Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 23 " Lena ! " Frederick's eyes darkened with displeasure . " Do you realize how much power Nathaniel has built at the Northern Frontier these past years ? He endured endless hardships there , and now that he's back , he'll be seeking revenge for what was done to his face . And you dare to act like this now ? " Selena looked at him , her feelings tangled and confused . No matter what she said or did , did he see only nonsense and defiance ? If that was the case , what was left for them to discuss ? " Your Highness , I'm tired today and not in the mood for company .

Please take your leave , " she said as she picked up the wooden box and turned to go . Frederick's face twisted into an ugly expression . He took a big stride and he stepped in front of her . " With an enemy at the gates , you choose to speak to me in that tone ? " " If you believe the Obsidian Monarch to be the enemy , then that is your own enemy , not mine . I'm but a weak woman . I am far from worthy of being his foe , " she replied . So , their struggle had nothing to do with her . " It was your scheme that lured him to the battle at the Northern Frontier that left him scarred for life .

Do you really think he can ever forget a grudge so deep ? " Frederick pointed out . Selena was usually so careful and shrewd . Why was she so foolish now ? " He came for revenge . Did you really think he was here for tea and idle chatter ? " Frederick added . " I told you , the Obsidian Monarch came with a marriage proposal . He certainly didn't come for tea and idle chatter , " Selena replied . She felt more certain than ever that there was no way to reach Frederick . How had she never seen this before ? Frederick grew more impatient .

" There is no lady at Blackmoor Estate he could seek to marry . Lena , stop this foolishness . " Selena's eyes flashed with surprise . " Am I not a woman in your eyes , Your Highness ? " " You've been at my side for years , and everyone knows you belong to me . In all of Aurensia , who else would want to marry you ? " Frederick didn't mean to mock her . He was simply too impatient to argue any further . Her hypocritical attitude had snuffed out the pity he had just begun to feel .

Unable to hold back any longer , Sally started to say , " Your Highness , the Obsidian Mónarch- " Selena cut her off , " Sally , go check if the herbs I laid out are properly dried . " Had Sally already forgotten the kick Frederick had given her ? Didn't she recall how much it had hurt ? Sally pouted but reluctantly said , " I understand , my lady . " She shot one last glare at Frederick , then turned and left without so much as a curtsy . Frederick clenched his jaw and snorted coldly . " The servants in this house don't even understand the most basic rules .

You're the mistress of this household . What exactly have you been teaching them ? " Selena only smiled . " Aren't you the one who prefers those who break the rules , Your Highness ? Sally is merely trying to please you . Why are you upset ? " 1/2 Chapter 23 +25 BONUS Frederick's face flushed with anger . Selena would never have spoken to him so sarcastically before . She had truly changed . But no matter how angry he was , he hadn't forgotten the reason for his visit today . " Enough . I won't hold her rudeness against her .

Now that Nathaniel has returned , you can't be unaware of what he intends toward us . If we keep turning on each other , aren't we playing right into his hands ? " he said . Selena lowered her eyes and stared at the wooden box in her hands . " Honestly , I have no idea what he's thinking . " Even she couldn't guess what was on the fourth prince's mind after his actions today . " You and I are his enemies . What else could he want from us ? " Seeing her stare intently at the wooden box in her hands , Frederick couldn't help but frown . " What exactly did he give you ?

" Selena's face remained flat . " A betrothal gift . " " That's enough ! " Frederick grew more impatient . " Lena , don't you find this tedious ? You waste my patience as if I have no limits . " " You never seem to like hearing the truth , " Selena said , feeling utterly exasperated . Deciding to change the subject , she lightly asked , " Fine . What exactly brought you here today , Your Highness ? " Seeing that she was finally willing to speak to him earnestly , Frederick's anger faded .

He sighed and softened his tone as he said , " Lena , about that night when your guards wounded Fey - I won't hold it against you . Let's make peace . Go to my father and tell him our wedding date stands . Next month , we will marry as planned . "