As the second week of the festival came to a close, on a rather unexpected note for Rebecca, the visiting heirs and the people of Lumina were still on a high with the celebrations. The normally serene streets of Lumina's capital bustled with uncommon activity on the bright morning. Vendors called out more louder than normal from crowded market stalls. Excited commoners flocked the city streets much more than usual.

Today was the highly anticipated archery tournament among the heirs participating in the festival to court Princess Rebecca. Banners in the colors of Lumina's royal crest fluttered in the breeze, and the excited chatter of the gathered crowd filled the air in the arena. Speculation ran high on who among the skilled heirs stood the best chance to win. Prince Cillian of Brighthollow was a common favorite, known across kingdoms for his mastery of the longbow. The betting odds favored his chances to claim victory.

Rebecca herself stood on the balcony of the royal pavilion, her hazel eyes sparkling with anticipation. She couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves. This event marked the end of the second week of the month-long celebration in her honor, and it had been a whirlwind of emotions. She watched as the competitors, clad in their finely embroidered uniforms, took their positions on the field.

But the murmurs in the crowd grew louder as another figure approached the arena. Princess Freen of Gaelle strode confidently toward the archery range. Her blonde hair flowed like a waterfall down her back, and her emerald-green gown accentuated her lithe figure.

"I wish to participate in the archery tournament," Freen declared, her voice clear and unwavering.

Gasps rippled through the spectators. Omegas rarely participated in physically demanding competitions, and this bold move by princess Freen was unheard of. Rebecca wasn't as surprised but the announcement was unexpected even for her. She recalled the conversation they had shared at the palace garden. She remembered Freen's stories about her past relationships and the teasing nickname she had endured at the royal academy. Freen had been called the 'royal archer,' but she had said it with a hint of sarcasm, as if her participation in archery was not necessarily a reflection of her skill.

Rebecca's heart raced as she watched Freen, her hazel eyes locking onto the princess's gaze. Freen's determination and the fire in her eyes sent a shiver of excitement down Rebecca's spine. She knew that this decision would be met with resistance from conservative quarters, but it also represented a chance for omegas to shatter stereotypes and prove their worth beyond societal norms. She had admired Freen's courage and spirit, and this bold decision only deepened her feelings.

The tournament officials exchanged uncertain glances, but Lumina was a kingdom known for its openness and acceptance. The rules didn't explicitly forbid omegas from competing, and the crowd seemed divided between those who supported Freen's decision and those who were skeptical. The officials ultimately conceded and allowed Freen to participate, but with one condition – she would have to compete on the same terms with the other heirs. No special exceptions would be made because she was an omega.

With a determined nod, Freen accepted the condition, and her bow was readied. As Freen joined the line of contestants, the alpha and beta heirs exchanged incredulous glances. It was rare for omegas to participate in physically demanding competitions, and many believed that their delicate nature made them ill-suited for such challenges. But Freen's presence challenged those beliefs, and her unwavering determination sent a powerful message to all.

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The tournament began with a ceremonial opening, led by princess Rebecca herself. Dressed in an ensemble that blended Lumina's colors with a touch of regal simplicity, she addressed the gathered crowd with a warmth that reflected her genuine enthusiasm for the event.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed heirs and guests, welcome to the archery tournament," Rebecca's voice carried through the field, her words resonating with the audience. "I am deeply humbled and grateful to each and every one of you for joining us here today to celebrate the continuation of Lumina's festival.

Rebecca's words were met with a round of applause, and she continued, her gaze briefly turning to Princess Freen, who stood tall among the competitors.

"Our kingdom of Lumina has always stood for openness and acceptance," Rebecca continued.

She paused for a moment, allowing her words to sink in before she addressed Princess Freen directly. "Princess Freen, your decision to join this tournament, to stand here as an equal among your peers, is remarkable. You have my utmost respect and admiration."

This time, the crowd was much quieter. Rebecca's hazel eyes swept over the crowd, her gaze unwavering. "In allowing princess Freen to compete, we acknowledge that talent, determination, and the desire to excel are not limited by one's designation. We recognize that she has the right to prove herself just as any other heir does."

Rebecca then turned her attention to all the competitors. "To all the heirs gathered here today, I implore you to compete with honor and fairness. Let us not discriminate against one another, but instead, let us celebrate the diversity of talents and the strength that resides in every individual. Play fairly, compete fiercely, but do so with the understanding that we all can achieve greatness."

