With the first week of the festival underway, Rebecca's schedule was overflowing with responsibilities. From dawn till dusk, her days were full of meetings, event preparations, and participation in the festival's numerous events. Despite her parents having appointed coordinators for the festival, Rebecca felt responsible to overlook everything because the festival was for her. She made it a point to meet with the coordinators regularly to make sure that everything was planned accordingly and executed without a problem. Any concerns or issues were quickly addressed by Rebecca herself.

Her days were long and tiring, but Rebecca remained bright and warm. Even amidst the chaos and flurry of activities, Rebecca's grace and poise never faltered. Her genuine desire for the festival to be a success, coupled with her natural leadership skills, helped her to oversee every aspect, from the grandest events to the smallest details.

Freen, on the other hand, found herself engrossed in conversations with various other heirs and members of Lumina's court. Among the heirs present, Freenfound herself drawn to Princess Sofia and Prince Leon. Both betas were warm and easily approachable. Unlike Freen, who was forced to attend the festival, Sofia and Leon had willingly joined the festivity out of genuine curiosity for Rebecca .

Although it was Freen's first time visiting Lumina, Princess Sofia and Prince Leon were no strangers to the kingdom. Over the years, they had attended various social functions at Lumina's court. While they hadn't interacted directly with Rebecca before, her reputation and beauty had sparked their interest.

"We've seen Princess Rebecca from afar at events, but never had the chance to actually meet her," Sofia remarked. "She seems lovely - a little distant yet approachable."

Leon nodded in agreement. "Many speak highly of her leadership capabilities despite her young age. And judging by how smoothly this festival is running, I believe it!"

"Absolutely," Sofia responded, her admiration evident in her tone. "I've heard stories about her involvement in charity events. Unlike most heirs who merely make an appearance at events, Rebecca actively participates in the events. She's seen serving food, lending a listening ear to citizens' concerns, and I've even heard she frequently visits the orphanages to ensure the children's well-being."

Freen listened with interest as Sofia and Leon described their impressions of Rebecca . As they spoke, Freen found herself thinking back to her intimate discussion with the Lumina princess about the upcoming festival. Away from the eyes of the court, Rebecca had revealed a more warm yet playful side that few probably glimpsed beyond her polished public facade.

Freen remembered the way Rebecca's regal demeanor had softened, her smile turning shy as she explained some of Lumina's traditions. How her usual poise had slipped to reveal hints of uncertainty and longing when she described the custom of scent bonding with a potential match.

While Sofia and Leon could only speculate about Rebecca's sincerity in caring for her people based on rumor, Freenhad witnessed firsthand the warmth and empathy in Rebecca's eyes. She had observed the princess's genuine wish for her and the other heirs to feel comfortable during their time at the festival.

Even the memory of Rebecca's rose scent - sweet and alluring yet delicate - reminded Freen of the omega's tender nature. It was a softer, more affectionate aroma than expected of one in Rebecca's position of leadership. Like the subtle release of her pheromones, everything about the Lumina princess's manner conveyed compassion and care for those around her.

Freen wondered if she was the only one of the heirs to have seen that intimate glimpse past Rebecca's facade. Had any of the rest kindled such a personal connection with the omega princess? She couldn't deny a flicker of satisfaction at the possibility that only she had been privileged thus far to encounter that side of Rebecca.

"Princess Rebecca does seem to possess great maturity and care for her people," Freen remarked thoughtfully. While she too had observed those traits in Rebecca, hearing others confirm it reinforced her positive first impression.

"Oh yes, the way she makes time to greet guests and commoners alike," Sofia said. "I've seen her out with the citizens once, when I was heading back to my kingdom, and she seemed like a different person than when she was at the social events... She seemed much more carefree, more happy."

Freen couldn't help but smile warmly at that. She pictured the omega princess mingling freely among her people, momentarily casting aside her burdens. Freen was fascinated hearing about this more casual, spirited side of Rebecca rarely witnessed at formal events. She yearned to uncover more hidden facets of the complex princess who continued intriguing her.

Yet even as curiosity and interest flickered more intensely inside Freen, she maintained an air of polite detachment externally. While Sofia and Leon openly expressed their admiration for Rebecca , Freen held back, not wanting to expose her own blossoming fascination.

