Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 14 " You're giving me a chance for revenge ? " Freya scoffed , her voice thick with scorn . " What's this now ? Another one of your twisted little games ? " " Yes , I'm giving you one chance . And only one , " Selena answered calmly . The flawless beauty of her face , already striking , took on a dangerous sort of brilliance with that single declaration . Her gaze swept past everyone in the room and landed squarely on the man who had just arrived .

" Should Freya manage to harm me here today , whether it results in injury or death , the Duke of Blackmoor's household will not pursue the matter , " Selena said , eyes fixed on Sebastian . " No , " Sebastian said sharply as he strode to his sister's side , positioning himself protectively in front of her . " Absolutely not . " His voice rang with fury as he turned on Frederick . " Prince Frederick , I don't care how high your station may be . You have no right to let Lena be humiliated like this . The Duke of Blackmoor's household earned its standing through blood and service .

If anything should happen to her today and the royal family offers no explanation , I swear I'll hurl myself before the throne and demand it with my life . Let's see how you explain that to the court . " Freya folded her arms and laughed . " You ? You're nothing but a defeated fool . Still have the nerve to bark at me ? " " How dare- ! " Sebastian choked on the words . This was the first time he had faced her since the day she ruined him . His whole body trembled , fists clenched , as though barely holding himself together . His fury teetered on the edge of madness . What a venomous woman !

He wanted nothing more than to strike her down himself ! Selena turned slightly and spoke with a strange calm , " It doesn't matter . I chose this . If there are injuries , or even death , I accept it . This is my own affair . No one else is to interfere . " She looked at Sally . " Take my brother back to rest . " " Lena ! " Sebastian protested . " Seb . " Selena's eyes darkened as she looked up to meet his gaze . Her cold eyes held a firm , unyielding resolve . " You need to leave now . " Sebastian had never seen such a look on her face before . It left him stunned .

His sister had always been gentle and soft- spoken . Never once had he seen her with such a hard , icy gaze . While he was lost in a daze , Sally and a few other servants gently guided him out of the side parlor . By the time he came to his senses and tried to rush back inside to protect his sister , Frederick's guards had barred the way . Frederick looked at Selena with a storm of emotions swirling behind his eyes . He still couldn't bring himself to believe she truly wished to call off their engagement . Perhaps this was only a tactic to force his hand , just as Freya had claimed .

If he allowed himself to believe otherwise , he would be unworthy of being Aurensia's Warbringer . " Very well , if this is your choice , I will not stand in your way , " he said . As his gaze drifted involuntarily to Selena's chest , there was a hint of regret in his eyes . After all , she was the definition of perfection . To see her ruined would sadden any man . When Freya saw how Frederick's gaze was fixed on Selena , her anger flared , and her eyes turned bloodshot . " Are you reluctant about this now ?

" That wicked woman had destroyed Freya's body but still used her own unblemished form to ensnare men . Such cruelty defied all reason ! 1/2 Chapter 14 +25 BONUS Freya glared at Frederick and spat , " If you can't bear to let it happen , then you might as well get rid of me together with her ! " Frederick quickly tore his eyes away , sighing in helpless frustration . " Lena , you were the one who struck first . No one else is to blame . " He thought that if Freya could get her revenge on Selena , maybe their bitter feud would finally come to an end . That would be for the best .

Still , he warned Freya firmly , " She's still a member of the Duke of Blackmoor's household . I know you act with reckless freedom , but you must know your limits . " At the very least , she must not truly put Selena's life at risk . A wound could heal , but if Selena were to die , then she would truly be gone ! " Get lost , " Freya spat in anger . Frederick turned and left , ordering the door to the side parlor to be shut tight , keeping everyone outside . Finally , he looked at Sally . " Go find a female physician . Quickly .

" However , Sally was supporting Sebastian with a flat look on her face . " Your Highness , my lord's health is poor . Lady Campbell has tasked me with caring for him , so I can't leave . I beg your pardon . " Frederick's face darkened . " Lena will soon be- " He paused , casting a sharp glance at the guards and servants around him before growling , " Find a female physician at once . And all men , begone ! "