The dawn of the fateful day finally arrived. Today marked the commencement of the month-long courtship festival - and the revelation of Rebecca's closely guarded secret to all.

Rebecca stood stoically as her handmaidens fluttered about, preparing her for the opening gala. Outwardly, the princess was the epitome of elegance in her royal gown, her circlet perfectly placed. Inwardly however, her stomach churned with anxiety. Anxious and on edge, Rebecca found it hard to be excited for the festival.

She gazed out her window where the palace gardens below were transformed, adorned with elaborate archways, vibrant floral arrangements, and colorful tapestries. Stages hosted final rehearsals with musicians preparing for tonight's performances. Servants bustling around with platters of food to showcase Lumina's hospitality for their anticipated guests

By nightfall, her true nature would be bare before not only her kingdom, but nobles traveling from afar with matrimony in mind. How would they react to an omega heir instead of the presumed alpha princess? Would her suitors still seek her hand? Or would they turn away, regarding her reign as weak without the fortification of an alpha consort? She longed for the day to pass quickly, knowing that the unveiling would bring her relief. However, she dreaded the thought of facing potential negative responses and the ensuing backlash that her revelation might provoke.

As Rebecca descended to greet the arriving nobles, she donned her most serene mask, concealing her nerves with practiced diplomacy. When at last her father stood to deliver his speech, Rebecca braced herself, her fate soon to be decided under the scrutiny of all.

The orchestra's crescendo signaled the commencement of the announcement. With all eyes on the throne, King Cedric rose from his seat. His voice resonating through the hall, he recounted the kingdom's history, its triumphs and trials, and spoke of unity and strength.

And then, with a solemn gaze, he turned his attention to his daughter. He began recounting the joyous moments of Princess Rebecca's upbringing. The crowd listened raptly as the king spoke of her accomplishments, her kindness, and the light she brought to the kingdom.

As his speech continued, the king's tone grew somber. "I have shielded my daughter from scrutiny by concealing one truth about her identity. But the time for secrets has passed."

The hall was hushed, all eyes fixed upon King Cedric. Rebecca stood tall, bracing herself as her father uttered the words that would forever change how she was perceived

"Today, I want to reveal something that I have withheld to share with everyone. My precious daughter, Rebecca, as you know, has gained my respect and of everyone with her knowledge and demeanor. She has gone above and beyond my expectations at a young age. And I know that I had been harsh on her, but it was all to protect her in the future. I did not want anyone looking down on her at what I'm going to reveal and I hope no one thinks differently about her."

As her father's words filled the grand hall, a heavy silence descended, broken only by the soft rustling of noble robes and the muted breaths of those in attendance. The anticipation hung in the air, and Princess Rebecca could feel her heart pounding in her chest, waiting for her father to finally announce her nature.

"My daughter is an omega."

Rebecca's breath caught in her throat as the truth spilled forth from her father's lips. She had prepared herself for this moment, yet the weight of the revelation still hit. Her eyes welled with tears, but she fought to keep them at bay, knowing that this was a moment that required her strength.

A tense hush fell over the crowd. Rebecca could feel the eyes burning into her, could sense the rapid reassessment happening in their minds. An omega heir instead of the presumed alpha - how would this change things?

King Cedric gazed at his daughter, regret shining in his eyes. "I know I caused harm by hiding Rebecca's status all this time. As a father, I only wanted to protect her, but I see now that I caused her undue pain. I am truly sorry, my child."

Rebecca managed a small smile for her father even with all the pain he had caused her.

The king continued, "My daughter has shown wisdom and dedication from a young age. I am truly proud of her merits. Her status changes nothing for all she has gained thus far. She will lead our kingdom skillfully and I know that my daughter will be a great Queen." His voice rang loud in the silent hall.

As her father spoke, the weight of his words bore down on Rebecca, and she felt her composure slipping. She squeezed her hands together, trying to maintain her poise. Her father's rare display of emotion and recognition was unexpected.

She had anticipated the simple revelation of her status this evening. But her father's heartfelt words of support and apology overwhelmed the carefully constructed barriers around her heart.

Unexpected tears pricked at the corners of Rebecca's eyes. How long had she yearned to hear her father express pride in what she achieved? After years of masking her emotions, the tenderness in his voice unlocked something deep inside. A torrent of bittersweet feelings cascaded through her, catching her off guard. Swallowing hard, Rebecca managed a tremulous but grateful smile.

