Freen sat alone in her dimly-lit chambers, absently running a finger over the still-tender bruise on her cheek. The soft glow of dusk filtered through the windows, casting the room in shades of amber as darkness slowly descended.

Her thoughts churned with what Lord Harrington had left her with earlier. Relief - that the truth had come to light and justice had been met. Anger - that her tormentors had put her through such humiliation and anguish out of petty rivalry and entitlement. Sadness - that an occasion meant to bring everyone together had birthed such cruelty. Through everything, she had to admit feeling happy that the investigation was over.

Her thoughts drifted over to Rebecca. The vision of her warm and caring eyes brought a small grin to Freen's own lips. She knew Rebecca would share in her relief that the investigation had been dealt with. Ever since the tournament, she had stayed by her side and took care of her without asking for anything in return. She was so patient and warm... and maybe a little clumsy, but so sincere.

Now Freen wished to share news with Rebecca. She wanted to celebrate the closing of this painful chapter with her and she longed for the comfort and intimacy of Rebecca's presence. Freen's bruise still ached occasionally, but Rebecca's presence never failed to make her forget.

With a resigned sigh, Freen made up her mind. She couldn't wait any longer. She needed to see Rebecca, to be with her.

A nervous energy propelled Freen from her chambers down the flickering corridors. The thought of inviting Rebecca into her room was daunting. She had invited Rebecca before but she was not herself at that time when she asked Rebecca to stay. Today felt different. She just wanted to spend time with Rebecca without worrying about what others might say about them. She just wanted everything to go back to normal.

Yet Freen still felt the flutter of anticipation as she stood outside Rebecca's door. Freen hesitated for just a moment, a part of her wondered if it was proper to invite Rebecca to her private chambers. But then, before she could overthink, she knocked on the door, her heart hammering as she awaited a response.

The door soon eased open and relief washed over Freen as Rebecca's beautiful, kind eyes came into view.

"Freen! Is everything alright?" Rebecca asked worriedly, glancing Freen over for any sign something was the matter.

"Yes, yes everything is fine," Freen assured, a smile forming on her lips. "I'm truly alright Rebecca. More than alright actually."

Rebecca visibly relaxed at Freen's words and she stepped back to usher Freen inside. "Please, come in. What brought you all the way to my room?"

"I actually came by to share some wonderful news," Freen said, her eyes bright with relief. "Lord Harrington was just in my chambers informing me that the investigation is finally over."

"I'm certain that he will want to brief you as well," Freen added. "But I wanted to come and see you. It seems that Princess Beatrice will be imprisoned and there were several heirs who will receive warnings."

Rebecca's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh Freen, that's incredible news!" She moved forward to hug Freen tight. "I am so very relieved the investigation has ended at last. I cannot begin to imagine all that you have suffered through this terrible ordeal. You deserve to finally have a break."

Freen sagged onto Rebecca as she hugged her back. The warmth of Rebecca's embrace was comforting and Freen was finally able to realize how relieved she was for the investigation to finally be over.

After a moment, Rebecca pulled back slightly, her eyes searching Freen's for any lingering signs of distress. Freen gave her a small, reassuring smile. But Rebecca still studied Freen's face. "Are you truly alright," she whispered, wanting to make sure that Freen wasn't just pushing away her feelings for her sake to act strong.

Freen smiled, feeling grateful for Rebecca. "I'm fine, Rebecca. Truly, I am."

"I merely wished to invite you to my chambers. With the investigation finally over, I thought..." Freen hesitated, sudden shyness overcoming her confidence from moments before. "That is, if you have time and aren't otherwise engaged, perhaps we could continue our conversation there? Over tea? Just you and me?"

Freen tried to read Rebecca's reaction, hoping she hadn't overstepped anything improper. But tilted her head slightly, her gaze softening as a shy smile spread across her face. "Of course! I'd love that, Freen."

Freen let out a small, relieved laugh. She was overjoyed Rebecca had so readily accepted her impromptu invitation back to her chambers.

Freen couldn't keep the smile from her face as they both made their way through the palace corridors side by side. More than once, the backs of their hands accidentally brushed against each other, sending little sparks of anticipation through her body. She noticed a hint of color rise on Rebecca's cheeks each time as well. Rebecca, in turn, felt both excited and nervous as she followed Freen through the palace corridors.

"I appreciate you taking the time to visit with me," Freen said, hoping to ease any awkwardness. "I know you must be quite busy."