Part of her hesitation stemmed from not knowing princess Sofia and prince Leon. But if Freen was fully honest with herself, she also enjoyed possessing an exclusive awareness of Rebecca that others lacked. Their intimate discussion had sparked something within her and she couldn't help her feelings from growing.

So even as Freen prodded Sofia gently for more details, she kept her tone light and conversational. Inside, however, warmth swelled as the beta princess described a joyful, unguarded Rebecca twirling in the village square with local children. The mental image made Freen's heart squeeze in an unfamiliar way.

"I spotted her in the village market, laughing with some local children," Sofia continued wistfully. "She looked utterly content, more lighthearted than I've ever seen her look at a public gathering."

Freen smiled, charmed by the image yet longing to have witnessed it herself. "Did you end up talking to her before you left?" Freen asked, keeping her tone light.

"Oh, I didn't want to intrude, so I just watched from afar for a little while before I really had to go," Sofia said. "I saw that Princess Rebecca let the children braid flowers into her hair. Can you imagine an heir allowing such a thing?" She laughed. "Yet Rebecca acted as if it was the most normal thing in the world, kneeling down so they could reach her better."

"That's so... sweet," Freen murmured, as she toyed idly with a flower on the banquet table to distract herself from the emotions swelling dangerously inside. She wondered if she would ever earn the privilege of seeing Rebecca so free and unguarded. But even the slightest possibility made warmth bloom through Freen's entire being.

Freen blinked, suddenly realizing she had whispered the last part out loud when she caught Sofia and Leon looking at her curiously. A faint blush rose on her cheeks as she scrambled for composure, too late to retract her wistful words.

"Oh, do forgive me, I was just...thinking aloud..." She trailed off, flustered. Something about Rebecca, even if it was just talking about her through conversation, had lowered Freen's guard.

"Thinking about Princess Rebecca?" Leon asked innocently, though his eyes glinted with interest.

Freen fussed unnecessarily with the flower stem, buying herself time. As a beta, Leon couldn't interpret social cues and subtle dynamics as easily. But Sofia watched Freen closely, a knowing glint in the female beta's gaze.

"I only meant..." Freen faltered, then opted for a half truth. "Seeing Rebecca...er, Princess Rebecca so at ease with her people shows great leadership. I admire that she makes time for personal connections outside formal events."

It was not at all the full nature of her longing, but it would have to suffice. Sofia's expression remained gently probing while Leon nodded agreeably, seeming to accept Freen's response.

Sofia then chuckled softly, noticing Freen's embarrassed expression. "Isn't it?" she teased with a warm smile. "If you look closely, she has a way of captivating everyone, doesn't she?"

Sofia's smile then took on a more mischievous glint as she regarded Freen knowingly. "Many assume an alpha is an ideal match for Rebecca, especially now that we know she is an omega..."

She trailed off, letting the implication hang in the air meaningfully before continuing. "But in my opinion, an omega pairing can achieve that balance beautifully as well, perhaps even more so."

Sofia lifted one shoulder in an elegant shrug, the picture of nonchalance yet still watching Freen closely. "Of course, there are benefits to any match. But I must admit, two omegas leading together appeals to me. All that compassion and care multiplied."

She tilted her head, gaze turning playful again. "What do you think, Princess Freen? As a fellow omega, I imagine you can appreciate the potential of such a pairing."

Freenfroze, eyes widening and her blush deepened at the subtle implication. But before she could even formulate a response, Leon chuckled good-naturedly, thankfully saving her.

"Listen to you two, already speculating on Rebecca's future match," he teased. "We haven't even properly met her yet beyond formal greetings."

Freen seized on the diversion gratefully. "You're quite right," she laughed airily. "We get ahead of ourselves. Shall we go freshen our drinks?" Freen straightened in her seat, eager to escape the conversation along with Sofia's too-perceptive stare

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As the daylight faded over Lumina, marking the end of yet another eventful day, Rebecca found herself making her way to the banquet hall. The now familiar glint of twinkling lights and cheerful music greeted her as she entered. While extravagant feasts and social gatherings were commonplace for her as royalty, these nightly banquets during the festival held a certain charm.

