Chapter 44 Freya couldn't find a single word to say . +25 BONUS She could even imagine how happy Frederick must have been when he did all those things for his former fiancée- how his smile must have shone upon seeing Selena's satisfied look . Her heart twisted with sorrow and frustration , so heavy it made her want to cry . But Anna went on , " And then , there was that year- 11 " Enough ! " Freya bit her lip and turned her face away , her voice hoarse . " Don't say any more . " If she asked Frederick , she could learn the truth . There was no reason for Ruth and Anna to lie , so everything they said had to be true . Besides , she had indeed seen the scars on Frederick's back . The marks were unmistakably made by a beast's claws . She had once asked him why he let himself get hurt so badly . After all , he was a prince . Frederick had only smiled faintly and never given her an answer . Now , she knew it was all for Selena . Ruth set down her cup and let out a cold laugh . " A mere bandit's daughter , yet so full of yourself . You think you're above all others and look down on every woman , even the queen . But you don't realize you're no different from the rest of us . You're nothing special at all . " Freya looked back at her , surprised . Ruth sneered . " That night at the banquet , you deliberately ignored the queen's greeting , and the look you gave her was nothing but disdain . Her Majesty isn't a fool . Do you think she didn't notice ? " A chill ran through Freya . However , Ruth seemed completely unfazed , speaking as if it were nothing . " Honestly , I don't care for the queen myself . If you disrespect her , I won't get angry . So , why are you so nervous ? " Freya said nothing , her hand curling tightly into a fist . Ruth lightly tapped the rouge on her cheek and coolly said , " You think Fred is deeply in love with you , but to me , it's just a passing fancy . When he was fond of Lena , it was far more intense . You're just an unruly girl from the wild . How much do you really know about these things ? " " Why are you telling me this ? " Freya asked , her heart aching with bitterness . " Because I've grown tired of Selena . If I could , I'd see her dead . And right now , you're my best pawn , " Ruth replied . " Don't think you can use me- " Ruth suddenly leaned forward , her voice low and dangerous . " Do you want to risk losing Fred ? Do you know what he truly likes about you ? " Freya remained silent . Ruth went on , her voice sharp . " Do you really know the truth ? It's not just you . Now , I know it too . " Freya's hand clenched tighter , a nervous flutter rising in her chest . " He was born a prince , a man of high rank . Every woman around him , including Selena , behaves sweetly and Chapter 44 +25 BONUS obediently when he's near . But you're different . Too bold , too fiery . You're unlike any woman he's ever known , and that's why he's become so obsessed with you . " Ruth's insight was astonishing . Just from one banquet , she had seen it all so clearly . " But what you don't realize is that Selena isn't as gentle as she seems . She was only tender with Frederick because she liked him . Now that she's set on leaving him , she'll oppose him at every turn . Tell me , what do you think will happen in the end ? " " W - what will happen ? " Freya's mind seemed to grasp something , and an uneasy feeling settled deep inside her . " In the end , Frederick will discover that when Selena lets her wild side show , she's far more captivating than you are . If that continues , it won't be long before his heart turns back to her . " Ruth's smile shifted from soft and gentle , to cold , dark , and threatening as she leaned closer . " That will happen unless you start doing exactly as I say . If you do , then maybe I can help you keep hold of Fred's heart . Otherwise , the moment he sees Selena's wild side , you'll be cast aside . Don't believe me ? Shall we make a wager ? " Chapter 45 +25 BONUS