"Of course! I'm happy to. There's nowhere I'd rather be," Rebecca stated openly. And she meant it - even with all her courtly duties and obligations, nothing could compare to the warmth that swelled through her whenever Freen gazed fondly her way with those striking emerald green eyes of hers.

Before long, they arrived at the familiar heavy oak door. A hushed sense of intimacy settled around them as they stepped into Freen's chambers. Their eyes met when Rebecca closed the door behind her and they exchanged shy smiles. Her senses were heightened, aware of how alone they were now in the close quarters.

Freen took Rebecca's hand, the faintest caress yet enough to make Rebecca's breath catch, and she led her over to a couch nestled in the corner of the room. They sat close together, thighs barely touching and Rebecca felt keenly aware of Freen beside her.

When Freen reached out to brush back a loose lock of Rebecca's hair, Rebecca couldn't help but lean into her hand, never breaking their locked gaze. Her touch was tender, filled with fondness that made Rebecca's breath hitch. She couldn't help but miss the warmth when Freen withdrew her hand.

They sat in an intimate silence for a few heartbeats, simply taking each other in. Rebecca wasn't sure what this shift meant, yet she found herself drawn closer still, longing to melt further into Freen's gaze.

Just then, the door to Freen's chamber opened and Freen's handmaiden, Emma, entered carrying a tray of tea. Rebecca instinctively shifted back, putting a bit more space between herself and Freen on the couch. She hoped the flush she felt creeping up her neck wasn't visible.

"Forgive me for interrupting, Princess," Emma said softly. "I've brought tea for two - chamomile."

"Thank you Emma. That's very considerate of you." Freen said with a small smile on her face.

Emma set the tray down before hurrying back out with a quick curtsey.

An awkward tension now hung in the air as Freen leaned forward to pour. Rebecca's racing mind scrambled to recover the cozy affection of only a moment before. Grasping for a safe topic as Freen handed her the cup and saucer, her fingers brushing against Rebecca's as she did so.

"Thank you," Rebecca said, accepting the cup with a grateful smile.

"The, uh, preparations for the Spring Gala seem to be coming along smoothly..."

"Oh, is it?" Freen replied after a pause, stirring a spoon of honey into her tea. "I did overhead some of the ladies mentioning that they had seen some of the orchids for the floral arrangements have come in beautifully this year."

Rebecca smiled and nodded, taking a too-hasty sip of the hot liquid before wincing slightly at the burn on her tongue. She set her teacup back in its saucer, trying not to wince again at the lingering sting on her tongue. And an awkward silence descended between them once more.

"The orchids do look lovely," Rebecca said. "Hopefully, you will get to see it once the festival is over."

"I hope to see them too," Freen agreed, taking a slow sip of her tea.

Rebecca nodded. Her eyes traveled around the sitting room, hoping for some inspiration for a conversation that would help put them back at ease. She spotted a familiar book sitting on a side table.

"Oh, I didn't realize you were reading A Court of Thorns and Roses. How are you finding it?"

As they fell into easy conversation about the book, Rebecca felt herself relaxing again, the earlier awkwardness fading away. In their growing enthusiasm discussing plotlines and theories, Rebecca gradually found herself subconsciously shifting closer to Freen until their shoulders were lightly pressing together. Rebecca eventually noticed how close they were but did not shy away.

"Oh but Lord Gray's shifting alliances make predicting his actions near impossible!" Freen said, turning slightly toward Rebecca. Her blonde hair spilled over one shoulder. "I truly cannot foresee whose side he will take in the inevitable realm conflict."

"I know!" Rebecca replied eagerly. "His loyalties are hard to find..."

The earlier romantic tension had gone, but an easy affectionate intimacy grew once more between the two women. A comfortable lull eventually came but almost seamlessly, the conversation continued. Rebecca smiled to herself, aware of how at ease she felt opening up to Freen. It was never that easy with her so called friends before. She usually listened but never truly grasped their conversations.

"Oh but Governess Chester was livid that week we replaced her ink with blackberry juice!" Freen said behind glinting eyes. Rebecca burst into laughter at the image, picturing the governess shocked in dismay. She couldn't envision ever daring such a prank herself as a child.

"I wish I could have met you when I was younger," Rebecca said behind giggles. "Why, the trouble we could have caused. You being rebellious and possibly making me follow along... while I... doing my utmost to persuade you from such trouble!"

