Frowning slightly, Freen pressed her fingers over her glands. They felt a little swollen and tender, but her heat cycle wasn't due for a few more days. Still, it was better to be cautious. There was a sword fighting tournament today, and she had decided to go and watch. She had felt a slight twinge low in her abdomen ever since she'd woken up. But she'd dismissed it as her body's reaction from the previous day's...activities with Rebecca in the library.

However, as she was getting ready for the day, Freen couldn't deny the growing sense of restlessness. Her body felt overly warm, like there was a persistent low-grade fever burning through her veins And she kept catching herself inhaling deeply, as if seeking out some scent in the air around her.

Normally, Freen avoided taking suppressants and instead isolated herself in her quarters to ride out her heat cycles naturally. But since she knew that she was safe for now, despite the signals her body was sending, Freen pushed the thoughts aside. She refused to let her discomfort or hormonal fluctuations disrupt her plans for the day.

Retrieving a scent patch, she carefully smoothed it over her glands. The patch would help mask her pheromones for the time being, without fully suppressing her heat like medication would. Once her heat arrived in full force later, she planned to remain cloistered as usual, riding it out unmedicated.

With the scent patch providing temporary relief, Freen felt more reassured as she made her way towards the arena grounds, with her handmaiden Amelia. As they moved through the bustling crowd, the cheers and chatter of the spectators grew louder. Freen had been looking forward to watching the tournament, enjoying the competition on the sidelines this time.

However, as they drew closer to the arena, the crowd grew larger and more densely packed. The mingling of scents and pheromones were starting to make Freen feel dizzy and uncomfortable. She hadn't anticipated that the pheromones from the crowd could have such a potent effect on her body's state. Sure, she thought that she might feel some uneasiness, but the dizziness caught her by surprise.

Amelia's concerned gaze fell upon Freen, noticing the princess' discomfort. "Your Highness?" she murmured, voice laced with worry as she moved closer. "Are you feeling quite well?"

Freen forced a small smile, trying to push away the growing unease. "I'm fine, Amelia. Just the crowds and the heat, I suppose," she replied, her words coming out slightly strained. She focused on taking deep breaths, attempting to regain her composure.

As they made it to the entrance of the arena, the noise of the crowd and the overwhelming scents seemed to intensify and Freen's discomfort only grew. Her head swam, dizzy from the onslaught on her senses. She swayed momentarily and reached out to steady herself against a nearby pillar, hoping to find some relief amidst the chaotic environment. Amelia hovered close by, ready to provide assistance should the princess's discomfort worsen.

"Princess, I don't think it's a good idea to be here right now," Amelia said, voicing her concern.

Freen took a deep breath, steadying herself against the pillar, and gradually felt the overwhelming sensations subside. She turned to Amelia with a reassuring smile,though it still held a hint of strain.

"I should be fine Amelia. I think I just lost my balance. I shouldn't be in heat till next week," Freen said, hoping her words would quell her handmaiden's worry.

Amelia nodded, albeit still concerned, and they began making their way toward their seats, the scent patch working to mask Freen's pheromones as best as it could. It didn't take long for Freen to spot a familiar face in the crowd. Princess Adrianna, a close friend, had apparently also noticed her and was making her way through the stands.

"Freen! I was hoping I'd find you here. It's been a while since we watched a tournament together," Adrianna called out with a warm smile as she approached. Her eyes quickly took in Freen's slightly flushed appearance. "Is everything alright? You look a bit out of sorts."

Before Freen could respond, Adrianna had closed the distance between them. The other princess leaned in, giving Freen's cheek an affectionate kiss in greeting. As she pulled back, her brow furrowed slightly. "You do seem...flushed. And there's a certain scent about you."

Adrianna's gaze flickered briefly to Amelia, picking up on the handmaiden's concerned hovering. She arched a questioning eyebrow at her friend.

Freen managed a reassuring laugh, though it sounded slightly forced. "Nothing to worry about, I'm just feeling a bit warm from pushing through the crowds," Freen replied, giving Adrianna's arm a squeeze. "But, yes, it has been a while. I couldn't resist coming today to watch the matches. It's one of my favorite events."

Hoping to deflect her friend's concern, she managed a teasing smile. "And I simply couldn't deprive you of my delightful company. Besides," she added with a dramatic sigh, "what's the fun in watching the tournament alone?"

