After the initial shock from the revelation, the atmosphere began to shift. Conversations that were silenced because of their surprise and shock, began to flow again, the soft murmur of voices and laughter returning to fill the air.

Rebecca could sense the shift in energy around her and it was as though a weight had been lifted, not just from her shoulders but from the entire gathering. The knowledge of her omega status, once a closely guarded secret, was no longer hidden. Instead of the judgment and prejudice she had feared, she found acceptance and understanding in the eyes of many.

Not to say that all were accepting of her. While many embraced her, there were others that appeared visibly uncomfortable, their expressions betraying a mix of surprise and disdain. A few of her friends she had considered close now kept their distance, their once-friendly smiles replaced by guarded glances and hushed conversations that abruptly stopped whenever she drew near.

Each subtle glance or awkward avoidance felt like a small dagger piercing her heart. Despite this, Rebecca resolved to not let their reactions dampen her spirits. She clung to the warmth and acceptance offered by others and she found herself in the company of those who had accepted her.

The dances that had momentarily paused now resumed, the dance floor filled with swirling gowns and laughter. And as she walked to the edge of the dance floor, observing the scene before, Rebecca couldn't help but feel a sense of liberation. Her father revealing her omega status had set her free from the burden of secrecy that had weighed on her for so long. It allowed her to be more true to herself, to embrace her identity without fear.

As Rebecca stood on the edge of the dance floor, basking in the newfound sense of acceptance and liberation, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Prince Thaddeus, a beta heir from the neighboring kingdom of Aerilon, extending his hand towards her with a warm smile. "Would you honor me with a dance, Princess Rebecca?"

Rebecca's heart skipped a beat at the invitation. It would be her first dance after her status reveal, so it wasn't just any dance for her. She had anticipated judgment, rejection, and isolation as she maneuvered her way through the gala. And yes, she did encounter some hushed conversations and glances, but she also found acceptance and kindness.

With a graceful nod and a shy smile, she placed her hand in his. They moved onto the dance floor, joining the other couples in their elegant waltz. They both glided across the dance floor as the music flowed around them.

"Princess Rebecca, I must admit, I was taken aback by the revelation," Prince Thaddeus said as they danced along to the music. "But as I've watched you tonight, I've come to realize that titles mean very little."

Rebecca's eyes met his, a grateful smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, Prince Thaddeus. That means a lot to me, especially tonight. I was worried about how everyone would react. But it was not as bad as I expected... At least none of the visiting nobles have left the gala." She couldn't help but to laugh, a self-deprecating sound as she was still feeling wary after the revelation.

The waltz continued, their steps graceful and unhurried. Rebecca felt a sense of ease in Prince Thaddeus's presence, and was grateful to be able to dance with him.

Prince Thaddeus replied, his voice carrying a warmth that matched his smile, "Worry not, Princess. There are indeed many others who value more than just status."

Rebecca's gaze remained fixed on his, the gratefulness in her eyes mirrored in her words. "It's a relief to encounter understanding hearts like yours, Prince Thaddeus. Your acceptance has made this evening truly special."

As the waltz continued, their conversation flowed effortlessly. It might not have been a romantic encounter, but it was a significant one—one that Rebecca would cherish.

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As the evening wore on, Rebecca found her gaze wandering the gala, searching for one figure in particular - the mysterious omega, Princess Freen. She had caught only glimpses of Freen earlier, but the princess had captivated her interest. Hushed conversations among various nobles hinted at Freen's unexpected arrival and undeniable beauty, though details remained scarce.

When Rebecca finally spotted her across the crowded ballroom, her breath caught. Freen moved with an air of regal elegance, drawing subtle glances and whispers from those around her and Rebecca found herself intrigued by her. She captivated those around her with seemingly little effort and Rebecca watched, entranced, as Freen gave a radiant smile to her current conversation partner.

Princess Freen seemed to exude a quiet confidence and charm that set her apart from the bustling crowds and the noble heirs seeking Rebecca's affection. She did not seem to try and gain Rebecca's interest but seemed to set her own pace.

While others were vying for attention and trying to impress her, Freen simply carried herself with a sense of self-assuredness that drew people to her naturally. She didn't feel the need to assert herself or put on a show, which made her presence all the more intriguing. Princess Freen's approach to the festival was refreshingly different.

No posturing or pretense - Freen engaged the celebration on her own terms, sharing warmth and regard for all those around her. Rebecca sensed a sincerity that is often veiled in royal circles.

Rebecca burned with curiosity to know more about the princess. Did Freen truly attend the festival for her? Why did Rebecca not know about her till now? As Freen's laughter rang out, Rebecca felt an unexpected pang. She longed to bask in Freen's attention herself, to be the recipient of such charm.

She wanted to go up to Freen and strike a conversation but she found herself suddenly engaged in pleasant conversations with those who had shown their support after her omega status was revealed.