Freen looked down at Rebecca fondly. "Ah, but you probably would have disregarded me when we were younger. I truly was something else, especially with my brother by my side. We both caused our older sister and our parents a headache." Her eyes danced playfully with nostalgia before softening as she gazed at Rebecca. "Though with you by my side, perhaps I could have been slightly better behaved."

Rebecca tilted her head thoughtfully. "I'm not so certain I would have disregarded you. Perhaps I may have been cautious at first - you with your wild spirit, and me ever the obedient one."

She smiled softly. "But your spirit and fearlessness would have drawn me in, I just know it. We might have started tentative friends... with you probably insisting on playing with me while I may have politely resisted, wary of stirring any problems in my life."

Rebecca couldn't help but giggle at the thought. "But soon I imagine trailing devotedly after you on whatever trouble you had planned next, doing my best to keep us from actual harm."

Freen chuckled. "Is that so?"

"Yes, while I helped talk us out of true trouble, I would have followed you anywhere," Rebecca said sincerely. "I think, if I met you when I was younger, I would have been much happier - your daring nerve paired with my voice of reason.

Freen took Rebecca's hand and squeezed it tight. "Well, I suppose we shall just have to make up for those lost years now, won't we?"

Rebecca gifted Freen with a dazzling smile that left Freen breathless.

"You know," Freen said quietly, "although I wish I could have met you when we were younger, I wouldn't change a thing about where we are now."

She paused, her thumb gently caressing the back of Rebecca's hand. "I'm grateful for the timing, Rebecca. Meeting you now, as we are, feels right... And, honestly, I can't help but feel happy that you not only accept my feelings but also return them... If we had met when we were younger, who's to say if we would have recognized the depth of what we share now?"

Rebecca nodded slowly, understanding Freen's point. "I guess you are right. And there's no need to think about what if's. We two have lived such different lives. All that experience crafted us into exactly who we are, and who we are is..."

Rebecca flushed, suddenly feeling unusually shy under Freen's affectionate gaze. "Well, 'who we are' clearly suits one another perfectly, wouldn't you agree?"

Freen's smile deepened. She raised her free hand to tuck back a lock behind Rebecca's ear. "Yes, flawlessly and wonderfully so," Freen assured in a whisper.

As Freen shared another childhood memory, she mentioned specific details that Rebecca had a hard time matching with her own timeline. Her brows furrowed slightly, and she interrupted Freen with a puzzled expression. "Wait," Rebecca interjected gently, "that happened before I was even born." Her tone was a mixture of surprise and curiosity.

Freen's lips curved into a fond smile, her eyes meeting Rebecca's. "Ah, yes," she replied, her voice soft yet warm. "I sometimes forget I'm a bit older than you."

Rebecca's surprise was evident, and she leaned forward slightly, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "How much older?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

With a chuckle, Freen mirrored Rebecca's actions and leaned in closer, her eyes dancing with amusement and affection. "Four years," she revealed, her tone light. "So, I guess you could say I have a head start."

Rebecca's eyes widened in surprise at that. "Oh!... It's silly... but I suppose I just assumed we were of the same age."

"Well," she continued with a mocking exasperation, "I'll have to start respecting my elder, then."

Freen chuckled at Rebecca's mocking, raising an eyebrow with amusement. "Yes, yes, you should definitely respect me better," Freen replied, feigning a wise and dignified demeanor. "I'll expect you to refer to me as 'Princess Freen, the Wise Elder' from now on."

Rebecca burst into laughter at Freen's dramatic tone, and she couldn't help but play along. "Of course, Princess Freen, the Wise Elder," she said with a flourish of her hand. "May I seek your wisdom on matters of great importance, like which dessert to choose at dinner?"

Freen leaned back with a theatrical sigh, her hand on her chin as if deep in thought. "Ah, young one, the path to enlightenment is a treacherous journey," she began. "One must consider the delicate balance of flavors, the artistry of presentation, and, of course, the sweetness factor."

Rebecca giggled at Freen's playful exaggeration. "I shall heed your words, Wise Elder," she replied with a grin. "Your dessert guidance shall be my guiding light."

The two of them burst into laughter at their playful banter. While the age difference was certainly a surprise for Rebecca, it didn't change the growing bond between them. Instead, it added a layer of uniqueness to their relationship.

As the afternoon waned into evening, their conversation grew more intimate. Rebecca decided to share with Freen about the upcoming masquerade ball that was scheduled as part of the month-long festival.

