Lahat ng Kabanata ng Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Kabanata 561 - Kabanata 570

Wilfred suddenly rose to his feet. He stared at Nathaniel's face, his expression betraying his excitement. "If it's already healed, why do you still wear the mask?"Nathaniel said nothing. Selena felt the chill radiating off him, stronger than ever. She was powerless to do more than secretly tug at his coat. Isolde clearly intended for him to stand before everyone again and was already setting her plans in motion."Nate wanted to surprise you, Your Majesty. So, he didn't remove the mask ahead of time," Isolde said, rising as well. She looked at Nathaniel and smiled. "Nate, aren't you going to take it off?"Since even Wilfred had risen to his feet, no one dared remain seated. Everyone around them stood. After a brief moment of silence, Nathaniel rose as well, and Selena quickly stood beside him.Now that Nathaniel was upright, everyone could see him clearly. He was tall, easily a head above Selena and taller than most of the men nearby. He moved with effortless grace, his build so f

After all the eating and drinking, the banquet finally drew to a close.Wilfred left, along with Adelaide and a few of the other concubines. Isolde hadn't said a word to Nathaniel, and even left without sparing him a single glance. Her exit was brisk and decisive.Selena knew that mother and son still didn't see eye to eye. Whatever plans Isolde and the Whitmore family had set in motion, the Demon Lord wasn't necessarily inclined to follow.Tonight, his mother had forced him to reveal his face in front of his father. From now on, no matter whether he obeyed her and the Whitmore family or followed Wilfred's wishes, the path ahead for Nathaniel could never be as calm as it once was.Despite having already drunk more than usual tonight, the prince was still drinking. His mask had fallen somewhere, completely discarded. Likely discarded as well was the calm, quiet life he had once known.With so many people and so much chatter at the banquet, Selena couldn't say much to him. If he kep

Nathaniel opened his eyes and looked up at her. Under the moonlight, Selena's face was calm and serene. Just looking at her like this made his restless heart settle, as if her presence alone could soothe him. For a moment, his thoughts quieted."Lena, how should I deal with my parents now?" he asked."Do you truly have no answer in your heart?" Selena countered.Nathaniel didn't answer. He just kept looking at her, unsure what his heart felt at that moment. Perhaps he wasn't thinking at all. He simply wanted to hold her, to speak with her, to stay by her side forever."Whatever you decide, whatever you choose to do, remember this. From now on, I'll always be yours. I'll be by your side," said Selena.Unable to restrain himself, Nathaniel pulled her into a fierce embrace. She could feel the heat radiating from him, but knew this wasn't the time to linger.Selena smiled, gently pressing her fingertip against his forehead where he had tried to lean closer, adding a little more weigh

It was late. Having changed into her usual simple attire and brewed a pot of tea, Isolde was quietly sipping it alone. Edith stayed nearby, only leaving with the rest of the attendants once Nathaniel entered."Do you have something to say to me?" Isolde asked, her eyes fixed on her son.She had always been direct, and there was no need to waste time on pleasantries with him.Since her son wasn't volunteering the information, she asked, "Did your father make you any promises?""He made no promises," Nathaniel replied calmly.A bitter laugh escaped Isolde. "I knew it. That old fox would never do anything that doesn't serve him. He doesn't fully trust you yet, so why would he offer any promises? Even if he had promised you something, it would be empty words meant only to soothe you. Not worth a thing."After all, there was no written decree, no royal edict, no proof of any kind.Nathaniel pressed his lips together, looking at his mother's faint, polite smile that didn't reach her e

Nathaniel had grown up in the heart of the palace. A prince by blood, he knew the schemes and intrigues of the royal family better than most. The Northern Frontier was their last refuge. There, in that land that was completely his, even his father's army dared not act recklessly.Aurensia was currently at peace. Threats from outside still lurked, but at least the people lived quietly and comfortably. However, any rebellion would spark war. If civil war broke out, every neighboring kingdom that was watching for an opportunity would surely seize it and attack.The result would be disastrous.Either Aurensia would fall and everyone would become slaves of a conquered land, or the kingdom would be scorched and ravaged even if it held out. The people would wander in misery, and their homes would be destroyed. In the end, the ones who suffered most would always be the common folk."Mother..." Nathaniel began."No!" Isolde interrupted sharply. "You don't need to try to persuade me. How co