All Chapters of Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Frederick glanced down.The wooden box in Selena's hands was heavy and finely crafted, yet it seemed softened by the delicate grace of her fingers. He had always known she possessed the loveliest hands in the realm—slender, pale, and as finely shaped as if carved from marble.In truth, Selena had always seemed like a girl especially favored by the heavens. There wasn't a single flaw to be found on her. Even when she hurried about and a light sheen of sweat formed on her skin, it carried the faintest trace of a sweet, natural fragrance.He had once seen her dance, and watched in quiet astonishment as butterflies circled her, refusing to leave. She truly was a flawless young lady; so perfect that it left no room for criticism.For a brief moment, Frederick faltered. He could no longer tell what he was doing or why.Then, Freya's cold voice cut through the stillness. "I had thought you too noble to be swayed by surface beauty, Prince Frederick. To think you'd lose yourself over such

"You're giving me a chance for revenge?" Freya scoffed, her voice thick with scorn. "What's this now? Another one of your twisted little games?""Yes, I'm giving you one chance. And only one," Selena answered calmly.The flawless beauty of her face, already striking, took on a dangerous sort of brilliance with that single declaration. Her gaze swept past everyone in the room and landed squarely on the man who had just arrived."Should Freya manage to harm me here today, whether it results in injury or death, the Duke of Blackmoor's household will not pursue the matter," Selena said, eyes fixed on Sebastian."No," Sebastian said sharply as he strode to his sister's side, positioning himself protectively in front of her. "Absolutely not."His voice rang with fury as he turned on Frederick."Prince Frederick, I don't care how high your station may be. You have no right to let Lena be humiliated like this. The Duke of Blackmoor's household earned its standing through blood and servic

"Your Highness, rest assured that I won't regret this." Selena's lips curved into a faint smile. "After all, it is I who no longer wants you."She smiled at Frederick once more before turning away. She walked with light, carefree steps, her figure graceful and enchanting. There wasn't the slightest trace of sorrow or heaviness that clung to her.Frederick clenched his fists, his whole body going rigid."Your Highness, perhaps you should return to your estate. Ms. Talmar looks as if she might not last the night. Anyone who didn't know better would think she was dead," Sebastian said casually.Just laying eyes on Freya without giving in to the urge to kill her had already used up every ounce of restraint he had. If anyone expected him to ever treat her kindly, it would never happen in this lifetime."General Campbell, choose your words carefully," Frederick warned sharply.But when his eyes fell on Freya lying unconscious on the floor, his heart tightened suddenly.He didn't even

A sharp laugh broke the tense silence between them.Ruth's anger twisted into a cruel smile. "Good. Very good. My son truly has no right to call himself your man."Frederick felt a chill run down his spine. "Mom, she's not a bad person. She's simply young..."He had rarely seen his mother smile like that. The last time was when she executed an old maid who had served her for many years.Frederick pressed on, "Mom, Fey means you no disrespect, I assure you...""Frederick, are you really going to concede to her?" Ruth asked.Freya's face instantly darkened, losing all the confidence she'd just had. She knew Ruth's position, and that defying her would bring no good. But what she wanted was sincerity.This was her test to see if Frederick's feelings for her were real. If he couldn't protect her now, she would have no standing in his household later. She wasn't foolish; she was simply taking a gamble.Ruth's patience snapped."Guards!" she commanded sharply.Two soldiers hurried i

"At least you still know Selena's the only one fit to be your queen," Ruth said, shooting her son a sharp look."I'm well aware of that," Frederick quickly replied.At the end of the day, someone like Freya could never rise to true nobility. Not only would the king refuse to consent to her becoming Frederick's princess consort, but the people of the realm would never accept her as the mother of the kingdom.The one who could truly support him was Selena, but he adored Freya and her fiery temper. The palace and all its duties could be left to the former, but the latter would be his most cherished concubine.Ruth snorted coldly.However, Frederick was right. Selena was only a woman. Affection was fine, but indulgence had its limits.Selena had started acting all high and mighty, just because she'd done a few things right.A bit of merit, and she thought she had the right to throw attitude at Frederick. Who did she think she was?"A small punishment might do Lena some good. It'll k