Princess Rebecca gazed out her bedroom window, lost in thought. A soft breeze ruffled the curtains, carrying with it the faint scent of roses from the palace gardens below. In the distance, she could see the glittering spires of the kingdom her parents ruled. The kingdom she was destined to rule one day.

She released a weary sigh, the weight of her impending duty pressing down on her shoulders. As a princess, she knew what was expected of her - to marry well for the good of the kingdom, to form alliances and secure the future. But as an omega hiding her status, duty and desire warred within Rebecca's heart.

How could she consider marriage when her secret left her isolated, unable to risk letting anyone close? She yearned for more than just a political match. She yearned for a true partner, someone who could see her for who she was and stand beside her. But the concealment of her status built barriers no suitor could breach.

"Rebecca, dear, it's time," her mother's voice cut through her reverie. "We must start thinking about potential partners for you. As future Queen, you have obligations to consider."

"Your mother is right. It's time we find you someone that can support you in your future role as Queen," her father joined in.

Rebecca steeled herself, knowing the time had come for a difficult conversation. She met her parent's gaze. "I understand my duty," she began slowly. "But Father, Mother... How can I seek a partner in good faith when my omega status remains a secret? I cannot keep hiding it."

Her mother's gaze softened, a rare moment of warmth in the cold aura that surrounded them. "Yes, you have a point, dear. Hense, your father and I have been thinking. There are kingdoms who let their child choose their partner amongst candidates from other countries. We were thinking of holding one for you. Maybe a month-long event or longer."

The faintest flicker of hope ignited within Rebecca. A chance to choose for herself - could this be possible after so long hiding who she was? Still, doubts clouded her thoughts.

"How would that change anything, Mother?" she asked quietly. "No one would still know that I am an Omega. Everyone believes that I am an Alpha, although I haven't said anything of the matter."

Her father cleared his throat, straightening. "I will reveal it on the day that everyone arrives. I will send an official notice to the other kingdoms of this matter if you are fine with this." His eyes were hard, but his tone had a distant reassurance. "But we hope you will find a partner that can help keep our kingdom strong."

The words somewhat reassured Rebecca, but an undercurrent of apprehension still remained. She knew her parents wanted her to match with an alpha, but she wanted to forge a different path. She gazed searchingly at her parents. "Might we extend the invitations beyond alpha heirs? I am prepared to assume my role of Queen and I believe this resonates true throughout the kingdom. They have faith in my ability to shoulder this responsibility on my own. Must my match be solely for alliances?"

Her parents exchanged a glance. Her mother rested a hand on her father's arm. "She speaks rightly, dear," the Queen murmured. "Perhaps..." But Rebecca's father shook his head firmly.

"You're still young, Rebecca," he insisted, firm and unyielding, though not unkindly. "We need those alliances for the kingdom's prosperity. I will make the announcement and send the invitations."

Rebecca implored him further, her voice gentle but full of conviction. "Please, Father, I entreat you to consider my request. My commitment to our kingdom's prosperity is unwavering. You know how hard I worked thus far... Give me the chance to demonstrate this."

After a weighted pause, her father relented slightly. "Very well, Rebecca, I shall think upon this matter more. But remember, should you venture into this, you must be prepared for its ramifications."

"Thank you, trully, Father," Rebecca murmured.

Rebecca could scarcely believe her father had agreed to reconsider. Perhaps she had finally gotten through to him. Would he truly open the selection to all, or was his concession merely meant to placate her for now?

She knew that when her parents mentioned the month-long festival to find a partner, they had only envisioned alpha heirs for her to choose from. Her insides twisted at the thought of all her learning and preparation being disregarded, judged as inadequate simply due to her status. If she were bound to an alpha, she would just become invisible - a mock Queen, her input constantly requiring validation from her partner

No, she refused to let her voice be silenced. Rebecca resolved then and there to prove herself ready to reign with or without a match. If she did find love with an open-minded alpha, it would be worth it all. But she could not limit her chances due to unrealistic expectations. Her kingdom deserved a leader chosen for merit, not status alone. Somehow she must make her parents understand this.

After the conversation with her parents, Princess Rebecca found herself seeking comfort from the palace gardens. Elara accompanied her quietly, her presence a source of comfort as they wandered beneath the stars.

She found herself at a crossroad of emotions and decisions. The weight of her impending duty to choose a partner bore down on her. She had always understood her role for her kingdom, but she also longed for a partner who would see her for who she truly was.

Rebecca mulled over her parents' proposal – the idea of a month-long event where potential partners from neighboring kingdoms would gather to win her heart. It was an opportunity that held both promise and risk. The prospect of a public event weighed on her mind, as it meant revealing her omega status to the world.

"Princess," Elara's soft voice pulled her away from her thoughts.

Rebecca offered a weary smile, her gaze fixed on the moonlit path before them. "Yes Elara, what is it?"

"What's on your mind princess?" Elara's eyes showing concern and care for her.

Rebecca halted, turning to fully face her handmaiden. "Elara, I...I wonder if this event could possibly lead to love. A month seems so brief a time to form such a bond." She twisted her hands, brows drawn tight. "And yet, if I hide part of myself, how can I expect someone to truly know me? I want to hope, but..." Her words trailed off, laced with longing and uncertainty.

Elara regarded the princess with a thoughtful expression. "I haven't heard of a month-long festival done before here in Lumina to find a partner.... But princess, love is something that can be found even in unexpected places. The event might be a chance to connect with those who truly see you for who you are. It's a risk, certainly, to be more open about yourself, but it's also an opportunity to break free from the confines that have bound you."

Rebecca nodded, her heart conflicted between her duties and her desires. "I understand the political considerations that steer my parents' thoughts. Alphas, particularly, who can fortify our kingdom's legacy. But I want more than that, Elara. I want a partner who values me for my heart, not just my status."

Elara's smile was warm and encouraging. "You deserve nothing less, my princess. You deserve someone that sees you for who you truly are, that embraces every facet of your being. Remember that the decision is ultimately yours. Whoever you choose, I will stand by you."

"Thank you, Elara. I needed to hear those words." The princess smiled back.

As they continued their stroll, Elara's words swirled around in her head. The notion of finding a love that cherished her for herself, beyond the societal confines, had always been a distant dream. But the month-long festival brought with it an opportunity, a chance to connect with potential partners from various kingdoms. While the prospect of revealing her omega status to the world was both daunting and liberating, she hoped that by being true to herself, by standing up for her own desires, she could pave the way for change within Lumina's traditions.