Despite the investigation looming around the corner, a ball was hosted that very night to honor the tournament champion. Although there was the option to cancel it, it was decided to carry on as planned to prevent dampening the mood of the festival.

The ballroom was filled with the sound of music and chatter as everyone, well almost everyone, enjoyed the evening celebrating Freen's victory. The guests mingled and danced, swept up in the joyous atmosphere.

Freen, radiant in her elegant gown, moved gracefully through the crowd. She looked the complete opposite of how she appeared during the archery tournament, where she had been focused and determined, her brow furrowed in concentration.

But tonight, she wore a carefree smile, although it was slightly dimmed by the presence of some of the heirs in the ballroom, those who had attempted to sabotage her during the tournament. As Freen moved through the crowd, she couldn't help but feel a touch of apprehension whenever she spotted one of them.

However, her concerns began to fade as she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. Turning, she was delighted to see Princess Sofia and Prince Leon, two heirs she had formed a genuine bond with during the festival.

"Congratulations, Freen!" Princess Sofia exclaimed. "You were absolutely amazing out there this morning! I wanted to go over to the field to congratulate you, but I thought that you might have needed some space."

Prince Leon nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Freen. Your archery skills are unmatched. I can not believe you did not mention this to us at all!"

Freen's smile grew more genuine as their kind words washed away her earlier reservations. "Thank you so much, Sofia, Leon," Freen replied with gratitude. "I wouldn't have minded you coming down to congratulate me, Sofia! I would have been happy to see you."

Freen gave a little laugh before turning to address Leon. "And I didn't mention anything about it because I didn't think it was such an important detail." She waved her hand modestly. "I'm decent with a bow, but wouldn't call myself unmatched or amazing by any means."

Rubbing the back of her neck, Freen continued lightly, "I think I just manage better under pressure. All those eyes watching somehow help me focus, I suppose. I enjoy the thrill.'"

She smiled appreciatively at her two friends. "Regardless, I'm thankful to have received such warm support from you both."

As Freen, Sofia, and Leon continued conversing, Freen was finally able to enjoy herself at the ball. More heirs came to congratulate her and she graciously accepted their congrats and praise for her victory.

Amidst the celebration, Rebecca mingled with guests, having arrived early to be there for Freen the moment she entered the ballroom. Though happy for Freen for her victory, Rebecca felt lingering concern. She wanted to provide support in case Freen needed comfort, especially with the investigation brewing.

Rebecca worried some of the alpha and beta heirs from the tournament might cause further disruptions tonight. And she wanted to be around Freen to prevent anything from happening.

She discreetly watched the ballroom entrance for Freen's arrival, making idle chatter with others while keeping an eye out. When Freen finally appeared, Rebecca's heart fluttered, eager to rush over. But she noticed Princess Sofia and Prince Leon approach Freen first. Recognizing them from one of the dinner banquets where they had formed fast friends, Rebecca held back, allowing them their congratulations. However, as Freen continued to be engrossed in conversation with Sofia and Leon, Rebecca finally decided it was the right moment to go over.

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Freen, engrossed in conversation, suddenly felt a familiar presence beside her. She turned and was greeted by the sight of Rebecca, her eyes twinkling with warmth and admiration. Without missing a beat, Rebecca leaned in and offered her congratulations.

"Congratulations again, Freen," Rebecca said, her words meant for Freen's ears alone. "I just wanted to tell you again that you were truly remarkable out there. I'm so proud of you. And please know that I'm here for you tonight, not just to celebrate your victory."

Freen's smile widened at Rebecca's words. With an appreciative nod, she acknowledged the princess's unspoken promise - that Rebecca would stand as a source of support throughout the long evening if Freen wished it. "Thank you, Rebecca. I would be grateful for your company tonight."

As the night wore on, Freen and Rebecca enjoyed each other's company, engaging in light-hearted conversations that helped to temporarily push aside the worries of the investigation. Rebecca was determined to keep Freen distracted from any worries or concerns that might be lingering in the back of her mind.

Rebecca noticed that Freen's eyes would occasionally drift towards the ballroom where others were dancing. She knew that Freen loved dancing. Freen herself had mentioned that during their second meeting when Rebecca told her about the expectations of the festival. With a mischievous glint in her eye, Rebecca gently took Freen's hand.

"You know," Rebecca began with a playful tone, "I've heard a rumor that the champion of the archery tournament is an excellent dancer."

Freen's cheeks colored with a hint of embarrassment, but she couldn't hide her delighted surprise. Dancing had always been one of her favorite pastimes, and the prospect of sharing a dance with Rebecca filled her with excitement. "You've heard that, have you?"

Rebecca nodded with a charming smile. "I have indeed. Would you do me the honor of a dance, Princess Freen?"

"I would be delighted, Princess Rebecca," Freen replied, her voice filled with genuine excitement.

With their hands still intertwined, they made their way to the ballroom floor, the music enveloping them. As they danced, Freen felt her worries melt away, replaced by the warmth of Rebecca's presence and the presence of the others dancing on the dance floor.

