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Home / Romance / Provoking a Graceful Bloom / Chapter 191 - Chapter 200

All Chapters of Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Chapter 191 - Chapter 200

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Chapter 191

Frederick's fingers tightened, the glass in his hand nearly slipping from his grasp. Meanwhile, William was struck dumb with astonishment.The arrow had not just hit the bull's-eye, but pierced straight through it. Such a feat demanded both precision and considerable strength. Yet, when watching Mira, William had seen nothing more than the faint sweep of her sleeve, as if she had scarcely exerted herself at all. Had his eyes deceived him?William turned to Frederick, but the prince's gaze remained fixed upon Mira.She lowered her longbow, then turned and offered Frederick a graceful curtsey. "Your Highness, I beg your pardon for such a poor display. That trifling trick is hardly worth mentioning. If I am to join your team, I will need more than just this. I hope you'll give me the chance to show you what I'm truly capable of."Later that day, Frederick led Mira on a ride through the wooded hills behind the estate.Only William was permitted to accompany them, with even Freya being

Chapter 192

"How could he not love her? She appeared to save him when he was in the depths of despair. Besides, he never truly forgot Selena in the first place," said Mira.Only a fool like Freya would believe that a brief show of affection from Frederick could surpass the devotion he once held for Selena.Mira settled into a chair, regarding her sister with the cool detachment one might reserve for a mere servant. "You may not know the depths of his obsession with Selena, but I do.""But when he loved me, Selena was worth nothing in his eyes," Freya protested.She could believe anything Mira said, but would never accept that she was inferior to Selena.Mira laughed coldly. "Then, while he cherished you so much, did he ever raise a hand against Selena when she hurt you?"The question quickly drained the color from Freya's face.He had not.From beginning to end, Frederick had never harmed a single hair on Selena's head. Even when she had wounded Freya so cruelly, he had only scolded her wi

Chapter 193

Freya thought her sister's threats were mere words, but she acted without hesitation. Soon, there were two guards, sent from Moonchase Pavilion, stationed at her courtyard where there had been none before.They drove Freya from her own room. Mistveil Pavilion was now Mira's domain.On the first day, Freya endured it. By the second day, knowing Frederick was still taking Mira out all day long, she could no longer hold back. As night fell, she donned a delicate gown of sheer fabric, carefully arranged her hair, and accepted a tray of evening refreshments from Linda."My lady, we all saw how His Highness truly admired you once. I-it was only your temper—"Linda hesitated, worried that her mistress might take offense."Go on. I'm listening," Freya said.After a moment's pause, Linda continued, "Your temper was difficult to deal with at times, that's why His Highness was often displeased with you. If you're gentler with him, I'm sure he will return your affection."That night, Freya

Chapter 194

Frederick's brow furrowed lightly. "To become a perfect secondary consort?"Freya began to say, "Fred, I—""I have matters to discuss with His Highness. Fey, you should return and rest," Mira cut in, her voice firm."Why should I go back?"Freya's own temper flared. After holding it in all day, she could no longer restrain herself."Mira, you think you—ah!"With a sharp slap, Mira struck her sister across the face.Freya was stunned. Even Frederick froze, momentarily forgetting to react. It was just a verbal disagreement. Surely, there was no cause for such violence. This was excessive.For a heartbeat, Freya remained shocked. Then, her fury ignited."You hit me! How dare you! You low-born—"Another sharp crack rang out, louder than the first.Freya fell to the ground, her face burning with pain, speechless with shock. But it wasn't over, as she suddenly felt a tremendous force surge toward her. Before she could react, Mira had lifted her up and hurled her out the door.Fre

Chapter 195

After what happened with Freya, Frederick found himself inexplicably wary of women from the Talmar clan. If Mira so much as hinted at an ulterior motive, he vowed that once the Autumn Hunt ended, he would see to it that she never set foot in the capital again."Since you already know that I've often come and gone from your residence, then you must also know I've never had the slightest interest in you. Each visit was for Fey's sake and nothing more. Surely your inquiries uncovered that much, Your Highness," Mira explained.Her words were blunt, leaving Frederick's face flushed with a sudden, stinging embarrassment, as if he'd been slapped in the face."Your Highness, I speak only to clear myself of suspicion, not to insult you. I hope you understand," she added.Every motion, every expression on her face carried no hint of femininity. She was no different from a man in both bearing and demeanor.She gave him a soldier's salute and continued, "I understand that many women have sche