Amongst the various events of the festival, every day, a banquet was held at dinner with all the heirs. It was a chance for the princess to get to know everyone better. The only times where dinner wasn't scheduled was if there was an event, whether it be because of a tournament or dances, or other events that clashed with the banquet. The evening dinner banquets stood in stark contrast to the formalities that enveloped the festival. Unlike the obligatory daily gatherings, these banquets were casual and relaxed, resembling more of a social get-together to end the night.

When Rebecca entered the room, she immediately felt the warm and inviting atmosphere. She could see the other heirs mingling freely, some with plates of food in hand, others chatting animatedly with glasses of wine in tow. Scanning the crowd, it didn't take her long to spot Freen. Her blond hair cascaded over her shoulders, and she wore a simple yet elegant gown that complemented her natural beauty. Rebecca's heart warmed as she watched her. Freen was engaged in a lively conversation with a group of heirs, her expressive gestures and laughter drawing people closer.

Rebecca decided to make her way towards the group where Freen was conversing so animatedly. As she got closer, the sound of laughter and friendly banter grew louder. The other heirs greeted her warmly, making her feel like she was already part of their close-knit circle.

Freen's laughter rang out, and she turned to face Rebecca as she approached, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "Princess Rebecca , you've arrived! Come join us," Freen exclaimed, extending a welcoming hand to the empty space beside her.

Rebecca's heart fluttered as she accepted Freen's invitation and took a seat beside her. As she settled in, the conversation flowed seamlessly. Freen, with her warm smile and expressive demeanor, proved to be an excellent storyteller. She had a knack for bringing tales to life in vivid detail, her voice lilting with amusement.

Rebecca found herself utterly enchanted, captivated by Freen's voice and her gaze remained affectionately on Freen throughout most of the conversation. The fluttering in her heart had grown into an insistent fluttering by now. Yet she pushed those thoughts aside, determined not to analyze the growing attachment she felt towards Freen. For now, Rebecca simply let herself be swept up in the moment.

"I've been going on and on, haven't I?...," Freen finally interjected mid-story, noticing the empty glasses before them. "I must be boring you all."

"Not at all!" Rebecca immediately protested, alongside similar assurances from the others. "Your stories are wonderful," she said earnestly. "I could listen to them all night."

Freen gifted her a smile that made Rebecca's breath catch. "You honor me, Princess." Freen gave a playful curtsy that elicited chuckles all around. As the laughter subsided, her expression grew thoughtful.

"But come — you must have some marvelous tales of your own," Freen began, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Tell us something interesting about yourself that we might not know."

Rebecca blushed at having the attention turned to her. But surrounded by eager smiles, she wracked her brain for a memory to share a more personal side of herself. "Well," she began, "I've always loved literature. It's my way of escaping the pressures of palace life and expressing my emotions."

Freen's eyes lit up with intrigue, and she leaned in closer, captivated by Rebecca's revelation. "Literature, you say? That's fascinating. Do you have a favorite book or author?"

Rebecca's face shined as she delved into her love for the written world. "Oh, absolutely! There's a classic Luminaan author, Elysia. Her storytelling has always captivated my heart. Her words have a way of weaving emotion and beauty together."

Freen nodded thoughtfully, her genuine interest in Rebecca's passion evident. "It sounds enchanting, Rebecca. I'd love to hear more about Elysia's stories sometime. Perhaps you could even recommend one of her works for me to explore."

Rebecca leaned in, a playful glint in her eye, and whispered, "Well, there's a Luminaan legend called 'The Midnight Rendezvous.' It's said that long ago, a daring princess and a charming rogue from the kingdom's outskirts would meet secretly in the moonlit gardens. They would exchange love letters and share stolen kisses beneath the stars, defying tradition and expectations."

Freen's eyes widened with intrigue, and she leaned even closer, her voice hushed as she replied, "Oh, that sounds utterly romantic! Forbidden love beneath the moonlight. Tell me more!"

Rebecca chuckled softly before continuing, "The princess would leave a single white rose by her window each night, a signal to her mysterious lover that the coast was clear. They would meet by the palace fountain and enjoy their date."

