All Chapters of Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

The first time Selena Campbell saw Freya Talmar was the very moment the latter tried to assassinate Frederick Lancaster, Selena's fiancé.Though Freya was quickly captured after her failed attempt, Frederick did not punish her. Instead, he found something unusual in the ragged, fierce young woman."Are you really Henry Talmar's daughter?" Frederick asked, narrowing his eyes as he stared at the disheveled girl before him. "Lift your head so I can see you."Frederick was a prince and Warbringer of Aurensia, a man whom every soldier obeyed without question.But in the face of his anger, Freya stood proud and unyielding. "Kill me if you will. If I so much as frown, I have no right to call myself the daughter of the Desert Hawk."Her spirit was unbreakable, her pride fierce. That image was etched deeply into Frederick's mind.He grabbed her chin and lifted her grimy face. "To dare speak so boldly before me means you truly are unafraid of death.""Let me go!" Freya snapped, struggling

The look Frederick gave Selena was like a knife to her heart. They had known each other for years and were to be married next month. Yet here he was, filled with murderous intent over a young woman he had known for less than half a month.All their years of deep affection and loyalty suddenly seemed laughable in the face of that fleeting flash of deadly rage in his eyes.She couldn't help but smile bitterly. "Are you seeking revenge for her, Your Highness?""I am a prince! You think I wouldn't dare?" Frederick hissed through gritted teeth, every word dripping with menace.Sally panicked and rushed forward. "Your Highness, this has nothing to do with Lady Campbell. It was Ms. Talmar who attacked—""Begone!"Frederick raised his foot and kicked Sally hard. She fell to the ground with a heavy thud, coughing up a mouthful of blood."Sally!" Selena snapped back to her senses and hurried over to help her maid up.Sally tried to speak, but blood spilled from her mouth, leaving her una

"So, are you here to talk about breaking off our engagement?" Selena asked.Her face remained calm and composed, but her fists slowly clenched tightly inside her sleeves. As her sharp nails dug into the flesh of her palms, there was a sting, but it barely compared to the ache in her heart.Her troubled fiancé had come to her and confessed to having fallen for another woman, then expected her to comfort him as she usually would.How strange the world could be.How utterly cruel.Selena's words about breaking off their engagement struck Frederick's heart with a deep and overwhelming pain."Impossible! How could I break our engagement? I will never leave you. Not in this lifetime!"He grew agitated and gripped Selena's hand fiercely. This time, his hold was tighter and harder than ever before. Her nails were already pressing against her palms, and his actions drove them deep into her flesh. The pain was sharp, yet somehow, she hardly noticed.She met Frederick's gaze with steady c

When Frederick stepped out of the carriage, his hair was a bit messy. It was clear he'd been in close contact with the young woman inside. He hadn't expected to look up and find Selena standing in the wind, watching him.A breeze stirred, fluttering the soft white fabric of her dress. She looked as graceful and ethereal as ever. It was a complete contrast to Frederick, who had once been carefree and confident, but now looked a little ragged, thanks to Freya.After he got out, Freya sharply pulled the curtain aside before following him. When she looked up, her eyes immediately landed on Selena's flawless, breathtaking face. Her expression darkened, and she turned to glare at Frederick. The fire of her anger blazed brighter, a mocking smile curling at the corners of her lips."Well, your lovely lady is waiting for you over there. Why do you keep pestering me?" She jumped out of the carriage, her eyes burning with hatred as they locked onto Selena. "One day, I'll make you pay for that

"You're still angry about that? It's such a trivial thing, and you're holding onto it even now?" Frederick asked, clearly disappointed in Selena."Do you truly think ruining my brother's life is trivial?" she replied, just as deeply disappointed in him.The Frederick she once knew, a man who was fair and impartial, had long since vanished.Selena continued, "If you think it's so trivial, then maybe she should stab you next time. Let's see how you feel then."The image made Frederick's stomach tighten.Suddenly, a wave of helplessness washed over him, making him say, "Forget it, Lena. You stabbed her too. Do you know how badly she's hurt? Not just physically, but her pride as well. That wound makes her feel like she's no longer a perfect lady.""Since when was she ever perfect?" Selena countered."Lena!" Frederick's tone sharpened. "I don't want to argue with you. Let's leave the past where it belongs. As for you and General Campbell deserting the army..."Selena cut in, "I sent