Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 31 +25 BONUS Frederick had been furious when Freya was beaten at Blackmoor Estate the other day . But when he went there to confront them , he ended up being humiliated even more . Upon returning , he found himself thinking of how honest and pure Freya was again . In the end , the two of them had made peace , and Frederick had no desire to stir up trouble between them again . " It's just some gossip spread by those with nothing better to do . Only fools would believe it . Surely you don't ? " he said . Freya glared at him . Frederick sighed . " There are too many people around .

If something needs to be said , we'll speak of it later . " Freya had been ready to complain , but she noticed the palace halls growing steadily more crowded . It wasn't long before she realized all kinds of unfriendly eyes were landing squarely on her . "My second and third brothers have arrived . I'll go speak with them . A maid will show you to your place . If you're unsure where to go , just tell them you're under my care . They'll see to you properly , " Frederick explained . This was Freya's first time attending a royal banquet . In recent years , war raged across the kingdoms .

Beyond the borders , most lands had fallen into despair , and people struggled merely to survive . Yet , Aurensia's strength and might had given rise to the most splendid and thriving capital in all the realm . And above all , the palace embodied luxury in its purest form . Every spot Freya's eyes landed on shimmered with gold and splendor . Even the lamps hanging from the trees were trimmed with golden thread . The richness of it all was unlike anything she had ever seen . As she was under Frederick's care , the palace maids treated her with respect .

However , the guests tonight were either royal kin or high - ranking nobles . The young ladies and gentlemen sent Freya sidelong glances , many tinged with disdain . Her martial arts skills weren't weak , and though most kept their voices low , her sharp ears caught every word . " So , that's the lady Prince Frederick chose over Lady Campbell ? " " But look at her . She's filthy and tanned - skinned . She's nothing compared to Lady Campbell . " " Truly . The maids in my household are all better looking than she is .

" " Now that you mention it , she actually reminds me a bit of the kitchen maids at home . " " Just look at her hands . They're so rough ! You can tell she does hard labor . Absolutely dreadful . " " And then there's Lady Campbell . Even as a woman , I can't help but envy her . Her skin is so soft and delicate that it looks like a single touch might bruise it . None of us could ever hope to look like that . Who knows what Prince Frederick was thinking , giving up Lady Campbell for someone like her ? " After someone said that , their eyes shifted toward Selena , seated in the distance .

And though Freya was seething with frustration , she couldn't help but also glance at Selena . At that moment , Selena sat quietly in her seat as the evening breeze gently stirred a stray lock of hair near her ear . The delicate strand fell softly across her flawless face , weaving a hauntingly beautiful picture . She looked straight out of a painting , like something ethereal and untouched by the real world . 1/2 Chapter 31 +25 BONUS The more Freya looked , the more her chest tightened with frustration . She told herself she was not unattractive .

She was just weathered by her years in the desert , so her complexion wasn't as pale or luminous as the women of the capital . But that didn't make her ugly . In fact , back in the desert , she had been known as the most beautiful woman for miles ! The women's whispers drifted over again . " I know why Prince Frederick doesn't want Lady Campbell anymore . " " Oh ? Why ? " " Have you not heard ? It's all over the city . They say Lady Campbell stayed by Prince Frederick's side for years , sleeping in his tent every night . I won't repeat the rest , but you get the idea .

" No matter how beautiful a woman was , a man would grow tired of the same woman after such a long time together . " And now this wild girl from the mountain comes along . She's something new and different . How long do you think she'll last in the prince's household ? " " Looking like that ? I'd wager a month at most . " Freya was so angry she could hardly breathe . She and Frederick had already been together nearly two months . Were these women blind ? How could they lie so shamelessly ? But the gossip around her only grew louder .

" I think Lady Campbell spread the rumors to make the whole capital aware of her scandalous affair with Prince Frederick . The king will be eager to put an end to the gossip , so he will surely insist they marry as soon as possible . 11 " That wild girl won't last another month . Once Lady Campbell marries Prince Frederick on the first of next month , she'll have to pack up and leave ! " " Well , of course . Lady Campbell always did know how to play her hand . That wild girl isn't even worthy of serving Lady Campbell . " Freya's expression darkened .

So , the rumors had come from Selena herself ? The woman was not just a hypocrite but utterly vile ! Her anger boiling over , she shoved aside the palace maid standing next to her as she strode quickly toward Selena .