Provoking a Graceful Bloom

The look Frederick gave Selena was like a knife to her heart. They had known each other for years and were to be married next month. Yet here he was, filled with murderous intent over a young woman he had known for less than half a month.

All their years of deep affection and loyalty suddenly seemed laughable in the face of that fleeting flash of deadly rage in his eyes.

She couldn't help but smile bitterly. "Are you seeking revenge for her, Your Highness?"

"I am a prince! You think I wouldn't dare?" Frederick hissed through gritted teeth, every word dripping with menace.

Sally panicked and rushed forward. "Your Highness, this has nothing to do with Lady Campbell. It was Ms. Talmar who attacked—"

"Begone!"

Frederick raised his foot and kicked Sally hard. She fell to the ground with a heavy thud, coughing up a mouthful of blood.

"Sally!" Selena snapped back to her senses and hurried over to help her maid up.

Sally tried to speak, but blood spilled from her mouth, leaving her unable to catch her breath. Eventually, her eyes rolled back as she fainted.

A panicked Selena shouted, "Sally! Wake up!"

Sally had been at her side since childhood. Though a maid, she was like a sister to Selena, who had long considered her as family.

When Frederick saw Selena's desperate fear, his anger finally began to subside. Since he rarely saw her so shaken, he instinctively moved to offer comfort.

But then, Freya whispered hoarsely, "S-scum... it hurts..."

Then, her head lolled to the side and she passed out.

Frederick stared down at her pale face and the blood steadily soaking through her clothes. Whatever pity he'd felt for Selena faded in an instant.

"Since you've already returned the blow, no one is to speak of this matter again. Anyone who dares do so will answer to me. Now... take Sally and see that she's properly cared for."

With that, he lifted the unconscious Freya into his arms and hurried away. Watching his anxious pace and the tension in his back, Selena understood how much he cared for the young woman he held. But she had no energy left to dwell on it.

That day, after settling Sally and ordering others to look after her, Selena stayed by Sebastian's side. When he woke around dusk, he said nothing, his expression blank and wooden.

Selena said nothing too, silently helping her brother drink some water, then gently laying him back down to rest. Refusing to speak, he closed his eyes. It wasn't until midnight that he opened them again, this time with a calmer gaze.

"Lena, that young woman now has Prince Frederick's favor. But he only sees her as an innocent girl, nothing more. Don't read too much into it. I can see clearly that his heart belongs to you alone," he said.

A sharp ache blossomed in Selena's chest. Even with everything, her brother was still thinking of comforting her.

When Selena said nothing, Sebastian continued in a hoarse voice, "Your wedding to Prince Frederick is set for the first day of next month. You've known each other for years. Don't let a simple misunderstanding defeat you."

"I'm fine, Seb. There's no need to comfort me."

Selena squeezed his hand and realized it was ice cold, just like her heart.

"Get well soon. There will definitely be a way in the future, I'm sure of it," she said softly.

"Alright."

He closed his eyes once more, but this time he turned his head slightly so the tears pooling at the corner of his eyes could fall unseen onto the pillow. He didn't want his beloved sister to see him cry.

Selena saw it clearly. But for the sake of his pride, she had no choice but to pretend she didn't notice.

For the next three days, she didn't see Frederick. It was only on the third night that he finally returned, his footsteps heavy as he entered the courtyard.

"Lena, I don't know what's come over me lately. Help me. I feel like I'm losing my mind."