Yet as the days passed, chaste kisses and furtive caresses were no longer enough. When the moon casted its glow upon the palace, they would steal away to the balcony once more, the place where their feelings had deepened into something more during the night of the masquerade ball.

Under the night sky, Freen held her tenderly. Her fingers tracing patterns on Rebecca's skin, igniting trails of heat and desire along its path. Their kisses quickly shed all the remaining innocence and reserve. There was a hunger in their actions that mirrored the emotions swirling within them.

Rebecca's heart raced as she succumbed to the temptation, her body responding with a yearning that was both new and familiar. Freen's lips trailed down to her neck, the touch sending shivers of pleasure coursing through her. When she paused around her collarbone, her warm breath sent anticipating shivers through Rebecca. She nibbled on the sensitive skin there, eliciting a gasping moan from Rebecca's lips.

"Freen?" Rebecca whispered, her voice filled with a mix of desire and trepidation. Her gland was hot and burning and her senses were heightened. Every sensation was intensified by the presence of the woman she had come to cherish so deeply. Rebecca knew she was releasing her pheromones and she fought to restrain it, but it was a losing battle. She could feel her body responding to Freen's touch, her heart pounding in anticipation of what would come next.

"Yes?" Freen asked softly, her voice laced with desire as she continued nibbling on Rebecca's gland.

"I... mmmhh." Rebecca moaned, not being able to finish her sentence. Her body was on fire, her mind lost in a haze of pleasure. Trying to stop another moan from being released, Rebecca bit hard into Freen's shoulder without realizing.

Freen jolted in surprise but smiled against the skin she was kissing as she moved down from the neck to breastbone. Her own body responded to the bite. The pain from the bite was sharp and unexpected but it only heightened her arousal.

She could feel the heat radiating from Rebecca's body and the smell of roses in the air. She knew that her pheromones were working on Rebecca but she didn't have the strength to suppress them. "I want you," Freen whispered, her voice husky with desire.

Rebecca's body responded to the words, her mind hazy with arousal. She wanted Freen too but she was afraid of what would happen if they gave in to their desires.

"I..." she started, but her words were cut off by a moan as Freen's lips found their way to the top of Rebecca's cleavage. "Freen," she gasped out between kisses on the sensitive skin there.

Freen's lips found hers again and this time there was no mistaking what they both wanted. "Please?"

The words were a plea and Rebecca could no longer resist. She gave in to the desire that had building between them but she found herself unable to form words. All she could do was nod her head to give her approval.

"My room?" Freen asked with relief.

"Yes," Rebecca replied breathlessly, finding her voice to give a short reply.

With a small tug of Rebecca's hand, Freen led her through the corridors, their fingers intertwined as they hurried down the familiar path.

The moment they were inside the chambers, Freen's eyes locked onto Rebecca's with an intensity that set Rebecca's heart fluttering.

"Rebecca," Freen whispered breathlessly in her dimly lit room. Rebecca moved closer to Freen, their bodies now mere inches apart. In the muted glow of the room, she could see the desire in Freen's eyes, mirroring her own.

With a slow and deliberate motion, Freen reached up and gently caressed Rebecca's face, her thumb tracing a path along her lips. "Tell me to stop... and I will," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper.

Rebecca's heart raced, her cheeks flushed with excitement and nervousness. The sultriness in Freen's voice and the way her eyes held such affection ignited a fire within her, a hunger that had been building for days. She couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards Freen, nor could she ignore her own desires any longer.

I..." Rebecca's breath hitched, her pulse quickening at what's about to happen. "Don't stop."

As their gazes held, the air around them seemed to charge with anticipation, the room slowly becoming saturated with the alluring fragrance of roses that emanated from Rebecca's very being.

The scent of roses surrounding them grew even more stronger with each passing second, a subtle manifestation of the pheromones that Rebecca's body unconsciously released in response to her heightened emotions.

Freen herself was beginning to release her own pheromones again. Her citrus scent slowly intermingled with that of Rebecca's, creating a sweet fragrance. Without a word, Freen's fingers began tracing a path along Rebecca's jawline. Slowly, her fingers moved lower, brushing against the curve of Rebecca's neck, sending shivers of anticipation through Rebecca.

Her fingertips danced across Rebecca's heated skin, following the tempting line of her collarbone. Freen leaned in until their foreheads touched, her lips a hair's breadth away as she gazed deeply into Rebecca's eyes. The mingled scents of roses and citrus hung heady in the air, whetting their desire.

