Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

Chapter 74 Frederick turned away and walked to his reserved seat . He refused to let his eyes stray towards where the people from the Duke of Blackmoor's household were sitting again . However , Freya stood still beside him , making no move to sit . Frederick frowned . " What is it ? Are you still feeling unwell ? " After her flogging , she had spent several days lying in bed to recover . She had only managed to walk again in the past two days . Frederick had urged her to rest a while longer , but she had insisted on accompanying him , and he had not opposed her .

Freya lowered her head and glared at him , clearly vexed . " Don't you think I look different today ? " He glanced her over from head to toe . 14 A 4 + " 444A J 0 S1 ** M 37 2 She had indeed dressed with care . Her face was lightly powdered , and her makeup was finely done . She wore a vivid violet gown of courtly fashion , one he had already noticed when they set out . At the time , he had even told her she looked beautiful . But now , Selena sat not far off from them . She was in plain , form - fitting riding attire , and wore no makeup .

Even so , no matter where he looked , her image lingered at the edge of his sight . Her delicate face was so fair it seemed to glow , making ignoring her an impossible feat . Any other woman nearby paled in comparison . Freya , who was otherwise quite pretty , suddenly seemed dull- almost dark and plain - compared to Selena's radiant presence . " I like you for who you are , not for your looks . Sit down , " Frederick said , softening his tone as best he could . 43 The color of Freya's gown was too bright for her complexion .

With her skin not as fair , the vivid fabric only made her seem darker . Frederick thought he should have let her wear her usual close - fitting attire .. But somehow , she would never possess Selena's alluring charm . 7 4 34 6420I Out of the corner of his eye , Frederick noticed Selena speaking quietly with Sebastian . As he found himself stealing another glance at her , a hand suddenly shot out and blocked his view . 4 " After all these years , haven't you had enough of looking at her ? " Freya snapped , clearly annoyed . Frederick's expression turned sour .

" What nonsense are you spouting now ? ' " Am I wrong ? She's pretty , and uses her charms to captivate men . That's why shallow men like you fall for her . If you had any willpower , you wouldn't be staring at her all day , " Freya's voice rang out , far louder than she intended , drawing the attention of those nearby . " Enough ! " Frederick felt a flush of embarrassment , and his patience thinned without him even realizing it . Freya's temper was never mild , and now it flared instantly . " Frederick , you want me to be quiet ?

You're the one sneaking glances at another woman , yet you tell me to shut up ? " Her voice was sharp and loud with anger , bringing a sudden hush over the crowd . Half the people dared not make a sound , wary of Frederick's rank and the danger of earning his displeasure . The other half simply watched , eager for the drama to unfold . Freya's reputation was no secret throughout the city ; she had become quite notorious . Wherever she went , all eyes 1/2 Chapter 74 were on her . Of course , most watched just to see her stumble .

+25 BONUS Frederick noticed the glances , some bold and others stolen , all aimed in their direction . In an instant , his temper flared . Why couldn't she learn to keep quiet ? Did she have to ruin his dignity every time ? Once , he had found her bluntness charming . Twice , he had forgiven it . But a third time was more than he could tolerate .