The soft glow of morning's first light filtered through the chamber's windows, casting a gentle radiance upon the two women nestled together in the nest. As the room brightened, Freen stirred from her sleep. She slowly blinked her eyes open and was startled to see Rebecca sleeping peacefully next to her. She hadn't expected Rebecca to stay.

A small smile graced her lips as she watched the gentle rise and fall of Rebecca's chest. Careful not to disturb Rebecca, Freen propped herself up on one elbow to better stare at Rebecca besides her. Rebecca's delicate features were softened by sleep and her long, chestnut hair was fanned out on the pillow. The gentle curve of her cheeks and the faint flush on her skin added a touch of color to her otherwise serene face. A lock of hair had fallen across her forehead, and her full lips were parted slightly as she breathed.

Freen couldn't help but be in awe of the sight. She couldn't help but reach out and gently brush that stray lock of hair away from Rebecca's face, her touch light so as not to wake Rebecca up. Freen stared at Rebecca a little longer before she carefully eased herself out of the nest, mindful not to disturb Rebecca, and made her way to the bathing area. 

Carefully, she stepped into the bath, the water enveloping her, and the warmth seeped into her bones, easing away the tension that lingered from the events from the previous night. She spent some time relaxing in the bath before she had enough and wanted to be next to Rebecca again. Even though Rebecca hadn't marked her last night, Freen couldn't shake the feeling of how important Rebecca had become to her. Her feelings for Rebecca were so strong that she couldn't bear to be away from her for too long, especially with her heat.

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After the soothing bath, Freen returned, fresh and dressed in a new nightgown. She couldn't help but pause at the sight of the tray with water and fruits that Amelia had brought earlier. Freen hadn't eaten dinner before she fell asleep and she just realized how starved she was.

Once she had finished her meal, Freen set the tray aside and slipped back into the nest beside Rebecca. She tucked herself against Rebecca's side, wrapping Rebecca's arm around herself, and listened to the soft rhythm of her breaths. Although Freen wasn't feeling particularly tired, she was content lying there next to Rebecca.

Moments later, she felt a subtle shift in the position of Rebecca's arm. Freen could feel the slight tension in Rebecca's muscles, the ruffling of her hair as she began to stir. 

Freen couldn't resist the urge to lean closer, her own eyes closing in an attempt to anticipate Rebecca's next move. Freen held her breath, her heart beating in anticipation as she waited for Rebecca to stir.

Rebecca slowly woke up from her sleep, the soft awareness of someone's presence making her shift from dreams to reality. As her eyes fluttered open, she was met with the sight of Freen sleeping soundly next to her.

Rebecca couldn't help but smile, her lips curling up into a warm, fond smile. She shifted slightly, letting her arm tighten instinctively around Freen, pulling her even closer. 

Freen's eyes fluttered open and she looked up at Rebecca with a soft smile. "Good morning," she whispered.

"Mmmmm... Morning," Rebecca murmured, her voice thick with sleep.  Her lips curving into a drowsy smile as she stared down at Freen. "When did you wake up?"

"Not too long ago," Freen replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't want to disturb your sleep and I had to take a bath." She snuggled closer to Rebecca, her body fitting comfortably against Rebecca's side.

Rebecca chuckled softly, her fingers gently tracing a pattern on Freen's back. "Hmmm... You do smell nice."

Freen's mood dampened slightly as she recalled the overwhelming desperation and vulnerability she had experienced. "I was... well, I was quite a mess last night," she admitted with a hint of embarrassment. "I had to freshen up after... well, you know." 

Rebecca tightened her embrace and she leaned down to place a gentle kiss on Freen's forehead, her lips lingering for a moment before she pulled back. "Hey, it's okay. We're okay... And you were most definitely not a mess! You were... going through something difficult, and you trusted me enough to be there with you."

Freen met Rebecca's gaze, her eyes filled with affection and gratitude. "Thank you for being here," she whispered, her voice filled with sincerity.

Rebecca smiled back warmly. "Always," she replied softly. "I'll always be here for you."

They remained cuddling for a bit longer, the silence between them growing but still comforting. After a while, Rebecca gently broke the silence. Her fingers played with a strand of Freen's hair as she softly asked, "Have you eaten anything yet?"

Freen nodded her head slightly, her breath brushing against Rebecca's neck. "Mhhhh, I ate the fruits that Amelia brought over. But I'm still hungry."

"I'm feeling quiet famished too," Rebecca admitted. "I think I'm going to go freshen up first though. Would you like to have breakfast with me?"

Freen nuzzled closer to Rebecca, her voice barely audible as she murmured, "Breakfast with you sounds perfect." She lifted her head slightly, meeting Rebecca's eyes with a soft, grateful gaze. "I'd love that."