But her father's voice rang out once more. "Nothing has changed but your perceptions. Rebecca remains the same princess you have always cherished. I implore you - do not let prejudices veil your eyes. Judge my daughter by her heart and deeds, not status alone. I ask all of you to open your minds and hearts, to see Rebecca for who she truly is."

"... And if you think that she is not worthy, then so be it. You are free to leave the festival."

The silence in the grand hall seemed to stretch, as the weight of King Cedric's revelation hung in the air. It felt like an eternity for Rebecca, and the weight of judgment, or acceptance, hung heavily in the balance. She could feel everyone's eyes on her, their gazes assessing, questioning, and in some cases, revealing a glimmer of understanding.

As the crowd processed the revelation, their reactions varied. Murmurs of surprise and shock started to ripple through the assembly, accompanied by exchanged glances and raised eyebrows. For some, the revelation came as a surprise, while for others, it was a realization that they had missed the signs that Rebecca wasn't an alpha.

Rebecca stood tall, willing herself to appear unfazed though nerves twisted within. She met the searching looks steadily, cheeks burning under the scrutiny but resolved not to hide. This was who she was - and she would face it.

-----------

The king continued, "My daughter has shown wisdom and dedication from a young age. I am truly proud of her merits. Her status changes nothing for all she has gained thus far. She will lead our kingdom skillfully and I know that my daughter will be a great Queen." His voice rang loud in the silent hall.

As her father spoke, the weight of his words bore down on Rebecca, and she felt her composure slipping. She squeezed her hands together, trying to maintain her poise. Her father's rare display of emotion and recognition was unexpected.

She had anticipated the simple revelation of her status this evening. But her father's heartfelt words of support and apology overwhelmed the carefully constructed barriers around her heart.

Unexpected tears pricked at the corners of Rebecca's eyes. How long had she yearned to hear her father express pride in what she achieved? After years of masking her emotions, the tenderness in his voice unlocked something deep inside. A torrent of bittersweet feelings cascaded through her, catching her off guard. Swallowing hard, Rebecca managed a tremulous but grateful smile.

But her father's voice rang out once more. "Nothing has changed but your perceptions. Rebecca remains the same princess you have always cherished. I implore you - do not let prejudices veil your eyes. Judge my daughter by her heart and deeds, not status alone. I ask all of you to open your minds and hearts, to see Rebecca for who she truly is."

"... And if you think that she is not worthy, then so be it. You are free to leave the festival."

The silence in the grand hall seemed to stretch, as the weight of King Cedric's revelation hung in the air. It felt like an eternity for Rebecca, and the weight of judgment, or acceptance, hung heavily in the balance. She could feel everyone's eyes on her, their gazes assessing, questioning, and in some cases, revealing a glimmer of understanding.

As the crowd processed the revelation, their reactions varied. Murmurs of surprise and shock started to ripple through the assembly, accompanied by exchanged glances and raised eyebrows. For some, the revelation came as a surprise, while for others, it was a realization that they had missed the signs that Rebecca wasn't an alpha.

Rebecca stood tall, willing herself to appear unfazed though nerves twisted within. She met the searching looks steadily, cheeks burning under the scrutiny but resolved not to hide. This was who she was - and she would face it.

-----------

As Rebecca stood beside her father, she felt a mixture of emotions—vulnerability, sadness, relief... The secret she had carried for so long was finally out in the open, and the truth had set her free in a way she had never imagined.

Her gaze swept across the room, meeting the eyes of her subjects and the noble heirs who had come to win her heart. Among the gathered guests, reactions varied. Some showed understanding and pity, while others showed discomfort. And yet, there were those whose expressions remained unchanged, an affirmation that they saw beyond status and embraced the person within.

As the silence gradually gave way to whispers and conversations, a few individuals stood from their seats. These were the ones who had been true allies, the ones who saw beyond designations and recognized Rebecca's true character. One by one, they rose to their feet, their actions speaking louder than words. Their support sent a message of unity, respect, and acceptance—a message that could not be ignored.

Rebecca turned slowly towards her parents, unsure what to expect. Her father stood tall, his expression stoic. But as her gaze met his, Rebecca saw a hint of regret in his eyes. Her mother too looked composed on the surface. Yet Rebecca saw the sadness lurking beneath her composure.

