Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 166 For a time, the entire capital-from the king, queen, and concubines to the common folk in every street and alley-shared a single conviction: Selena Campbell loved Frederick Lancaster with unwavering devotion. The previous broken engagement, they reasoned, had been no slight to her character. It had occurred only because another woman captured the prince's attention, leaving Selena abandoned. "Y-Your Highness, everyone outside is saying that it was you who abandoned Lady Campbell," William murmured when he returned from a walk.

There was a trace of resentment in his voice, aimed, naturally, at his master, Frederick. Yet he dared not speak it aloud. He only softly said, "Your Highness, though their words are not entirely accurate, one thing is indisputably true." Frederick, seated on the bed, regarded the other man calmly. " And what might that be?" William stole a quick glance to ensure the prince remained untroubled and serene, then continued, "Lady Campbell's devotion to you is genuine, Your Highness.

Otherwise, how could ---- she have ventured to Mount Iron alone, facing death itself to reach you?" In truth, Selena had not been entirely alone as she had been accompanied by Sally. But the young maid was powerless, utterly incapable of aiding her mistress or offering any protection. Even for courage, she was of no use. Naturally, the story that spread emphasized only Selena, portraying her as a solitary figure braving peril for love. Frederick lowered his gaze, silent.

Seeing his continued composure, William pressed on, "Your Highness, Lady Campbell may have seemed cold and distant before, yet is it not possible that the fault lay, at least in part, with yourself?" Frederick drew a long, weary breath, closing his eyes and leaning back against the bed. After two days of rest, his injuries had improved considerably, but the weight upon his heart remained. "In the end, it was | who wronged her," he admitted. William's eyes brightened. "Then, what do you intend to do, Your Highness?" The prince's predicament was now delicate indeed.

Although William bore little affection for Freya, it was a fact ---- known throughout the capital that she now resided at Hawthorne Estate and was considered Frederick's woman. If the prince were to cast her aside now, he would surely earn a reputation as a faithless man. Yet, to keep her close was equally perilous. With Freya's spirited temper, she would never allow Frederick and Selena to reconcile. Most importantly, who held Frederick's heart? Even the prince himself didn't know how to answer that question.

"I once believed that Lena no longer wished to spare me a glance," Frederick murmured. "But she risked her life for me. To wrong her again now would indeed make me a sinner." William hesitated for a long moment before saying, "Then, does your heart... dwell with anyone in particular, Your Highness?" Frederick offered no reply. At that moment, Ruth arrived. Seeing her son so gravely wounded, her heart ached as if it might break. Fortunately, he had survived. "Mom, such are the realities of battle. Injuries are to be expected, " Frederick said gently.

"Yet you have never been so grievously wounded before," Ruth replied, unable to conceal her worry. ---- William, ever blunt, couldn't help remarking, "That's because Lady Campbell was always at his side." Frederick shot him a sharp glance. "Mind your tongue!" William bowed his head in surrender. "Your Highness, | shall see whether your medicine is ready." No sooner had he stepped out than Anna, standing beside Ruth, called after him, "Prince Frederick is so grievously wounded, yet where is that unruly girl? Isn't she staying here at Hawthorne Estate?"