The window frame creaked as Rebecca leaned against it, the stone sill cool beneath her elbows as she rested her chin on her upturned palm. A gust of wind swept through the room, tousling loose strands of her chestnut hair and carrying with it the sweet scent of roses. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. When she opened them again, her gaze drifted over the sprawling gardens below, past the castle walls, to the sprawling city beyond. Somewhere in those distant hills, a farmer was tending his crops, a merchant was readying her wares. One day, their fates would rest in her hands.

Though still in the bloom of youth, Rebecca was all too aware of the responsibilities that awaited her. As an omega groomed to ascend the throne, her every action had been scrutinized and molded to fit the image of a strong, decisive ruler. Etiquette lessons, history tutorials, and strategic planning had occupied her days, leaving little room for the carefree indulgences of childhood.

Rebecca's fingers traced idle patterns on the cool stone. The distant tolling of the cathedral bells made her flinch, each chime another reminder of her comming of age and what was expected of her - to marry well for the good of the kingdom, to form alliances, and to secure the future. But her hidden omega status complicated matters, creating a war between duty and desire within her heart.

She tugged at the high collar of her dress, readjusting the scent-blocking charm hidden beneath. A bead of sweat trickled down her spine despite the cool breeze. The concealment of her true nature left her isolated, unable to risk letting anyone close. How could she consider marriage when this secret formed an insurmountable barrier?

Her eyes landed on a couple strolling hand-in-hand through the gardens below. The woman threw her head back in laughter at something her companion said, their easy intimacy a contrast to the stilted conversations that filled Rebecca's days. She swallowed hard against the lump in her throat and turned away from the window. She wanted more than just a political match. She yearned for a true partner, someone who could see her for who she was and stand beside her.

A series of sharp raps at the door broke her reverie. Rebecca straightened instinctively, smoothing the faint crease between her brows as she called out, "Enter."

The familiar figure of her lady-in-waiting, Amalya, stepped into the room, a warm smile gracing her features. "Princess, their Majesties request your presence in the parlor. They wish to discuss a matter of importance with you."

Rebecca felt her stomach knot. Matters of importance often carried weighty implications, particularly as she inched closer to her twentieth birthday – the age when many royal daughters were traditionally betrothed. A slight tremor ran through her hand as she schooled her features into a neutral expression and nodded, rising from her seat.

Amalya's smile faltered for a moment, her eyes flicking to Rebecca's trembling fingers. She stepped closer, her voice lowering. "Is everything alright, Your Highness?"

Rebecca clenched her fist, stilling the tremor. "Of course, Amalya. Shall we?"

Without waiting for a response, Rebecca strode past her lady-in-waiting and into the corridor. The stone walls seemed to close in around her, the decorative tapestries blurring as she passed. Her footsteps echoed off the floor, each click of her heels matching the rapid beating of her heart.

As they navigated the familiar corridors, Rebecca couldn't help but wonder what her parents wished to discuss. Was it another lesson in diplomacy or a strategic move on the political chessboard? Or perhaps, her heart skipped a beat, they intended to broach the subject of her future marital prospects.

She caught a glimpse of her reflection in a polished suit of armor - cheeks flushed, eyes wide - and quickly averted her gaze. The scent of beeswax candles and freshly cut flowers grew stronger as they approached the parlor, mingling with her mother's favored perfume. Rebecca's steps faltered for a moment, her breath catching in her throat. Amalya's hand brushed her elbow, a fleeting touch of concern.

Before the parlor doors, Rebecca paused. TAmalya's reassuring look did little to settle the growing trepidation fluttering within Rebecca's chest. She swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. Drawing in a steadying breath, she squared her shoulders and nodded for the doors to be opened.

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Rebecca," Amalya announced with a flourish.

Rebecca's eyes immediately landed on her parents, both seated by the crackling fireplace. Her father, King Cedric, sat ramrod straight, his expression inscrutable save for the faint crease etched between his greying brows. Queen Isabella, meanwhile, greeted her with a polite smile that couldn't quite mask the hint of apprehension crinkling the corners of her eyes.

"You requested my presence, Father? Mother?” Rebecca kept her tone measured, though she clasped her hands tightly to keep them from fidgeting.

"Yes, dear daughter." Her father's deep baritone voice carried a grave weight that sent a shiver down her spine. "Please, have a seat." He extended his hand towards the vacant chair across from them.

Heart pounding, Rebecca crossed the thick rug and lowered herself into the seat. She instinctively straightened her spine, hyper-aware of her parents' gazes weighing heavily upon her.

The silence stretched taut, broken only by the crackle and hiss of logs in the hearth. Rebecca fought the urge to squirm under their scrutiny, her stomach tightening into knots as she waited for one of them to speak.

