Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 150 Freya's words sent a hush through the soldiers surrounding them. They were all Frederick's men, fiercely loyal and unwilling to see the prince appear weak or incapable. In their hearts, he was unmatched. Yet in the past, every battle had been flawless only because Selena stood at his side. Could it be that without her, Frederick was truly incapable? Unwittingly, their doubtful glances fell upon the prince himself. Frederick felt as though his very body was aflame, burning with a heat that threatened to consume him.

Was it true that without Selena, he couldn't triumph in battle? Had all his years of achievements really come from her? No! He had relied upon himself! Freya saw the flicker in his expression and knew she had struck true. He was unwilling to admit defeat, was he? "Fred, | came here to see just how formidable the man | chose truly is." Mira was right. To make a man obey, one must either dominate him or revere him. Most of the time, Freya acted on impulse, trying to assert herself over everyone. But now, it was clear she ---- couldn't use the same method.

If she couldn't dominate, then she would feign admiration. "Fred, the path ahead is uncertain, but you command over fifteen thousand of the finest soldiers, each one incredibly skilled. And yet, would you truly fear a mere handful of petty bandits? "If you turn back now, how will the people of Hartshire perceive you? How will the court regard you? You have no choice but to win this battle, unless you wish to live your life under Selena's shadow!" Those words struck straight to Frederick's heart. William fidgeted uneasily.

"Your Highness, the road ahead is treacherous, and there may well be ambushes at every turn-" "Do you truly think that | would fear a few trifling bandits?" Frederick glared at them all, his voice low and commanding. " Advance at once. In this battle, we may only achieve victory. Failure is not permitted. Should we fail, | shall meet my fate alongside each of you." Selena awoke from a nightmare, her heart still racing. Urgent knocks sounded at the door, rapid and insistent.

By the time Selena had thrown on her clothes and opened the door, ---- even Sally had arrived "My lady, Prince Frederick's forces have been ambushed and are trapped on Mount Iron, outside Hartshire. His Majesty has ordered Lord Sebastian to lead troops to rescue them." By the time Selena reached the front courtyard, Sebastian had already organized his men and was preparing to leave the city. Holding the royal emblem Wilfred had granted him, Sebastian had the authority to mobilize the city's royal troops.

The situation left no time for delay, and he didn't even have time to inform Selena before setting out. Seeing her step forward in simple attire, Sebastian asked, "Lena, are you truly coming along?" "| made my intentions very clear to you last night. If His Majesty sends you, | shall follow." "But you and Prince Frederick are no longer-" "Seb, I'm not doing this for him." With a swift motion, Selena leapt onto her horse, approaching her brother with practiced ease. Sebastian didn't know how to interpret her words, or whether they were even sincere.

If it were not for Frederick, why would she tell Sebastian to mention to the king this morning that she was willing to assist Frederick in attacking the bandits outside ---- Hartshire? That morning, as he attended court, he had mentioned her words in passing. Wilfred had paid them little heed. After all, Frederick commanded fifteen thousand elite troops. They were surely capable of dispatching a mere band of bandits. Yet by nightfall, news had come that Frederick was trapped. The king acted immediately, issuing orders for Sebastian to march to his aid.

Without Selena setting things up beforehand, how could the royal order for Sebastian to march have come so quickly? And now, she claimed she didn't care for Frederick? Even as her brother, Sebastian found that hard to believe.