Chapter 196

Sally's question was one that weighed heavily on both Sebastian and Yuvan."Lena, I have already sent for Aurora, but we're still two people short," Sebastian said, leaping off his horse to stand beside Selena. "The hour grows late. If we don't set out for the hunting grounds soon, we risk losing precious time. I fear it will displease His Majesty."By now, dawn had broken. The sky was still a dull gray in the early light, and the weather didn't seem very promising. After days of wind and bright sun, today felt unusually heavy and overcast. With dark clouds gathering and dispersing above them, no one could say whether rain might yet fall."There's no need to wait for Aurora," Selena replied as she vaulted onto her horse with ease. "We shall go to the hunting grounds first. She will arrive in her own time."Sebastian's eyes widened. Today, his sister was dressed in a form-fitting combat outfit, though a loose cloak wrapped around her hid it at first glance. She had even tied her lon

Chapter 197

Soon after, Frederick's contingent arrived.When everyone turned to look, the first figure to catch their eyes was the prince himself, clad in a rich, tailored riding outfit. Though they had heard of his injury at Mount Iron, he now rode a tall, spirited horse, showing no hint of weakness. It seemed he had fully recovered.Soon, everyone noticed the young lady riding not far behind him. It was not Freya! Instead, it was a young woman far more striking in appearance than her. She wore a matching riding uniform in the same style as Frederick's, though her attire lacked some of his princely finery.Riding beside her was William, whose skill in mounted archery was well known. He had long been part of the prince's hunting teams. William's garb mirrored the young woman's almost exactly, and with the two guards trailing behind them, Frederick's five-person entourage was complete."The young lady is competing as well! Could the rumors be true?" someone whispered."What rumors?""That the

Chapter 198

Sebastian said nothing and simply looked at Selena. Whatever decision she made, he would follow without question. Even if it meant the four of them competing, he would have no regrets as long as it was her choice.Selena met Frederick's gaze, a faint smile playing on her lips. "My brother and I hold little influence. How could we ever dare defy you, Your Highness? But our household's entries have already been submitted, and the whole kingdom knows we intend to compete. To back down now would be a public humiliation."Her smile deepened. "Your Highness, we also have our pride."Frederick's face darkened.Standing behind him without any expression on her face, Mira said, "Women are always eager to show off in front of men. But without true skill, it's nothing but a clownish farce. Lady Campbell, your talent and grace already set you apart from the rest. You're extraordinary in any man's eyes, so why stoop to such a cheap display?"Hearing that, Frederick glanced at Selena and soften

Chapter 199

Mira's heart leapt violently at the sight of the figure approaching from afar.It was none other than Nathaniel, the fabled monarch of the Northern Frontier. The sunlight fell upon him, casting a halo of radiance around his form. He seemed at once dazzling and unfathomable, a presence that both awed and unsettled.Mira's breath caught, leaving her momentarily unsteady.Around him, a handful of attendants, men of unmistakable bearing, hurried forward. They greeted him respectfully and offered gestures of respect afforded to a commander of his rank.Frederick frowned. Those generals, who had once taken great delight in dealing with him, now greeted him with nothing more than curt nods. There was no chatter, no warmth, only a formal acknowledgment before they turned away.Yet their admiration for the Obsidian Monarch was plain for all to see, open and unmistakable."You recently suffered a crushing defeat at Mount Iron, and a certain young lady made such a conspicuous effort to resc

Chapter 200

The Obsidian Monarch had set his sights on the lady of the Duke of Blackmoor's household?!Nathaniel's voice was neither loud nor soft, but clear enough that everyone nearby could hear him. Even Frederick, not far away, caught every word. For a moment, his handsome face clouded over, stormy and dark.Sebastian froze as well, but after a moment of disbelief, his expression hardened."Your Highness, matters of marriage are traditionally arranged by parents and matchmakers. Lena is still young and unmarried, so please don't trouble her with such talk!" he said, his tone sharp and serious.Selena seemed genuinely startled, silently slipping behind her brother for protection. The young lady's delicate posture, combined with her breathtaking beauty, stirred a deep pang of tenderness in every gentleman present.With his face half-hidden behind his cold, unforgiving mask, the Obsidian Monarch looked terrifying, like a predatory beast before its prey.Nathaniel's gaze flicked to Sebastian

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