Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 185 Frederick waved his hand dismissively. In the end, William had no choice but to drag Freya away. Not long after, he returned and found the doors to the prince's study still open. Frederick sat behind his desk, his gaze fixed in contemplation, doing nothing at all. Carefully, William stepped inside. He gathered the torn fragments of the letter from the floor, pieced them together, and placed them neatly on the desk. "Your Highness, though | admit Lady Campbell is admirable, Ms. Talmar's words are not without merit," he began cautiously.

William disliked Freya and admired Selena far more. Yet above all else, his loyalty lay with the prince. "If Lady Campbell still harbors feelings for you, perhaps it would be best to acknowledge the depth of her devotion. In which case, why not make the first move to soothe her and reconcile?" he suggested. William thought that would be the perfect resolution, and the one he most wished to see. From this mission, he had come to understand fully. With Selena's departure, Frederick's effectiveness in command had noticeably suffered. She was ---- indispensable to him!

"By participating in the Autumn Hunt under their own banner, the Duke of Blackmoor's household intends to show the world that Lady Campbell's feelings for you are truly gone. In that case, what Ms. Talmar said is indeed true. Lady Campbell didn't ride a thousand miles to save her beloved. She went to make a name for herself. And Your Highness..." William hesitated, unwilling to wound the prince further, yet the matter had grown urgent. "You're now the man who required the siblings of the Duke of Blackmoor's household to rescue you from defeat." Frederick suddenly rose to his feet.

William was startled. "Your Highness-" Frederick's face was dark. He said nothing and moved quickly toward the door, immediately heading to Blackmoor Estate. As dusk approached, Selena returned, dust-covered and weary from unknown travels, only to learn that Frederick hadn't come to seek her out. Instead, he had gone to see Gideon. Hearing the news, her heart tightened and she hurried at once to Elysian Pavilion. When she arrived, Frederick and the elderly duke were seated together, drinking tea.

Gideon's complexion appeared slightly improved today, though his body remained ---- frail "Grandpa," Selena said, hurrying to his side. She then turned to Frederick, concealing any trace of displeasure and offering a measured greeting, "Your Highness." Frederick's lips curved ina faint smile. "Why so formal, Lena? Is it because Lord Gideon is present?" Selena didn't know what he was thinking and replied coolly, " Your station demands the proper courtesies, Your Highness." Gideon smiled warmly at her. "You're soon to be wed, so there's no need for such formality.

Sit, child." Selena's brow tightened imperceptibly. Gideon had been resting at Elysian Pavilion for some time, as he was gravely ill. Selena had used his condition as an excuse to refuse all visitors. Yet she couldn't refuse Frederick, whose rank far exceeded her own. Gideon didn't know that she and Frederick had ended their engagement. He didn't have long to live, and she had no intention of burdening him with that knowledge. As expected, Frederick said nothing about the broken engagement, behaving as though he were merely paying a routine visit to Gideon.

He spoke only of his experiences on the ---- battlefield and sought the old man's advice on matters of conduct. Gideon answered him without reservation, treating him as if he were a member of the family. As for the matter of Sebastian, it seemed Frederick didn't mention it at all. Once they left Elysian Pavilion, Selena walked slightly ahead, glancing back at him with a cold, scrutinizing gaze. "Your Highness, what exactly are you planning?"