As Freen's fingers continued to softly caress Rebecca's skin, a low and appreciative moan escaped Rebecca's lips, the sound reverberating in the dimly lit room. Rebecca gripped onto Freen's waist, holding onto her as if Freen was the only thing that kept her upright.

"You're so beautiful," Freen murmured, her voice husky with restrained longing. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

She punctuated her question with the barest brush of her lips across Rebecca's, not quite a kiss but enough to set Rebecca's nerves alight. In this heated moment, with Freen's nearness robbing her of coherent thought, all Rebecca could do was nod breathlessly and pull Freen closer, silently begging for that teasing distance to be erased.

Freen needed no further prompting. With a soft whimper of longing, she closed the scant distance between their lips, capturing Rebecca's mouth in a searing kiss.

The world seemed to spin around them as their tongues met, exploring each other's mouth with a fervor that bordered on desperation. As their kiss deepened, Freen's hands began to explore, her touch igniting trails of fire along Rebecca's skin. Her fingers traced the contours of Rebecca's back, the gentle pressure sending waves of pleasure through Rebecca. Her hands slowly slipped further down her back; pausing for a fleeting moment before she slipped even further down and cupped her bottom.

Rebecca gasped into Freen's mouth when she felt Freen touch her where no one has ever touched before. With a soft moan, her hands tangled in Freen's hair as she tried to deepen the kiss, but Freen seemed to have other plans in mind.

Freen pulled away from the kiss, making Rebecca release a needy whine, wanting more. She let out a breathy chuckle in surprise at Rebecca's neediness and her eyes darkened with desire. She leaned in, lips brushing Rebecca's ear. "Patience, Rebecca," she breathed, punctuating her words with a nip at the earlobe.

Rebecca let out a whimper, her body aching for more, but she didn't protest. A flush of embarrassment colored her cheeks, the neediness she felt still unfamiliar territory she was hesitant to fully embrace.

Freen's eyes held a smoldering intensity and she had a soft, constrained smile on her lips, like she was trying her best to hold back her desires. Yet her fingers seemed to betray that restraint, kneading and caressing the soft flesh of Rebecca's bottom as if unable to resist.

"You feel incredible," Freen rasped out, voice thick with want.

Rebecca's blushed deepened, feeling self-conscious but also desire coursing through her, as she stood there wrapped in Freen's arms. Freen's words had caught her off guard. No one had ever touched and loved her like Freen did and she didn't know what to say or do with herself.

Biting her lower lip, she couldn't bear the tension any longer. "Kiss me..." Rebecca panted against Freen's mouth. "Please, I just... kiss me."

Freen's eyes darkened with want. Without any hesitation, her hands slid up Rebecca's back. Cupping the nape of Rebecca's neck, she pulled their lips together in a passionate, searing kiss. Their desires were no longer restrained, and the room filled with the heady scent of roses and citrus mingling together.

Freen walked them backwards, lips never parting as she guided Rebecca across the room until the backs of Rebecca's legs hit the edge of the bed. She took the opportunity to deepen the kiss further, angling her mouth over Rebecca's, her tongue sliding against the roof of Rebecca's mouth.

When they finally parted for air, Freen's eyes were molten with need. With one fluid motion, she gently pushed Rebecca's shoulders until the back of her knees buckled against the mattress, both of them tumbling onto the bed in a tangle of limbs.

Freen took a moment to catch her breath, the kiss leaving them both flushed and panting. She propped herself up on one elbow as she looked down at Rebecca with heated eyes. Rebecca lay beneath Freen, her chest rising and falling rapidly with each breath. Her eyes were dark with desire, mirroring Freen's own intensity as she gazed up at her.

Suddenly, Freen shifted her position until she was hovering over Rebecca. She straddled Rebecca's waist, one hand on either side of her head and their lips met again in a frenzy. Their breaths mingled, hot and heavy, as they lost themselves in the heat of the moment. Rebecca clutched at Freen almost desperately, archering herself shamelessly into Freen, craving more friction.

Breaking the heated kiss with a gasp, Freen trailed her lips along the underside of Rebecca's jaw, relishing the way Rebecca's pulse fluttered wildly beneath her kisses. "Freen...please..." Rebecca rasped out between Freen's searing kisses.

Freen smiled against Rebecca's skin, her lips curving into a smirk. "Please what?" she asked in an equally breathless voice as she nipped at the sensitive glands.

"Please... please..." Rebecca's voice trailed off as she arched her back, pushing herself against Freen. "Please... I just need... need.." she moaned as Freen's teeth grazed her gland, the sting of it only heightening Rebecca's arousal.