However, after a while, Rebecca's steps began to falter slightly. She wasn't as experienced a dancer as Freen, and the lively pace of the dance was starting to take its toll. She knew Freen was truly passionate about dancing, and she didn't want to hold her back.

"I think I need a short break, Freen. I'm afraid my feet are starting to hurt," Rebecca confessed with a soft, apologetic smile.

Freen felt a little disappointed at the thought of cutting their dance short, but she didn't want to leave Rebecca alone. "Oh? Shall we take a break then?"

But Rebecca waved a hand, refusing the offer. "No, no. It's fine," Rebecca said, still holding Freen's hands. "You don't need to accompany me. I know you still want to dance and I want you to enjoy this night to the fullest. I'll just rest my feet for a bit."

Seeing Freen about to protest, Rebecca insisted gently, "Please, enjoy yourself - don't let me cut your night short. You earned it tonight. I'll take a seat and come find you again shortly."

With an affectionate squeeze of Freen's hands, she added teasingly, "Just save me another dance later if any handsome suitors haven't swept you away first." With a playful wink, Rebecca made her way toward the chairs.

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Sitting on the side, Rebecca was content to simply observe Freen dancing. Rebecca wanted tonight to be about Freen's happiness, and she was more than willing to take a step back to let her shine.

As Freen danced, she couldn't help but steal glances at Rebecca, who was now seated and watching her with a soft smile. As much as she delighted in dancing, Rebecca's company far outweighed her desires in dancing with other partners.

After a few dances, Freen decided to take a short break as well. She made her way back to where Rebecca was sitting, who was engaged in a conversation with another heir. However, as she sensed Freen's approach, she excused herself and turned to greet her with a smile.

"Freen, you're back!" Rebecca said, her eyes bright with affection.

Freen nodded, her cheeks slightly flushed. She took the empty seat beside Rebecca with a small sigh, fanning herself lightly. "I seemed to have worn myself out."

"You do look rather flushed," Rebecca said, eying her pinkened complexion in concern. "Here, allow me to fetch us some refreshments."

She made to stand, but Freen reached to catch her hand. "Please, I'm alright. Don't trouble yourself on my account." In truth, Freen wasn't that tired. She would rather have Rebecca's company than have her be without her side.

But Rebecca gently extricated her hand, an affectionate grin playing about her lips. "It's no trouble at all. You should rest a moment - I'll be back shortly."

Before Freen could object again, Rebecca had already slipped away into the crowd. Freen watched her disappear, warmth swelling in her chest at the kind-hearted princess so keen on caring for her comfort. With a smile, she settled in to await Rebecca's return.

However, just as Freen began to relax, a shadow fell over her. She glanced up to see Prince Renard's imposing figure hung over her as he stared down at her with an inscrutable look. Freen's heart sank, and her earlier sense of relief dissipated while the heirs around them remained blissfully unaware. She hid her unease behind a polite but guarded expression, wondering what had prompted the prince to approach her in such an unsettling manner.

"Princess Freen," he said, his voice dripping with insincere charm. "I must say, your victory in the tournament was quite impressive."

Freen's gaze met his, and she could see the veiled hostility behind his words. She knew this encounter was far from friendly. She replied cautiously, "Thank you, Prince Renard. I appreciate your acknowledgement."

Prince Renard leaned in even closer, his voice dropping to a venomous whisper that sent shivers down Freen's spine. "You think you can tarnish my reputation and get away with it, Omega? You have no idea who you're dealing with."

Freen's voice wavered, but she refused to back down. "I have no idea what you are talking about Prince Renard. I have not even said anything. I also haven't talked to the investigators. But if you're innocent, then there's nothing to fear."

He laughed out loud in seeming amusement but Freen felt only menace in the sound. Before she could react, Renard's hand shot out and grabbed her arm in a painfully strong grip. Freen struggled not to cry out as his fingers dug into the soft flesh of her arm. Though his expression barely changed, his eyes were cold and threatening.

Freen's heart pounded in her chest as she tried to maintain her composure. She realized that this confrontation could turn ugly, and she needed to protect herself.

"Unhand me at once," Freen demanded quietly, mustering as much authority into her tone as she could despite the fear creeping through her veins. "There's no reason to cause a scene. Let's discuss this calmly, Prince Renard."

The other tournament heirs remained oblivious to the tense exchange, their chatter and laughter seeming strangely distant. Freen's heart pounded as she met Renard's merciless gaze, afraid but refusing to show weakness in front of this alpha who clearly wished her harm.

But Prince Renard had other intentions. With a sinister smile, he released Freen's arm slightly and he motioned to a secluded balcony in the ballroom where the shadows concealed their conversation. "Let's talk privately. Follow me."

She looked around, searching for any sign of Rebecca's return, but she was still nowhere in sight. Freen hesitated for a moment, torn between following Prince Renard and waiting for Rebecca's return. But the glint in Prince Renard's eyes and the firm grip on her arm left her with little choice.