At last, her mother broke the strained silence. "As you know, you will soon be reaching your twentieth year. It is a significant time, especially for the heir to the throne.”

Rebecca's grip on her own hands tightened, her nails digging into her palms as her mother's words hung in the air, heavy with implication—the discussion she had long both anticipated and inwardly recoiled from.

Her father leaned forward, elbows on his knees, as he fixed her with an intense stare. "The time has come for you to take a spouse. To solidify alliances that will strengthen our kingdom.”

Ahhhh. There it was, laid bare. The expectation that had loomed over Rebecca's entire upbringing has now solidified into reality. A tremor ran through her tightly clasped hands before she could restrain it.

"We must start thinking about potential partners for you. As future queen, you have obligations to consider."

"Your mother is right. It's time we find you someone who can support you in your future role as Queen.”

Rebecca felt her brow twitch ever so slightly at the familiar refrain of "obligations." From birth, her parents had instilled in her the tremendous duty she carried as heir to the throne, especially given her omega nature. Obligations, responsibilities, sacrifices—such were the mantras that kept her tethered to their demands. What could she have done when her parents uttered such words to her?

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She’d long ago resigned herself to her fate. And even though the very thought of marrying a stranger for political reasons left a bitter taste in her mouth, she could not refuse… But there was always an inkling of when would her own hopes and desires factor into their calculations.

Pursing her lips, Rebecca met her parents' expectant gazes. I understand the gravity of my duty, as heir," she answered, her voice steady even as her nails dug crescents into her palms beneath the table. "I know this is a necessary part of my position as heir to the throne.

"Good." Her father relaxed a fraction, satisfied with his daughter's acquiescence.

"However, I hope you will also take into consideration my wishes as you evaluate potential partners. An unhappy or ill-suited match benefits no one, after all."

"Of course, my darling. Your happiness is very important to us," her mother quickly reassured her, although it did not entirely dispel Rebecca’s unease. "And if, during the process, you have someone in mind, then we can consider that as well.”

The queen exchanged a brief, uncertain glance with the king, her hand unconsciously lifting to her husband.

The king's jaw tightened momentarily before giving a terse nod. "Indeed. We want you to be happy.”

"I appreciate that, Mother, Father. I do, however, have one question to ask... How can I seek a partner in earnest while keeping my true nature hidden? I cannot continue concealing my status as an omega."

The words seemed to hang in the air like a tightly pulled rope, taut and thrumming with tension. Her mother's expression softened with the faintest trace of motherly affection, a rare moment of warmth in the cold aura that surrounded them. "You raise a fair point, my darling." Her gaze flickered briefly toward her husband before continuing. "Which is why we have decided to hold a festival of sorts. A gathering where potential suitors may vie for your hand over the course of a month or two."

A month-long festival? Rebecca blinked in surprise, her lips parting slightly as she processed the information. Her fingers, previously clenched in her lap, slowly unfurled. A chance to choose for herself—could this be possible after so long of hiding who she was?

"How would that ameliorate the matter, Mother?" she inquired softly. "None would be privy to my true nature as an omega. Everyone presumes that I am an alpha, though I have remained silent on the subject."

Her father cleared his throat, squaring his shoulders. "I shall disclose the truth of your omega status upon our guests' arrival. Official invitations will be sent to noble households across the realms, provided you agree." His features hardened once more as his brows drew together sternly. "Nevertheless, it remains our intent that you select a partner capable of ensuring Lumina's continued prosperity and security."

The words somewhat reassured Rebecca, but an undercurrent of apprehension still remained. Rebecca's gaze flicked between her parents, noting their expectant expressions. She knew her parents wanted her to match with an alpha, but she wanted to forge a different path.

She turned to study her mother carefuly, then turned to her father and gave the tiniest of nods. "I appreciate you providing me with this chance. However... must the selection solely prioritize political alliances?" Her words were soft yet carried an undercurrent of steel. "I am prepared to assume my role as Queen, and I believe this resonates true throughout the kingdom. The people have faith in my capability to lead. I believe exploring compatibilities could be just as vital to Lumina's future as strategic ties."

She pressed on despite seeing her father's jaw clench. "I only ask that you extend the invitations beyond just alpha heirs. My commitment is to the kingdom first and foremost."

Her parents exchanged a glance. Her mother rested a hand on her father's arm as if to quell his objection. "She speaks rightly, dear," the Queen murmured. "Perhaps..." But Rebecca's father shook his head firmly.

"You're still young, Rebecca," he insisted, firm and unyielding, though not unkindly. "We need those alliances for the kingdom's prosperity. I will make the announcement and send the invitations."