"The masquerade ball is just around the corner," Rebecca told Freen.

Freen's eyes brightened with interest. "Oh?! I didn't realize there was going to be one."

"It was originally planned for after the archery tournament...," Rebecca explained. "But plans changed for good reason."

"I've been to several before but I'm actually looking forward to it this time." Rebecca's gaze turned soft as she looked at Freen. "I think," she said softly, "it's because I'll be attending it with you, Freen. That makes all the difference."

Freen met Rebecca's gaze with a tender smile. "Rebecca," she murmured softly, "I feel the same way. The thought of attending the masquerade ball with you being there makes it all the more special for me as well."

Their eyes locked, and the room seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in that intimate moment. Freen's heart raced with a growing desire to hold Rebecca close.

Her fingers brushed against Rebecca's, a subtle touch that sent a jolt of electricity through both of them. In a soft, tender tone, Freen whispered, "Perhaps, under the disguise of our masks, we can finally be open about our love, even if only for a night... No one will know it's us."

She squeezed Rebecca's hand gently, her eyes pleading yet filled with affection. "We've had to hide our true feelings from prying eyes, but the masquerade ball provides us a rare chance to openly express our feelings without fear of judgment or speculation. Just you and I, dancing together, showing our love without restraint."

Freen reached up, delicately caressing Rebecca's cheek. "I want nothing more than to proudly have you by my side as my partner...if only for one magical evening. Will you grant me that wish Rebecca?"

Rebecca leaned into Freen's soft touch, conflict swirling in her eyes. To openly love another omega was unheard of. The prospect of revealing their hearts was daunting. But gazing into Freen's hopeful eyes, Rebecca felt her reservations start to crumble. What harm could come from one beautiful night together?

Heart racing, Rebecca slowly nodded. "I would like that," she admitted, her voice a gentle confession. "To be able to dance with you openly, as if we were just another couple in the crowd, just us sharing a moment of happiness."

Their fingers intertwined naturally, the softness of Freen's skin against Rebecca's sending shivers down her spine. Freen's gaze was fixed on Rebecca, her eyes filled with a longing that mirrored Rebecca's own.

"You have to stop looking at me like that," Freen whispered, her voice barely audible.

Rebecca's cheeks flushed, her lips curling into a shy smile. "Like what?" she asked, feigning innocence.

Freen's eyes narrowed, her gaze intensifying. She took a moment to make Rebecca wither from her gaze before she leaned in just inches from Rebecca's ear. Her warm breath sending delicious shivers down Rebecca's spine.

"Like you want to kiss me," Freen murmured, her voice low and husky with longing before she returned to gaze into Rebecca's eyes.

Rebecca's breath hitched as she felt the heat of Freen's gaze on her face. She swallowed hard, unable to look away. She couldn't deny the desire that was simmering beneath the surface.

"And what if I do?" she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. She bit down on her lower lip, fighting the urge to close the distance between them.

Freen's eyes darkened with desire as her gaze locked in on Rebecca's parted lips, making Rebecca's breaths come out in short, shallow gasps.

"Then I'll have to do something about it," Freen said, her lips curling into a seductive smile before she closed the remaining distance between them, capturing Rebecca's lips in a searing kiss.

Rebecca's body responded to the kiss, her eyes fluttering shut and her skin tingling with desire as she surrendered herself to her feelings. When she felt Freen's tongue trace the outline of her lips, begging for entry, she couldn't help but part her lips slightly, allowing Freen to slip her tongue inside and explore her mouth with abandon.

Freen's hands gently cradled Rebecca's face, her fingers tracing the curve of her jaw with a featherlight touch. She then moved her hands to Rebecca's waist, pulling her closer as she deepened the kiss. Startled, Rebecca's arms slipped around Freen's neck at the sudden shift in position, her fingers digging into the soft fabric of Freen's dress.

Wanting to keep Rebecca in place, Freen's hands moved up to the back o Rebecca's neck, pulling her closer, wanting more. The room was filled with theirs moans and gasps, the sound of their lips smacking together echoing off the walls. She could feel Rebecca's heartbeat quicken beneath her and Freen couldn't help but smile against their joined lips.

As their kiss deepened, Rebecca's heightened emotions caused her to unconsciously release her rose pheromones. The scent of roses, sweet and intoxicating, began to fill the room with its sweet fragrance and it wafted around them. It started as a subtle fragrance, but it soon enveloped the room, filling it with the sweet and heady aroma of roses in full bloom.

