Semua Bab Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Bab 191 - Bab 200

"How could he not love her? She appeared to save him when he was in the depths of despair. Besides, he never truly forgot Selena in the first place," said Mira.Only a fool like Freya would believe that a brief show of affection from Frederick could surpass the devotion he once held for Selena.Mira settled into a chair, regarding her sister with the cool detachment one might reserve for a mere servant. "You may not know the depths of his obsession with Selena, but I do.""But when he loved me, Selena was worth nothing in his eyes," Freya protested.She could believe anything Mira said, but would never accept that she was inferior to Selena.Mira laughed coldly. "Then, while he cherished you so much, did he ever raise a hand against Selena when she hurt you?"The question quickly drained the color from Freya's face.He had not.From beginning to end, Frederick had never harmed a single hair on Selena's head. Even when she had wounded Freya so cruelly, he had only scolded her wi

Frederick's brow furrowed lightly. "To become a perfect secondary consort?"Freya began to say, "Fred, I—""I have matters to discuss with His Highness. Fey, you should return and rest," Mira cut in, her voice firm."Why should I go back?"Freya's own temper flared. After holding it in all day, she could no longer restrain herself."Mira, you think you—ah!"With a sharp slap, Mira struck her sister across the face.Freya was stunned. Even Frederick froze, momentarily forgetting to react. It was just a verbal disagreement. Surely, there was no cause for such violence. This was excessive.For a heartbeat, Freya remained shocked. Then, her fury ignited."You hit me! How dare you! You low-born—"Another sharp crack rang out, louder than the first.Freya fell to the ground, her face burning with pain, speechless with shock. But it wasn't over, as she suddenly felt a tremendous force surge toward her. Before she could react, Mira had lifted her up and hurled her out the door.Fre

Sally's question was one that weighed heavily on both Sebastian and Yuvan."Lena, I have already sent for Aurora, but we're still two people short," Sebastian said, leaping off his horse to stand beside Selena. "The hour grows late. If we don't set out for the hunting grounds soon, we risk losing precious time. I fear it will displease His Majesty."By now, dawn had broken. The sky was still a dull gray in the early light, and the weather didn't seem very promising. After days of wind and bright sun, today felt unusually heavy and overcast. With dark clouds gathering and dispersing above them, no one could say whether rain might yet fall."There's no need to wait for Aurora," Selena replied as she vaulted onto her horse with ease. "We shall go to the hunting grounds first. She will arrive in her own time."Sebastian's eyes widened. Today, his sister was dressed in a form-fitting combat outfit, though a loose cloak wrapped around her hid it at first glance. She had even tied her lon

Sebastian said nothing and simply looked at Selena. Whatever decision she made, he would follow without question. Even if it meant the four of them competing, he would have no regrets as long as it was her choice.Selena met Frederick's gaze, a faint smile playing on her lips. "My brother and I hold little influence. How could we ever dare defy you, Your Highness? But our household's entries have already been submitted, and the whole kingdom knows we intend to compete. To back down now would be a public humiliation."Her smile deepened. "Your Highness, we also have our pride."Frederick's face darkened.Standing behind him without any expression on her face, Mira said, "Women are always eager to show off in front of men. But without true skill, it's nothing but a clownish farce. Lady Campbell, your talent and grace already set you apart from the rest. You're extraordinary in any man's eyes, so why stoop to such a cheap display?"Hearing that, Frederick glanced at Selena and soften

The Obsidian Monarch had set his sights on the lady of the Duke of Blackmoor's household?!Nathaniel's voice was neither loud nor soft, but clear enough that everyone nearby could hear him. Even Frederick, not far away, caught every word. For a moment, his handsome face clouded over, stormy and dark.Sebastian froze as well, but after a moment of disbelief, his expression hardened."Your Highness, matters of marriage are traditionally arranged by parents and matchmakers. Lena is still young and unmarried, so please don't trouble her with such talk!" he said, his tone sharp and serious.Selena seemed genuinely startled, silently slipping behind her brother for protection. The young lady's delicate posture, combined with her breathtaking beauty, stirred a deep pang of tenderness in every gentleman present.With his face half-hidden behind his cold, unforgiving mask, the Obsidian Monarch looked terrifying, like a predatory beast before its prey.Nathaniel's gaze flicked to Sebastian