The days that followed were a beautiful blur for Rebecca and Freen. Ever since they have become official girlfriends, they found it increasingly difficult to be apart.

During the festival events, their eyes would meet across crowded rooms, exchanging loving glances. Their fingers would brush softly against each other as they passed by. Their hugs, when they met in public, lasted a beat longer than those exchanged with others. Between the royal duties and festival events, they found stolen seconds to steal kisses in hidden alcoves, far from prying eyes.

In the evening dinner banquets, both princesses would secretly hold hands, fingers subtly entwined under the table, as they sipped their wine and engaged in conversations with other heirs and friends. The low hum of discussions and clinking of cutlery provided a perfect cover for their discreet affection.

As the festival continued, they discovered new ways to express their love within the constraints of the public eye. Freen would make her way through the dancing couples, finding her way to Rebecca during the balls. She would extend her hand to Rebecca, inviting her for a dance, and as they swayed to the music, it felt like they were in a world of their own.

Rebecca's gown swirled around her as Freen led her in a dance that was as much a shared secret as it was a performance for the audience. The music would hide their whispered conversations and their laughter. The other guests, caught up in the festivities, were oblivious to the private world Freen and Rebecca had created for themselves.

There were moments when the two princesses managed to slip away unnoticed. They'd find a secluded corner or a hidden alcove, away from prying eyes, where they could steal a few precious minutes together. The grand library, with its towering shelves and quiet corners, became a place where they would meet often.

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One afternoon, Freen found Rebecca engrossed in a book during one of her rare times off. Unable to resist her girlfriend, Freen approached with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Without a word, she gently took the book from Rebecca's hands and set it aside. Before Rebecca could react, Freen's lips met hers in an unexpected kiss. 

Rebecca was momentarily taken aback, her surprise evident in the widening of her eyes as Freen's lips met hers. For a fleeting moment, she tensed at the action, at how Freen was publicly kissing her out in the open. 

But as Freen's soft lips lingered against hers, Rebecca melted into the kiss, forgetting the hushed atmosphere and everything else except the sensation of Freen's kiss. With a sigh, Rebecca found herself reciprocating the kiss, leaning into Freen's touch, the book and its contents forgotten.

However, a distant cough disrupted the serene bubble they had created, pulling Rebecca back to reality. Her eyes widened in sudden realization, the initial rush of nerves and excitement washing over her as she remembered the quiet surroundings of the library. It was as if a splash of cold water had brought her back from the reverie of their intimate moment.

Startled, Rebecca pulled back from the kiss, casting a swift glance around to see if anyone had witnessed them. When she found that no one was around, she exhaled a sigh of relief, the rush of nerves easing away as she realized they were alone. The tension that had momentarily gripped her in a chokehold loosened its hold, allowing a sense of relief to settle within her.

Her cheeks tinted with a faint blush from the sudden adrenaline rush, Rebecca met Freen's gaze revealing her emotions — the lingering excitement from the kiss tinged with a trace of nerves that accompanied the fear of being caught.

Sensing the mix of emotions in Rebecca's eyes, Freen's own gaze held a spark of playful mischief. Encouraged by the thrill of their near-miss and feeling a surge of daring boldness, Freen gently grabbed Rebecca's hand and guided her up from the seat with a playful glint in her eyes. Without a word, she pulled Rebecca gently, guiding her backward until her back softly met with the solid support of a nearby bookshelf.

Rebecca couldn't help but release a gasp at the unexpected contact, her eyes widened in surprise and disbelief at Freen's sudden boldness. She couldn't believe that this was happening. It was as if the pages of a romance novel had sprung to life, vividly unfolding before her eyes, but this time, she was not merely a reader; she was an active participant, experiencing the thrill firsthand.

Freen smiled coyly down at Rebecca at the look of shock on Rebecca's face causing a shiver to run down Rebecca's spine at the intimacy, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of pink. She felt her heart racing as Freen leaned in closer and captured her lips in another swift yet daring kiss, this time more forcefully. 

