Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 46 Frederick felt a chill run through him . " Mother , what do you mean by that ? " Could it be that Ruth had deliberately spread those rumors , hoping to force Selena to beg the king to revoke the annulment edict so she and Frederick could go through with their wedding ? Stepping closer , Ruth said , " Do you truly believe Selena no longer cares for you ? After all these years , do you think she would abandon you so easily ? Fred , you're still too young . You've always been obsessed with war and battle , but you lack experience when it comes to reading people's hearts .

" Frederick pressed his lips together . He wasn't sure if his mother was lying or telling the truth . " But that day , when Lena was forced to publicly prove her innocence ... " For a young lady , it was a humiliation beyond measure . Ruth scoffed . " That's what makes her so formidable . Isn't that moment the reason why you feel a strange pity for her and have been thinking of her these past few days ? " Frederick looked at his mother , surprise flickering in his eyes . He had indeed thought of Selena often lately , just as Ruth said .

" Fred , what makes Selena dangerous is that she understands everyone's thoughts ... including yours . " Ruth took her son's hand , her voice softening . " After that incident , your father ... struck me . " " Father struck you ? " Frederick's heart clenched . Since returning from the palace , he had been focused on caring for Freya and knew nothing of what had happened . How could Wilfred lay a hand on Ruth ?! Frederick's face flushed red with anger . Ruth covered her face as if the pain from that day still lingered . " Yes . Your father was convinced that I had orchestrated everything .

After the banquet , he came to Harmony Palace and struck me across the face , in front of all the servants . " Frederick clenched his fists . " Father was too cruel ! " Such a humiliating blow was unbearable ! " I tried to explain , but he wouldn't listen . Still , I don't blame him . After all , even my son believes Selena over his own mother . " Her words made Frederick stiffen instantly , and a sudden wave of guilt washed over him . " Mother ... " " I don't blame you either . If anyone is at fault , it's me . My methods were simply not as ruthless as Selena's .

" Ruth sighed deeply and fell silent . Anna spoke up , " Your Highness , Lady Campbell had actually been invited to the palace for a private meeting that day . Lady Ruth had hoped to persuade her not to break the engagement . But Lady Campbell said she would only agree on one condition - that Lady Ruth must get Ms. Talmar to attend the banquet and publicly humiliate her to avenge Lady Campbell . " Frederick's heart sank . " What ? " 1/2 Chapter 46 +25 BONUS So , that was why Ruth had suddenly sent word that she wanted Freya to attend the banquet !

" Your Highness , many palace maids were there that day . If you don't believe me , you can ask around . " Anna steadied Ruth , her eyes full of sorrow . " Your mother did everything for you . It was only because she cares so deeply for your wellbeing that she fell for Lady Campbell's schemes . " Frederick's hand clenched tightly in an instant , his eyes burning with fury . ' Curse you , Selena ! ' Over the past couple of days , he often thought about the great injustice she had suffered . He even considered visiting Blackmoor Estate to see her .

At the very least , to offer an apology on his inother's behalf .. Little did he know , it was all part of her scheme from the start ! 1 She had targeted Freya , causing her to suffer fifty lashes for no reason . Then , she also set up Ruth , causing her to be slapped by the king in front of everyone . And yet , Selena acted like the victim of it all ! " Your father forbade any mention of this matter . Fred , it's over . You must never mention it again . Ruth gave him a gentle smile and reminded him to care for Freya before stepping into her carriage .

Once the carriage left Hawthorne Estate , Anna softly said , " Do you think His Highness will believe us ? I fear he still cares for Lady Campbell more than he realizes . "