Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 61 +25 BONUS Frederick left Blackmoor Estate in a storm of anger . Yet , not long after settling into the carriage , he couldn't resist pulling back the curtain on the rear window to watch the estate's great gates fade into the distance . A heavy frustration settled over him . After what felt like an age , he suddenly spoke in a low voice , " Stop . " William pulled the reins , bringing the horses to a halt . Turning around to speak , he was caught off guard when Frederick threw open the carriage door and climbed out . " Your Highness , where are you going ?

" William asked , surprised . Without saying a word , Frederick strode over to a nearby tree and turned to gaze back at the distant gates of Blackmoor Estate . The place still looked grand , but everyone knew that after what happened with Sebastian , the Duke of Blackmoor's household's days were numbered . Selena surely understood that better than anyone ! " Shall I send someone to find out what General Campbell and Lady Campbell were doing at Obsidian Estate today ? " William said softly from behind the prince . Frederick shook his head . " Obsidian Estate is heavily guarded .

Even if my men went , there's no telling whether they can find anything . And if they fall into Nathaniel's hands and are brought before my father , wouldn't that make me a villain accused of scheming against my own brother ? " Frederick and Nathaniel were bitter rivals , which was a fact even Wilfred knew . Even so , the appearance of peace between them had to be preserved at all costs . The king would never allow anyone to upset that delicate balance . " Understood , Your Highness . I was reckless , " William conceded .

However , he could see Frederick was in a foul mood , which made him uneasy . " Are you truly worried that Lady Campbell might throw in her lot with Prince Nathaniel ? " Frederick snorted coldly . " Why would my brother want a woman who has served by my side all these years ? " " That ... well , it's not impossible , " William said carefully . " After all , Lady Campbell is ... breathtakingly beautiful . " He knew his words might not be welcome , but as a man, he felt compelled to speak honestly . Frederick's icy glare landed squarely on him , sharp enough to make him flinch .

" I assure you that I harbor no improper thoughts toward Lady Campbell , Your Highness ! You have my word , " William explained hurriedly . Frederick remained silent . Taking a breath , William pressed on , adding , " I only speak the truth . Lady Campbell's beauty is unmatched in the entire city . She has publicly proven her innocence and distanced herself from you . It's not entirely surprising that the Obsidian Monarch might take an interest in her . " Frederick's jaw tightened . " Would my father ever allow a woman who was once engaged to one prince to marry another ?

" What would that do to the royal family's reputation ? 54 Chapter 61 +25 BONUS William hesitated , then cautiously posited , " But what if the Obsidian Monarch has no intention of marrying Lady Campbell at all ? What if he only wants ... her body ? " " He would dare ?! " Frederick snapped . But even the prince wasn't entirely sure how much faith to put in those words . His loyalty to Freya was unwavering , so he knew he wouldn't touch Selena . But could the same be said for every other man ? After all , Selena was the most flawless young lady he had ever laid eyes on .

Frederick clenched his fists tightly . The thought of something so precious to him being desired by someone else felt like sand in his eye - irritating and unbearable . At last , he let out a cold snort . " Selena may be cunning , but she's not the sort to trade her body for any bargain . I've known her for years . She won't grow close to my brother . " Frederick had no idea just how quickly those words would come back to haunt him .