Though Rebecca was genuinely moved by the acceptance and interest shown by these new acquaintances, part of her focus kept straying back towards the alluring princess across the room. She maintained an attentive smile as ladies at court shared words of encouragement and gentlemen praised her poise. Inside though, Rebecca's curiosity mounted.

When the conversations seemed to slow down, Rebecca politely excused herself to get a drink and take a break from mingling. She decided to make her escape to the garden to enjoy herself for a few minutes. She was just too tired from everything at the moment and needed a little peace for herself before she found herself taken in on another conversation.

She did want to get the chance to talk to Princess Freen by the end of the night, but she decided that it can wait. And if she was not able to get the chance to talk with Freen tonight, she still has the rest of the month to hopefully get to know her better.

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Princess Freen found herself drawn to a quieter corner of the palace gardens as the gala continued. The moon's soft glow illuminated her path as she navigated the crowd, her eyes ultimately finding Princess Rebecca standing alone amidst a bed of roses.

Freen made her way through the garden towards the pensive princess. Hearing the footsteps approach, Rebecca looked up to see the visiting princess that she had been thinking about earlier drawing near.

"Good evening, Princess Rebecca," Freen greeted with a polite smile as she came to stand before Rebecca.

Rebecca, surprised at the unexpected conversation partner, quickly flashed a smile of her own. "Good evening, Princess Freen. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Freen inclined her head slightly, a rueful smile touching her lips. "Forgive me for intruding upon your solitude. I merely found myself drawn to the gardens and saw you by yourself. I simply wished to express my respect and support."

Freen's expression became one of friendly concern. "I do hope I have not imposed too much or disturbed your peace. If you would prefer, I can take my leave..."

"Not at all," Rebecca quickly assured, not wanting Freen to leave. "I just needed a moment of respite. It is quite peaceful here, away from the gala I mean... Your company is most welcome."

Freen regarded Rebecca thoughtfully, her gaze soft but piercing, as if she's trying to look into Rebecca's soul to see what she is hiding underneath. Then a small smile graced her lips before she responded to Rebecca's admission. "There's certainly a sort of tranquility out here," Freen acknowledged.

A comfortable silence then settled between them. Rebecca appreciated the ease of this silence. Freen didn't rush to fill the space with meaningless words, instead seeming content to share this peaceful moment with Rebecca.

After a few moments, Freen's calm demeanor remained unchanged, but a subtle curiosity danced in her eyes and she broke the silence gently. "May I ask why you are out here instead of enjoying yourself inside?"

Rebecca paused for a moment, considering Freen's question, her gaze briefly wandering over the garden before settling back on Freen's attentive eyes. "Truthfully, I found myself needing a moment for myself.... It's been an eventful evening, to say the least," Rebecca confessed.

Freen nodded slowly, conveying perfect understanding. "Revealing core parts of oneself can feel both freeing and overwhelming."

"I'm grateful for the acceptance I've received tonight," Rebecca went on, a note of gratitude lacing her words. "However, not everyone's reaction has been as embracing. Discovering that some of my close friends don't see me in the same light has been quite... disheartening."

Rebecca sighed softly, her gaze momentarily drifting away before meeting Freen's understanding eyes once more. "I understand not everyone may be as accepting... But it's a lot to process, and I found myself needing to get away."

Freen's expression softened as she regarded Rebecca. For a fleeting moment, she felt a tug in her heart, an unspoken desire to reach out and bring Rebecca to her arms to offer her comfort.

Yet, she hesitated. She didn't want Rebecca to feel uncomfortable. It was the first time they met and she didn't want to overstep any unspoken boundaries. Unsure if such an intimate gesture would be welcomed or seen as too forward, she opted instead for a reassuring smile, hoping it would communicate the comfort she wanted to extend, allowing Rebecca to decide the extent of closeness she might desire.

"What you're feeling is valid, Rebecca," Freen assured her. "It's never easy when those closest to us react in ways we don't expect or hope for. Their inability to see you for who you truly are reflects more on their own limitations than yours."

She paused, giving Rebecca time to absorb her words. "It will take time for some to shed old prejudices... And this may sound like I'm brushing over your feelings... but you should take comfort in those that do support you, even if it comes from those that you did not expect."

"Remember, true friends see beyond your omega status." Freen added gently, hoping to brighten Rebecca's mood. "Not everyone can adjust to something new fast. Sometimes, it takes time for them to see beyond what they thought they knew."

Rebecca's eyes widened slightly in surprise, her gaze fixed on Freen's understanding expression. For a brief moment, a hint of disbelief lingered in her features. She hadn't expected Freen to genuinely acknowledge her. Rather she thought that she would brush it aside and offer her some generic warmth. It was unexpected, yet a reassuring comfort settled within her.

"I... thank you." There was a softness in Rebecca's voice as she struggled to find the right words. "I didn't expect... I mean, I thought you might just say what others do, you know, the generic assurances without really understanding..."

