Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 36 " Lena , enough with your insolence , " Adelaide said sharply . However , there was a strange glint in the queen's eyes as she looked at Selena and slowly added , " It's just some idle rumors . Why make such a fuss ? There will always be busybodies spreading tales . If you plan to throw yourself into despair every time someone talks , how many times will you have to die to prove your innocence ? " Finally understanding what was going on , Wilfred snorted , clearly uninterested in such matters . " Why let mere whispers trouble you ? Everyone , rise . " Adelaide smiled too .

" Indeed , Lena . People talk , but those with clean consciences need not worry . No one will believe nonsense . " " I thought the same at first , and took it as nothing more than gossip from those who enjoy stirring trouble . But then Ms. Talmar dragged me here , demanding I prove my innocence , " Selena replied . Adelaide's eyes sparkled with a hint of excitement . That girl certainly didn't disappoint her . Tonight promised to be entertaining ! Pretending to be shocked , the queen asked , " Who is Ms. Talmar ? How does she have the nerve to demand you prove yourself ?

" Wilfred's gaze landed on the woman standing next to Frederick . She looked ordinary - less attractive than even the palace maids . She was nowhere near as beautiful as Selena , who was dressed in white and looked like an angel in comparison . It was a clear contrast . One belonged among the stars , the other firmly on the ground . As Adelaide already posed the question , Frederick had no choice but to answer . He quickly bowed his head and said , " Your Majesties , this is Freya Talmar . " He glanced at Freya , who seemed to understand and quickly said , " Greetings , Your Majesties .

" Frederick added , " Your Majesty , when I was subduing the Talmar clan the other day , she- " " Was it you who dragged Lena here to demand she prove her innocence ? " Wilfred's face darkened , his anger unmistakable . " Do you think you have the right to do such a thing ? " Frederick and Ruth both felt their hearts drop at the heavy accusation . Frederick opened his mouth to explain , but Freya lifted her chin to meet Wilfred's gaze . There was a proud edge to her voice as she said , " Your Majesty , Prince Frederick and I have long since pledged ourselves to each other in private .

" " Fey , be quiet ! " Frederick urged sharply . But Freya felt no shame in her words . " Your Majesty , I've given His Highness my whole heart . Is it so wrong to hope he might return my feelings with the same sincerity ? If you have ever truly loved a woman , then surely you understand . Love leaves no room for a third . " The Royal Garden was vast . A breeze stirred through the branches overhead , the leaves whispering softly . Other than that , there was nothing but silence . Everyone present had their own thoughts swirling . Freya truly stood out .

Not many would have the courage to speak like that in the king's presence , especially not a 1/2 Chapter 36 +25 BONUS mere fragile young woman . Yet somehow , hearing her words felt ... off . Even Wilfred was caught off guard . When had anyone ever spoken to him that way ? Once Freya's words were spoken , there was no turning back . Frederick and Ruth wanted to stop her , but were too late . Unease settled deeper in their hearts , yet neither dared speak . Time seemed to stretch , then suddenly , a gentle voice broke the silence beneath the moonlight . " Prince Frederick and Ms.

Talmar's devotion is indeed enviable . But if you wish to prove your loyalty to each other , why must an innocent be dragged into your quarrel ? " said Selena . She looked at Freya and Frederick without hatred in her eyes , only sorrow and despair . " You two have your perfect love . But what about me - the one dragged here to prove her innocence ? How am I supposed to face the endless gossip from everyone else ? You can love and stand by each other , but what about me , the unloved one ? Am I just supposed to die ? "