Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 189 Frederick's injuries had healed well in recent days, and he appeared to be in good health. Ruth had been visiting him more frequently. Wilfred had been unusually indulgent toward her, even granting her a palace token so she could see her son at will. Such privileges were rare among the concubines. The other ladies of the harem dared not voice their displeasure. They all knew that a mother's power was tied to her child. With a Warbringer as her son, Ruth held a position almost equal to that of the queen.

Ruth smiled inwardly at the thought that Freya was still confined to the storage room. "Though | still harbor some resentment toward that scheming Selena, | have even less patience for that reckless, clueless girl who only drags you down," she murmured, her eyes glinting as she met her son's gaze. "Fred, over the past couple of days, I've picked out a few young ladies for you. Some are beautiful, while others have truly distinctive personalities. Take a look for yourself." Today, she had Anna bring the portraits.

One by one, the scrolls ---- were unfurled before Frederick, displaying a number of exceptionally attractive ladies. Yet, the prince's interest was faint He waved the scrolls away. "In terms of beauty, none in the capital could rival Lena. But | am not concerned with such matters." Anna quickly rolled the scrolls back up at his gesture. It was only when Ruth mentioned Freya that Frederick remembered he had confined her to the storage room for several days. Between tending to lingering official business, preparing for the Autumn Hunt, and nursing his injuries, he had entirely neglected her.

"Mother, my only concern now is to win the Autumn Hunt. | wish to think of nothing else." "Have you selected the members for your team?" Ruth asked, concer lacing her voice. Though the event had been postponed due to his injury, she stil worried whether her son was fully capable "My wounds have mostly healed over these past few days. With several days yet before the Autumn Hunt, continued rest now will not affect the finals," Frederick said. "Prince Nathaniel's household is also competing this year," Ruth ---- noted. "He will be a formidable rival, and your team is missing Sebastian.

Though | doubt that Sebastian could achieve much, his skill in mounted archery is indeed notable." With such a balance, the situation was decidedly unfavorable for them. "Don't worry, Mother. I've already chosen capable candidates. You won't be disappointed," Frederick replied firmly. After Ruth left, William couldn't help but say, "Your Highness, our 'team is still short one member." "And Fey?" Frederick asked. Leaving the room, he headed toward the back courtyard's wood storage. "At first, she was noisy.

She made quite a scene for half a day, but afterward, she fell silent and has not caused any trouble since," William replied honestly. As they spoke, Frederick had already reached the vicinity of the storage room. He had once cherished Freya like a treasure, yet now, she had been confined ina place like this for days. However, he felt little pity at this moment. At his gesture, William went inside to bring Freya out. After several days of confinement, her usual pride had been dulled. She had lost some weight and appeared weary.

When she saw ---- Frederick, her eyes were red-rimmed, but she didn't cry. Frederick had expected her to throw a tantrum, and had even braced himself to feel nothing but annoyance toward her. But she neither shouted nor fussed, not even shedding a tear, and quietly met his gaze. Somehow, it stirred a twinge of pity in him. At last, he softened slightly, asking, "After being locked up for a few days, do you understand what you did wrong?"