Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 191 Frederick's fingers tightened, the glass in his hand nearly slipping from his grasp. Meanwhile, William was struck dumb with astonishment. The arrow had not just hit the bull's-eye, but pierced straight through it. Such a feat demanded both precision and considerable strength. Yet, when watching Mira, William had seen nothing more than the faint sweep of her sleeve, as if she had scarcely exerted herself at all. Had his eyes deceived him? William turned to Frederick, but the prince's gaze remained fixed upon Mira.

She lowered her longbow, then turned and offered Frederick a graceful curtsey. "Your Highness, I beg your pardon for such a poor display. That trifling trick is hardly worth mentioning. If | am to join your team, | will need more than just this. | hope you'll give me the chance to show you what I'm truly capable of." Later that day, Frederick led Mira on a ride through the wooded hills behind the estate. Only William was permitted to accompany them, with even Freya being left behind. She waited for hours, tears welling despite her efforts to suppress them.

She wiped them away, struggling to compose herself. ---- At last, Frederick returned as the sun set, seeming to be ina good mood As he leapt off his horse, he even looked back and smiled at Mira. "You've worked hard today. Let Fey take you back to rest properly. Tomorrow, I'll explain the team and the details of the Autumn Hunt." "| understand. Thank you, Your Highness," Mira replied, inclining her head. When she showed no trace of lingering attachment and quickly walked toward Freya, William released a quiet breath. He had feared she was another young lady angling for Frederick's favor.

But after a full day in her company, Mira clearly seemed like a woman focused on her ambitions. There wasn't the slightest hint that she was trying to flirt with the prince. However, it was Frederick who watched her retreating figure, amusement glinting in his eyes. "I thought the sisters devised a scheme to secure my attention. It seems | was mistaken." For now, he had no interest in romance. If this was Mira's attempt to seduce him, he would see her dismissed without hesitation after the Autumn Hunt. He no longer wished to deal with women who were consumed with their own schemes.

Freya escorted Mira back to Mistveil Pavilion. After discarding ---- her fitted hunting attire, Mira summoned Linda to prepare a bath, then sank leisurely into the steaming water. When she emerged, Freya was still seated and waiting patiently in a chair. "Is there something you wish to say?" Mira asked. Freya's eyes turned red-rimmed once more. Frowning, Mira irritatedly spoke before Freya could, saying, "Is this all you can manage? If you're not throwing a tantrum, you're wallowing in self-pity.

It's no wonder Prince Frederick has not seen fit to speak of you once all day." Freya bit her lip, tears threatening to spill. "He truly didn't say a single word about me?" She was genuinely aggrieved. In the desert, both her brother and father had lavished her with care. In comparison, her sister, though formidable, had grown up unloved. No matter how capable Mira was, she had always been little more than a supporting figure in Freya's life. But today, Freya felt as though she were the one pushed to the sidelines. The feeling of being insignificant made her want to cry all day.

She felt wronged, heartbroken, and resentful, yet was powerless to do anything about it. Mira shot her sister a glance, her expression growing more impatient by the second. In fact, it was now tinged with a hint of ---- disgust. "Do you know what occupies his mind entirely now? Selena. | heard him speak her name at least ten times today!" she snapped. Freya's chest tightened, and her composure nearly shattered. "I- is that true? H-has he fallen for Selena again?"