All Chapters of Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Chapter 121 - Chapter 130

Lilia's lips curled up into a disdainful smile. "Indeed, the gossip is everywhere. They say Prince Frederick has taken a fancy to some proud, aloof Desert Rose, and that is why he..."She let the sentence trail off, but Selena only smiled faintly and finished it, "Abandoned me, you mean?""Lena, it is only the ignorant chatter of the world. Don't let it trouble you," Lilia said quickly, unwilling to see her friend upset.Selena's smile remained serene, almost amused. "Trouble me? Why would I be troubled? It is the simple truth, after all.""Lena—"Selena cut her off with a wave of her hand. She had no need for consoling words or anyone's pity.Instead, she shifted the conversation, asking, "Very well, tell me, what is the world saying?"The mention of this made Lilia bristle further."Those men are blind, all of them! They speak as if this Desert Rose walks alone above all others. They say her pride is unparalleled, that her temperament is unlike any other woman in the land. So

The woman shrieked in terror, tears streaming down her face. "Your Highness, it is the lady who rode recklessly through the streets and collided with my son. Your Highness, please—""Leave questions of right and wrong to the Court of Justice," Theodore said coolly, without even glancing at the trembling mother and child. "Once the matter is examined, the truth will reveal itself."His eyes remained fixed upon Freya as he smiled. "And what do you think of this, Ms. Talmar?""An inquiry is precisely what is needed. Clearly, it was them who spooked my horse!" Freya said, her voice cold and tinged with contempt as she glanced at the mother and child.Even as she spoke with disdain, the thrill of someone stepping forward on her behalf was undeniable. Her foul mood lifted at once. All the more so when Theodore removed his own robe and draped it over her shoulders.Even an esteemed prince treated her with the utmost courtesy, his words tinged with an almost deferential charm. Could anyon

Frederick couldn't tell whether Freya was truly foolish or simply stubborn beyond reason."Fey, I care for you greatly, but I am a prince. I can't take a woman who has stayed in my brother's residence.""Do you truly imagine that I can't live without you?" Freya snapped, her temper flaring.He actually dared to say that she wouldn't even qualify to be his concubine! As if she cared. She spun on her heel and started to leave.Behind her, Frederick felt a sudden chill. Watching her walk away with such resolute defiance, every ounce of strength seemed to drain from him. For so long, he had withstood every pressure, defied every obstacle, all to be with her. And what had he truly gained?Her frankness, boldness, and that unguarded sincerity had once seemed so striking. At this moment, it appeared transformed into nothing more than petulance, ignorance, and folly. For the first time, he felt a weariness that robbed him of the will to pursue her further.Freya's steps faltered as well,

"Only the foolish imagine such things," Selena replied.She turned on her heel and walked toward the estate. Her steps were measured, serene, and chillingly indifferent."I was once betrothed to Prince Frederick, and what transpired between us has already caused such a scandal. Why would Prince Theodore have feelings for me? Even if he did, the most I could ever be upon entering his household would be a concubine," she added."You shall never be a concubine!" Sebastian declared firmly, his expression darkening. "Lena, if you don't wish to marry, remain here at Blackmoor Estate. I will watch over you all my life. No prince shall make you a concubine and bring you suffering."A concubine led a life of quiet shame. Her head forever bowed, and her children overshadowed by the legitimate heirs.Selena cast her brother a wry glance over her shoulder. "So, whether Prince Theodore glances my way or not changes nothing for me. It is all but an act, a trick to stir my heart."Most men in t

Frederick opened his mouth, intending to say that Selena wasn't so terrible, and that she wasn't the sort to truly harm anyone. In truth, she was genuinely decent.As for Theodore, the truth was far simpler. He was merely using Freya to humiliate Frederick. And yet, the girl truly believed the third prince had feelings for her.However, Freya hadn't gone to Tranquil Estate. She hadn't been fooled and had waited outside for Frederick for half a day. That alone was enough to lift his spirits. As for her words, they needed no rebuttal as they caused no real harm."It's all in the past, Fey. From now on, we'll be together, and no one will ever be able to tear us apart." Frederick held her close, a deep satisfaction warming him. "And don't trouble yourself with Lena again. She isn't truly a bad person, you know."Freya pushed him away, her anger flaring anew. "You dare speak for her!"Frederick sighed in exasperation. "Very well, she isn't a good person and is far beneath you, alright?