Chapter 37 Unloved - the word instantly reminded everyone that Selena and Frederick had once been promised to each other . Selena's voice was a bit hoarse , but she stayed kneeling , straight and tall . She met Wilfred's gaze with unwavering honesty . " Though my bond with Prince Frederick has ended , we were once acquainted . I only ask that he and Ms. Talmar no longer cause me pain . " She lowered her head , tears trailing down her cheek . The image was heartbreakingly beautiful , stirring deep sympathy from the people around her . " Lena , rise , " Adelaide said sharply . She had been watching for amusement at first , but now her anger was clear . A man's heart was a cruel thing . New lovers laughed , but who heard the old ones weep ? Selena's situation was no different from the queen's . Wilfred's harem was ever - growing . While her man spent nights with those young ladies , who knew how she endured the lonely hours behind closed doors ? Clenching her fists tightly , Adelaide glared fiercely at Freya . " Very well . You and Prince Frederick share mutual affection , excellent . " " Your Majesty , Fey spoke hastily . She- " " For the sake of your selfish desires , you resorted to humiliating another woman ! Freya , you are reckless and uncontrollable . The Aurensian royal family will not tolerate your unruly behavior ! Guards ! Drag her out and give her fifty lashes , then throw her out of the palace ! " Frederick panicked . " Your Majesty- " Freya had already been punished once . She was only just starting to recover , but now they were about to give her fifty lashes . How could she possibly survive that ? " Your Majesty , Freya is still young and foolish ... " " When I was her age , I was already married to your father , " Adelaide snapped . Sixteen was no age for childishness . Ridiculous ! " Guards ! Take her away . " " Yes , Your Majesty . " Two guards stepped forward to drag Freya away . Now , she was truly afraid . She had endured punishment before , but this time , it was different . She wanted to beg for mercy , but her pride held her back . With so many people watching , what would people think of her afterward if she begged ? " Frederick ! " she called out , her voice sharp with anger as she glared at the man she loved . Frederick felt torn between pain and frustration . Freya simply refused to learn her lesson , again and again . Now , he didn't know how to fix this mess . Before he could act , she was pulled away . The prince's heart ached . He wanted to say something , but his mother gently pressed her hand on his shoulder to stop him . Ruth was just as uneasy , her chest heavy with silent fury . She had never imagined Selena would have such a purpose in wanting Freya to attend the banquet . How had she managed to push that girl to such a furious outburst 1/2 Chapter 37 +25 BONUS and still act so innocent herself ? Everything was perfectly planned , without a single flaw . Selena was only seventeen , yet her cunning was frightening beyond belief . Ruth only wished this ordeal would be over soon . She quickly stepped forward to help Selena to her feet . " Lena , you've suffered enough . Tonight is a celebration for the Obsidian Monarch's victory . We women shouldn't stand in the way of His Majesty and everyone else enjoying the evening . Come now . Let me take you to your seat so you can rest properly . " But to her surprise , Selena remained kneeling . Her back was perfectly straight , making it impossible for Ruth to lift her . Ruth's expression darkened as she spoke more firmly in a low voice , " Lena , the queen has already dealt with Freya . If you keep this up , you'll be acting recklessly . " However , Selena met Adelaide's gaze with unwavering resolve . " Your Majesty , I beg you to allow me to prove my innocence . I have been well educated since childhood , and was raised with the strictest discipline in the Duke of Blackmoor's household . " I value my family's honor more than my own life . My innocence may be of little consequence , but the reputation of the Duke of Blackmoor's household must never be sullied by anyone's deliberate slander ! "