Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 268 Freya's face went deathly pale. "N-no, that's not it. There's nothing wrong with me. I'm not-" Mira seized her wrist without another word and pressed her fingers against the pulse point. After only a moment, her expression darkened with fury and disgust. "So, it's true. The punishment really was that cruel. You're ruined." She stood up, looking down at the other woman's pale, dirt- streaked face with growing irritation. Freya trembled, tears glistening in her eyes. "Mira, you're my sister-" "Don't call me that," Mira said sharply. "You're filthy.

Someone like you has no right to call yourself a lady of the Talmar clan." So, that was what that punishment truly meant. First, they destroyed a woman's womb, leaving her barren for life. Then, they sealed her womanhood completely, making it impossible for her to ever bear children or even to serve a man again. It was a fate worse than death! "After all that's happened, you still cling to living? What happened to your pride?" said Mira. ---- Freya's head snapped up, her eyes wide in disbelief. "I'm your sister! How could you say such a thing?

You want me dead?" "Back in the desert, did you ever once treat me as your sister?" Mira asked. "Mira, | can still recover. I've asked around. If | can find a skilled enough physician to undo what has been done to me, | can be like a normal woman again. A-at worst, | just won't be able to have children," Freya replied. There was still hope. She had to see Frederick. He wouldn't abandon her. Once she was well again, he would love her like before. "Find a physician to undo it?" Mira looked at her as if she were a joke. "Do you hear yourself? Do you feel no shame?

How many people have seen and touched your body? Do you really think Prince Frederick will still want you?" Even if someone could unseal her womanhood, every step was painstakingly delicate. Also, who knew how many people had to examine her closely just to make it possible? After that, what man would even want to touch her? Even looking at her would feel disgusting! "Fred isn't like that! He isn't! He said he would love only me for the rest of his life. He-" ---- "| didn't come here to listen to your nonsense," Mira cut her off sharply.

That single touch of Freya's wrist had told her all she needed to know. This sister of hers was no longer of any use. Even speaking to her now felt like a waste of breath. "| know Dad entrusted something to you before he died. Where is it?" Mira asked. "W-what are you talking about?" Freya didn't expect Mira to change the subject now. She shook her head. "There's nothing-" "Think carefully, Freya. I'm not in the mood for games," Mira said coldly. "In your state, Prince Frederick will never look at you again." "That's not true!

If he no longer cared for me, why would he have sent William to bring me back?" "Because he doesn't wish to be called heartless. You truly think he brought you back out of love?" As Freya's tears spilled again, Mira couldn't help but sigh. Her proud, headstrong little sister had completely changed after being subjected to royal mutilation. Now she was humble, fragile, timid. There wasn't a trace of the spirit she once had. "Forget it. Right now, I'm your only hope." Mira crouched down ---- again. "Dad gave you that object, didn't he? It's useless in your hands.

I'm the only one who can restore the honor of the Talmar clan." She took Freya's cold hand and held it tightly. "When | succeed, you'll be a princess of our clan again. I'll find the finest physician to restore your body, and you'll live as a woman once more. Trust me, Fey. You have no one else left in this world but me."