Rebecca's smile widened, and she gently brushed her thumb against Freen's cheek. "Great. I'll have Elara bring in breakfast here."

She then placed a soft kiss on Freen's cheek before she gently untangled herself from Freen's embrace. "I won't be long," she promised before making her way out of Freen's room, heading to her own chambers to freshen up.

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Rebecca didn't take long to freshen up. She wanted to be back with Freen as quickly as possible. She came back to find Elara setting up a simple but delicious breakfast in Freen's chamber. Freshly baked bread, a selection of cheeses, fruits, and warm herbal tea.

Rebecca smiled as she re-entered the room, the aroma of breakfast filling the air. Elara had done a wonderful job setting up the spread. She caught Freen's eye and shared a knowing look, appreciating the effort Elara had put into making their meal special.

They sat down together, enjoying the meal and each other's company. Soft laughter, whispered words, and lingering glances filled the space between them as they savored their food.

After the meal, they returned to Freen's cozy nest, wrapped in each other's warmth. Rebecca's fingers gently traced patterns on Freen's skin, and Freen nestled even closer, her head resting on Rebecca's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of her heart.

In the following days, Rebecca made a conscious effort to be there for Freen. She canceled or rescheduled her plans, attending only the most crucial meetings and rushing back to Freen whenever she sensed her need. Sometimes, the minutes would slip away, and Rebecca would find herself barely making it to her meetings, the image of Freen's longing gaze etched into her mind.

Even the heirs began to notice the absence of Rebecca from her usual social commitments, and a sense of curiosity filled the halls of the castle. Occasionally, they would catch glimpses of her in passing, their interactions brief, filled with polite exchanges and casual pleasantries.

As they conversed with Rebecca in those fleeting moments, they couldn't help but detect a subtle change in her scent, a different pheromone that hung in the air around her.  Whispers began to circulate amongst them, curiosity piqued as they wondered who Rebecca is seeing. Some were genuinely happy for Rebecca while others were envious. Fortunately, the hushed whispers did not reach the ears of Rebecca's parents or the members of the court.

Elara was supportive and understanding of Rebecca's actions, however, she couldn't help but worry about whether this was the right course of action. She felt as if their relationship was going to fast but she saw the happiness it brought to Rebecca and, in turn, to Freen.

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As the days passed, Freen's heat began to wane, and the overpowering sexual cravings gradually subsided. She was no longer consumed by that intense desire, but she remained needy, wanting Rebecca nearby always. It was not just physical; she craved the emotional connection, the closeness that had grown between them during this time.

Each time Rebecca prepared to leave for her crucial meetings, Freen would pull Rebecca closer, her eyes filled with longing and reluctance.

"I wish you didn't have to go," Freen would murmur, her voice heavy with sadness, her heart aching at the impending separation.

Rebecca's own eyes reflected the same sense of longing, her heart heavy with the knowledge that her duty called her away from Freen. She tried her best to cancel as many meetings as she can, but there's only so much she can do.

"I wish I could stay with you," Rebecca admitted, her voice filled with tenderness and regret, "But you know my responsibilities... They demand my presence."

Rebecca would try to coax her,  placing gentle kisses upon Freen's lips. "I'll be back as soon as I can. I promise not to be gone too long."

Freen would hold her even closer and she would cling onto Rebecca, hoping she wouldn't be able to leave her. 

"I know it's hard," Rebecca murmured softly, her fingers gently tracing patterns on Freen's back. "But I'll be back before you know it. Focus on the time we'll have together when I return. I promise to make it up to you when I return."

Freen's grip would tighten, her eyes showing desperation for her not to leave. "What if something happens while you're away? What if I can't bear it?" Freen whispered, her voice tinged with vulnerability.

Rebecca's gaze softened, her heart heavy with the knowledge of Freen's fears. "You're stronger than you realize," she reassured, her thumb caressing Freen's cheek. "And you're not alone. Amelia will be here, and you can call me anytime."

Freen nodded, her lips trembling as she fought to hold back the tears threatening to spill. "I'll try," she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. "But it's not the same when you're not here."

Rebecca pressed a tender kiss to Freen's forehead, her embrace tightening as if to convey a silent promise. "I understand," she whispered, her voice laced with empathy. "But think of it as a temporary absence. When I come back, we'll make up for all the lost time."

Freen leaned into the embrace Rebecca's embrace seeking her warmth. She knew deep down that Rebecca was right, that this separation was merely a fleeting moment. She didn't even know why she was making it a big deal. 

With a shaky breath, she mustered a small smile.  "I'll wait for you," she whispered, her voice a fragile echo of her resolve.

Rebecca's lips curved into a gentle smile. "And I'll come back to you," she vowed. With one final embrace, Rebecca reluctantly pulled away, her fingers lingering on Freen's cheek before she turned to leave.