Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 194 Frederick's brow furrowed lightly. "To become a perfect secondary consort?" Freya began to say, "Fred, I" "|have matters to discuss with His Highness. Fey, you should return and rest," Mira cut in, her voice firm. "Why should | go back?" Freya's own temper flared. After holding it in all day, she could no longer restrain herself. "Mira, you think you-ah!" With a sharp slap, Mira struck her sister across the face. Freya was stunned. Even Frederick froze, momentarily forgetting to react. It was just a verbal disagreement. Surely, there was no cause for such violence.

This was excessive. For a heartbeat, Freya remained shocked. Then, her fury ignited. "You hit me! How dare you! You low-born-" Another sharp crack rang out, louder than the first. Freya fell to the ground, her face burning with pain, speechless ---- with shock. But it wasn't over, as she suddenly felt a tremendous force surge toward her. Before she could react, Mira had lifted her up and hurled her out the door. Freya lay in a crumpled heap, glaring at Mira standing in the doorway, covering her face as she cried and yelled, "How dare you hit me! Who do you think you are?

If Father and Kieran were here, they'd never let you get away with this!" "The Talmar clan has always been full of people like you- ruthless and cruel, bullying others with power. That's why the family nearly faced total annihilation. If you don't repent, your fate will be no different from Father and Kieran!" Mira snapped. She glared at Freya. "Guards, return her to Mistveil Pavilion. No one is to release her without my express command." The two guards and William hesitated, uncertain. Mira had been at the estate for only two days. Should her orders be obeyed? Frederick seemed unconcemed.

Besides, Freya's own behaviour had long alienated her from the household staff. Once, she had been so arrogant that Frederick had confined her to the storage room for days. Perhaps she had already fallen from favour. The two guards finally pulled Freya to her feet and escorted her away. Mira composed herself before reentering the room. She ---- respectfully inclined her head to Frederick and said, "My apologies, Your Highness. | admit she is willful, but not beyond reform. There is still hope for her. | beg you to consider her youth and inexperience, and grant me some time.

| shall ensure she is properly guided." Frederick studied her closely. Her features were undeniably attractive. Perhaps not as flawless as Selena's, but far more striking than most young ladies. Yet, no trace of conventional feminine allure lingered on Mira's face. Looking at her now, it was as if he were speaking to a man rather than a woman. "A perfect secondary consort?" he asked, suddenly recalling Mira's earlier words. "Regardless of whether you still care for my sister, she was once dear to you.

As long as she has not committed a grievous error, she deserves neither rejection nor abandonment. Otherwise, how do you differ from a heartless man?" said Mira. "never intended to cast Fey aside," Frederick replied. He had truly cared for her. Having one more woman in the royal household was no burden, so he wouldn't cast her out unless she herself chose to leave. If she wanted to go, he wouldn't pursue her. ---- Looking back, all those days of flattering and begging seemed tedious and meaningless. However, this young woman before him now aroused genuine curiosity. "And you?

Do you really think I don't know that you've lingered around my household all this time? Is this yet another scheme to manipulate me?" Frederick asked.