Her words were met with resounding applause from the crowd, and she nodded appreciatively before concluding her speech. "So, let us embark on this archery tournament with open hearts and open minds. May your arrows hit their marks, and may our friendships grow stronger with every shot."

As the first round of the tournament began, the tension in the air was tense as arrows sailed through the sky, hitting the targets with impressive accuracy. Among the participants was Freen, whose calm demeanor and focused gaze showcased her dedication to the sport. Her posture exuded a quiet confidence as she was waiting for her turn.

When Freen's turn approached, the crowd's attention shifted to the omega princess from Gaelle. As she strode confidently to the range, drawing her bow with practiced ease, murmurs rippled through the stands. Some voiced their support, impressed by Freen's presence. Others, however, remained skeptical, doubting whether an omega could truly compete on an equal footing with alphas and betas.

Princess Freen stepped up to the line, her emerald gown trailing behind her. She nocked an arrow and raised her bow with practiced grace. Drawing her bowstring with a fluid motion, her hazel eyes locked onto the distant target. The world around her seemed to fade away as she focused entirely on the bullseye.

With unwavering concentration, Freen released the arrow with a sharp twang. It whistled through the air, slamming into the exact center of the target with a satisfying thud. Stunned silence descended on the crowd. Freen allowed a hint of a smug smile to play on her lips as she smoothly nocked another arrow. One by one she sent arrows speeding flawlessly into each bullseye, never missing the circles' center. By the time she had emptied her quiver, ripples of applause and murmurs of amazement were spreading through the stands.

The tournament continued with each competitor taking their shots, and the air remained tense. Freen's subsequent shots were equally impressive, earning her the respect and admiration of both the crowd and her fellow competitors. However, as the rounds progressed, it became clear that not everyone was supportive of her participation. Some competitors whispered derogatory comments, while others shot envious glances in her direction.

During one crucial round, just as Freen was about to take her shot, an unexpected gust of wind swept through the arena, causing her arrow to veer off course. Gasps erupted from the crowd as her arrow missed the target completely. Freen's brow furrowed in frustration, but she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Was it just a coincidence, or was someone trying to sabotage her?

As the competition continued, Freen faced subtle discrimination. Whispers and sneers from some of the other competitors grew louder, attempting to shake her confidence. Competitors would purposely bump into her or obstruct her path as they walked by after finishing their turn, making it appear accidental. When it was Freen's turn, some would mock her skill, uttering snide remarks under their breath about omegas having no right to participate. It was subtle at first, so the officials made no intervention. But as the rounds continued, the attempts became bolder and more blatant.

One competitor, a tall and imposing alpha named Prince Renard, purposely tripped Freen just as she was about to take her shot. She stumbled but managed to release her arrow, which missed the target by mere inches. Gasps of shock echoed through the arena as the crowd witnessed the blatant interference.

In another round, Princess Beatrice, a skilled beta archer with a reputation for her cunning tactics, slyly loosened the fletchings on one of Freen's arrows. As Freen drew her bowstring, the arrow spiraled off course and barely grazed the target.

Suspicion of foul play began to circulate among the spectators. The crowd, initially divided in their opinions about Freen's participation, now watched with a mixture of anger and curiosity. Some had caught on to the sabotage attempts and were outraged, while others remained skeptical, believing Freen's competitors' claims that these were mere accidents. Whispers of foul play spread among the spectators, and a growing number of supporters rallied behind Freen. They were no longer content to remain silent witnessing the blatant discrimination taking place.

Even with all these attempts, Freen remained steadfast. Yes, she had missed several shots due to their relentless attempts at sabotage, but Princess Freen's determination remained unwavering. As the competition progressed, Freen found herself in a constant battle not only with the targets but also with the envious competitors who seemed hell-bent on seeing her fail. Yet, she refused to let their actions break her spirit. With each arrow that found its mark, she sent a powerful message to those who doubted her.

The officials, though aware of the subtle discrimination and blatant interference, remained frustratingly passive. Freen's frustration grew as she realized that there was nothing she could say to them. It was as if the rules and traditions of the tournament were protecting her adversaries, allowing them to continue their attempts unchecked.

Nevertheless, Freen refused to be defeated. All she can do is continue to shoot and not get lost to the discrimination. Freen's unwavering poise and perseverance in the face of adversity earned her a growing number of supporters. Her skill and resilience were undeniable, and it was increasingly clear that she had the talent to win the tournament on her own merit. However, she couldn't ignore the mounting evidence of foul play....