As the pheromones reached Freen's senses, a soft, dreamy smile curved her lips. She couldn't help but be drawn to the scent. It was so intoxicating, so alluring. She felt her body respond to it, a warm tingle spreading through her veins. Freen's heart pounded in her chest as she wanted to succumb to Rebecca's pheromones; however, she suddenly stiffened, breaking the kiss.

Her chest heaved as she tried to catch her breath, her heart racing with both desire and an overwhelming sense of temptation. The scent had a potent effect on her, enhancing Freen's already intense longing for Rebecca.

She looked into Rebecca's eyes, her own filled with want. "Rebecca," she whispered, her voice trembling with desire, "you... you shouldn't do that."

Rebecca's heart sank, her eyes wide with fear that she had done something wrong. She gulped nervously and asked, "Do what?"

Freen swallowed hard, her voice shaking with desire. "You know what," she growled softly, her eyes burning with need. "I mean... you shouldn't kiss me like that," she explained, her voice gentle but filled with restraint, "because if you do, I wouldn't be able to stop myself."

Rebecca's breath caught at Freen's confession as she realized what Freen was saying. "And what if I don't want you to stop?" she whispered, her voice filled with longing.

Freen felt a surge of desire course through her, her body responding to Rebecca. And what if I want you to? Rebecca's words echoed in the head, a sweet torment that made Freen's heart race.

Freen's eyes dilated and darkened as she felt the intensity of Rebecca's desire. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She could feel her resolve weakening, but she had to stop. This was Rebecca's first relationship, and she didn't want to rush or overwhelm her.

With great effort, Freen opened her eyes, her gaze still filled with affection and yearning. "Rebecca," she pleaded, "I want nothing more than to continue, but I also know that you don't really mean that.... I know you don't want to rush, Rebecca... and I'm not sure I could control myself any further."

She continued to caress Rebecca's cheek with her thumb, tracing the soft skin as she searched for understanding in Rebecca's eyes. "I don't want you to do something in the heat of the moment that you might regret later," Freen whispered softly.

Rebecca nodded slowly, the haze of passion clearing from her mind. "I'm sorry, you're right," Rebecca said with an embarrassed smile. "I got carried away... This is so out of character of me."

"Sometimes I feel like I let my feelings guide me without thinking when I'm with you," Rebecca murmured. She lowered her eyes, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "You awakened things in me I never knew existed. This...longing that makes me lose reason when you're close."

Freen's smile returned, and she leaned in to place a small, affectionate kiss at the corner of Rebecca's mouth. "There's nothing to be ashamed of," she murmured into the kiss and pulled back. "I understand exactly how you feel - you make me lose control sometimes... and I get afraid that it might be too much for you. So I try my best to hold myself back."

She caressed Rebecca's cheek, her eyes filled with tenderness and restraint. "But I want you to know that you make me feel so much... Much more than I could ever properly express, even if I don't show it."

Leaning in, Freen placed a line of feather-light kisses along Rebecca's jawline before whispering into her ear. "Also," Freen said with a low voice, "I love it when you get carried away. That just tells me you're comfortable around me and I love that."

Rebecca shivered at the sensation, a shy smile crossing her lips. She met Freen's smouldering gaze and almost got lost in it. But she needed to let Freen know how she feels. "Knowing I can lower my guard around you makes me feel so happy," she confessed.

"In the past, I've always had to maintain restraint and decorum, even with those closest to me." Rebecca reached out, softly tracing the contours of Freen's face as if committing it to memory.

"But with you, it feels liberating to let my emotions rule me now and then. Like I can simply be myself without fear of judgment." Her fingers lingered over Freen's mouth before dropping to intertwine with her hand.

"So please, never doubt what seeing me 'carried away' does to you." Rebecca lifted Freen's hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "It means I'm utterly captivated by everything you are."

Freen's breath caught at the sheer love shining in Rebecca's eyes. "Oh Rebecca," she whispered. She drew her into a fierce embrace, their racing hearts perfectly in sync. "I should be the one captivating you, but here you are making me flustered."

Rebecca giggled softly, tightening her arms around Freen's waist. "Well, I had the most talented teacher when it comes to the art of captivation," she teased.

She leaned back just enough to see Freen's face, delighted by the pink tinge of her cheeks.

