Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 13 Freya snatched the royal edict from Frederick's hand and unfolded it . The moment her eyes landed on the words , she also froze . It was a royal edict to dissolve Frederick and Selena's engagement ! " What ? " Freya looked at Selena , stunned into silence . Hadn't Selena coveted the status of being Frederick's princess consort for years ? And now she had asked the king to cancel the match ? Impossible ! " What is it you truly want ? " Frederick asked , his voice low and strained , each word pushed through clenched teeth as he stared at Selena .

He had only spoken of ending the engagement to frighten her , to force her into accepting the arrangement of him marrying her and Freya on the same day . He had never meant to deliver on his threat . Their marriage had been settled in his heart years ago . Back then , Selena had been eight years old , a delicate and sweet girl . From the moment he saw her , he knew she was the one . As she grew older , she became graceful and refined , with a quiet beauty that stood out . In the capital , she was admired by many and seen as the ideal young lady by countless men .

To break off the engagement now would mean risking her falling into someone else's hands . The thought alone sickened him . If another man were to have her , it would feel as though something that belonged to him had been soiled . He would rather keep her caged within his walls than see her offered to another . And yet , Selena had gone so far as to obtain a royal edict . " So then , General Campbell's visit to the palace this morning ... was for this ? " Frederick's voice was as cold as steel . " Just how many things have you hidden from me , Selena ?

" He expected her to explain herself , but she only offered him a faint , unreadable smile . " There is still much you don't know , Your Highness . " " Lena ! " " You truly believe she wants to break off the engagement ? " Freya snapped , her voice sharp with disbelief . Freya couldn't believe it . Was there really another woman in this world who cared for neither status nor gain , like her ? Most women were far too shallow . If Selena didn't care about ambition or pride , then why would she stay silent when another woman appeared at her beloved's side ?

Her calm wasn't innocence ; it was calculation . She wasn't weeping or causing a scene because she had chosen a far crueler method . Freya pointed to the edict and hissed , " Scum , she's using this to force you to your knees . That is all she wants . You call yourself Aurensia's Warbringer , yet you can't even see through her tactics ? " Frederick flushed , his pride stung . " I've seen plenty of women like you . Don't think you can play your little games with me . I'm not one of those foolish men you're used to deceiving .

" With a scornful huff , Freya suddenly hurled the edict to the ground . " How dare you ?! " Selena shouted . 1/2 Chapter 13 +25 BONUS " Fey ! " Freya's sudden action caused Selena and Frederick to turn sharply , their expressions shifting instantly . Frederick moved to stop her , but it was too late . The royal edict lay at their feet , thrown to the ground like it meant nothing at all . " Guards ! " Selena suddenly rose to her feet , her voice sharp . Frederick's expression shifted at once . " No one is to enter !

" He rushed forward and stooped to retrieve the edict from the floor , handling it with the care one might hold a sacred relic . He looked at Freya , who stood there with her arms crossed , looking unrepentant . He wanted to scold her , but the words wouldn't come . Where would he even begin ? At last , he turned his fury toward Selena . " She is a woman of the martial arts world . She knows nothing of court decorum or consequences . Must you stoop to her level ? " " I won't , but I shall report this to His Majesty and allow him to decide her fate , " Selena replied coolly .

Her voice was calm , but her meaning rang clear . Being born outside the nobility didn't excuse Freya's actions . She had thrown a royal edict to the ground . That alone warranted death ! Selena would see just how many heads Freya had to spare , once the king was informed of her actions . Seeing the change in Frederick's expression and the way he carefully lifted the royal edict as if it were a treasure , Freya probably understood the mistake she had made . Yet , she refused to admit it .

" You're pushing me so hard and using every trick just because you're afraid I'll get revenge , aren't you ? You're nothing but a hypocrite and a villain , Selena . " " Do you want to take your revenge on me that badly ? " Selena's voice dropped low , her eyes narrowing with a fire she no longer tried to hide . " Very well , I'll give you a chance to do it yourself . "