Her voice trailed off, a mix of surprise and gratitude evident in her eyes as she regarded Freen with a newfound appreciation for their meeting. There seemed to be a connection between them that seemed to instantly bloom between them.

"It's comforting to hear someone acknowledge how I feel," Rebecca quietly said, managing a small smile. "Thank you, Freen."

Freen returned the smile warmly. "You need not thank me. I was simply sharing my thoughts."

"Perhaps we could walk the garden path together?" Rebecca suggested impulsively, desiring to prolong this moment. "I would welcome the company."

Their conversation flowed naturally after that, and Rebecca and Freen found themselves discovering common ground and understanding as they walked down the garden path, passing by other nobles who were also enjoying their time outside the ballroom.

Freen's manner remained open and engaging, lacking the formality Rebecca so often encountered at court functions. This new acquaintance seemed genuinely interested in Rebecca herself, asking thoughtful questions and listening attentively as the princess shared her perspectives.

However, as the evening progressed, Rebecca felt a tug at the edges of her consciousness, a reminder of her duties that she seemed to be forgetting. Her gaze drifted towards the center of the garden, where a group of musicians was preparing to perform. The realization that she was responsible for overseeing the events of the evening came rushing in.

Rebecca's brow furrowed slightly as she wrestled with her reluctance to leave Freen's company. She would have very much loved to stay, but her own sense of responsibility would not allow her to neglect her obligations as host, no matter how tempting it was to remain with her new found friend.

Turning to Freen with an apologetic smile, Rebecca spoke up. "Princess Freen, I'm truly enjoying our conversation. but I fear I must attend to my responsibilities as host soon. As much as I have been enjoying our conversation, I cannot neglect my duties. The musicians are about to start, and I should make sure everything is proceeding smoothly."

"Of course, Princess Rebecca. I understand. Please, don't let me keep you from your duties. You have been an excellent host, and I appreciate the time you've given me already."

A touch of regret tinged Rebecca's smile as she wished to stay with Freen longer. "Truly, the pleasure has been mine. Will you be leaving soon? Perhaps we might continue our discussion at a later time?"

"I would like that very much," Freen said warmly. "For now, go and tend to your guests. We shall speak again soon."

As Rebecca stepped away, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment at leaving such an engaging conversation behind. She casted one last glance back at Freen, who gave her an encouraging smile, letting her know everything will be alright.

"Thank you again, Princess Freen," Rebecca expressed. "For acknowledging my feelings, for understanding... I look forward to seeing you again."

And with those words, Rebecca excused herself to check on the musicians. When everything was all in order and the music filled the air, she went back inside to meet more guests and exchange pleasantries. She moved through the crowd with poise, though her mind occasionally drifted to the conversation she'd had with Princess Freen in the secluded corner of the garden.

She found herself scanning the lavish hall, her eyes trailing over the faces of nobles and foreign delegates, hoping to catch another glimpse of the visiting princess. However, despite her efforts, Freen was nowhere to be found and she found herself feeling disappointed. Freen had left quite an impression on Rebecca and she had wanted to get to know her better over the course of the evening.

As the night unfolded, Rebecca reluctantly accepted that Freen must have taken her leave. Despite her disappointment, Rebecca carried on gracefully, mingling with the other guests. Throughout the rest of the evening, she received genuine smiles and kind words from both old acquaintances and newfound friends.

The gala eventually began to wind down and Rebecca stood once more before her subjects and guests. She felt a surge of gratitude for her father's decision to reveal her omega status and for the unwavering support of those who had stood by her side through the revelation.

With a heart full of hope and a newfound sense of purpose, Rebecca's gaze swept over the crowd. Her voice rang out, steady and clear, carrying a mixture of vulnerability and strength that rang throughout the hall.

"Words cannot express the gratitude I feel this evening. Your kindness, your open minds and open hearts have been a precious gift.I want to sincerely apologize for keeping my true nature hidden and presenting myself as an alpha for so long. But I also want to say thanks to those who have accepted me for who I am and are supporting me. I feel deeply touched by the warmth and understanding you all have shown me tonight. I promise to continue leading as I have always done and to embrace my omega status with pride. I also want to say that I will work even harder for Lumina."

The crowd erupted into applause, their hands clapping in approval and admiration. Rebecca raised her hand and everyone started to quiet down once more.

"On that note, I just want to say, I hope you have enjoyed the gala. I am truly happy that everyone came here to get to know me better. Just like my father said before, if you feel as if my status changes any meaning to who I am and would not like to partake in the month-long festival, I thank you for coming to Lumina and I am sorry you had to travel here only to return. But I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening."

As the final notes of the music played and the gala came to an end, Rebecca walked through the palace gardens, a sense of fulfillment and purpose guiding her steps. The festival's grand opening had marked not only the beginning of a quest for her heart but also new beginnings.