Adrianna studied her for a moment before sighing. "If you're sure, Freen. I'll trust you."

Seeming mollified, at least for now, Adrianna looped her arm through Freen's and began leading them towards the reserved rooms for royals. "The crowds are already getting rather thick out there. I thought we might enjoy a more private vantage point for the tournament's opening bouts."

Freen nodded gratefully, the thought of a secluded space appealing greatly. Sure enough, when they reached one of the smaller royal viewing rooms, it stood empty - a perfect viewpoint overlooking the arena floor below.

"Ah, this is decidedly more civilized already," she remarked, allowing Adrianna to guide her to the cushioned viewing benches. Freen settled in with a relieved sigh, the muted space providing a welcome respite.

Adrianna made herself comfortable beside her. "So? Who are you rooting for this time?"

Freen's gaze flickered towards the arena. "I haven't decided yet. I'll choose once the matches begin. It's more exciting that way."

Adrianna seemed content with the answer and leaned in, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. "Speaking of excitement, there are rumors that a mysterious masked participant is joining the tournament today. Nobody knows who they are. Isn't that intriguing?"

Freen's interest was immediately piqued. "A masked participant? That does sound intriguing. How deliciously dramatic!" She leaned in closer. "Do go on - Any hints as to their identity or talents?"

"Well, from what I've heard, the masked fighter showed incredible skill during the qualifying rounds earlier this week," Adrianna said, unable to contain an excited smile. "Apparently they bested several of the palace guards with almost ridiculous ease. There's already whispers that they could be a real contender to take the whole tournament!"

Adrianna leaned back on the bench. "And none of the guards have been able to discern anything about them - not their gender, their age, their fighting style. The mask conceals everything."

Freen felt a thrill run through her. "How utterly intriguing," she breathed, leaning even closer. "To defeat royal guards so handily, while staying completely obscured... this mysterious swordsman must possess skills beyond anything we've witnessed before."

Any further comments were cut off as the ceremonial horns rang out along with a thunderous roar erupting from the arena below. Both women turned towards the viewing window just as the massive arena doors ground open and the first pair of contenders strode through.

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As Freen was chatting with Adrianna, another pair of eyes had fixed upon her from across the crowded arena. Rebecca felt her heart skip a beat at finally catching sight of Freen, beautiful as ever despite appearing somewhat flushed.

However, her initial joy quickly soured as Rebecca's gaze fell upon the intimate manner in which Princess Adrianna leaned in close to Freen. The two women's bodies were angled towards each other, fully engaged in a manner that spoke of long familiarity and closeness.

Before the bitter feelings could take deeper root, Rebecca forced herself to look away. She knew this was the way of court life - constantly performing, always watched, never truly alone. She, herself, had cautioned Freen about the need for discretion regarding their own bond. And so, she could only blame herself.

Still, as she turned back her gaze to Freen, she couldn't quite shake the ache of longing in her chest. Her smile waned as she watched Freen and Adrianna make their way out of the crowded stands, heading towards one of the secluded royal viewing boxes.

She took a sip of her wine and continued to stare at their interaction. She wanted to go and greet Freen but she was in the company with her advisors and some heirs who seemed to be engaging in a lively conversation. Her advisors seem to be supporting a certain heir as her potential spouse, but she did not trust them enough to pick an heir for her.

Despite her growing discomfort, Rebecca remained rooted to her spot, her eyes following Freen's retreating figure that gradually blended into the crowd. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, wishing that Freen had spotted her. However, she reasoned that they would be able to meet later at some point during the tournament.

Taking another sip of her drink, Rebecca refocused her attention on the conversation in her viewing room. Despite the distracting thoughts about Freen, she attempted to engage with the discussion among her advisors and the potential heirs.

-------

In their private, royal-viewing room, Freen and Adrianna watched as the crowd below grew restless. The collective cheers and shouts from the audience rippled through the air, amplifying the excitement of the event. Freen could feel the vibration of their enthusiasm even from a distance, and she couldn't help but be swept up in the infectious energy.

