Chapter 17 " It was Selena who struck me ! " Freya's face was pale , and she was clearly shaken . Frederick frowned deeply . " That can't be true . Lena knows nothing of fighting . " " She does , " Freya said quietly . " Her skill even surpasses yours . " Frederick's anger flared . " That's utter nonsense ! I've known Lena for years . Is there anything about her that I don't know ? " " You don't believe me ? " Freya's expression darkened , anger flashing in her eyes . " You scum , do you mean to say- " Another voice cut in , " Who are you calling scum? " The door suddenly swung open . Supported by a maid , a middle - aged woman strode in with fierce indignation . " Frederick is a dignified and honorable prince of Aurensia . How dare you call him scum ? " she scolded . " Mom ! " Frederick's eyes widened . He released Freya immediately and stood straight , bowing slightly . " Greetings , my lady . " The middle - aged woman was none other than Ruth Thorne , Frederick's mother . Freya was slow to realize what was happening and felt uneasy , but Ruth's overbearing attitude instantly stirred up her pride . After a brief hesitation , she regained her composure and faced the older woman without a trace of fear . Ruth's maid , Anna Lester , scowled in displeasure . " How insolent ! Failing to show respect to Lady Ruth is unacceptable . " Frederick glanced at Freya . " Fey , you should show proper respect to my mother . " " I apologize . I'm but a woman of the martial arts world . I don't understand the customs of your court , " Freya said coldly . Having suffered at Selena's hands earlier , her temper was still raw . She wouldn't endure such humiliation quietly . This was her first meeting with Frederick's mother . If she showed any weakness now , she knew she would be at a permanent disadvantage in the delicate balance of their future relationship . She couldn't afford to bow or show submission today , or she would be defeated forever . " How insolent ! " Ruth's fury seemed to burn through her very being . She had heard that her son had brought home a wild , unruly girl , but she never imagined the girl would be this brazen . " Guards ! Drag this insolent girl out and beat her until she learns her place ! " Ruth commanded . Frederick was shocked . He had grown used to Freya's boldness in his presence , but to see her act so brazenly in front of his mother was unexpected . She simply didn't understand how strict the rules of the royal family were , and how severe the consequences could be . " Mom , Fey is young and inexperienced . She doesn't know the customs . I'll see to it that she is properly instructed . Please forgive her and calm your anger , " Frederick said quickly . Ruth's chest heaved with rage . " So , you mean to defend this unruly girl ? " Anna quickly stepped forward to soothe her . " My lady , your health is most important . Please control your anger . " Hearing Frederick's words , Freya felt a small measure of comfort . That scum really would protect her after all . She had won this round handsomely , so her mood lifted . A small , triumphant smile tugged at her lips , and even her glance toward Ruth carried a hint of satisfaction . " My lady , I'm not like you palace ladies with all your complicated schemes- " 1/2 Chapter 17 +25 BONUS " Fey ! " Frederick's sharp reprimand cut through the room . His head was pounding . This wretched girl truly had no sense of limits . He couldn't always be there to protect her ! Freya hadn't expected such a harsh rebuke . Just moments ago , he had defended her so clearly . Her temper flared again . " I told you I don't want to stay by your side . You're the one who trapped me here ! " she snapped . If he didn't want her , he could have let her leave . Had she ever insisted on staying ? " What's more , you yourself said the women at court live in a constant cycle of betrayal , each more ruthless and cunning than the last . You don't want me to become like that . And yet now , you expect me to act like them ? Frederick , your words are nothing but lies . What right do you even have to call yourself my man ? " BIG SALE : 3500 BONUS FREE FOR YOU !