The dawn light filtered through the gossamer curtains, casting a warm glow over Rebecca's chambers. She stirred beneath the bedcovers, eyelids fluttering open, only to squeeze shut again at the sun's bright intrusion. With a soft groan, she rolled onto her back, her arm draped across her eyes as she willed herself to wake.
The fateful day has arrived at last. Today marked the commencement of the month-long courtship festival and the revelation of her closely guarded secret to all.
A series of soft knocks broke the tranquil silence. "Enter," Rebecca called out, her voice still husky with sleep as she pushed herself upright against the mound of pillows.
The door creaked open to admit a flurry of handmaidens bearing armfuls of silk and lace. Their skirts swished and hushed whispers filled the air as they moved about the room. Rebecca watched in bemused silence as they swept away the previous night's rumpled bedclothes and laid out the embroidered gown she would wear this evening. Silver thread glimmered like woven starlight amidst the deep azure folds.
One maidservant stepped forward with a wooden box cradled in her hands. With deft fingers, she unlocked the clasp and withdrew the gleaming circlet that would adorn Rebecca's brow—her birthright as heir to Lumina's throne. For a fleeting moment, the sunlight set the filigree ablaze, as if the precious metalwork had entrapped the dawn itself within its sinuous curves. As breathtaking as the piece was, its presence reminded Rebecca of her current position. By evening, she would no longer be able to conceal the part of herself she had been hiding for so long.
Rebecca's gaze drifted to the window, where, beyond the fluttering curtain, lay the palace gardens. Transformed by the artisans' hands, the lush greenery was bedecked in elaborate arches wreathed in vibrant floral arrangements. Cerulean and crimson silks swayed lazily from the bowers, rustling like banners in the faint breeze.
A pang of unease twisted her stomach into anxious knots as she watched the feverish activity unfolding below. Servants scurried about putting in the final, frantic touches. One poor footman staggered beneath a towering pyramid of trays of delicacies while a cluster of musicians were deep in intense rehearsal on a raised dais.
It was all for the commencement of the courtship festival her father had so painstakingly arranged... as well as her highly anticipated revelation to all those in attendance.
How would the lords and ladies from distant kingdoms react when they discovered Lumina's presumptive heir was in fact an omega? Not the alpha princess so many had assumed and hoped for? Would they balk at the idea of an unbounded omega on the throne, or would some open their minds and hearts?
Rebecca pressed her lips into a tight line, digging her nails into her palms to ground herself against the rising tide of trepidation. She had prepared herself for the range of potential responses - from disgust to begrudging acceptance. Yet the prospect of laying herself bare caused her pulse to flutter wildly.
After a lifetime of arduous concealment, she would be exposed not just to her own people but to aristocrats from kingdoms near and far. It would irrevocably redefine how she was seen, for better or worse. Rebecca inhaled a shuddering breath, silently willing her nerves to settle. The day has not yet begun, and she is already so overwhelmed.
By the time the sun reached its zenith, Rebecca would be poised and picture-perfect on the outside. Only time would reveal how this night would unfold and what repercussions awaited. All she could do was brace herself and have faith in herself until the evening arrived. Oh, how she hoped for the day to pass quickly.
~~
As she descended the marble staircase, the distant strains of music and laughter from the gala drifted through the palace halls. The marble stairs seemed to stretch endlessly before Rebecca as she descended, each step echoing hollowly in the hall. Her heart throbbed with a rapid cadence, the pounding echoing in her ears and drowning out all other sounds.
At the base of the staircase, a liveried footman stood rigidly at attention, his back ramrod straight. With a flourish, he swept open the towering double doors, revealing the ballroom bedecked for the courtship festival's commencement. Garlands of fragrant blossoms adorned the vaulted ceiling, petals raining down like a floral snowfall. Glittering chandeliers bathed the room in a warm, golden glow, their light reflecting off the polished marble floors. Tables laden with appetizers lined the perimeter, their mouth watering aromas intermingling enticingly.
In the center, a space had been cleared for dancing, currently occupied by clusters of finely dressed nobles from distant kingdoms. A hushed sense of awe fell over the crowd as Rebecca appeared in the doorway, her regal beauty casting a spell of admiration.
A few nobles found themselves openly staring, their lips parted in wonder, before remembering to school their features into a more aloof expression of nonchalance. Yet the tell-tale flush gracing their cheeks betrayed their captivated interest.
Rebecca kept moving forward with a serene, unbowed grace. While she could not yet discern the thoughts behind the appraising looks sent her way, she drew strength from the undisguised admiration that flickered across many an aristocrat's countenance.
