"Thank you, everyone, I believe that concludes everything for now," Princess Rebecca said, rising gracefully from her seat at the head of the counsel room table. "Let us meet next week once we've each had a chance to consider today's matters some more."

Murmurs of agreement echoed around the chamber as the dozen ministers and advisors rose from their seats.

"Very good then," Rebecca declared with an authoritative yet gracious smile. "We stand adjourned until a week's time."

She inclined her head elegantly as the counselors responded with deep bows and curtsies. Hands folded before her, Rebecca walked towards the double doors at the end of the hall and exited the room.

She heaved a sigh as she step out of the counsel meeting room, the heavy wooden door clicking shut behind her. Elara immediately fell in step as Rebecca moved briskly down the hall.

"Well that was thoroughly draining," Rebecca remarked, holding up the thick stack of parchments the counsel had prepared. "I do hope you weren't waiting outside for long, Elara. I thought that this would have been a quick meeting but it was certainly longer than expected."

Elara gave her a sympathetic smile. "I'm fine, princess. I caught up on some embroidery while waiting. Did the counsel have much to advise regarding the festival suitors?"

"Oh endlessly so, as always," Rebecca said with a tired laugh. "Please tell me something moderately interesting is on my calendar next, Elara. My mind needs relief after that tedium."

"Let's see..." Elara said, glancing down to consult the planner in her hands. Her eyes lit up at the next blank page. "In fact nothing, Princess. Your afternoon is remarkably free until after lunch it seems."

Rebecca stopped mid-stride, blinking incredulously. "Truly? No fittings or events or goddess forbid, more suitors vying for my attention?"

When Elara shook her head, Rebecca felt a smile break through the strain on her face. An afternoon all to herself! However would she take advantage?

With her morning and evening schedule brimmed with meetings, events, and constant presence of the heirs vying for her attention, Rebecca found herself with a rare moment of no appointments or obligations this afternoon. The festival was designed to be an enjoyable experience for Rebecca to find a suitable match, however, the endless meetings had left her feeling rather suffocated of late. The heirs themselves were pleasant enough, yet rarely could she steal more than a few minutes' conversation before being ushered along to the next agenda.

That was why she found herself seizing a rare free afternoon to escape to the palace gardens. Glancing at her empty agenda just before lunch, Rebecca decided on impulse to take advantage of the unscheduled time.

As she strolled along the cobblestone path, Rebecca let out a contented sigh. The refreshing outdoors and lack of prying eyes from court felt like a blessing. She could remove the careful mask and composure of a poised princess, if only temporarily, and simply be Rebecca.

Breathing in the fresh air, Rebecca found her shoulders slowly lowering from their habitual regal posture. A light breeze played with her hair, sending loose strands around her face. Overhead, the leaves rustled with the wind and the distant chirpings of birds accompanied her. With each passing step, Rebecca felt the weight of her responsibilities gradually lifting away.

Unbeknownst to her, Princess Freen, too, had also sought refuge in the gardens. After learning about Rebecca's love for literature during the previous night's dinner banquet, Freen wanted to get to know more about Rebecca's interest. So, she decided to skip the events planned for the festival today and had gone to the main library in the morning after a quiet breakfast. After a bit of searching, she found the collection of books by the author Elysia that Rebecca had mentioned and, with the book in hand, she went to spend her afternoon in the palace gardens. Finding a secluded stone bench nestled beneath a giant oak tree, Freen settled in with her book and soon lost herself in the fictional world of Elysia's stories.

Meanwhile, Rebecca continued her leisurely stroll through the gardens. As she rounded a bend in the path and came upon a clearing, she was quite surprised yet delighted to see a familiar face. Seated on a bench, engrossed in a leather-bound book was Freen. Freen's presence in the garden was a pleasant surprise, and she couldn't help but feel that fate had played a part in bringing them together once more.

Rebecca couldn't help but observe Freen silently, not wanting to disturb what seemed an utterly peaceful moment. She found herself smiling as she noted Freen's eyes darting back and forth across the pages, utterly enthralled in whatever fictional world the book held. Every so often, Freen would absently reach up to tuck a windblown strand of golden hair behind one ear, too lost in reading to notice Rebecca's charmed presence.

