Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 45 After leaving Freya's chambers , Anna couldn't help but speak up . " That young woman has always been wild and untamed . Do you really think she'll listen to you , my lady ? " Since Freya didn't respond to the so - called wager Ruth had proposed , Anna had no idea what was on her mind . Ruth snorted dismissively . " You think she's truly so noble ? It's all an act - a show to set herself apart . " Always thinking she was different , always needing to prove in front of everyone that she was unlike ordinary women and looking down on them all .

" If she were truly capable , that might be one thing . But I fear she has too high ambitions without the support to back it up . She thinks the world revolves around her , but in the end , she's nothing at all , " Ruth added . Freya looked down on women who depended on men , yet never stopped to consider just who she was relying on herself . Anna smiled . " Still , such a young woman is special in the prince's life . No wonder he's fond of her . " " That's only because Fred doesn't truly understand himself .

What he believes is genuine nature might just be another trick to manipulate those around her , " said Ruth . She shifted her gaze toward the distant horizon , a mix of emotions running through her . " Do you really think Freya's arrogance and willfulness are her true nature ? Have you noticed the flicker in her eyes when she sees the king ? That woman isn't as innocent or straightforward as she seems . But right now , I despise Selena even more . " So first , Selena must be dealt with . Just as Ruth stepped out of Mistveil Pavilion , Frederick appeared , coming straight toward her .

" Mother ? " His eyes widened in surprise when he saw her , then tightened with concern . " Fey isn't healed yet . She can't bear- " " Is that how you see me ? " Ruth interrupted sharply . " As some cruel woman who's always trying to harm your partner ? " Frederick hurried to soothe her . " Please don't be angry , Mother . That's not what I meant . It's just- " Freya had a proud spirit and sharp tongue . She could offend someone with a single careless word , which gave him no end of trouble . Ruth softened her tone and said , " Never mind . I only came to check on her health .

In a few days , Dawnmere's third prince will be visiting . I hear he's a formidable fighter . Your father is hoping you can hold your own against him and bring home a good result . " " Father wants me to face Prince Elias ? " Frederick's eyes brightened . " Why not Nathaniel ? " Having assumed the king was still angry with him for the mistake he made at the banquet , he hadn't expected this chance to prove himself . A fan of martial arts from a young age , Elias was famous for his skill in battle . If Frederick could defeat him , his reputation among the people of Aurensia would soar .

" With me around , your fourth brother won't stand a chance , " Ruth said with a triumphant smirk . Frederick laughed . " Thank you , Mother . " 1/2 Chapter 45 +25 BONUS " It's enough that you know how much I care for you . From now on- 11 - " Your Highness ! " William called out suddenly , hurrying over from a short distance away . Seeing Ruth , he quickly bowed to her before whispering to Frederick , " Your Highness , the Obsidian Monarch has invited Lady Campbell to his estate . " Frederick's expression darkened . Why was Nathaniel inviting Selena over ?

A knot of worry tightened in his chest . He couldn't shake the feeling that Nathaniel had come back to settle the score with both him and Selena . At Blackmoor Estate previously , it had been difficult for the fourth prince to act . But now , inviting her to Obsidian Estate meant anything could happen . " Mother , I've urgent matters to attend to . I will take my leave Frederick said with a bow , starting to leave with William . Ruth's face hardened with displeasure Her son claimed to care for Freya , yet when it came to Selena , he was always attentive at the crucial moments !

" Freya is in agony and crying . Don't you want to see her ? " Ruth said coldly . Frederick hesitated , his steps faltering . However , he replied , " I ... will see her later . " ! " You're going to meet Selena ? Do you know who spread those rumors about you and her ? " Ruth asked icily . Choptor 46