Adrianna's animated presence proved to be the perfect company for Freen at that moment. Her friend's propensity for lively conversation meant Freen could sit back and simply bask in Adrianna's colorful commentary without overtaxing her own energy. She was content to sit quietly, occasionally celebrating when one of the participants won.

The surrounding pheromones wafting in from the arena were beginning to take a toll on her and it was getting increasingly difficult for Freen to watch the tournament. Even though they were secluded in the viewing room, the breeze carried enough of a wisp of the scents to unravel Freen's fragile composure, making her feel sick. The occasional waft had her suppressing a tremor, her legs threatening to weaken whenever she stood up with Adrianna to celebrate a win.

Freen found herself silently pleading for the tournament to end quickly. She longed for nothing more than to retreat to her private chambers, where she could rest and recover in peace.

As the tournament continued, and the crowd grew more frenzied, Freen and Adrianna were on their feet to celebrate the entrance of the mysterious masked participant. However, this moment of celebration was short-lived, for as they cheered, Adrianna suddenly felt an overwhelming scent of citrus wafting from Freen. Freen's pheromone was overpowering to the point that Adrianna felt increasingly uncomfortable.

Adrianna, struggling to maintain her composure, turned to Freen and asked, "Are you in heat?"

Freen, though struggling with the intensity of her condition, met Adrianna's worried gaze with a resigned nod. "Yes, I think I am, but it's not to the point I need to be alone yet" she admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of discomfort and apology.

Adrianna, still concerned for Freen, placed a hand on her shoulder. "Please be careful. Just let me know if it gets too much, and I'll make sure you have the space you need."

Freen offered a thankful smile and nodded her head. It was nice to have someone she knew in this situation. As the tournament continued, so did Adrianna's growing concern for Freen. The overpowering scent of Freen's pheromones made the situation increasingly uncomfortable, even in their private viewing room.

Amelia also wouldn't leave Freen's side. Freen was in no condition to be alone in a place full of pheromones and it was her job to protect Freen's well-being.

------------

Freen's lips formed a tight line as another wave of dizziness washed over her. Despite her attempts to appear composed, beads of sweat had begun to form on her brow. Amelia's brows furrowed, sensing that the princess's condition was more severe than she let on.

"Princess, you don't look well at all," Amelia said gently, placing a steadying hand on Freen's arm. "Are you truly feeling alright? Perhaps we should head back."

Freen managed a weak smile, attempting to feign normalcy. "I think I just need some cold water," she replied, her words trembling slightly. "I'm feeling a bit dizzy, that's all."

Amelia nodded and excused herself, hurriedly stepping out to get some water.

As Freen attempted to compose herself, the masked participant in the tournament won his round. Adrianna, filled with excitement, jumped to her feet, pulling Freen up with her. Clapping excitedly, she accidentally pulled Freen into a tight hug, their bodies pressed closely together.

The sudden exposure to Adrianna's alpha pheromones triggered a powerful reaction in Freen. Her head spun, and her vision blurred. She felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, threatening to send her crashing to the ground. Had it not been for Adrianna's tight grip, Freen would have collapsed right then and there.

Amelia, returning with the water, was quick to notice Freen's worsening condition. "Princess!" she called out, rushing to support Freen's other side..

Adrianna immediately released Freen from herself, though she kept a steadying arm wrapped around the princess's waist to prevent her from falling.

"Freen? What's wrong? You're burning up," Adrianna murmured, brow furrowed as she took in Freen's flushed complexion and dazed expression.

"My apologies..." Freen managed to rasp out, her voice tight with strain. "I fear I may have overestimated myself."

She squeezed her eyes shut, fighting against the rising waves of dizziness and a sudden, insistent warmth unfurling low in her core. As Freen struggled to maintain her composure, her citrus pheromones filled the room aggressively - the unmistakable aroma of an omega's imminent heat.

The overpowering scent made it difficult for both Adrianna and Amelia to breathe. For Adrianna, an alpha, the effect proved even more overwhelming. She swayed minutely, pupils dilating as Freen's pheromones triggered an instinctive response within her. It was becoming abundantly clear that Freen was on the verge of going into heat.

Adrianna, her voice strained, quickly instructed Amelia, "Call for a carriage at once. We need to get Freen back to the palace immediately, before this situation becomes...untenable."

