Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 21 Freya grew even more agitated when she heard that . Her voice rose sharply without her meaning to . " What did you just say ? Are you saying you're already tired of me ? How could you- " Her voice grated on Frederick's ears , so sharp and harsh it made him recoil without thinking . He did love Freya's fiery spirit , but she couldn't be reckless without thought . " When you're with me , I let you behave as you please . All I ask is that you show some restraint in front of my mother . Is that too much ?

Fey , you complain I don't protect you , but aside from yelling and lashing out at me every day , what have you ever done for me ? " He truly didn't understand . He was a prince , respected and exalted . Why should he endure her outbursts ? At first , it had been novel , even sweet in its own way . But now , it felt tiring and unpleasant . Why was he allowing himself to be treated so poorly ? " Think " Think on that , " he said as he turned and left . Behind him , Freya's curses trailed after his retreating figure . Angry , Frederick quickened his pace and hurried away .

Just as he entered the study , William hurried in after him . " Your Highness , all twelve cities on the Northern Frontier have been reclaimed . The Obsidian Monarch is returning with great honor . This time , he's bound to win the king's favor and be rewarded handsomely . " " His face is ruined . No matter how much my father favors him , he would never truly make him the ruler of the kingdom , " Frederick replied . A disfigured man could never be king . If Nathaniel were truly to take the throne , the entire reputation of Aurensia would be ruined by that scarred face of his .

" There are many miracle healers among the common folk . It might be possible to restore the Obsidian Monarch's face . Your Highness , I believe you should take Lady Ruth's advice and hurry to make peace with Lady Campbell , " said William . He knew it was not his place to speak out about his master's affairs , but the situation had reached a critical point . There was no time to hesitate . " The Duke of Blackmoor's household commands the hundred thousand troops of the Campbell Regiment .

If they join forces with the Obsidian Monarch , it will be a serious disadvantage for you , Your Highness . Besides ... " William stopped himself , unwilling to say more . Frustrated and already in a foul mood , Frederick snapped , " If you have something to say , then say it . What are you stammering for ? " William took a deep breath and finally found the courage to continue , saying , " Besides , in looks , in figure , and every other way , Lady Campbell surpasses Ms. Talmar by miles . " " What has Selena done to all of you that everyone speaks for her so eagerly ?

" Frederick's annoyance deepened . " She's manipulative to the core . This whole breakup is just a ploy to force me into submission . How could a woman like that possibly compare to Fey ? " William took the risk and pressed on , " Then , what is it about Ms. Talmar that is so special , Your Highness ? " She was always lashing out at Frederick , which even his subordinates found difficult to watch . And her looks were nothing special , there were plenty like her on the street . What was it about her that had such a hold over Frederick ?

" You don't understand what makes Fey so special , " Frederick said with a sigh , clearly frustrated . No one had ever treated him the way Freya did . Everyone else was always cautious and obedient , never showing a fraction of 1/2 Chapter 21 +25 BONUS her honesty and fire . " Forget it . I suppose I've seen enough of Selena's tricks . Since she's so determined to make me submit , I'll let her stew for a few days . Once she realizes she was wrong , I'll pay a visit to Blackmoor Estate and coax her a little , " the prince added . William's face brightened immediately .

" I'll prepare a generous gift and accompany you to Blackmoor Estate , Your Highness . " Frederick waved him off , still weighed down by heavy thoughts . Still , when he thought about it , Selena had pulled every trick she could - enough to get even his mother and William to speak on her behalf . She must really have missed him badly , but was just too proud to swallow her pride and ask to make up . Was she now hiding somewhere , quietly wiping away tears ? A man must know when to yield .

If it meant ending this drama before his fourth brother returned , Frederick was willing to swallow his pride . So , two mornings later , accompanied by William and bearing gifts , Frederick went to Blackmoor Estate . A servant told him Selena was in the garden . From a distance , Frederick saw her sitting beneath a tree . Her silhouette was lonely and desolate in a way he couldn't put into words . His heart softened , and memories of the years they had shared flooded back . His woman had been living in such misery lately . He wasn't made of stone , so how could he not feel for her ?