Rebecca's heart clenched. She knew this revelation had not been easy for them. The weight of responsibility her parents bore for the kingdom was immense. No doubt part of them wished that she was truly an alpha.

Yet they had chosen to stand by Rebecca regardless of the consequences. They had put their support and love for their daughter first, even above duty. That realization meant the world to Rebecca.

Blinking back grateful tears, Rebecca made her way over to her parents.

"I'm sorry that we left you alone dear for so long," Queen Isabella's voice was heavy with remorse. "I know we aren't the best parents, but I hope that you can forgive us. We are truly proud of you."

Rebecca's heart ached at her mother's words, and she reached out to gently touch her arm. "Th-Thanks, mother, father," she stammered, her voice trembling with emotion. "I-I really needed to hear that. And I forgive you. I know you wanted the best."

Queen Isabella covered Rebecca's hand with her own. The simple gesture unleashed a tide of emotions within Rebecca. All the isolation, doubt and longing for acceptance came rushing forth. Rebecca turned into her mother's embrace, tears flowing freely now.

Queen Isabella, her eyes moist, hugged Rebecca and turned her away from the gala. "You're already the best, sweetheart," she said softly. "There is nothing we would change for anything in the world."

Rebecca let her mother's comforting words wash over her, soothing away the hurt of the past. Yet despite the warmth of her mother's embrace, Rebecca could not stop the flow of tears that came. She chided herself even as her shoulders shook - years of concealing her emotions making a public display like this feel foreign and indulgent.

As Isabella smoothed Rebecca's hair, the princess pressed her eyes shut, willing her tears to still and breath to steady. She focused inward, regaining poise the only way she knew how. With a shuddering inhale, Rebecca lifted her head from her mother's shoulder, flickers of shame heating her tear-stained cheeks at the scene she had caused. She was a princess after all - one who must keep poised and controlled, never cracked or crumbling.

"I'm sorry..." she whispered, embarrassment creeping in as she imagined how she must look to all those still watching and judging. Rebecca dabbed at her eyes, urging the last offensive tears away forcefully.

Isabella reached forward and took Rebecca's hands away from her face to gently wipe her daughter's face of her tears. "You're okay. Everything is fine."

Rebecca let her mother's soothing touch calm her, the reassurance in her voice clearing away the shame. She allowed herself a moment of vulnerability, leaning into the relief of sincerely being seen.

"Father, mother," Rebecca hesitantly said, "I want you to know that I never felt alone. Yes, there were times when I wished I could share my true self with everyone and I wished you could have been there for me more, but I also understood the reasons behind your decisions."

King Cedric stepped forward, placing a supportive hand on Rebecca's shoulder. "We wanted to protect you, Rebecca, from the prejudices and judgments that you might have faced as the next Queen. But that is no excuse for the way we had treated you."

Queen Isabella nodded, tears welled up in her eyes as she reached out to caress Rebecca's cheek. "You have always been so mature and understanding, my dear. But the burden should not have been yours to bear alone."

She let her hand linger, looking at Rebecca. "I wish we could take back the years where you were alone, having to hide part of yourself. But you have grown into an incredible young woman," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Rebecca's heart swelled with warmth at her parents' words. She had yearned for this moment, the validation of her worth and her parents' unconditional love.

She exhaled a long, shuddering breath as if releasing the pent up longing of years. Blinking through fresh tears, Rebecca gazed at her parents. "I love you both so much," Rebecca whispered, her voice quivering with raw emotion.

"We love you too, my precious daughter," Queen Isabella murmured as she pressed a kiss to Rebecca's temple.

King Cedric leaned down, planting a kiss on the crown of her head. "We're so proud of the person you've become."

They stayed hugging for a little more before they all became aware of their surroundings. King Cedric gave Rebecca's shoulder one final reassuring squeeze before they composed themselves to face the gathering once more.

"Now, about this festival and finding a partner," her father said, attempting to lighten the mood. "We trust you will make the right choice, and whoever wins your heart will have our blessing."

Rebecca smiled, her heart lighter than it had been in years. "Thank you, Father. And I promise to choose wisely, someone who values me for who I am."

Mother and father were both smiling as they sent me out to mingle.