Prince Leon chimed in with a grin, "I've heard a similar tale from my own kingdom, but instead of a rose, it was a silver locket. The lovers would meet at the edge of a lake, under the reflection of the moon."

Princess Sofia, never one to be outdone, playfully added, "In my kingdom, it was a secret code of flashlights. Two flashes for 'I love you,' and three for 'I'll be waiting.' Our palace gardens were practically lit up every night!"

Laughter rippled through the group as they continued to share their kingdoms' whispered tales of romance and daring escapades.

Freen, her eyes alight with mischief, leaned closer to Rebecca and whispered conspiratorially, "Rebecca, have you ever sneaked out of the palace for a little adventure? I won't tell anyone, I promise."

Rebecca's cheeks flushed as she recalled a particular moment from when she was young. She chuckled and replied, "Well, there was this one time when my cousin and I decided to explore the hidden tunnels beneath the palace. Let's just say it didn't end well, and we spent hours trying to find our way back."

The group erupted in laughter at the image of the young princesses navigating secret passages. Freen playfully nudged Rebecca and added, "See, even princesses have their mischievous moments. I once got caught trying to sneak into the palace kitchen at midnight for a late-night snack. The chef wasn't too pleased."

Rebecca couldn't help but laugh along with the group. She couldn't help but admire Freen's daring spirit. She realized that, unlike Freen, she often felt more comfortable when someone was with her during these escapades. Freen's ability to venture into mischief independently fascinated her, making her yearn for a touch of that boldness in her own life. Rebecca knew that she tended to follow the rules closely. That when she did step out of line, even in small ways, she would carry a lingering sense of guilt that weighed on her conscience.

In contrast, Freenseemed utterly unfettered by doubt or hesitance. She seemed to live life guided by her passions and instincts. Rebecca wondered what it must feel like to live so freely. To make choices simply because they brought joy, without worrying about propriety.

As Rebecca studied Freen, laughing along with her new circle of friends, she felt a twinge of envy. To have Freen's courage, to tap into that inner boldness, to let her hair down without the crown's shadow looming over her... it was a tantalizing thought. Rebecca wished she could cast aside, even temporarily, the heavy mantle of responsibility she had worn for so long.

Just then, Freen turned and met Rebecca's thoughtful gaze, giving her a playful wink. The gesture, small yet intimate, immediately lifted Rebecca's spirits bringing her out of her thoughts.

As the night continued, the banter evolved into a series of friendly challenges and humorous debates. Princess Sofia, with a playful glint in her eye, teased, "Perhaps we should make a pact to have a mischievous adventure together during this festival. Something to add to our collection of stories."

The idea was met with enthusiastic agreement, and the group began brainstorming ideas for a shared adventure, each suggestion more daring and imaginative than the last. Rebecca, caught up in the excitement of the moment, couldn't help but feel a thrill at maybe one day joining in on one of these escapades. Her heart raced as she imagined the fun and secret moments they would create together.

As she went to grab her wine from the table, her fingers brushed against Freen's , sending a jolt of warmth through Rebecca. She took a generous sip to gather herself and as she lowered her glass, her eyes locked with Freen's . Freen was already gazing in her direction with an unreadable expression. She expected Freen to casually look away, to break the intense eye contact.

But Freen continued gazing back steadily, a subtle smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Rebecca could hear her heartbeat pounding in her ears and blush slowly starting to spread in her cheeks under the attention. Being this near to Freen stirred unfamiliar feelings within her - exhilaration, nervousness, longing. She had a sudden urge to reach out and brush a loose strand of hair away from Freen's face, to feel the softness of her skin beneath her fingertips.

Just then, Sofia broke the moment, her mischievous grin on Freen, as she teased her. Rebecca let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding when Freen broke the eye contact. Her pulse still raced, and her skin tingled where Freen's fingers had grazed hers."Freen, you're awfully quiet. What are your thoughts on our festival adventure?"

Freen blinked, as if coming out of a trance, and a soft blush colored her cheeks. She cleared her throat and replied with a hint of laughter, "Oh, I'm just considering the possibilities Sofia. I think this festival might hold some surprises for us all."

Sofia's grin only widened at Freen's flustered response. She leaned forward conspiratorially and said in a loud mock whisper, "Come now, there's no need to be so coy. We all saw that look passing between you and our darling Rebecca just now."

