Lahat ng Kabanata ng Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Kabanata 231 - Kabanata 240

"I didn't mean to look. It was Prince Nathaniel who came out without his mask."Sally shivered at the memory of Nathaniel's face. Just thinking of it sent a tremor through her. Last night, she had come dangerously close to screaming. Although she had stayed silent, the Obsidian Monarch had seen her, and she now knew his secret. Would he punish her for it?But…"My lady, you've seen his true face?"The man had come straight from Selena's tent. Had he wished to silence anyone, she would have been first in line. Nathaniel's behavior toward her seemed unusual, especially given that he had been somewhat disheveled.Sally's eyes nearly popped from her head. "My lady, did you and His Highness—""Nothing happened! Stop imagining things!" Selena interjected sharply.So, Sally hadn't seen certain indiscreet parts of him. On the whole, Selena's spirits remained quite good.Sally's own heart felt heavy with concern. Nathaniel and Selena had a certain history between them. But of late, his

After Frederick left Ruth's tent, he looked up and spotted Cloud approaching Selena's team, carrying something carefully in his hands.Cloud had meant to ignore him, but as Frederick walked straight toward him, all he could do was plaster on a polite smile and bow. "Greetings, Your Highness.""What do you have there?" Frederick asked, eyeing the covered tray.Cloud forced himself to keep his polite smile as he replied, "Your Highness, this is a honey cake specially prepared by Prince Nathaniel's cook. His Highness knows that Lady Campbell prefers not to eat meat in the morning, so he had this ready in advance and waited for her to appear."This was the hunting grounds. Apart from the king and a few princes who brought their own cooks, only the more pampered teams did the same. Most others prepared their own meals, as they were trained in arms and accustomed to managing their own provisions.Last night, everyone feasted on roasted meat and drank wine. There was still plenty, so mos

"What are you doing?"Selena's face flushed, and she instinctively tried to step aside. But having just dismounted, her horse still lingered at her side, and her sudden movement nearly sent her colliding into the animal.Nathaniel steadied her with a firm hand. "Don't move so recklessly. This is the Beastlands, and the horses are already skittish. If you startle yours, it may bolt."Selena nodded, running a gentle hand along her horse's mane."Go wait outside for me," she murmured softly.As if it understood her words, the horse immediately trotted off. Nathaniel cast a glance at his own horse, which was far cleverer. It seemed to understand his intentions at once and bolted off without hesitation."Now, could you perhaps give me a little space?" Selena said, stepping aside cautiously.This time, Nathaniel didn't block her, though his gaze lingered on her face."Did I hurt you last night?" he asked quietly.Selena's cheeks flamed. "What nonsense are you spouting?"But she had

The dagger was called Skyvault. It was an ancient weapon, said to carry its own chilling power.Selena couldn't resist testing it. With a swift flick of her wrist, a stone not far off split sharply at the corner, as if cleaved by the blade itself. That was solid rock! And she hadn't even used her inner energy.So, the legend that Skyvault possessed its own inner energy was true."What—"Nathaniel saw through her thoughts in an instant and snorted. "Once a blade has been given, there is no reason to take it back. If you don't wish to keep it, just throw it away."He stepped forward, taking the lead this time.Selena was both startled and delighted. Though a bit uneasy, the dagger was simply too tempting!"Your Highness, there's a chilling aura ahead. Be careful," she warned from behind.Nathaniel smiled faintly. "Were you to call me by name, I might be more cautious."Selena ignored him.But why was there such a chilling presence in the hunting grounds? A rotting, ominous scen

Ruth sprang to her feet, angrily snapping, "Your Majesty, Fred is Aurensia's Warbringer! Over the years, he has repeatedly brought glory to our kingdom! He's a loyal and steadfast general. How dare you speak of him in such a way!"Everyone present knew that, although Adelaide was the head of the harem, her status was still inferior to Ruth's, since she had no capable sons. Otherwise, the two women would never have been treated as equals during Wilfred's outings.Because Ruth's son was formidable, she could hold herself equal to Adelaide in public affairs, except at the most formal occasions. More often than not, Wilfred would heed Ruth's counsel, while Adelaide was left somewhat neglected.The saying that a mother's power came from her son was fully evident in Ruth's demeanor.Meanwhile, Selena had returned to her seat and was quietly sipping her tea, still covered in dirt. She looked up briefly to see Nathaniel seated across from her, also drinking tea. Only, his movements were sl