Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 193 Freya thought her sister's threats were mere words, but she acted without hesitation. Soon, there were two guards, sent from Moonchase Pavilion, stationed at her courtyard where there had been none before. They drove Freya from her own room. Mistveil Pavilion was now Mira's domain. On the first day, Freya endured it. By the second day, knowing Frederick was still taking Mira out all day long, she could no longer hold back. As night fell, she donned a delicate gown of sheer fabric, carefully arranged her hair, and accepted a tray of evening refreshments from Linda.

"My lady, we all saw how His Highness truly admired you once. I- it was only your temper-" Linda hesitated, worried that her mistress might take offense. "Go on. I'm listening," Freya said. After a moment's pause, Linda continued, "Your temper was difficult to deal with at times, that's why His Highness was often displeased with you. If you're gentler with him, I'm sure he will return your affection." That night, Freya was unlike herself. She was soft, almost ---- unrecognizable in her tender manner. Even Frederick noticed the change. Seeing her cautiously tending to him, he finally softened.

"You don't need to be like this. When | first met you, you weren't this way," he said, quietly filled with emotion. Once, Freya had carried herself with unyielding pride. Now, that sharp edge seemed entirely smoothed away. Even Frederick couldn't tell where the fault lay. Was it he who had changed, or Freya herself? "Fred, | wish to marry you." Seeing his brow furrow, Freya hurried to explain, "I don't mean to become your princess consort. | know His Majesty and Lady Ruth would never consent.

Today, | overheard people saying that | follow you around with no name, no status..." Because of that lack of status, even Mira could trample over her. Mistveil Pavilion was merely a temporary residence, not truly hers. Linda had said that once she became Frederick's secondary consort, she would gain a title and a proper place of her own. Then, no one would be able to challenge her. Aclear, crisp voice interrupted from the doorway, "His Highness can't take a secondary consort before his marriage. Why are you so foolish, Fey?" Freya stiffened at once.

William stepped in, leading Mira, who ---- cast a glance at her sister, then smiled lightly at Frederick. "She is young and foolish, Your Highness. | pray you forgive her indiscretion." "She is hardly so young..." Frederick's words carried an edge, betraying his irritation. Indeed, Freya was no longer a child. She was sixteen, nearly seventeen, barely a year younger than Selena, who seemed to understand everything and knew her place. By contrast, Freya had always made things hard for herself. Frederick's mood darkened.

It was not merely Freya's immaturity, but the unwelcome stirrings of thought about Selena that had crept back unbidden. "She is still a mere girl, after all," Mira said, her gaze on her sister tinged with indulgence. "Perhaps she's unhappy because | claimed her chambers today and moved her to the western wing. "Mira-" "You're young, so | can indulge you, but | won't spoil you." Mira's expression suddenly darkened, her tone sharpening. "You were far too arrogant before, which is why you repeatedly angered His Highness.

From today onward, | will discipline you properly, so that you may one day serve beside the prince as a perfect ---- secondary consort."