Freen's smirk widened as she felt Rebecca's need pulsating beneath her touch. She was so beautiful, her face flushed with want and a look of need in those big brown eyes that made Freen's heart race. She wanted to hear what Rebecca needed from her, to know exactly what she craved for in that moment. But as she gazed into Rebecca's eyes, seeing the flicker of arousal and longing, she decided to let it go.

Without another word, she leaned in to press a soothing kiss against the spot where she had nipped Rebecca's neck. As Freen's lips moved against her skin, Rebecca's moans turned into soft sighs of pleasure, her body melting into Freen's touch. The scent of roses grew even more intoxicating, filling the room with an alluring fragrance.

As Freen breathed in the heady scent of roses, she suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to bite down on Rebecca's gland. The urge to claim Rebecca, to mark her as her own, pulsed through Freen with a fierce intensity. Her teeth grazed the sensitive glands once more, a barely contained growl rumbling in her chest as she fought to restrain her instincts.

However, with immense effort, Freen managed to rein in her instincts, refusing to lose herself to her desires. Instead, she nuzzled her nose against Rebecca's gland, inhaling deeply and taking in her scent. She couldn't help but let out a low, shuddering breath, wanting nothing more than to bite and leave a mark.

But she resisted, knowing that it was not the time or place for it. With a display of remarkable self-control, Freen trailed a series of slow, searing kisses back up to Rebecca's lips, their mouths locked in a desperate kiss. Freen poured all her pent-up desire into that moment, her hands roaming hungrily over the curves of Rebecca's body as their kiss deepened. She cupped her breast through the thin fabric of the dress, her fingers finding the hard nub of Rebecca's nipple and rolled them between her thumb and forefinger.

Rebecca moaned into Freen's mouth, her fingers digging into the skin of Freen's shoulders as Freen continued to fondle her breast. Freen's hand then moved to the top of Rebecca's dress and pulled it down, exposing one of Rebecca's breasts.

The cool air on her exposed skin caught Rebecca aback. The realization of her state flooded her senses slowly, and Rebecca gently pushed against Freen's shoulders, breaking the kiss with a gasp. "Freen... I-I can't."

Rebecca wanted to continue, to give in and continue where they left off. But she felt too exposed and embarrassed to continue any more.

"What's wrong?" Freen asked, her voice low and husky with desire. She reached up to cup Rebecca's face and pressed a soft kiss on Rebecca's lips.

Her hand was still on Rebecca's exposed breast and she couldn't help but to cup her breast and run her thumb over the nub of Rebecca's nipple. She felt Rebecca tremble beneath her touch and she knew that Rebecca was feeling aroused just as she was.

"I-" Rebecca started to say, but she couldn't finish her sentence. Her eyes closed and a soft moan escaped her lips as Freen continued to fondle her breast.

"Rebecca," Freen murmured softly, her lips brushing against Rebecca's as she spoke. "Are you sure you want to stop?"

Rebecca's eyes fluttered open and she looked at Freen in a daze. "I-I don't know," she admitted softly, confused. "It feels so good."

"Then let me show you how good it can be," Freen growled seductively, her voice low and filled with desire. She leaned in and pressed her lips against Rebecca's kissing her deeply.

Rebecca moaned softly and she couldn't help but let Freen get away. Her hands slid up to tangle Freen's hair and deepened the kiss. She felt a rush of desire and need course through her body at the taste of Freen on her lips.

Freen wrapped her finger around her exposed nipple and rolled it between them. Rebecca gasped and unconsciously began moving her hips against Freen's legs that were between hers. Unaware of her own actions, Rebecca's thrusts grew more urgent, her pussy instinctively seeking more friction. With each buck of her hips, Rebecca's breath hitched, her arousal spiraling higher.

"Freen..." she moaned, her voice sounding so unlike herself, thick with desire.

Freen broke the kiss and looked into Rebecca's eyes as she continued to roll Rebecca's nipple between her fingers. She then lowered her head, taking the hard nipple in her mouth and sucked on it hungrily.

Rebecca arched her back, a sharp gasp escaping from between clenched teeth. "Ohhhh" she cried out, her hands clenching on the sheets as Freen's tongue flicked the sensitive nub of flesh.

"Freen..." she moaned again, her voice hoarse with desire.

Freen pulled away from the nipple with a popping sound and she lift herself up to kiss Rebecca in the mouth as the latter continued to buck against her legs. She slid her hand down to the buttons of Rebecca's dress, undoing them one by one. Just as she was about to undo the last button, Rebecca's hand stopped her.

"Nnnnngggg. .. Wait..," Rebecca said, her voice strained.

