Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 32 +25 BONUS Selena was sipping her tea . Though whispers swirled all around her , she remained serene and composed , her every movement graceful . Her calm and dignified appearance left no room for criticism . But just as she set her cup down , a loud crack shattered the peace . With a sharp smack , the teacup on the table in front of her burst into pieces beneath a sudden , furious strike . What tea remained inside splashed in every direction , droplets landing across the table and floor . One of the young ladies seated nearby gave a startled cry and quickly leapt to the side .

Freya stood at the table , her eyes blazing . " Selena , what's the meaning of this ? " Selena lifted her gaze slowly and looked at Freya . At first glance , her eyes looked calm and still , but a closer look revealed a storm just beneath the surface . For a moment , Freya felt a strange , instinctive urge to step back . That night , she couldn't see clearly and wasn't sure if it was really Selena who had knocked her out .

But Frederick had assured her again and again that he and Selena had known each other since childhood , so he was well aware that she didn't know the first thing about fighting . In the end , Freya finally accepted that explanation . There must have been a skilled fighter hiding in the shadows that night , who had stepped in to help Selena . Selena was hypocritical and cunning . And now , she'd even gone so far as to put on a show like this . Her tricks were truly shameful ! " Ms. Talmar , did I do something wrong ?

" Selena asked , long lashes fluttering as she blinked , all wide - eyed innocence . The more Freya looked at Selena , the more nauseated she felt . " Fred never touched you , not once . Yet , you've gone around spreading lies , telling people you've already been intimate with him . How could you be so shameless ? " said Freya . What ? Frederick had never touched Selena ? Everyone around them exchanged uncertain glances . Selena acted as if she couldn't hear the murmur and whispers . She held Freya's gaze and smiled . " My relationship with Prince Frederick is none of your concern .

" " If you've nothing to hide , why don't you confront him now ? " Freya suggested . Immediately , Freya noticed that the question made something flicker in Selena's eyes . She must be feeling guilty ! Freya despised this kind of woman above all others . " Come with me . You'll explain everything clearly in front of everyone today , " Freya declared , easily pulling Selena to her feet with a firm grip on her wrist . So , Selena truly didn't know the first thing about fighting . Freya's suspicion hardened into certainty . That night , she had simply let her guard down .

It must have been a highly skilled fighter in hiding who had struck in Selena's defense . But today was different . They were in the palace , where Selena's people wouldn't dare sneak in . No one would interfere now ! " Ms. Talmar , what are you doing ? Let me go ! " Selena's voice trembled with panic . 1/2 Chapter 32 -25 BONUS Freya sneered . " I want everyone to see you for what you truly are ! " " This is the royal palace , Ms. Talmar . You mustn't cause a scene ! Let go of me ! " Selena struggled in vain against her grip . " I'm not going ! Ms. Talmar , let me go ! I won't face him !

" But the more she struggled , the more convinced Freya became that she was hiding something . If Selena truly had nothing to be ashamed of , why would she be so afraid to face Frederick ? Freya dragged her forward with firm steps . The surrounding guests watched with keen interest , not a soul daring to intervene . Though the men were gathered apart from the young ladies , they were still in the Royal Garden , not far off . Before long , Freya dragged Selena over to Frederick and gave her a sharp shove forward without hesitation .

To everyone's surprise , Selena fell heavily to the ground and couldn't get up . Despite the fall , her slightly tousled hair and delicate appearance made her seem more charming than embarrassed . It was a sight that stirred pity in those who saw her . At least half the men instinctively moved as if to help her . But remembering that she belonged to Frederick , and with the prince himself standing right there , no one dared to take a step closer . Frederick looked down at Selena , then back at Freya , momentarily stunned . " Fey , what are you doing ? "