Rebecca implored him further, her voice gentle but full of conviction. "Please, Father, I entreat you to consider my request. My commitment to our kingdom's prosperity is unwavering. You know how hard I've worked thus far... Give me the chance to demonstrate this."

After a weighted pause, her father relented slightly. "Very well, Rebecca. I shall... consider your request and make the appropriate arrangements. But understand the ramifications this path may bring, Rebecca." His tone grew graver, almost pleading. "You must be prepared to make difficult choices, and along with them come consequences."

"Thank you, truly, Father." Rebecca fought to keep her tone neutral, though a swell of emotions—hope, determination, and yes, a twinge of trepidation—bubbled up inside her. "I am ready to do what is best for our kingdom. You have my word."

Rebecca could scarcely believe her father agreed to reconsider. Perhaps she had finally gotten through to him. Would he truly open the selection to all, or was his concession merely meant to placate her for now?

She knew that when her parents mentioned the month-long festival to find a partner, they had only envisioned alpha heirs for her to choose from. Her insides twisted at the thought of all her learning and preparation being disregarded, judged as inadequate simply due to her status. If she were bound to an alpha, she feared becoming invisible—a mock queen, her input constantly requiring validation from her partner.

No, she refused to let her voice be silenced. Rebecca resolved then and there to prove herself ready to reign with or without a match. If she did find love with an open-minded alpha, it would be worth it all. But she could not limit her chances due to unrealistic expectations. Her kingdom deserved a leader chosen for merit, not status alone. Somehow, she must make her parents understand this.

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After the conversation with her parents, Princess Rebecca found herself seeking comfort in the palace gardens. Elara, her favored handmaiden, accompanied her quietly, her presence a source of comfort as they wandered beneath the stars.

She found herself at a crossroads of emotions and decisions. The weight of her impending duty to choose a partner bore down on her. She had always understood her role for her kingdom, but she also longed for a partner who would see her for who she truly was.

Rebecca mulled over her parents' proposal – the idea of a month-long event where potential partners from neighboring kingdoms would gather to win her heart. It was an opportunity that held both promise and risk. The prospect of a public event weighed on her mind, as it meant revealing her omega status to the world.

The night air was cool, but Rebecca barely noticed, her fingers twisting the fabric of her gown. She paused beneath a gnarled old oak, its branches stretching towards the star-studded sky. "Elara," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes, Princess?" Elara's eyes gleamed with concern in the dim light.

Rebecca's gaze fell to her hands, still worrying at her gown. "Elara, I...I wonder if this festival could possibly lead to love. A month seems like such a brief time to form such a bond." She lifted her chin, meeting Elara's gaze. "And yet, if I hide part of myself, how can I expect someone to truly know me? I want to hope, but..." Her words trailed off, laced with longing and uncertainty.

Elara regarded the princess with a thoughtful expression. "I've never heard of such an event in Lumina's history... But princess, love is something that can be found even in unexpected places. The event might be a chance to connect with those who truly see you for who you are. It's a risk, certainly, to be more open about yourself, but it's also an opportunity to break free from the confines that have bound you."

Rebecca's shoulders tensed, then slowly relaxed. She took a deep breath, the cool air finally registering. "You're right, of course. It's just..." Her voice trailed off as she turned her gaze to the stars above.

"You're torn between duty and desire," Elara finished softly.

Rebecca nodded, a rueful smile tugging at her lips. "Is it so obvious?"

"Only to those who know you well, Princess." Elara's hand twitched, as if to reach out, before settling back at her side.

Rebecca's eyes glistened in the moonlight as she turned to face Elara fully. Her breath hitched slightly, and she reached out, gently squeezing Elara's hand. "I understand the political considerations that steer my parents' thoughts. Alphas, in particular, can fortify our kingdom's legacy. But I want more than that, Elara. I want a partner who values me for my heart, not just my status."

Elara's smile was warm and encouraging. "You deserve nothing less, my princess. You deserve someone who sees you for who you truly are and embraces every facet of your being. Remember that the decision is ultimately yours. Whatever you decide, whoever you choose, I will stand by you."

Rebecca's smile grew warmer, more genuine. "Thank you, Elara. I needed to hear those words."

As they continued their stroll, Elara's words swirled around in her head. The notion of finding a love that cherished her for herself, beyond the confines of society, had always been a distant dream. But the month-long festival brought with it an opportunity, a chance to connect with potential partners from various kingdoms. While the prospect of revealing her omega status to the world was both daunting and liberating, she hoped that by being true to herself, by standing up for her own desires, she could pave the way for change within Lumina's traditions.