Freen chuckled softly, her heart lighter now that they had shared their feelings honestly. "Well, that's what wise elders are there for, isn't it?" She winked playfully, and they both shared a laugh.

As the rose-scented air wrapped around them, the two princesses remained nestled in the cocoon of Freen's chamber, their conversations continued into the night.

Rebecca traced delicate patterns on the back of Freen's hand, her touch feather-light. Their conversation flowed freely, unburdened by the weight of their titles and responsibilities. The air was thick with a mixture of emotions—tenderness, longing, and a shared understanding that defied the constraints of their roles.

"I've always wanted to explore the world beyond the palace walls," Rebecca admitted, her voice a gentle murmur that held a touch of wistfulness. "To see Lumina through the eyes of its people, to understand their lives beyond the royal court."

Freen smiled, her gaze soft and encouraging. "And you shall, Rebecca. Lumina is a world of wonders, waiting for you to uncover its secrets."

Rebecca's heart swelled at Freen's words, the encouragement meaning so much to her even though she knew it may be an impossible dream. Her responsibilities and obligations as a princess kept her firmly tethered to the palace. While Freen spoke of freedom and adventure, Rebecca's wings felt perpetually clipped by duty and protocol.

"And you, Freen?" Rebecca inquired, her eyes searching Freen's for answers. "What are your dreams? What do you long for beyond the palace walls?"

A thoughtful expression crossed Freen's features, her gaze drifting to a distant place as she considered her response. "I suppose I yearn for the same freedom that calls to you - a chance to live and love unrestrained by expectations. To not have to hide parts of myself in the shadows..."

Her thumb idly stroked Rebecca's hand as she smiled softly down at Rebecca. "But I also want a world where everyone's worth is measured not by their titles or origins, but by the kindness they offer or the strength they pave and the connections they forge."

Rebecca's admiration for Freen deepened, her heart thumping fast and Freen's vision of a better world. While Rebecca yearned for her own liberty, Freen envisioned freedom for all. It was a vision that aligned with her own desire for Lumina's future.

"You have a heart that seeks to bridge the gaps that divide us," Rebecca said softly, her thumb brushing over Freen's knuckles. "And I believe in you, Freen. With every fiber of my being, I believe in the path you wish to pave."

As the night deepened, a serene hush settled over the chamber. The soft flickering of the candle flames cast dancing shadows across the room. Freen and Rebecca lay cuddled in the sofa, and the only sound that filled the space was their breaths. Rebecca then shifted slightly and broke the silence.

"Freen," Rebecca's murmured, her voice was a gentle caress but with a soft undertone of vulnerability. "I have to admit something to you."

Freen turned to face Rebecca, her eyes filled with curiosity. "What is it, Rebecca?" she whispered softly.

She bit her lip, cheeks flushing pink. "The kiss we shared after I got injured by Prince Lucas ... .well...that was my first real kiss." Rebecca dropped her gaze briefly before continuing in a rush, "Actually, you're my first in regards to...relationships overall."

Freen's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Not that she was surprised about this being Rebecca's first relationship but rather that her first kisses were with her. "Rebecca..." Freen whispered softly, the revelation coming as a genuine surprise she tried not to outwardly show.

Reaching out, Freen gently brushed her fingers beneath Rebecca's chin, tilting her head up to meet her gaze. She searched Rebecca's eyes and saw the uncertainty behind them, and it tugged at her heartstrings.

She let fingers linger along Rebecca's jawline, hoping to convey reassurance as she sorted out how to show Rebecca that she didn't care that Rebecca hasn't been in a relationship before. Freen opened her mouth, about to stop Rebecca's worries.

But Rebecca continued on nervously before she could speak, voice tight with emotion. "You've had other relationships so you must have...expectations about all this. But for me everything is so new."

Rebecca averted her gaze, a storm brewing behind her eyes. "I care for you deeply but I'm worried my inexperience will only hinder what we're trying to build." Her doubts lay exposed like open wounds.

Freen's heart ached at seeing Rebecca so uncertain. Gently turning Rebecca's face towards her own again, she spoke firmly but with great care. "Listen to me, Rebecca. You could never hinder this." Freen held her gaze, unwavering and earnest. "Who you are is exactly who I want. Who I've fallen in love with."

"The fact that you haven't been in relationships before does not impact a single feeling I have. I desire you - your inexperience and all."

