Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 195 After what happened with Freya, Frederick found himself inexplicably wary of women from the Talmar clan. If Mira so much as hinted at an ulterior motive, he vowed that once the Autumn Hunt ended, he would see to it that she never set foot in the capital again. "Since you already know that I've often come and gone from your residence, then you must also know I've never had the slightest interest in you. Each visit was for Fey's sake and nothing more. Surely your inquiries uncovered that much, Your Highness," Mira explained.

Her words were blunt, leaving Frederick's face flushed with a sudden, stinging embarrassment, as if he'd been slapped in the face. "Your Highness, | speak only to clear myself of suspicion, not to insult you. | hope you understand," she added. Every motion, every expression on her face carried no hint of femininity. She was no different from a man in both bearing and demeanor. She gave him a soldier's salute and continued, "| understand that many women have schemed to draw close to you, Your Highness, so it's no wonder you're wary of me.

But | come to you ---- solely for the sake of my career. | truly have no other intent. If you doubt me, | shall prove it." She stepped to the side and picked up a cup. Frederick frowned, uncertain what she meant to do. Before he could ask, she smashed the cup to pieces. In the next heartbeat, she snatched up a jagged piece and raised it to her own face. The movement was lightning fast, so ruthless that it carried no hesitation at all. "Ms. Talmar!" William cried from the doorway, pale with shock. He lunged forward, but it was already too late.

Frederick seized the nearest writing board and hurled it across the table. At the very last moment, it knocked the shard from Mira's hand. Even so, the fragment left a thin red line across her fair cheek. Thankfully, it was shallow, which meant it would fade before long. "| believe you!" Frederick said, shaken. "There's no need to go so. far." He could hardly steady his own heartbeat. Never before had he seen a woman like her, one who cared so little for her own face. It was startling, almost exhilarating, as though his very notion of what a woman could be had been overturned.

William also exhaled in relief. ---- Only Mira, after all that had happened, could still smile with such calm composure. "If you're willing to believe that | bear no ulterior motives, then perhaps we can finally discuss the formation and strategy for the Autumn Hunt?" "| hear a remarkable young lady has arrived at Hawthorne Estate, and that she's an exceptional mounted archer!" Selena sipped her tea and ate some snacks, listening as Sally reported the news. "Prince Frederick has been constantly with her these past few days. The two of them are inseparable," Sally added.

Selena raised an eyebrow, still focused on her snacks. "Oh? Just like Freya used to be?" Sally nodded vigorously. "Exactly like Freya. This young lady is called Mira, and she seems to be Freya's elder sister." Then, she muttered under her breath, "He really does have a thing for women from that clan!" Selena finished her last bite and stood up. "Are her mounted archery skills really that impressive?" "Very. Everyone in their team has been astonished by her skill," ---- Sally replied, adjusting her mistress' gown. Selena appeared unconcerned. With brisk, confident steps, she left.

Sally followed her to the front courtyard, finding only Sebastian and Yuvan standing there as usual. Sally couldn't help but worry, asking, "My lady, are you sure the people you invited will really come?"