Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 16 " Your Highness , rest assured that I won't regret this . " Selena's lips curved into a faint smile . " After all , it is I who no longer wants you . " She smiled at Frederick once more before turning away . She walked with light , carefree steps , her figure graceful and enchanting . There wasn't the slightest trace of sorrow or heaviness that clung to her . Frederick clenched his fists , his whole body going rigid . " Your Highness , perhaps you should return to your estate . Ms. Talmar looks as if she might not last the night .

Anyone who didn't know better would think she was dead , " Sebastian said casually . Just laying eyes on Freya without giving in to the urge to kill her had already used up every ounce of restraint he had . If anyone expected him to ever treat her kindly , it would never happen in this lifetime . " General Campbell , choose your words carefully , " Frederick warned sharply . But when his eyes fell on Freya lying unconscious on the floor , his heart tightened suddenly . He didn't even know what had come over him earlier .

When he saw Selena about to leave , he had actually left Freya behind and ran after her . He still didn't know how badly Freya was hurt . Turning quickly , he scooped Freya into his arms and hurried out of the side parlor . " We're returning to the estate at once . " Sebastian didn't bother escorting him further . The moment Frederick stepped out , he turned on his heel and walked back into the estate . Such insolence ! Frederick was so furious he felt like he might choke on his own rage .

When Sebastian arrived at Selena's room , he found her and Sally calmly lounging around , casually snacking . His eyes fell on his sister , seated leisurely in a chair , swinging her legs without a care . He couldn't help but frown . " Lena , what exactly happened just now ? " He had wanted to ask earlier , but with Frederick present , it wasn't the right time . Was there really a highly skilled fighter hidden in their estate that he failed to notice ? Selena met his gaze with a faint smile . " If I told you I knocked Freya out with a single blow , would you believe me ? " Sebastian sighed .

" If you don't want to say , then I won't ask . " She had just weathered a storm . Even if she seemed calm now , Sebastian knew her mood couldn't possibly be fine . " Lena , are you truly determined to call off the engagement ? If you want to change your mind , I'll petition the king at once , " he asked . " You used your military merits to obtain a royal edict to break off the engagement for me . I'm sure that alone was enough to anger the king , " she replied .

Though Selena hadn't gone to the palace with her brother , she could easily imagine just how furious the king must've been at the time . Still , with Sebastian's injuries and the merits he had earned , the king held both respect and sympathy for the Duke of Blackmoor's household . As long as Sebastian was the one to make the request , the king would grant it , regardless of his anger . 1/2 Chapter 18 +25 BONUS Selena's voice softened as she added , " But the king's mercy comes only once . If we change our minds , the king will no longer show our family even the smallest shred of pity .

" Sebastian looked at her for a long moment before he spoke . " Prince Frederick's words were harsh , but true . Lena , do you really have no regrets ? " A woman who broke off her engagement to a prince would find no suitor anywhere in the kingdom . To marry her would be to make an enemy of Frederick . Who would risk that ? But Selena only smiled gently . " Seb , is getting married really the only path for a woman ? Besides , his heart is set entirely on Freya . Even if I did marry him , I would never be happy .

" " Prince Frederick is just caught up in a passing fancy , a moment of foolishness ," Sebastian said . Men understood other men . " Lena , you're so perfect that every man in the city admires you . But you've known Prince Frederick for many years . Over time , he has grown bored . Freya is rough and rude . The king will dislike her , and so will Lady Ruth . Under all that pressure , how long do you think his curiosity will last ? " " It no longer matters to me , " Selena said , lowering her gaze to the wooden box on the table .

A flicker of sadness crossed her eyes , but then she smiled again . " When I decide to love someone , I do so with my whole heart . But if I decide to not want someone , then not even a shadow of him will remain in my heart . " She looked out the window , where the night lay heavy and still outside . No matter how strong her feelings once were , it now belonged to the past . " Seb , you have spent years fighting alongside Dad , but you don't truly understand me . I'm not as fragile as you imagine . From now on , I'll protect the Duke of Blackmoor's family myself ! " she declared .

After Frederick carried Freya back to his estate , she regained consciousness before the physician even arrived . He had been holding back his questions for some time , but now could no longer keep them in . " Fey , what exactly happened ? How were you knocked unconscious ? Was there truly someone skilled waiting to sneak in and ambush you ? "