Freen held Rebecca's face firmly, when she felt her try to turn away, hoping to dissolve the doubts swirling within. "But that's not all, I desire you for your playfulness, your kindness, your courage, your love for reading... your everything, Rebecca. Please don't doubt my feelings for you. You are more than enough in my eyes."

Freen punctuated her words by drawing Rebecca closer until their foreheads touched. "You must trust that to me, you are already perfect."

Rebecca sighed softly, the last pockets of tension leaving her body. Lifting her eyes to meet Freen's gaze, she found no trace of judgment or disappointment there - only earnest affection growing from within.

Sliding her arms around Freen's waist, Rebecca surrendered fully to her embrace.

"Forgive my doubts," she whispered. "I've never felt this way before, Freen. You make me feel... a lot of things, in a way I've never experienced before. And I get afraid that this all won't last."

Freen tightened her hold on Rebecca to let her know that she's listening but kept silent, knowing that Rebecca has more to say.

"I want you to know that this... everything between us, it's precious to me," Rebecca said softly, her voice wavering with emotion. "Being with you makes me not mind so much how lonely I felt before... If I had to go through all that just to be with you, I-I would do it all again."

Rebecca clutched Freen a little tighter, as if she were the only solid thing left in a dizzying world. "The solitude that was my reality for so long seems a small price to pay for having found you now. But it terrifies me to think of losing that - losing you. I can't fathom returning to the cold, lonely existence I had before."

Rebecca's voice broke on the last word. Freen's heart shattered seeing her Rebecca so afraid and small. She pulled back just enough to cradle Rebecca's face in her hands.

"Rebecca, you won't ever have to," Freen promised fiercely. "I'm right here. I'll always be right here."

She pressed her forehead to Rebecca's, their breaths intermingling. "I want to be by your side as long as you'll have me." She kissed Rebecca then with a longing born of fear at the thought of their separation before she brought Rebecca back into her arms.

"... You were right before," Rebecca confessed softly after a while. "I want to take things slow. I'm not ready to be more intimate yet, Freen... I hope you understand."

Freen nodded, holding Rebecca a little tighter. "Of course I understand, Rebecca. I also feel the same way, about taking things slow. I don't want to rush into anything before you're ready."

Freen's fingers gently brushed against Rebecca's back, her touch a whisper against her skin. "...And I'll wait for however long it takes."

"And Rebecca," Freen whispered.

"Hmmm?"

"Thank you for being honest with me," Freen murmured.

Rebecca nuzzled closer to Freen, feeling a little embarrassed with her admissions. But nonetheless, she was happy to open up to Freen and feel comforted in return. "You deserve nothing less."

Freen smiled, leaning in to place a kiss on Rebecca's flushed cheek. As Rebecca tilted her head up, Freen playfully nipped at her exposed neck instead, eliciting a surprised squeak.

"Freen!" Rebecca admonished with a flushed grin, swatting half-heartedly at her shoulder.

"Forgive me?" Freen laughed, eyes dancing impishly. "The temptation was too great!"

She wrapped her arms around a giggling Rebecca, pulling her in close. Rebecca sighed contentedly as she settled against Freen once more.

"I suppose I deserved that after worrying you so with my thoughts," Rebecca admitted ruefully.

Freen just smiled and kissed Rebecca's forehead in response.

After a moment, Rebecca finally spoke, her voice a soft murmur. "I should be heading back to my chamber, Freen. This evening has been... more beautiful than I could ever have imagined."

"Of course, Rebecca... Thank you really, for spending time with me this evening. Remember, I'll always be here, just a thought away."

With a final squeeze of Freen's hand, Rebecca reluctantly withdrew, her fingers lingering for a moment before releasing their hold. She took a step back, her gaze still locked with Freen's as if reluctant to break the connection.

And then, as if guided by an unspoken pull, their lips met. It was a quick kiss, tender and sweet, a brief brush on the lips that lingered for just a moment before they parted.

Freen's eyes fluttered closed as she savored the moment, trying to etch the warmth of Rebecca's lips on hers into her memory. When she finally opened her eyes, she saw a soft smile gracing Rebecca's features.

"Goodnight Freen," Rebecca whispered, her voice slightly muted as though hesitant to break the intimate mood that had settled. She lowered her gaze, cheeks still flushed from their closeness. Then, mustering another ounce of courage, Rebecca rose up slightly on her tiptoes and kissed Freen's cheek.

With one last lingering look, Rebecca turned and left Freen's chamber, her footsteps echoing in the corridors as she made her way back to her own room.