Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 147 "William, are you certain of the numbers?" Frederick asked. Even the prince himself could scarcely believe it. Frederick and Freya had ridden at the fore, the pursuit swift and relentless. The task of counting the fallen had been left to the men behind them. Bandits had been struck down as they pressed forward, some wounded, others sprawled lifeless along the path. And yet... only a little over twenty? That was impossible! "I couldn't believe it at first either, but it's the truth," said William, calling a halt and motioning for a deputy general to bring his report.

The man inclined his head respectfully and said, "Your Highness, General Talmar, there were many bandits who fell among the rocks and underbrush. But save for those slain outright, the rest have simply vanished." Frederick's expression hardened. "Vanished?" At last, a flicker of unease stirred within him. Earlier, he had watched Freya ride into battle with unbridled excitement, her every strike triumphant, and her face lit with a ---- confidence he had not seen in her for a long time. Seeing her like that, he had felt a surge of pride and pleasure, and had given the matter no further thought.

But now, reflecting on it, a sudden chill of fear gripped him. "These ravines are full of jagged stones. There may be hidden paths we have yet to find," he said, looking ahead. It would soon be evening. Mist rose thick about the cliffs, drawing its shroud across the narrowing pass until the way was nearly lost to sight His face darkened. "We cannot advance. Send word to the army that we're returning to Hartshire at once." "What?" Freya's face blanched with outrage. "Why retreat? We outnumber them ten to one. They are no match for us.

If we don't strike now and root them out entirely, who can say when they will gather again?" To her, timing was everything. A decisive victory lay within their grasp. To turn back now would appear as nothing less than defeat. If they were to do that, how was she to face anyone? William grew flustered. "Ms. Talmar-" Seeing Freya's face darken, her displeasure unmistakable, he hastily corrected himself, "General Talmar, the path ahead is perilous. We cannot know how many bandits may lie in ambush, ---- nor what dangers may await from those at our rear.

If we don't retreat, we risk being caught between two forces, trapped like fish in a net." "What nonsense is this?" Freya's eyes blazed. "We have come this far unopposed. Where could an ambush be? And if there were one, would we not have discovered it?" She glared at William, her voice sharp with fury as she said, " Spreading fear and confusion among the ranks, what punishment do you deem fit for such conduct?" William ignored her rebuke and turned to Frederick. "Your Highness, I confess | sense something amiss.

Consider this, if Lady Campbell were here, would she not insist you withdraw to Hartshire?" At the mention of Selena, Freya's anger flared so violently that her eyes nearly bulged from their sockets. Brad Lloyd, a deputy general standing nearby, immediately interjected, "Indeed, Your Highness. Were Lady Campbell present, she would surely forbid us to proceed. This mountain ravine is most unnatural, and there may be traps. Perhaps it is wiser to withdraw-" "Are you men loyal to Frederick or are you spies sent by Selena?" Freya snapped.

---- Anyone who dared mention Selena was an enemy in her eyes. She turned on Frederick, her glare scorching. "Is this how you allow yourself to be controlled by that wretched woman?" "Fey-" Frederick's face darkened, but Freya didn't pause. Seeing the shadow of displeasure in his eyes only fanned her fury. "Why do you look at me that way?" she demanded. "I knew it! All these years, you have been under her sway. Your men don't serve you, they obey Selena!'