"What is it?" Freen asked as she lifted herself up to look at Rebecca who was still panting hard from the arousal that had been building.

"I-I can't," she gasped. "I-I'm not ready for this."

Freen released a shaky exhale, trying to tame her own arousal. Nodding her head slowly, she began to button up Rebecca's dress.

"Okay, okay," Freen murmured softly, as she finished buttoning up the dress and fixed it back over Rebecca's breast.

"It's okay," she said, trying to sound reassuring. She kissed Rebecca again, and this time it was a soft kiss, one that didn't stoke the fire any higher than where they were already at.

"I'm sorry," Rebecca said, her voice still strained.

Freen just smiled and shook her head gently, letting Rebecca know there was no need to apologize.

As their fevered desire raged on, Rebecca lifted her trembling fingers to brush against Freen's flushed cheek. Freen remained hovering over Rebecca, her own chest rising and falling in tandem with Rebecca's, her breaths shallow and rapid. With a soft exhale, Freen closed her eyes briefly, attempting to slow down her breathing and regain her composure.

Finally, Freen dipped her head down, resting her forehead against Rebecca's. With a tender smile, she nuzzled her nose against Rebecca's before shifting positions, settling onto her side. Freen immediately draped an arm across Rebecca's waist, pulling her closer.

Rebecca melted into Freen's touch, shyly moving closer until their bodies were flush against each other. She nuzzled her face into the crook of Freen's neck, breathing in her comforting scent as a sense of security washed over her.

"Rebecca," Freen whispered, her eyes searching Rebecca's for any signs of discomfort. "If you ever feel that this is moving too fast, please tell me. I don't want to scare you away or make you uncomfortable."

Rebecca's response was a soft smile, her fingers brushing against Freen's lips. "Freen..." She paused, emotion shining in her eyes. "I trust you more than I've ever trusted anyone." She leaned forward, her gaze flickered down to Freen's lips and then back up, silently asking for a kiss.

Freen immediately caught the unspoken request. With a soft smile, she leaned in and closed the gap between them, capturing Rebecca's lips in a slow, tender kiss.

When they parted, Rebecca couldn't help but release a happy sigh. "And right now, being here with you feels perfect. But if at any point it becomes too much for me, if my heart needs a moment to catch up, I promise I'll let you know."

Freen smiled and leaned in to give Rebecca another soft, lingering kiss. "Please do," she murmured against Rebecca's lips. "I want you to feel safe with me."

"I do feel safe with you, Freen," Rebecca whispered, her voice thick with feeling. "Completely and utterly safe. And I want you to know that I don't mind...I mean, I'm comfortable with... your kisses and touches." Her fingers toyed with the fabric of her dress, her nervousness evident in the small gesture. "Being close to you, sharing these moments, it all feels right."

Rebecca's cheeks flushed as she momentarily averted her gaze, suddenly looking earnest yet adorably bashful. When she met Freen's eyes again, she had a slightly remorseful expression, but still looked endearing all the same.

"But I'm not quite ready to take that next step in our relationship... It's not because I don't care for you, but it's because this is all new for me." She rushed out at the end and paused, biting her lower lip. "I've never been in a relationship before and I don't know what to do... I feel a little scared to go further and sometimes, the embarrassment of what's happening gets too much for me. I'm sorry..."

Rebecca searched Freen's face anxiously, her eyes pleading for understanding. The last thing she wanted was to disappoint the woman she loves..

Freen's expression, however, was full of nothing but tender compassion. She reached out, gently cupping Rebecca's cheek. "Thank you for being honest," she whispered, holding Rebecca's gaze. "I want us to be comfortable and ready when that moment comes. I don't want you to feel pressured in any way. We'll take it at a pace that feels right for both of us."

Leaning down, Freen brushed a kiss across Rebecca's forehead. "Also, please don't say sorry... It's completely natural to feel this way, especially if you haven't been in a relationship before."

A soft smile played across Freen's lips. "I want you to know that even though I might seem more experienced, I was once in your shoes. My first relationship left me feeling nervous and a little scared too because I didn't know what to do. But you know what? It gets easier when you follow your heart. It'll feel natural. But for now, let's take it slow, hmmm?"

She pulled Rebecca back down into her arms and cradled her close. Rebecca nestled against Freen's form, a wash of pure affection surging through her. "Thank you for understanding," she whispered, placing a kiss on Freen's collarbone. "Truly, thank you."

As the intensity of their emotions began to cool, Rebecca and Freen found themselves enveloped in a serene and tender atmosphere. They lay entwined on the bed, their breaths gradually steadying as their bodies relaxed in each other's embrace.

