When Petals Meet The Blade (Priscilla and Waldo) novel Chapter 209

Chapter 209

Jessica’s alluring figure captivated dozens of men, who couldn’t tear their eyes away from her every move, while Waldo, clearly displeased, snorted dismissively.

It felt as though someone had stolen his most cherished possession and was showing it off to the world. ‘Why does she have to make such a scene? he wondered.

If Jessica were competing, that would be different, but after all these years, he knew she was a delicate noble lady, raised in seclusion and incapable of even harming a fly.

Waldo thought, ‘She has no real talent, yet she insists on showing off in public–what vanity!‘ Waldo simmered with barely contained rage.

Ready for what lay ahead, Jessica swung herself onto the horse; grasping her longbow, she nudged its flank, sending it into a gallop.

Despite the horse’s moderate pace, her movements to draw and nock the arrow were painfully slow, and by the time it reached the target, the arrow remained unready–her opportunity lost.

Just as before, when Leon seemed to miss, holding everyone in suspense, he suddenly released an arrow from a more distant corner–it whistled through the air and struck the bullseye flawlessly.

“He’s the Lion of the Northern Borderlands!” someone in the crowd murmured, their voice tinged with pity. “Is Jessica Yates trying to do the same?”

It was heartbreaking to see such a beautiful young woman embarrass herself so publicly; it was almost painful to watch.

With a spiteful sneer, a bystander said, “Well, I thought she was something special. Can’t even draw a bow! Just another pretty face using men to get ahead.”

“Your Highness, Ms. Yates has missed a golden opportunity!” Shawn exclaimed urgently, distressed at the thought of their future princess consort being humiliated and utterly heartbroken.

Leon kept his eyes on Jessica as she rode, his expression inscrutable; then, as her horse reached the very spot where Leon had released his arrow, Jessica unexpectedly stood upright on her galloping horse, astonishing everyone.

The crowd collectively held its breath as she rose, her movements so light, graceful, and ethereal that she seemed almost like a fairy.

What shocked them even more was that precisely where Leon’s arrow had flown moments before, Jessica, seemingly so delicate, now drew her longbow with surprising strength, and in a flash, her arrow whizzed through the air.

The crowd went completely silent; not a single gasp could be heard. Everyone seemed to hold their breath.

“Bullseye!” Someone exclaimed, “She made that shot while standing!”

Jessica wheeled her horse around and galloped back; then, with a swift motion, she stowed her longbow, leaped gracefully from the saddle before Garbisch, turned to offer a graceful bow to the King, and quietly returned to her place at the end of the line.

The crowd fell silent, utterly speechless as Leon’s arrow hit the dead center of the target, while Waldo’s arrow, shot from the same spot, missed completely.

From the same spot, Jessica rose gracefully and, with a dancer’s flourish, sent her arrow straight into the bullseye. After a long pause, someone suddenly burst out laughing, exclaiming, “Even in a simple demonstration, you outshine me! Well, I’m impressed–I concede!”

The teams gradually entered the hunting grounds; although Waldo missed his shot, the King overlooked it, likely due to his recent injury, and the Waldo House contingent followed.-

It wasn’t long before Waldo confronted Jessica directly, demanding, “Since when did you master horseback archery? Why was I kept completely in the