As Rebecca took her place on the dais, a hush of anticipation settled over the ballroom. She recognized several familiar faces from past royal functions intermingled with foreign dignitaries. All eyes then turned expectantly toward the king, awaiting his traditional address that would officially commence the courtship festival. A discreet nod from the Master of Ceremonies, and King Cedric rose to his feet, straightening his robes draped across his broad shoulders.
Rebecca's pulse quickened, each heartbeat thundering in her ears. She drew in a slow, measured breath, willing her features to remain impassive. This moment would decide how she would be judged and perceived moving forward. All eyes would be scrutinizing her, assessing her fitness to lead based solely on the revelation of her omega status. She forced her breathing to remain steady, even as she felt the weight of countless eyes upon her. Her gaze flicked from face to face in the crowd, searching for any hint of the judgments soon to come.
This night could shape positive change by challenging prejudiced views... or it could lead to her being dismissed as unsuitable despite her proven leadership abilities. Rebecca's spine stiffened, her shoulders squaring as if bracing against an unseen weight. Her eyes locked onto her father as he began to speak, her expression a carefully crafted mask of calm.
"Noble Lords and Ladies, esteemed guests, I thank you for attending this most momentous occasion," the king addressed the room. "Many of you are gathered here to bear witness to my daughter's debut into society and her first steps towards her ascension as queen.”
"I trust that all of you will treat her with the respect her position deserves. And I trust that she will uphold her duty and honor, not only for our kingdom but also for our people."
And then, with a solemn gaze, he turned his attention towards her. Pride tinged his words as he recounted her many accomplishments, her dedication to her studies, and the light she brought to the kingdom. For a fleeting moment, a genuine warmth crept into his typically austere mien, transforming his features.
But then an uncharacteristic hesitation crept into the king's speech, his brow creasing as he seemed to struggle against some internal dilemma. All eyes followed his own as they swiveled towards Rebecca.
King Cedric drew a steadying breath. "Yet there is one aspect of Rebecca's identity I have kept concealed from all of you..."
The words hung in the air, heavy and weighted like the ominous lull before a storm breaks. Rebecca fought to keep her expression neutral despite the thunderous pounding of her heart against her ribcage. Anxious perspiration prickled at her hairline as the silence stretched.
"Today, I want to reveal something that I have withheld from sharing with everyone. My precious daughter, Rebecca, as you know, has gained my respect and that of everyone with her knowledge and demeanor. She has gone above and beyond my expectations at such 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 for what I'm going to reveal, and I hope no one thinks differently about her."
At long last, the fateful declaration came in her father's rumbling timbre. "My daughter... is an omega."
There it was—the revelation of her closely guarded truth laid bare before kings, queens, and nobles from countless kingdoms. Rebecca refused to avert her eyes, keeping her chin lifted in defiance of the hushed gasps and murmurs now rippling through the ballroom like drops disturbing the surface of a glassy lake.
Despite her racing pulse, she maintained her composure, fighting against the swell of emotions that threatened to crack her stoic facade. She was an omega, yes, but she was so much more. A living challenge to the antiquated prejudices that still gripped the elite echelons of society in an arcane chokehold.
She would not, could not, cower from their judgment. Not when she had battled so fiercely to rise above the expectations placed upon her by the cruel hand of tradition and gender politics.
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.
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Unexpected tears pricked at the corners of Rebecca's eyes. How long had she yearned to hear her father express pride in what she had 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 her 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, her hands trembled slightly, and her breath coming in short, shallow bursts. 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 crowd, catching furrowed brows, averted eyes, and tight-lipped frowns. A rustle of movement caught her attention as a few nobles rose from their seats—those who had shown quiet support over the years. Their simple act of standing spoke volumes, a dignified rebuke to those who remained seated. One by one, several other nobles followed suit, the scraping of chairs echoing in the tense silence.
Rebecca turned slowly towards her parents, her shoulders tense, unsure what to expect. Her father stood tall, his expression stoic. But as their eyes met, his adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. Her mother, too, seemed composed on the surface. Isabella's jaw was set tightly, though her eyes glistened in the candlelight.
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 for succession. Yet they had chosen to stand by Rebecca regardless of the consequences. They had placed their support and love for her, even above duty. That realization meant the world to Rebecca.
Rebecca made her way over to them, her own vision blurring with grateful tears. "I'm sorry that we left you alone for so long, dear," Queen Isabella said in a tremulous voice. "I know we aren't the best parents, but I hope that you can forgive us. We are truly proud of you."
A lump formed in Rebecca's throat as she reached out to grasp her mother's arm. "Th-Thanks, mother, father," she managed, blinking rapidly. I-I really needed to hear that. And I forgive you. I know you wanted the best."