Rebecca's head rested against Freen's shoulder, their bodies nestled comfortably against one another. Freen's arms encircled around Rebecca and her fingers traced lazy patterns along the small of Rebecca's back. The soft touch of Freen's fingers against her back drew shivers down her spine, each circling motion creating a soothing rhythm that eased her restlessness and sent her into a state of tranquil contentment. Her eyes soon fluttered closed, her lashes casting shadows on her cheeks as she nestled even closer to Freen.

As Freen continued to draw circles along Rebecca's back, drowsiness began to seep into Rebecca's being. The rhythmic motion had a hypnotic effect, and her body began to relax against Freen's embrace. The combination of physical closeness, emotional intimacy, and the gentle ministrations of Freen's touch created a soothing motion that was impossible to resist.

Rebecca's breathing gradually deepened, her body responding to the serene atmosphere they had created. She could feel her senses starting to drift, the weariness of the day's events melting away in the embrace of Freen's arms.

As sleep began to beckon, Rebecca's consciousness teetered on the edge of dreams and wakefulness. However, a nagging thought tugged at her mind, pulling her back from the brink of slumber. With a soft murmur, she stirred against Freen's embrace. "Freen," she called out drowsily, "as much as I would like to stay here with you awhile longer, I fear your touch is making me pleasantly drowsy. Elara will likely come looking for me soon, and it wouldn't do for her to find me in such a state."

A smile tugged at her lips, and she looked up at Freen with a mixture of affection and rueful amusement. "I should probably return to my own chambers before my sleepiness gives me away."

"I suppose you're right," Freen replied softly. "Though I must admit, I could happily spend forever with you like this." She turned her head and placed a soft kiss on Rebecca's lips. "But alas, duty calls, and we must heed its summons," Freen said with a playful pout, though a hint of melancholy danced in her eyes.

Rebecca giggled at Freen's playfulness. She nestled closer to her, seeking the warmth of their shared space for a few more precious seconds. "I wish I could stay here with you," she confessed, her voice a soft whisper. "But we'll have more moments like this. I promise."

Freen's fingers threaded through Rebecca's hair, slowly cradling the back of her head. "I'll hold you to that promise," she murmured, a hint of playful teasing in her voice despite being sincere with her words.

With a soft sigh, Rebecca gently disentangled herself from Freen's embrace, her fingers brushing against Freen's as she shifted. Freen mirrored her movements, a soft smile gracing her lips.

"Allow me to accompany you to your room," Freen suggested. "I'll make sure you're safely delivered to your chambers, and Elara will be none the wiser about our little detour."

Rebecca's heart skipped a beat at Freen's proposal, touched by the thoughtfulness and the eagerness in her voice. The idea of Freen walking her back to her room, even if it was just for a short trip to her chambers, was an invitation she could never say no to.

She offered Freen a grateful smile. "I would love that."

With an uncharacteristic show of reluctance, Freen slid off the mattress first, adjusting the fabric of her dress as she stood. Extending her hand, she helped Rebecca up from the bed. They then took a few moments to smooth out their rumpled dresses and tidy their hair back into place. When they felt finally ready to head out, Freen tugged Rebecca closer, stealing one more kiss before they walked out of Freen's chambers. Hand-in-hand, they walked back through the castle corridors in unhurried steps.

As they arrived at Rebecca's chambers, the moment held a bittersweet quality. Rebecca turned to face Freen, their fingers still intertwined. "Thank you for walking me back," she said, her voice soft yet sincere. "I had a wonderful time tonight."

Freen met Rebecca's gaze with a small smile. "The pleasure is mine." Tugging Rebecca back into her embrace, Freen wrapped her arms around her in one last hug. "I couldn't have asked for a more perfect night," she whispered against Rebecca's hair, utterly sincere.

She squeezed Rebecca a little tighter, holding her close as if trying to prolong their moment for just a few minutes more. "Sleep well, Rebecca," she murmured, brushing one last kiss against Rebecca's temple. Finally, with a wistful sigh, Freen loosened her hold. "Go, before I change my mind and decide to bring you back to my room for the rest of the night," Freen said wistfully.

Rebecca couldn't help but smile at Freen's teasing. Leaning in, she stole one final kiss. "As tempting as that idea is," she murmured against Freen's lips, "we both know I can't yet. Not until the festival is over."

Rebecca gave Freen one last look before reluctantly stepping back. "Goodnight Freen. Thank you for tonight." Holding Freen's gaze, Rebecca slowly backed away until she reached the door to her chambers. Only then did she finally tear her eyes away, slipping inside with a smile.