Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 160 William looked at Frederick, a mist of unshed tears clouding his eyes. Just then, the prince slowly opened his own eyes. For a heartbeat, clarity returned to him. "Pull it out," he murmured, his gaze fixed on William. This was the companion who had been at his side for more than ten years, and Frederick knew the panic and fear in his eyes were real. "Do it. Whatever follows... you're absolved of guilt," he said, his voice hoarse, but steady. "Your Highness..." William's voice broke.

"We have no salves for a wound like this, and | won't be able to staunch the blood flow." He felt utterly useless. He had served Fredrick for more than a decade, yet at the moment of the prince's greatest need, he could not help in the slightest. He deserved death for this! Frederick coughed, the taste of blood filling his mouth. Freya's tears spilled over. "Do it quickly! Fred can't wait. If anything happens to him, | will see you dead!" "Be... silent," Frederick rasped. ---- "Fred-" she began. "Begone!" Frederick was utterly disappointed in Freya.

No one understood William's turmoil better than he did. Whatever choice was made now, it was William who bore the greatest burden. Freya's eyes were red-rimmed as she cried out, her voice breaking, "Have you lost your senses? You would cast me out? Are you mad? Who here truly cares for you, if not me? Do you think he does? He only fears that the king will punish him if you die! He doesn't care for you in the least, he-" All at once, Frederick summoned strength from some unknown reserve. He pushed himself upright, his long fingers striking hard against the hollow of Freya's throat.

She was left powerless, unable even to speak, and collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud. For a heartbeat, the world stilled. She couldn't believe it. Anger and disbelief warred within her, and tears spilled from the corners of her eyes, not from sorrow, but from sheer humiliation. A muffled sound escaped Frederick's throat. The effort had been too great. As he fell back, a sudden gush of blood burst from his lips. ---- William rushed to support him and laid him down gently. The prince's wounds had already been grave, and now he had forced his strength beyond its limits.

His face, already drained of color, was now a deathly grey. William motioned with his hand, and soldiers came forward at once, dragging Freya aside and casting her to the ground. No one spared her another glance. "Your Highness, I... | must begin." There could be no more delay. William wrapped both hands around the arrow lodged in Frederick's abdomen and drew a deep breath. The prince clenched his jaw, blood staining the corner of his lips. He had no strength left to speak. William's own teeth were set tight, yet whenever he tried to summon his courage, his hands betrayed him.

His fingers went weak, as though drained of all power. What if pulling the arrow out ended Frederick's life at once? Around them, the soldiers hardly dared to breathe. Every eye was fixed upon the shaft of wood in William's trembling hands. To pull, or not to pull. Their prince couldn't wait any longer, but what if the arrow came ---- free and he perished instantly? What then? Fear pressed heavily upon them all. If even the prince were gone, no one would have the courage to hope for survival. Panic crept like a chill wind through the stone forest. "Lady Campbell," someone whispered.

Tears spilled at last from William's eyes. His voice broke with terror as he called out, "Lady Campbell, where are you? Where are you?" He released the arrow, his courage failing him. He couldn't. He dared not. Not when the risk was the prince's life. At this moment, Frederick's heart felt as if it were ashes. In the depths of his mind, he could see nothing but Selena''s flawless face. Why had he not cherished her properly? Selena... "Lady Campbell," another voice called, stronger this time. Freya's eyes burned with hatred. Selena, again! That wretched woman was forever haunting her.

What madness had seized these fools, crying out her name in such a moment? She wanted to curse and scream, but her pressure points had been struck, and not a single word would come. ---- "Lady Campbell!" "Lady Campbell!" The voices grew louder, more insistent, until excitement trembled in the air. "Lady Campbell... it's truly her!"