform, smiling as she asked, "Is there anyone who would lend me a light scarf? The lighter, the better." A scarf? They were going to duel. Why would she need a scarf? The young ladies exchanged puzzled glances, some already reaching for scarves to offer. But then Adelaide, standing next to the king, laughed lightly.

"I happen to have one here." The maid by her side understood at once and took it with both hands, personally presenting it to Selena, who inclined her head politely toward the queen. "Your Majesty, | hope | won't offend. This scarf-" "Use it as you please," Adelaide replied with a smile. Selena smiled and nodded, then stepped down from the stage. Borrowing a guard's sword, she sliced the delicate scarf into countless thin strips. Finally, she returned to the platform, dividing the pieces into two neat stacks before handing them to ---- Andrew.

"What is the meaning of this?" Elias asked, his brow furrowing slightly. Selena smiled. "Your Highness, each stack here holds ten layers of silk. | propose we test our spear skills. With one strike, your spear must pierce exactly eight layers. No more, no less. "Furthermore, each of those eight layers must split cleanly in two. No threads may cling. However, the ninth layer must remain entirely intact." She looked up to meet Elias' dark eyes. "Do you dare accept the challenge, Your Highness?"