Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 12 +25 BONUS 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 a trifling display . How utterly ridiculous . " His thoughts snapped back to reality .

His gaze dropped once more to the box in Selena's hands , his expression darkening . " Lena , I believe I have made myself perfectly clear . Why must you persist like this ? " " Will you not open it , Your Highness ? " Selena stepped closer , lifting the box slightly . " It holds an edict . If you refuse to read it yourself , I can read it aloud . " " An edict ? " His anger flared at once . " You went to see my father ? What did you say to him ? Did you speak ill of Fey behind her back ? " He had no desire to look at it . What else could Selena have done ?

Had she truly grown so spiteful over his feelings for Freya that she would turn to the king with accusations ? Freya was the daughter of a bandit . With such a background , neither the king nor Frederick's mother would ever accept her . He had been racking his brain for a way to gain his father's approval to marry her . And yet , Selena had the gall to sabotage him like this ? " Lena , I once believed you to be a kindhearted woman . I never imagined you'd stoop as low as the women in the harem- deceitful , shameless , and willing to do anything to get your way !

" He snatched the wooden box from her hands , opened it , and pulled out the royal edict inside . Freya turned to Frederick and let out a cold , mocking laugh . " So , this is the woman you call kindhearted ? Hey , scum , all these years , and you still can't see her for what she truly is . What use are those eyes of yours ? You may as well- " " Silence , " Frederick cut in , his voice hollow , almost mechanical . He had read the edict . And the moment his eyes passed over its contents , he froze . Though he had spoken only a single word , it was clear . He had told her to be silent .

Freya's expression darkened with fury . " Frederick , how dare you- " " I told you to be silent ! " he suddenly roared , his voice low and fierce , his eyes blazing with fury as he stared at her . She froze . Not a word came from her lips . In the month she'd known him , not once had he ever raised his voice at her . She was indignant and hurt . But when she met his eyes that were now burning with rage , she didn't dare make a sound . 1/2 Chapter 12 +25 BONUS " So , it seems you aren't nearly as fearless as you pretend to be , Ms. Talmar .

You do know how to be afraid after all , " Selena taunted She chuckled , turned on her heel , and strolled back to her chair . Picking up her teacup , she sipped leisurely , as if nothing at all had happened . Freya's anger flared at once , her voice sharp with rage . " Selena ! " " What is the meaning of this ? " Frederick let go of Freya and strode to Selena's side . His hand , still clutching the edict , was trembling . " Lena , what is it you want ? " Freya didn't understand . Just moments ago , his voice had been filled with disdain and fury . Why now did he look so shaken ?

She narrowed her eyes , looking at the edict in his hand . " What does it say ? "