She looked so at ease and content that Rebecca hesitated to make herself known right away. But after a moment, Rebecca decided to approach Freen and make her presence known, hoping she wasn't intruding too much on Freen's solitude.

As Rebecca got nearer, she saw Freen look up from her book, likely hearing the sound of approaching footsteps. When their eyes met, Freen's face lit up with a warm, delighted smile. She gently closed her book, keeping a finger inside to hold her place as she focused her attention on her unexpected visitor.

"Hello," Rebecca greeted her softly when she reached the stone bench, her voice lilted with pleasant surprise.

Her heart fluttered as she stood there, looking down at Freen. It was a rare moment for her, for she had grown accustomed to always looking up at Freen, figuratively and literally. But now, it felt as if their roles had been reversed, and it filled her with a feeling that made her butterflies grow even more.

Freen, her eyes a captivating shade of green, held Rebecca's gaze with warmth and fondness. "Hello Rebecca," she replied softly.

Rebecca's cheeks warmed as she continued gazing down at Freen. Their close proximity and the softness in Freen's eyes sent a rush of warmth through her, making her heart race in an entirely different way and she found herself lost in the depths of Freen's gaze.

Freen patted the spot beside her on the bench, her voice soft and inviting. "Care to join me?" she asked, her smile never fading.

With the smallest nod of her head and her heart feeling as if it might burst from her chest, Rebecca took a seat next to Freen. Their shoulders brushed lightly, and a wave of anticipation and excitement coursed through her. She couldn't help but notice how the sunlight filtering through the leaves above cast dappled shadows over Freen's features, accentuating her beauty.

"I was taking a walk and didn't expect to see anyone here, let alone you," Rebecca admitted with a soft laugh.

Freen's smile remained, and she nodded toward the book she had closed. "I thought I might get to know your favorite author a bit better," she confessed, her voice filled with sincerity. "I had quite the adventure tracking it down this morning," she chuckled.

Rebecca's heart skipped a beat once more at Freen's thoughtful gesture. The idea that Freen had gone to such lengths to find the book deeply touched her heart. "That's incredibly sweet of you, Freen. I can't believe that you went through all the trouble to read one of my favorite author's works."

Freen's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "I can see why you're drawn to her stories. They are truly captivating."

"I've always felt a special connection to her writing," Rebecca admitted, dropping her gaze for a moment. She traced her finger idly along a groove in the stone bench, gathering her thoughts.

"The way she captures longing and explores relationships has resonated with me since I first discovered her books as a girl," Rebecca continued, shy yet earnest. She raised her eyes to meet Freen's once more. "I guess her stories feel like home to me in an emotional sense."

Rebecca gave a self-conscious little laugh at her own earnestness. She rarely divulged things so personal. But Freen's attentiveness and their unexpected intimacy in this garden setting brought such reflections to the surface.

"I must sound rather silly, going on like this," Rebecca addes, hoping she hadn't revealed too much of her inner world too soon.

But Freenwas regarding her with a thoughtful, empathetic expression, like she was glimpsing something in Rebecca she found beautiful. "Not at all," Freen said gently. "I understand completely why these stories would mean so much."

Rebecca's breath caught at that. The way Freen was looking at her made her feel truly seen - neither judged nor found wanting.

"I'm glad you see why her writing has been so important to me," Rebecca replied, meeting Freen's thoughtful gaze. She wondered if perhaps Freen had ever felt as she did... but that didn't matter. With Freen, she could simply be herself, without pretense or apology. It was a new yet welcome feeling.

"Her heroines always speak to me so deeply," Rebecca mused. "Women determined to live life on their own terms, despite the obstacles. Women who aren't afraid to want more."

As she spoke the words, Rebecca suddenly became acutely aware of how close she and Freen sat on that stone bench, their faces near enough for her to feel Freen's faint breath. She could discern every captivating fleck of color in Freen's eyes as they held her gaze with reassuring empathy.

Rebecca's mouth went dry, her train of thought momentarily derailed. But she kept speaking, almost unconsciously, with Freen watching her so intently.