Isabella covered Rebecca's hand with her own, and the simple touch broke the floodgates. Rebecca turned into her mother's arms, harsh sobs wracking her body. Years of loneliness poured out, muffled against her mother's shoulder.
Isabella's arms tightened around her daughter, her hand moving in soothing circles on Rebecca's back. Gradually, Rebecca's ragged breaths steadied, though dampness still clung to her lashes. She pulled back, her cheeks flushing as she realized the eyes of the court were still upon them.
"I'm sorry..." she whispered, color rising in her cheeks as she imagined how unseemly she must appear. Her hands moved frantically, smoothing her gown and wiping at her face.
Isabella gently took Rebecca's hands in her own, stilling their frantic movement. Her thumbs brushed away the dampness on her daughter's tear-stained cheeks. "You're okay. Everything is fine," she soothed. "You're already the best, sweetheart. There is nothing we would change for anything in the world."
Rebecca's shoulders relaxed for a brief moment under her mother's touch before she drew herself up. "Father, mother, I want you to know that I never felt truly alone..." she began hesitantly. "Yes, there were times when I wished I could share my true self with everyone, and yes, there were times where I wished you could have been there for me more, but I also understood the reasons behind your decisions."
King Cedric stepped forward, his hand hovering over Rebecca's shoulder before settling there. "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 treated you and how we failed you as parents..." he trailed off gruffly, clearing his throat.
Queen Isabella nodded, tears escaping down her cheeks. "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 on Rebecca's cheek. "I wish we could take back the years you spent hiding who you are. But you have blossomed into an extraordinary woman despite our shortcomings." She cupped Rebecca's cheek tenderly. "We love you so much."
Rebecca covered her mother's hand, giving it a squeeze as she blinked back more tears. She had yearned for this moment—the validation of her worth and her parents' unconditional love. She released a long, shuddering breath, as if releasing the pent-up longing of years. "I love you both, too."
King Cedric leaned down, planting a kiss on the crown of her head. "We're so very proud of the person you've become."
After a long embrace, Cedric gave Rebecca's shoulder a final pat. "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. I promise to choose wisely, someone who values me for who I truly am."
Her parents' smiles mirrored her own as they gently nudged her towards the waiting crowd.
~~
The initial shock of the revelation slowly gave way to a gentle hum of conversation filling the ballroom once more. Rebecca scanned the crowd, gauging the reactions of those who had come to win her heart. Among the gathered guests, reactions varied. While some faces showed understanding, others couldn't quite mask their discomfort—furrowed brows, sidelong glances hastily averted, or smiles frozen just a touch too rigidly.
A knot formed in the pit of her stomach as she caught the eye of Lady Amelia, one of her closest friends... well now it seems a former friend. Amelia's lips tightened, giving her a curt not before her gaze slid away as if Rebecca had suddenly become invisible. Several of her other friends did the same. They made stilted excuses to turn away whenever she neared, abruptly ending their hushed murmurings.
Each subtle shun felt like a slap; the sting was made all the more potent by memories of the easy friendship they had once shared. Rebecca swallowed hard against the lump forming in her throat, blinking rapidly against the unwelcome prickle of tears. She wouldn't—couldn't—allow her hurt to show. Not here, not tonight. Not when she had finally shed the weight of her long-held secret.
But not everyone shunned her. Lord Eldridge raised his glass in a subtle toast, his eyes crinkling with a genuine smile. Nearby, a group of younger nobles rushed over to congratulate her. Pockets of easy laughter and warm smiles assured Rebecca that she still had allies who saw beyond her designation. Her eyes sought out the figures that whirled and glided across the marble dance floor, clinging to their refined movements and soft laughter like a lifeline.
Rebecca drifted to the edge of the dance floor, drinking in the familiar sights and sounds that now felt imbued with new meaning. The lively folk tunes strummed by a quartet of musicians, the laughter and chatter as couples whirled past—it was all at once both achingly familiar and profoundly different. The secret that had weighed her down for so long had finally been cast off into the open air. She was free, free to simply be herself without forfeiture or apologies.
A light tap on her shoulder broke through her reverie. Prince Thaddeus, a beta heir from the neighboring kingdom of Aerilon, resplendent in his royal blues and silvers, stood before her with his back straight and his hand extended in invitation. The subtle quirk of his lips beckoned her closer.
"Would you honor me with this dance, Princess Rebecca?" His rich baritone caressed the words, lending them a warmth that reached the crinkles around his warm brown eyes.
Rebecca's breath caught for a moment as her mind raced. This wouldn't be just any dance, not now. This would be her first time taking a potential suitor's arm as her true, unveiled self—an omega heir, no longer beholden to the pretense of being what she was not. Could she dare?
