Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 148 Frederick's face darkened with displeasure. "Fey! Cease this nonsense at once!" It was not merely Freya's scathing words about Selena, but the way she had so boldly voiced his own insecurities, exposing them for all to see. He knew the soldiers respected Selena, yet they also respected him. There was no need to speak so harshly. "Tell me, did | strike a nerve? You are angry, are you not? That wretched woman-" "General Talmar!" Brad's voice cut through the air sharply, his expression grim. "Lady Campbell is the most brilliant strategist in our ranks.

Though young, she has fought alongside us for many years. | ask that you watch your words when speaking of her." The soldiers' loyalty to Selena was well-earned. She had commanded respect through deeds and skill. Freya's incessant addressing of her as a "wretched woman" left the men around her visibly uneasy, especially since she showed no inclination to restrain herself. Even William harbored a quiet resentment, though he dared not speak, knowing how much the prince admired her. Freya glared at Brad, so furious that her words spilled out ---- recklessly, "Fine!

You are all nothing but that woman's lackeys! She's nothing but a wretched woman who survives by using her charms to cling to men! And you dare defend her? Have you been involved with her yourself?" "General Talmar!" Brad's body trembled with fury. "You may insult me, but how dare you shame Lady Campbell! How many of our comrades lives has she saved? These past years-" "Silence, you wretch!" Freya's whip cracked through the air, landing with a sharp sting across Brad's cheek. A red slash bloomed instantly across his face. He staggered back, stunned, and the men surrounding him froze in shock.

Even William gaped, unable to comprehend her sudden violence. Frederick himself shared the same astonishment. Even he had never struck any of his deputy generals so brazenly. Soldiers could endure blows from clubs or injuries from blades, but no one in the army would ever strike another across the face. Brad clenched his fists, grinding his teeth as he stared at Frederick, forcing down his fury. His voice came out hoarse and tight. "Your Highness, the path ahead is treacherous. The bandits we have encountered are most unusual.

| humbly beg you, order a retreat at once." ---- "Retreat is out of the question!" Freya declared, her voice ringing with determination. She would claim victory at all costs. If she returned defeated, she would never measure up to Selena. "You traitor! You must be one of Selena's spies! I'll kill you!" Freya's hand shot to her side, drawing her long sword in a blur, the point aimed straight at Brad's chest. "General Talmar, no!" William cried, but his words barely reached her. "Fey, stop!" Frederick's heart leapt.

He hadn't expected her to act so ruthlessly, and his momentary hesitation nearly cost Brad his life. He lunged forward, pulling Freya back, yet not quickly enough. The sword had already grazed Brad's chest, drawing a crimson line that spurted instantly. "You wretched man! Let go of me! He has lain with Selena and is utterly in her thrall! How long are you going to let him deceive you?" Freya's fury threatened to consume her. How dare anyone block her path to glory and deny her the chance to win renown! They would all pay for this. ---- She jabbed a finger at Brad, her teeth bared in rage.

"Speak! Tell me how Selena bewitched you with her wiles! If you have aided her, admit it! Have you lain with her? Are you now obeying her to ruin my chance with Frederick? Answer me!"