Amelia nodded worriedly, stepping away to arrange for a carriage. As she did, she shot a glance at Adrianna worriedly, who was still supporting Freen's weight. The princess's powerful omega pheromones hung heavy in the air, clearly affecting the alpha.

Adrianna's jaw was tightly clenched, her muscles taut with the effort of maintaining control in the face of Freen's intoxicating scent. When she caught Amelia's concerned look, she managed a tight nod of reassurance.

"Go. Quickly," she ground out through gritted teeth. "I'll keep her safe until the carriage arrives."

Satisfied Adrianna could handle the situation for now, Amelia hurried off to make the arrangements.

With Amelia gone, Adrianna carefully helped Freen sit. She remained by Freen's side but Adrianna could feel the intoxicating pull of Freen's scent lashing at her restraints, stoking the burning need to claim Freen. Every fiber of her being was screaming for her to act and she could feel the muscles in her legs tensing, the coil of desire growing tighter and tighter.

Yet she fought against her own desires, biting back a groan as Freen's pheromones continued to fog her thoughts. Her palms were slick with sweat, her heart racing as she struggled to keep her composure.

"Freen, I need you to focus on breathing slowly and deeply," Adrianna urged, her voice tight with strain. "Can you do that for me?"

Adriana reached out a hand to caress Freen's flushed cheek, heedless of the way the simple touch made her muscles clench. She forced herself to meet Freen's glazed eyes.

"Deep breaths, in and out," Adriana murmured, the words almost a mantra as she fought to regulate her own ragged gasps.

Her free hand gripped the arm of the chair in a white-knuckled grip, nails digging into the cushion. She picked up the glass of water that Amelia had brought and handed it to Freen. "Here, drink this. It might help a bit," she said, her voice full of concern.

Freen took the glass with trembling hands and took slow sips, trying to calm herself. Her body was starting to sweat from the effort of holding back her instincts. She could hardly bear to have Adrianna so close, knowing that her body was reacting to Adrianna's scent. She struggled not to squirm under the weight of that intoxicating aroma, her core clenching with need.

Adriana remained blessedly still beside her, focused on making her feel better. But Freen could see the war raging behind her friend's eyes - the muscle twitching along one shapely jaw, the white-knuckled grip digging into the chair's arm.

Freen's efforts to hold back her instincts were becoming increasingly difficult. She felt her temperature rising, her skin taking on a feverish sheen. As she drank more water, she began to appear as if she were in a drugged or trance-like state, her focus drifting away from the present moment. She was doing her best to keep her senses intact, but the intensity of her pheromones, along with her rising heat, made it challenging to remain fully present.

Adrianna brushed a stray lock of hair away from Freen's forehead, her touch gentle yet urgent. "Freen, stay with me," she pleaded softly, her voice tinged with worry.

Freen managed a weak nod, her breathing labored. She managed to speak, her voice strained. "Adrianna, please, I need some space. The pheromones... they're overwhelming." Her plea was apologetic, but she couldn't deny the effect that Adrianna's presence was having on her. She closed her eyes briefly, willing the world to steady itself.

Adrianna's heart clenched at the sight of Freen struggling. She wanted to stay by Freen's side, to help her through this. Yet she knew she could not be selfish, not when Freen's very instincts were begging for distance. Swallowing hard, Adrianna stepped out of the room, allowing Freen the space she desperately needed.

Before leaving, she turned back to Freen, her voice filled with reassurance. "I'll be right outside if you need me," she said softly. "Just hold on a little longer. We'll get you back to the palace soon."

Despite the sound of Adrianna's voice echoing in the distance, Freen's focus remained fixated on the throbbing heat within her. She was becoming lost in a haze of desperation and need, her mind becoming foggy. Her breaths soon became shallow and labored, her chest rising and falling with the urgency of her desires. She could feel the moisture gathering between her legs, the need growing more insistent with each passing moment. She felt herself losing control of her needs and just wanted to go back to her room and build her nest.

Fortunately, it wasn't long before Amelia returned with a carriage ready to take them back to the palace. Adrianna accompanied them to the carriage but she couldn't stay for the journey back, given the overwhelming citrus scent that Freen was emanating. The scent was almost unbearable for her.

Amelia, being a beta, had no such issue. She thanked Princess Adrianna for her help and the carriage set off heading back to the palace.