"I've always admired that strength and conviction," Rebecca managed softly. "Too often, I think many of us silence our true desires. We hide pieces of ourselves away, for fear of rejection."

Rebecca's voice faltered as Freen reached over, her hand gently covering Rebecca's where it still rested on the bench between them. Rebecca drew in a soft breath at that unexpected touch, Freen's skin warm and unexpectedly soft against her own. The contact sent a tingling warmth through Rebecca's entire body, and she couldn't deny the growing attraction she felt for Freen in that tender moment.

She slowly raised her eyes to meet Freen's gaze once more. What she saw there stole her breath away. Freen was regarding her with undisguised affection, a glow in her eyes that matched the quickening of Rebecca's own pulse.

In that moment, tucked away in their garden, the rest of the world faded to insignificance. There was only Freen - the sparkling green of her eyes, the halo of golden hair around her face, the kindness and curiosity that had so quickly eroded Rebecca's defenses.

An unnamed longing welled up within Rebecca as she continued holding Freen'stender gaze. She wanted...she wasn't sure exactly what. More of this feeling, this intimacy. More of Freen's voice and inner light that had so captivated her.

Freen gently squeezed Rebecca's hand, as if sensing her unconcealed yearning. "What is it you truly desire, Rebecca?" she asked softly. "You can tell me."

Her voice was achingly gentle, devoid of judgment or expectation. Rebecca realized with quiet awe that Freen was offering her a gift more precious than any material thing - a safe harbor for her most vulnerable truths.

Rebecca took a slow, trembling breath, steadying herself with the warmth of Freen'shand still covering hers.

"I want..." she began hesitantly. She raised her eyes to Freen's once more, finding patience and understanding shining back at her. Rebecca let the last of her reservations fall away.

"I want the things I've been afraid to reach for my whole life," she continued, her voice gaining conviction with each word. "I want to live boldly, love deeply, see the farthest reaches of this world with my own eyes..."

Rebecca trailed off, almost breathless as she gave voice to her innermost longings. Freenwas watching her intently, leaning closer as Rebecca revealed more of herself.

"But more than anything," Rebecca finished in a fervent whisper, "I want to be truly seen and known by someone. I want to be accepted as I am, without judgment or expectation."

Her eyes shone with building emotion as they held Freen's bright gaze. Rebecca fell silent then, wondering if she had revealed the fullness of her longing too freely. But Freen was regarding her with something that looked very much like wonder, and Rebecca's heart swelled with relief and growing affection.

Freen continued to regard Rebecca with unconcealed wonder, even as Rebecca fell silent, breathless after her admission. The charged intimacy of the moment hung suspended between them, the garden fading away until Freen was all Rebecca could see.

Slowly, tentatively, Freen raised her free hand to Rebecca's face. Her fingertips just barely grazed Rebecca's cheek at first, as though seeking silent permission. When Rebecca instinctively leaned into her touch, Freen cradled her face with such tenderness, her thumb gently tracing Rebecca's cheekbone.

Rebecca's eyelashes fluttered closed at the contact, a soft sigh escaping her parted lips. Freen's hand was just as soft against her face as it had been covering her own moments before. Rebecca found herself turning her cheek more fully into Freen's palm, every nerve alive and attuned to her.

"Oh Rebecca," Freen finally whispered into the space between them. "You deserve all of that and more. I would love nothing more than to know every hidden part of you."

At her sincere words, Rebecca's eyes blinked open to meet Freen's gaze once more. What she saw there stole the breath from her lungs. Freenwas looking at her with unconcealed affection...and something deeper still. Something Rebecca hardly dared put a name to, though it called to her like only she could hear.

"Do you mean that?" Rebecca managed unevenly. Freen answered by drawing impossibly closer, their thighs now pressed together on the stone bench.

"With all that I am," Freen murmured.

The atmosphere was charged and Rebecca was left momentarily speechless. For a suspended moment, they sat in a wordless exchange, their breaths mingling in the space between them. Rebecca felt a nervous fluttering in her chest as Freen remained just a hair's breadth away. If Freen were to close the distance between them, Rebecca wasn't sure what would happen next. The very thought made her pulse skitter with apprehension and shy excitement.

