Provoking a Graceful Bloom

When Frederick stepped out of the carriage, his hair was a bit messy. It was clear he'd been in close contact with the young woman inside. He hadn't expected to look up and find Selena standing in the wind, watching him.

A breeze stirred, fluttering the soft white fabric of her dress. She looked as graceful and ethereal as ever. It was a complete contrast to Frederick, who had once been carefree and confident, but now looked a little ragged, thanks to Freya.

After he got out, Freya sharply pulled the curtain aside before following him. When she looked up, her eyes immediately landed on Selena's flawless, breathtaking face. Her expression darkened, and she turned to glare at Frederick. The fire of her anger blazed brighter, a mocking smile curling at the corners of her lips.

"Well, your lovely lady is waiting for you over there. Why do you keep pestering me?" She jumped out of the carriage, her eyes burning with hatred as they locked onto Selena. "One day, I'll make you pay for that wound twice over. Anyone who crosses me will face my wrath, no matter how far they run. Just you wait, Selena Campbell!"

Having said that, Freya turned and walked away, showing not a trace of hesitation or regret. Frederick stumbled after her, and in an instant, his tall frame blocked her path.

He gripped her wrist firmly, his voice tinged with displeasure as he said, "The army's march can't be delayed. Stop this nonsense. Whatever it is, we'll deal with it back in the capital."

"Hey, scum, I've made myself perfectly clear. I am not Selena. I won't be like those women who are willing to share you, or serve you for your power and rank. If it's empty flattery and false affection you want, then go to her. Why are you clinging to me?"

Freya struggled fiercely but couldn't break free from the prince's grip.

"Let go! Don't touch me with the same hands that touched her!" she shouted.

Still, Frederick didn't release her.

In a sudden fury, Freya raised her hand and struck him sharply across the face. The loud smack echoed through the silent ranks of soldiers. Every one of them froze, eyes wide, barely daring to breathe. Even Sally felt a chill run down her spine.

He was a prince, the king's biological son!

Even if Freya was headstrong, she shouldn't have laid a hand on Frederick. Did she have a death wish?

Frederick's eyes turned bloodshot with rage. His fingers clenched tighter around Freya's wrist.

"Are you tired of living?" he growled.

Freya was startled by the fury blazing in his eyes, but still wore a proud, defiant look. "You think I'm afraid to die? If you've got the guts, then kill me!"

Frederick didn't kill her. Instead, he lifted her roughly and tossed her back into the carriage. Inside, the sounds of tearing fabric and a woman's screams soon followed.

"Frederick, what are you doing? Let me go! Let me go, you bastard!"

The sky remained clear and bright, with gentle breezes and not a cloud in sight. However, everyone's hearts felt heavy and weighed down.

Selena, Frederick's future princess consort, was here! Yet, at this moment, he was in a carriage with another woman, openly getting intimate with her in front of all the soldiers and even his future wife.

-

It was nearly an hour later when Frederick finally emerged. Of course, he hadn't actually done anything with Freya; his self-control was far better than that. But his hair was disheveled and his clothing was in disarray—worse than before.

The soldiers were still waiting patiently under the bright sunlight, but the graceful figure dressed in white who had been there earlier was nowhere to be seen.

"Where's Lena?" Frederick asked one of the guards.

"Lady Campbell has already left with General Campbell's troops," the man answered with a complicated expression, his cheeks slightly flushed.

Frederick's face darkened. He never expected that Selena would be so petty, so stubborn, to sulk over such a small thing. She wasn't just petty, but reckless too. Didn't she realize that abandoning the army was a capital offense?

"I've spoiled her far too much," Frederick muttered in frustration. "Prepare to depart immediately. We're returning to the capital!"