She managed a shy nod and placed her hand in Thaddeus's calloused palm. This wouldn't be just any dance – it would be her first as an unveiled omega to one of her potential suitors. His firm grip was reassuring as he led her onto the floor, seamlessly joining the other couples in the familiar figures of the waltz.
They both glided across the dance floor as the music flowed around them. Rebecca forced her shoulders to relax, matching the easy sway of Prince Thaddeus's lead.
"I must admit, your revelation caught me by surprise," Prince Thaddeus said, his deep voice cutting through the strains of music. "But the more I've observed you tonight, the more I realize how little designations truly matter."
Rebecca's painted lips curled in a grateful smile. This open acceptance from the neighboring prince was more than she could have hoped for amidst her fears of rejection.
"Thank you, Prince Thaddeus. Your honesty means more than you know," she replied simply, holding his gaze to convey her sincerity. "I worried this night would be... difficult." A rueful laugh slipped out. "Though I didn't expect the visiting nobles to make such a hasty exit."
To her relief, Prince Thaddeus's warm chuckle joined her own. "Worry not, Princess. There are plenty among the guests who can see past mere designations." His hand gave hers a brief, reassuring squeeze. "You have a brave heart, Princess, and those with open minds will appreciate that."
Rebecca’s gaze remained fixed on his, the gratefulness in her eyes mirrored in her words. "It's a relief to encounter understanding hearts like yours, Prince Thaddeus. Your acceptance has made this evening truly special."
As the waltz continued, their conversation flowed effortlessly. It might not have been a romantic encounter, but it was a significant one—one that Rebecca would cherish.
~~
The gala was in full swing by the late hours of the evening. In one shadowed alcove, Rebecca stood momentarily apart from the revelry. She had danced and mingled, accepting congratulations from well-wishers with polite smiles.
Sipping from a glass of white wine, Rebecca gazed out over the scene. Her heart felt full to overflowing after the emotional upheaval of the night. Yet her eyes kept drifting to the laughing, carefree guests on the dance floor. A pang of wistful longing tugged at her.
For just this moment, she yearned to be able to cast aside her regal decorum and lose herself in the sheer joy of movement and music. To dance without the weight of a kingdom's scrutiny bearing down on her shoulders.
A warm chuckle beside her startled Rebecca. She turned to find Percival, the prince from Westbrook, regarding her with an inscrutable half-smile.
"Ah, Prince Percival." Rebecca inclined her head politely, the motion practiced but still imbued with a kernel of real fondness. Though their families had been friendly allies for generations, the young prince had always felt like the younger brother she never had.
His sandy blond hair was tousled, a few rogue strands falling rakishly across his brow. Percival's lips quirked in that familiar, lopsided grin—the one that used to drive their etiquette tutors to distraction when they were children. And a lingering hallmark of his roguish reputation, no doubt.
Inexplicably, the sight of it now made Rebecca's stomach perform an odd little flip, but not one of attraction. It was more a combination of nostalgia mingled with the reassuring presence of a familiar face amidst the sea of uncertainties that the evening had brought.
"You look entranced by the gaiety, Rebecca." Percival cocked his head, regarding her with open curiosity. There was no jesting in his pale blue eyes, only an earnestness that she didn't recall from their younger days. "Perhaps you yearn to join them?"
Rebecca opened her mouth, fully intending to issue one of her usual polite deflections about maintaining composure befitting her station. But something in Percival's disarming directness made the reflexive words falter on her tongue.
Instead, she found her gaze drifting back towards the dance floor and its swirl of colors and abandoned laughter. The carefree display called to some deep, wistful part of her in a way she could not readily name.
When Rebecca's eyes at last met Percival's again, she found him watching her with rapt attention, a realization dawning in the slightest part of his. A flush crept into Rebecca's cheeks at being so transparently read.
"I confess, the thought did cross my mind," she admitted candidly. "If only for a moment, to be so unguarded and carefree..." She trailed off with a wistful sigh.
To her surprise, Percival's smile only deepened with what seemed to be understanding. Without a word, he set aside his goblet and executed a deep, courtly bow, his back bent in an arc as one hand flourished out in invitation. “Then, might I coax you to a dance, my lady?" He offered his hand, those warm brown eyes sparkling with open invitation. “A chance to leave propriety behind, if only for a song or two."
Rebecca's breath hitched in her throat as her fingers instinctively twitched toward that outstretched hand. A reckless daring surged through her veins, untamed and heady as the finest wine. Draining the last of her glass, she set the glass aside. Tonight, propriety could wait. Throwing caution to the wind, Rebecca placed her hand in Percival’s palm without a second thought.
"You just might at that," she replied, answering his smile with one of her own as he led her into the throng of dancers...