Lahat ng Kabanata ng Provoking a Graceful Bloom: Kabanata 241 - Kabanata 250

"W-what do you mean?"Freya suddenly faltered, a belated sense of panic washing over her. Her eyes swept the surroundings. Beyond the royal family were officials and members of the capital's great houses.The annual Autumn Hunt was a grand and solemn affair. Even the king was in attendance, as was any noble with the right to witness the event. The outer plaza of the forested hunting grounds was packed, every inch lined with spectators.Selena's words hadn't been entirely clear. It wasn't that she didn't want to seek justice, but that she couldn't do it openly. Because the wound Freya inflicted on Sebastian hadn't just hurt his body. It had also damaged his pride and dignity for the rest of his life.But that didn't mean Selena was going to let that arrogant, overbearing woman go unpunished. She stepped forward and looked down at Freya, but spoke to Wilfred."Your Majesty, this woman is the daughter of a bandit, a rebel who went against the kingdom. My brother was the one who led t

The two guards began to lead Freya away.Just moments ago, she'd still held onto a sliver of hope that Wilfred was only bluffing. But then, she remembered that Frederick had once said, "A ruler does not speak in jest."If Wilfred said she was to face royal mutilation, he meant it. His orders were unchangeable. They were truly going to carry it out."No! You can't! You can't do this to me!" she yelled, her voice shrill with panic.She thrashed and clawed at the guards, every ounce of her strength thrown into resisting. "Your Majesty! Your Majesty, I'm Fred's favorite! I'm Fred's woman! I'm your daughter-in-law, Your Majesty!"No one paid her any attention. Being Wilfred's daughter-in-law wasn't a privilege won so easily.The crowd, already cowed by the mere mention of royal mutilation, might have felt a twinge of pity for Freya. But hearing her foolish, self-important protest, they found it difficult to summon any sympathy. Many even thought that she had brought this fate upon her

Selena ignored the stunned gazes all around, her sharp eyes fixed directly on Eric, who had just arrived with the Royal Army."General Warren, you and I will act as the vanguard and head straight to rescue Prince Frederick. Shall we?" she asked.Eric had admired her strategies during the last campaign. Now, seeing her formidable martial skills firsthand, mere admiration no longer sufficed. His respect had grown into full-blown awe. There was no way he would utter even a single refusal to an order from her."Of course!" Eric answered promptly.No sooner had the words left his mouth than a horse neighed sharply. A swirl of dust erupted before everyone's eyes, and the figure on horseback was instantly gone. She had vanished! Only the churning clouds of dust remained behind.Eric stood frozen, unable to comprehend what had just occurred. It wasn't until then that Sebastian finally snapped out of his shock. When he thought of his sister facing the black wolf pack alone, anxiety surged

That was the man Selena had once truly cared for. Because Frederick saved her years ago, she had held onto a single belief for nine long years—that when she grew up, she would marry him.That belief had been utterly shattered with Freya's arrival.Now, Frederick stood amidst the pack, countless black wolves lunging at him one by one. Each time he struck one back with his long sword, another immediately took its place. His body was streaked with blood. His arms, legs, and even back bore multiple wounds, blood streaming relentlessly. Yet still, he fought on.Selena stood high on a treetop, looking down at him. Her face remained cold and impassive, showing not a hint of emotion.Suddenly, a black wolf leapt at Frederick, knocking him to the ground. Another sank its teeth into his leg, dragging him harshly aside."Your Highness!" William screamed.He tried to rush forward to help, but another wolf blocked his path. In desperation, his eyes caught a glimpse of something. He looked up

"I didn't like you practicing martial arts, so you've been hiding it from me all these years?"Frederick's voice was hoarse and laced with hopelessness. His face was ashen, drained of all color."Ridiculous!"Selena's reply was as simple as it was cutting.The black wolves lunged again. Selena swung her spear, and the first two attacking wolves were sent flying. But the wolves seemed to have adapted their strategy. From a high slope, a pair of wolves howled, then charged directly at Frederick and William from behind Selena."How cunning!"Selena frowned, spinning her spear in a sweeping arc. She first drove off the wolf leaping toward Frederick, then the other one headed for William. But two more fierce wolves immediately replaced them.Selena's footwork faltered for just a fraction of a second before she snapped back, flicking one wolf aside with a clean strike. The other's claws grazed her arm."Lena! Watch out!" Frederick shouted.Though he was in despair, he was still conc