Peals of laughter sounded from the others as Rebecca flushed bright scarlet. Only Freen kept remarkable composure, merely raising a slender eyebrow at Sofia's words.

"My dear Sofia, your imagination is getting rather carried away, don't you think?" Her tone was infused with gentle amusement. "At least allow more than a few days to pass before speculating about romance."

Sofia waved her hand dramatically. "When it's meant to be, passion need not wait!" Her smirk turned playfully towards Rebecca. "What say you Princess? Any forbidden paramours you wish to confess to?"

Rebecca stammered unintelligibly as her friends chuckled. She silently pleaded with Freen to divert attention away from her. Freen's eyes softened with sympathy.

"Alright, I think that's quite enough matchmaking excitement for one evening," she said, still smiling. Turning to Rebecca she added lightly, "Pay them no heed, Rebecca. We all know how easily bored nobles can get." This elicited mock outrage from Sofia and Leon and Rebecca felt herself relaxing again.

As the conversation moved back to planning a possible group adventure, she chanced a discreet side-glance at Freen. To her surprise, she found Freen gazing right back at her, an unreadable expression in her eyes.

They held each other's stare a heartbeat longer. Rebecca wondered if Freen could hear how loudly her heart was hammering in her chest. Just then Leon made a quip that sent the group into another bout of laughter. Rebecca tore her eyes away, hoping no one had noticed the charged moment passing silently between her and Freen.

Rebecca laughed along, her attention shifting back to the conversation. The group's schemes seemingly have grown increasingly daring as they thought of more ideas while Rebecca was lost in thought. Sneaking into the palace kitchens, borrowing the horses for a midnight ride, playing pranks on the nobles - nothing seemed out of the question. Rebecca found herself getting swept up in the rebellious spirit. With Freen by her side, she felt bolder, more willing to bend the rules.

Although Rebecca didn't want to, she eventually excused herself from the group, feeling the need to mingle with the other heirs. Making her rounds through the banquet hall, Rebecca exchanged warm smiles and kind words with heirs.

Her gaze swept over the room, noticing familiar faces she had come to know over the week. Prince Leopold waved at her enthusiastically from across the room before returning to his animated discussion with the heir from Aelwin. Princess Verena offered her a subtle nod and smile as their eyes met. Rebecca noticed how Verena seemed to immediately capture the rapt attention of those around her, including one of Lumina's own court members.

As the night wore on, she found herself engaged in a particularly interesting conversation with Prince Kaelen of Draconia. His kingdom was known for its impressive landscapes and breathtaking dragon displays during festivals. Rebecca was intrigued by the tales of his homeland and found herself genuinely enjoying their conversation.

In a moment of lightheartedness, Prince Kaelen leaned in and asked, "Princess Rebecca, would you honor me with your company at the end of this week?"

Rebecca was pleasantly surprised by Kaelen's invitation, especially considering it was the first week of the festival. She hadn't expected to be asked out so soon, but she understood that it was part of the festival's tradition. After all, this month-long event was designed to help her find a suitable partner and allow her feelings to develop.

With a small smile, she replied, "Prince Kaelen, I would love to accompany you at the end of this week."

As the night continued and Rebecca conversed with Kaelen, she couldn't help but notice a subtle difference in her feelings compared to when she had been with Freen earlier. While her conversation with Kaelen was enjoyable and filled with intriguing tales of Draconia, she didn't experience the same warmth and excitement that had coursed through her when talking to Freen.

With Freen, every moment felt special, making her heart race, her cheeks blush, and her thoughts lingering long after their encounters. It was a feeling of being drawn to someone, of wanting to see them often, and a sense of anticipation that fluttered within her.

With Prince Kaelen, though their conversation was pleasant, it hadn't elicited the same emotions within her. There were no quickened heartbeats or blushing cheeks. She wondered if it was too early to form a deeper connection or if perhaps her heart had already found a path it wished to follow.

Nevertheless, Rebecca remained true to the festival's purpose, knowing that it was a journey of discovery and that she needed to give every heir a fair chance. She smiled genuinely at Prince Kaelen, looking forward to their upcoming date and the opportunity to learn more about him.