Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 125 "Fey, cease this recklessness," Frederick said, frowning. "We can discuss whatever happened back at home." However, Theodore couldn't resist a sly remark, "Pray tell, does Ms. Talmar now reside in your residence, Fred? Yet, she lacks a proper title and status. Surely, that can hardly be deemed advantageous for her." He paused as though a thought had just struck him, then smiled with apparent amusement. "By the looks of it, your union with Ms. Talmar draws near. When might | be granted the honor to toast this happy occasion?" Frederick's expression darkened.

Freya's face grew even more unpleasant, clouded with vexation, Who didn't know that Ruth favored Selena as a daughter-in-law? And Frederick, obedient to his mother in all things, dared not act against her wishes. Though he had promised Freya that he would love only her in this life, he was constantly entertaining schemes with Ruth to wed Selena. At first, he assured her that even if he married Selena, Freya alone would hold his heart. Foolishly, she had believed him. ---- Now, before Selena had even entered the household, Frederick was aiding her in undermining Freya.

When the day came that Selena moved in, what place would remain for Freya in Hawthorn Estate? A sudden sense of despair washed over her, making her scoff coldly. "Prince Frederick is unparalleled in rank and distinction. I'm a girl without title or station, and | dare not presume to reach for a prince." "Then, you and Fred are not as the rumors say?" Theodore asked. "Of course not!" Freya denied it outright. Glaring at her, Frederick opened his mouth to speak, yet no words came. His fury boiled within him.

Unexpectedly, Theodore interjected, "Since the lady isn't yours, might | then have the honor of inviting her to my residence, Tranquil Estate, for a few days? I have heard that her skill in mounted archery is unmatched across the desert, and would very much like to learn a thing or two from her." "Fey belongs to me!" Frederick thundered. What was Theodore thinking, openly inviting her to his residence? "Whoever said | belonged to you? Frederick, do you take me for ---- a fool?

| have nothing to do with you!" Freya snapped With Theodore's flattery, every shred of confidence Selena had crushed in her returned in full force. She wouldn't fight over a man with some other woman. Freya was no one's second choice. She turned to Theodore and smiled. "Since you're so earnest, | shall not refuse. With respect, | accept your invitation. Lead the way." Frederick could scarcely believe his ears. She had actually accepted Theodore's invitation. Was she mad? Surely she understood his brother only intended to humiliate him.

"Fey, don't be reckless!" Frederick's patience snapped, and he grasped her wrist firmly. "Come back with me at once!" Freya snorted and pulled her hand free. "And what am I to you? By what right do you command me as if | were yours to summon and dismiss at your whim? | don't need you to survive! "Don't think I'm like Selena! Only women like her cling to a man as though he were their very life, willing to beg, die, or shame themselves to hold him! She is hypocritical and disgusting, while I'm nothing like that!

| despise her, and I despise you even more!" Frederick ignored her protests and dragged her aside, teeth clenched in fury. "Don't be so headstrong! If you follow Theodore to his residence and my mother learns of it, do not ever hope to ---- be with me again!" "You think-" "You think my father would ever allow a wanton, fickle woman, such as yourself to remain in my household? Never mind the rank of secondary consort, you wouldn't even be permitted to be a concubine!"