Would Freen kiss her? The possibility left Rebecca frozen, unsure if she was prepared for such intimacy but helplessly drawn by the allure of Freen's nearness. She had never been kissed before and Rebecca found herself afraid to disappoint or unsure how to respond. But after a moment, Freen drew back slightly, her fingers tracing a delicate line along Rebecca's jaw before her hand retreated.

Rebecca found herself blinking slowly as the intimate moment passed, the world around them slowly creeping back into focus. "Sorry, I got a little carried away," she heard Freen say softly and Rebecca let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding, nodding slowly in agreement.

"Hmmmm, yes... Sorry what?" Rebecca said back, her voice slightly breathless, trying to focus on what Freen was telling her.

Freen laughed softly and she looked at Rebecca full of tenderness making Rebecca's heart flutter in her chest once again. "Nothing important," Freen said softly, a hint of amusement in her voice. "I forgot what we were discussing before...."

Rebecca couldn't help but let out a small, breathless giggle. "To be quite honest, I can't seem to recall either," she admitted.

A comfortable silence fell between them, but Rebecca found herself not yet ready to lose all physical contact just yet. Tentatively, she leaned into Freen's side, letting her head come to rest gently on Freen's shoulder. She felt Freen shift beside her, draping her arm loosely behind Rebecca's back.

They stayed in that position for a moment, Rebecca acutely aware of how perfectly she fit against Freen's side. She could feel the warmth radiating between them and the citrus scent she now associated with Freen enveloped her. It felt intimate yet easy. Natural.

But as the comfortable silence passed, Rebecca's thoughts soon turned back to the impending date with Prince Kaelin that she had accepted the night before. For some reason she felt uncomfortable not letting Freen know that she has a date planned. She knew she'd done nothing inappropriate - she had told all the heirs she intended to accept offers from everyone, as was the festival purpose. Still, Rebecca couldn't shake the hovering sense that it somehow felt less than truthful not to bring it up to Freen now. The idea of keeping even minor social engagements private suddenly made Rebecca uncomfortable. She knew in her heart it was best to share the news of Prince Kaelin's invitation now rather than have Freen hear of it later from someone else.

Reluctantly, Rebecca lifted her head from where she had been resting against Freen's shoulder and she met Freen's curious gaze with a tentative smile.

"Freen, there's something I should tell you," she said quietly, her voice soft and sincere. "Last night, at the dinner banquet, I was asked out on my first date of the festival."

"Oh, I see," Freen replied gently, her tone carefully measured. "That's lovely, Rebecca."

Though her words were neutral, Rebecca could sense a hint of melancholy in Freen's response. Freen's gaze and tone didn't betray much emotion; however, her posture seemed to change slightly as she angled herself a little distance away from Rebecca subtly. If Rebecca wasn't looking, she would have barely noticed.

Rebecca's heart constricted, despising herself in that moment for being the one to dampen Freen's mood, if only briefly. She couldn't bear to see a flicker of hurt in Freen's eyes and so Rebecca rushed to finish explaining herself to prevent hurting Freen any further.

"It's my first ever date invitation. I don't even know him well, not as much as I do with you and... and...," she stuttered. "I just wanted you to know," Rebecca sighed.

"I didn't want you to see or hear about it from someone else," she continued, her voice softening as she laid bare her emotions. "But, Freen, there's something I want you to know. I want to be more open with you because I find myself growing more drawn to you with each passing moment we spend together."

A flicker of emotion seemed to cross over Freen's features, subtle but unmistakable. And then Freen's fingers brushed lightly, tentatively against Rebecca's own, making Rebecca's breath catch.

Inside, Freen felt her composure waver. She knew what she was coming to feel for Rebecca was special beyond measure, though it was too soon yet to define precisely. She had experienced love before, and this newfound curiosity about Rebecca was something she wanted to explore during the month-long festival.

"Rebecca," Freen replied in a hushed tone, "Thank you for telling me about your date. I appreciate your honesty and I want you to know that I'm genuinely curious about you too. I feel ourselves growing closer by the day, though I don't wish to pressure or assume."

