Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 33 The Royal Garden was in an uproar . Nathaniel arrived just as the commotion broke out , accompanied by Liam and Cloud . A crowd had gathered , all craning their necks to see what the fuss was about . 2143 Cloud , the first to catch wind of the news , explained , " Your Highness , the woman Prince Frederick brought back struck Lady Campbell . Shall we step in ? " A flicker of amusement flashed in Nathaniel's eyes . He turned slightly to Liam behind him . " Find out where Mr. Smith is . He should witness this spectacle .

' " Understood , " Liam replied , understanding the prince's meaning at once and turning on his heel . However , Cloud looked increasingly anxious . " Lady Campbell is still on the ground , Your Highness . You truly don't intend to help her ? " Nathaniel said nothing and continued on at an unhurried pace . When Liam returned , he found Cloud still fidgeting with concern . Liam coldly scoffed . " General Campbell is here . If he's not worried , why are you ? " " General Campbell is still drinking . He hasn't the slightest idea what's happening to Lady Campbell . That's why he's not worried !

" Cloud retorted . Liam gave him a sidelong glance , utterly exasperated . How had this fool served Nathaniel for over a decade ? Pure blind luck , clearly . Liam moved forward to follow Nathaniel without another word , choosing to ignore Cloud's fretting . At the center of the chaos , all eyes remained on Frederick and the two young women next to him . He was already stepping forward , clearly intent on helping Selena to her feet . She reached out her hand to accept his help , but before their fingers could even touch , Freya hurried over and yanked the prince's hand back . " I knew it .

You still have feelings for her ! " she declared furiously , her voice sharp and clear : As always , Freya didn't care who was watching . Frederick was a prince who commanded respect . Most people wouldn't even dare look him in the eye . On the way here , everyone had been fawning over him . But his high status made Freya all the more determined to stand tall before him . She wanted everyone to see that even someone as noble as Frederick had to coax and indulge her . The women of this realm had been afraid of their own husbands for far too long .

That fear was why they were always seen as lesser . But why should they be ? If there were no women , there would be no men . So , why did society place men above all ? Today , she would make everyone take notice and see for themselves just how different she was from all those timid girls . " You told me you never touched her , yet there are whispers everywhere . People are saying the two of you shared a bed night after night . So , tell me the truth , right here and now . Are the rumors true ? " Freya demanded .

Being confronted in that manner , and in such a harsh tone , how could Frederick not be angry ? His fury churned inside him , making him restless . 1/2 Chapter 33 +25 BONUS " Stop this . Whatever you have to say , we'll speak of it back at the estate , " he said , glaring at Freya . " No , " she snapped . She saw the fury in his eyes , but refused to back down . If she let this go now , that wretched woman would win . " You're going to answer me , right here , right now . Did you touch her or not ? Is she yours or isn't she ? " Freya asked .

" Fey , " Frederick warned , his voice low , his expression darkening further . Before he could say more , Selena , who was still on the ground , spoke in a soft but clear voice . " Ms. Talmar , you're mistaken . Over the years on the battlefield , my brother , Sebastian , has always been by my side . Even on the nights I met with Prince Frederick to discuss strategy , my brother was present . " There has never been anything improper between me and Prince Frederick . Please stop spreading lies that ruin my reputation . " A ripple of surprise moved through the crowd . Nothing improper ?

They were entirely innocent ? Then , where had the rumors come from ? There might be some truth behind the whispers . This matter could not be judged by her word alone . Now , it all depended on what Frederick would say . All eyes turned to the prince . 14 H Freya took on an imposing stance . " Frederick , I want you to tell everyone yourself . Did you ever lay a hand on her or not ? " 1 2