Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 164 "| won't go!" Freya exclaimed, instinctively retreating. Behind her was Frederick, laying on the stretcher. She hurried to his side, grasping his hand. "Fred, you wouldn't believe me when | told you that Selena wanted to get rid of me! Do you believe me now?" "Someone must lead the way," Selena said, her gaze on Frederick. Though he was weak, half asleep, and dazed from the journey, she knew he was aware. "If your prince were uninjured, he would go himself. As his woman, you should act as he would. Otherwise, you have no right to stand beside him," she added.

Freya's cheeks flamed. She bristled with indignation, yet part of her truly feared that Selena would push her forward. Frederick's face was flushed as well, though whether from embarrassment or something else, no one could tell. When he tried to rise, William looked terrified and immediately urged, "Your Highness, you're still wounded! Don't strain yourself. I'll go in your stead." ---- But before William even finished speaking, Selena stepped forward and moved toward the exit. Frederick's chest tightened with alarm. "Lena! It's dangerous!

Come back!" "Lady Campbell, stop!" the soldiers called, moving to intercept her. Freya stood aside and sneered. "It's all a performance for your benefit. A woman like her who is so afraid of death would never truly sacrifice herself." Selena turned her gaze on Freya, cold and unflinching. "If | truly go, will you promise that upon returning to the capital, you'll kneel at the gates of Blackmoor Estate for an entire day to make amends?" Freya's anger flared. "You have no right-!" "Then, lead the way, Ms. Talmar," Selena said coolly. "1... won't! This is your plot!

You just want me dead!" Freya continued to stumble backward. She had already charged into danger once, and the image of her horse's tragic death haunted her still. Without Frederick's protection, she would have surely perished under the rain of arrows. Now, with the prince gravely wounded and unable to rise, there was no one to shield ---- her. She said she did not fear death, yet she feared pain. She feared pain above all! Selena scoffed. "If you won't go, then swear this: Should | lead the way and return, you will kneel at the gates of Blackmoor Estate for a day and a night.

Prince Frederick shall be your witness." "You can't-" Frederick protested, torn. He still feared what might happen if Selena tried to push forward on her own. She had no martial arts skills and no knowledge of the Lightfoot Skill. To proceed now would be to stride straight into death. Freya watched him, anger rising at how much he seemed to care for Selena. With a reckless flash of resolve, she answered, "Very well. If you truly go first, | promise to do as you wish!" Freya knew that once Selena stepped out, she would be dead! And once she was gone, no promise would matter.

Everyone knew what Freya was thinking. She truly wished to see Selena perish. That woman's heart was far too cruel. Frederick shot Freya a look. His feelings were knotted and ---- uneasy. She had been pure, simple, and straightforward, honest and unpretentious, so unlike the sheltered ladies who hid their thoughts behind polite smiles. That was why he liked her. But now, in hindsight, he wondered if her so-called frankness was little more than obstinacy and self-will. Was it a refusal to consider anyone else, an utter disregard for others? Was it selfishness?

Selena's lip curved in a small, frosty smile. "Very well. It is settled." "Lady Campbell..." Selena's expression tightened, and her voice took on the steel of command as she said, "Prince Frederick declared that all here shall obey me. Anyone who attempts to stop me shall be punished under military law!"