Freen paused, gently squeezed Rebecca's hands again, carefully considering her next words. "I've been in two relationships before, and this feeling... it's familiar but also different... Familiar because I keep searching for you at the functions and my heart feels light when I see you smile. But with you, it's also different. We've only known one another a short while, yet already, being by your side brings me so much warmth."

Rebecca glanced down as a fierce blush spread across her cheeks. She was unaccustomed to having anyone express such caring sentiment towards her. Growing up, she was void of such affections, even from her own parents who had always been distant and formal towards her.

So to have Freen speak of her growing fondness - the warmth Rebecca's presence brought her and the lightness in her chest when their eyes met - it made Rebecca feel suddenly and intensely shy. A shy in the most tender and intimate of ways. Unsure how to respond, Rebecca shyly tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her palm feeling sweaty against Freen's.

"I understand that the festival calls for you to accept offers from all the heirs, and I respect that. I don't wish to make demands or overstep my bounds," Freen added gently. "I'm just happy to spend some moments like this with you to get to know you better."

Their fingers brushed lightly once more, and as she searched Freen's eyes, she found a genuine softness in her gaze. It was a look that promised friendship, curiosity, and the potential for something more.

"Freen, I...I don't know what to say," Rebecca stammered finally. "No one has ever spoken to me like that before." She felt hot tears pricking the corners of her eyes. Not from sadness, but from the sheer magnitude of emotions swelling within.

"Oh Freen," she whispered. "I care for you too. But this is all so new. My heart feels fit to burst with such new feelings, yet I don't wish to promise what I cannot predict."

Rebecca took a steadying breath, giving Freen's hand a gentle squeeze. "You deserve someone who can match your maturity and grace. I fear I may disappoint you...though it would pain me greatly should we grow apart."

Freen lifted her hand to lightly caress Rebecca's hair, comforting her as the silence stretched between them. "Don't feel pressured by what I've shared," she murmured. "We haven't even gotten to know each other well yet and I'm sure you're feeling overwhelmed by all these new emotions... Please forgive my openness—I meant only to be honest, not to rush you. Just know that I am here, and I am happy simply being by your side."

Rebecca found that Freen was right. She was feeling somewhat overwhelmed by Freen's open confession of fondness. Such emotions were new territory for Rebecca. However, a warmth and sense of relief soon washed over her in the wake of Freen's patient words. Rather than any expectations or demands, Freen had offered only reassurance

"Thank you, Freen," Rebecca whispered, her voice barely louder than the rustling leaves around them. She met Freen's gaze, her eyes reflecting the emotions she's feeling. While she hadn't been in any relationships before, Rebecca knew that her feelings for Freen were unlike anything she had ever experienced.

As their fingers lightly brushed against each other, the air seemed to grow warmer. Rebecca's stomach chose that precise moment to let out a soft, embarrassed rumble. She blushed, her cheeks tinted with a rosy warmth, and smiled sheepishly.

Freen couldn't help but chuckle softly. "It sounds like you are hungry," she said, her voice warm and teasing. "Shall we head to the palace for lunch?"

Rebecca's smile brightened, and she nodded in agreement. "Yes, that sounds wonderful." She paused for a moment, her gaze never leaving Freen's. "Have you had lunch yet?"

Freen shook her head, her eyes holding a playful glint. "No, I was so engrossed in my reading that I lost track of time."

Rebecca chuckled softly, her heart dancing with delight at the prospect of spending more time with Freen. She hesitated for a moment, her cheeks still tinged with a blush. "Would you... would you like to have lunch together?" she asked, her voice carrying a shy, hopeful note.

Freen's eyes sparkled with warmth and amusement. "I would love to," she replied, her tone gentle and sincere.

With the promise of lunch, they rose from the stone bench and began walking back to the palace. Side by side, they strolled along the garden path, hands occasionally brushing against each other. With each graze, Rebecca became lost in the sweet tension, her heart racing faster as her skin tingled from Freen's touch. Feeling a little bold, and before she could talk herself out of it, Rebecca intentionally allowed her pinky to brush against Freen's a little longer than appropriate.

It was a small subtle movement, almost seemingly accidental were it not for the spark of connection that danced between them. To her surprise, Freen didn't pull away; instead, she gently hooked her own pinky around Rebecca's and continued walking ahead.