Rebecca moaned softly into Freen's mouth, feeling her lips part slightly as she let the kiss deepen, the heat of it searing though her. Her heart skipped a beat, caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events yet again in one day. However, the thrill of the moment was undeniable, and she found herself reciprocating Freen's daring move, leaning into the kiss with a mixture of excitement and a hint of caution. 

And as she returned the kiss with equal passion, Rebecca's arms encircled Freen's neck, pulling her closer to her. The risk of being discovered heightened their emotions, adding a layer of intensity to their emotions. It was nerve-wracking, the thrill of a secret relationship adding an exhilarating edge to their stolen moments.

As Freen's lips parted from Rebecca's, Rebecca found herself breathless. The distant rustle of pages turning and the muffled coughs of distant scholars can be heard as they both were trying to catch their breath.

"....Hi," Freen managed to whisper breathlessly.

Rebecca grinned back shyly, her cheeks flushed. "Hi," she whispered back, her eyes sparkling.

Freen leaned in for a gentle peck on Rebecca's lips, a tender reassurance after the daring kiss they had shared.

Freen pulled back slightly, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Seems like someone's getting a little bolder," she remarked, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

Rebecca's cheeks deepened in color, and she playfully nudges Freen. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Freen chuckled, her voice low and affectionate. "I thought for sure you'd push me away after that daring kiss, but it looks like I'm rubbing off on you a little."

Rebecca laughed softly, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on Freen's hand. "Maybe just a little," she admitted, her gaze filled with warmth. "But... that's not a bad thing."

Freen grinned, her eyes reflecting the affection she felt for Rebecca. "Not a bad thing at all," she agreed, leaning in to brush her lips against Rebecca's forehead. "I like this side of you."

Rebecca's smile widened, and she leaned into the touch. "Well, maybe I've discovered a newfound boldness with you," she admitted, her voice a soft murmur.

Freen's fingers gently tucked a strand of hair behind Rebecca's ear as she whispered, "It suits you, this newfound boldness. I like it—a lot."

"Blame it on the irresistible princess who keeps sweeping me off my feet," Rebecca teased, with a playful glint in her eyes.

Freen grinned, the mischievous glint returning to her eyes. "Guilty as charged. But I'm not complaining about being irresistible."

Rebecca chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mirth. "Well, if being irresistible comes with these stolen kisses, then consider me captivated."

Freen offered her arm to Rebecca, who gladly accepted, and they continued to stroll through the aisles. Their fingers lightly brushed against the spines of the books, each touch sending a thrill through them. Stolen glances and soft smiles were exchanged as they basked in the quiet intimacy.

The mischievous glint in Freen's eyes persisted, and she couldn't resist a playful nudge. "Well, consider me your willing accomplice in this grand library heist of stolen kisses."

Rebecca laughed, the sound echoing softly. "A willing accomplice? I must say, your thieving skills are quite impressive."

Freen bowed theatrically. "Only for you, my princess. I'd steal a thousand kisses if it meant keeping you captivated."

As they reached a secluded reading nook bathed in the soft glow of a vintage chandelier, Freen pulled out a small box from her dress pocket. "I brought you something," she said, presenting it to Rebecca.

Opening the box, Rebecca found a bracelet, its design timeless and elegant.

"I know we're keeping this between us for now," Freen said, her eyes filled with affection, "but I couldn't resist giving you something special."

Rebecca's eyes widened in surprise and delight as she examined the bracelet. Its design, though elegant, carried an air of antiquity, hinting at its age and the stories it held.

"It's stunning," Rebecca murmured, her fingers tracing the intricate pattern of the bracelet.

"It's a family heirloom," Freen explained, "and I wanted you to have it. My grandmother gave it to my mother, and my mother passed it on to me. Now, I want you to have it."

Tears welled in her eyes as Freen clasped it around her wrist. "Thank you, Freen. I'll cherish it forever."

Freen's gaze was tender as she reached out, gently wiping away a tear from Rebecca's cheek. "I wanted you to have something that connects you to us, to my family's history. You're a part of it now."

Rebecca's heart swelled at Freen's words. The gesture wasn't just about the bracelet; it was about being accepted and welcomed into Freen's world, into her family's legacy.