Provoking a Graceful Bloom

With fury burning in his chest, Frederick took Freya and returned to the capital.

He was sure that silence would do the trick. Sooner or later, Selena would come crawling back to beg for his forgiveness. But after they returned to the city, Selena stayed at Blackmoor Estate for ten whole days, not stepping out of its gates even once.

At first, Frederick didn't care. But eventually, he couldn't ignore it any longer and sent a guard to find out what was wrong.

"Is she ill? Or is General Campbell still injured and needs her care?"

The guard returned quickly with news.

"Your Highness, General Campbell's wounds seem to be healing well. He paid a visit to the palace today to see the king."

Frederick scoffed. "He went to the palace?"

A general who abandoned his post had the nerve to see the king?

"If General Campbell is well, then what is Lena doing hiding in the estate?" Frederick growled.

Selena hadn't come to his residence to apologize. What on earth was she thinking?

"Did I kick Sally too hard? Is she still hurt?"

"Ms. Mauve appears to be well, Your Highness. She was out with Lady Campbell today, drying herbs in the sun."

"She'd rather be drying herbs than come see me?"

Frederick had planned to wait until Selena came to ask his forgiveness. When she did, he intended to lay out a few conditions of his own. But day after day passed with no sign of her.

On the seventh night, he couldn't bear it any longer and went to Blackmoor Estate personally.

At this time, Selena had just finished her bath. With beads of water sliding down her still-damp hair, she entered the side parlor, carrying a small box in her hand. Frederick glanced at it briefly but paid it no mind.

She used to surprise him now and then with small gifts. Back then, he'd always been delighted by the gesture. Now, after making him angry, trying to soothe him with such tricks only struck him as dull and unworthy of his attention.

Compared to Freya's blunt honesty, Selena's careful little tactics seemed overly delicate, even a bit insincere.

"I gave you several days to reflect. Do you even know what you did wrong?" Frederick asked, his tone nothing like the defeated man who had sought her out before.

Though his face showed displeasure, there was a confident spark in his eyes. On closer look, a hint of triumph played across his expression.

After Selena sent Sally away with instructions to bring tea, she invited Frederick to sit. Every movement was graceful, perfectly poised, and composed. She was truly a lady raised within the sheltered walls of a noble household.

Frederick had always admired her elegant manners and refined bearing. But as he looked at her now, he couldn't help but hear Freya's voice echoing in his mind.

"I'm not one of those delicate, flattering ladies who live by rules. Stop trying to cage me!"

The girls Frederick had known since childhood were all either ladies of noble birth or women at court, each one bound by strict rules and measured conduct. Freya was different. She was wild and untamed, which only made him like her more. He found himself falling deeper than he ever expected, unable to stop.

Frederick couldn't deny that Selena was beautiful, but she looked dull and lifeless to him now.

Selena saw right through his growing boredom with her.

Her expression remained calm and untroubled as she asked, "Then, may I know what you think I have done wrong?"

"Is this how you speak to me?" Frederick's displeasure deepened. "You're no longer a child, Lena.

"Because you were upset that I spoke with Freya for a few moments, you dragged General Campbell away first. Your petty and small-minded actions have caused General Campbell to desert his post."

This wasn't the Selena he knew.

Freya was right. Women were jealous by nature.

All the gentle obedience and quiet compliance he had once admired had been nothing but a facade. He had been mistaken about Selena all along. The woman he had loved for years was no different from any other common lady.

He was truly lucky to have met someone as genuine as Freya.

Frederick's face darkened, and his voice turned cold as he said, "Do you know what punishment General Campbell stands to face because of your tantrum? Fifty lashes at least, or even execution under military law. Have you considered that?"

He thought Selena would be frightened, but was surprised to find that she remained composed throughout.

"Your Highness, are you here to discuss military law with me? If that's the case, then what punishment should be given to Freya for stabbing a general and soldiers without cause?"