Rebecca
As the evening wore on, Rebecca found her gaze drifting across the ballroom in search of one particular figure. The mysterious omega princess, Evangeline of Gaelle, had captured Rebecca's curiosity ever since their fleeting moment of eye contact amidst the aftermath of the revelation. Though brief, that split-second connection lingered in a way she couldn't quite explain.
Perhaps it was the flicker of understanding she perceived behind Evangeline's striking emerald eyes, untainted by the judgment, disdain, nor pity of others. Whatever it is, the princess has captured her interest.
Since that moment, Rebecca has sought out Evangeline's presence amidst the milling nobles, her gaze instinctively tracking the sway of lavender skirts and the melodious lilt of laughter. There was something utterly captivating about the way the Gaellian princess commanded a room—not through grandiose arrogance or entitlement, but through an innate graciousness that put even the most reticent nobles at ease. Her natural charisma flowing as sweetly as spring rain.
Hushed conversations among various nobles hinted at Evangeline's unexpected arrival, speaking in awed murmurs about her undeniable beauty. Though details remained scarce beyond vague proclamations of admiration.
Yet even those furtive whispers did not do Evangeline justice. She was stuning, her golden hair and piercing green eyes drawing all eyes. The lavender of her gown clung to the swell of her curves in rippling waves of delicate silk, the fine material caressing her form in a way that simultaneously beckoned and denied. The Gaellian princess was radiant, head tilted in that achingly charming manner as peals of laughter tumbled melodiously from painted lips. Whatever clever words spilled forth next only deepened the dimples in her cheeks, crinkling at the corners of her eyes brilliantly with mirth.
A flush crept unbidden into Rebecca's cheeks as she watched, abruptly cognizant of how raptly she drank in each nuance of Evangeline's presence. Flustered, she tore her gaze away, determined to focus on steadying the erratic pound of her heart.
Just what was it about Evangeline that rendered her so...captivating? Surely her beauty alone couldn't account for this singularly heightened awareness, this imperative need to simply bask in the enigmatic omega's presence?
It didn't escape Rebecca's notice that, unlike many of the other nobles and royal guests in attendance, Evangeline didn't seem to be actively seeking her out or trying to curry favor. The Gaellian princess made no overt attempts to monopolize attention or put on an elaborate showcase. She simply carried herself with an effortless grace and self-assurance that drew people towards her naturally. It was an approach that was refreshingly different. No posturing or pretense - Evangeline engaged in the celebration on her own terms, sharing warmth and regard for all those around her. Rebecca sensed a sincerity that is often veiled in royal circles.
Unable to resist, Rebecca's gaze drifted back towards the Gaellian princess once more. Evangeline glided through the ballroom as if born to walk those marbled halls, her every movement imbued with an effortless elegance that drew admiring stares. Though she surely must have noticed the effect her presence inspired, the omega princess betrayed not a hint of self-consciousness or ego. If anything, her expression exuded a warmth and openness so unaffected that it bordered on captivating.
At that very moment, as though acutely attuned to Rebecca's lingering stare, Evangeline turned. Their gazes met and held across the breadth of the ballroom, the chaos and noise around her falling away. All that existed was the strange, tenuous connection forging between herself and this enigmatic princess.
Despite the distance, Rebecca felt her breath stall in her chest, as if she'd been physically stopped in her tracks. Those fathomless emerald eyes regarded her with a piercing intensity that should have been discomfiting from a total stranger. Yet rather than shrinking from the weight of that unwavering look, Rebecca found herself equally immobilized, transfixed.
A thousand unspoken queries seemed to pass between them in those drawn-out seconds. Curiosities and silent challenges shimmered behind Evangeline's steady gaze, daring Rebecca to be the one to break the trance first and look away. To be the one to shatter the fragile tension arcing between the two, utterly unknown to one another just moments before, yet somehow bound by...something deeper. Profoundly intimate in a way that defied logic or reason.
Then, just as abruptly, the fragile spell shattered. A minor lord bumbled between them, his obliviousness to decorum or propriety nearly causing him to careen directly into Evangeline. The briefest look of surprise flickered across the princess's face before her lips curved in genuine amusement, already brushing off the nobleman's profuse, stammering apologies with easy grace.
And just like that, the strange gravity binding Rebecca's focus scattered into a thousand glittering fractals once more.
With a sharp inhalation, she wrenched her gaze away from the other princess, inwardly cursing her utter lack of control. This...unshakable fixation was entirely unbecoming of her. A fascination that was becoming an unwelcoming distraction.
And yet, Rebecca could not bring herself to fully extricate Evangeline from her thoughts. Questions swirled through her mind, stoking the embers of curiosity she desperately tried to smother.
Did Evangeline truly attend the festival for her? Was she genuinely interested in being considered as a potential spouse now that she knows that she is an omega? The notion seemed almost implausible given Evangeline's regal bearing and confidence. Surely a princess of her stature would have alphas and betas across the realms clamoring for the honor of her hand.
So then, why had she been utterly unaware of Evangeline's existence until this very night? She prided herself on keeping abreast of the shifting political landscapes and royal genealogies. Yet the Gaellian princess had slipped entirely under her radar until appearing like a vision amid the celebration.
A tiny, treacherous part of her couldn't help but wonder if Evangeline's presence here was somehow...deliberate. Could the omega have traveled to Lumina specifically to cross paths with Rebecca herself? To see the famed alpha heir with her own eyes before allowing further considerations?
The thought was utterly presumptuous...and utterly enthralling. Rebecca firmly quashed the absurd notion, aghast at her bold presumption. She was many things, but delusional was not one of them. She was just reading too much into a chance encounter, indulging in fanciful omegan whims she had believed herself to have long past.
With a glance to see if her parents were preoccupied, Rebecca seized the opportunity. She would approach Evangeline directly, hoping a brief exchange might finally satiate this persistent, maddening curiosity.
However, before she could even take a step towards the princess, Rebecca's path was abruptly intercepted. A suitor from a neighboring kingdom stepped squarely into her line of sight, an ingratiating smile plastered across his face.
Schooling her features into a polite mask, Rebecca braced herself for the inevitable parade of platitudes and thinly-veiled flirtations. Yet as the young man began to speak, his words took an unexpected turn, offering heartfelt compassion and acceptance regarding the revelation of her omega status.
Rebecca found herself genuinely moved by his kindness and the sincerity behind his well-wishes. But even as she maintained an attentive smile, part of her focus still strayed, her senses attuned to Evangeline's presence.
The words of encouragement continued to pour in from well-wishers across the ballroom - various ladies of the court extending sympathy, gentlemen praising her remarkable poise under such circumstances. Though their gestures warmed her, Rebecca couldn't fully relax her guard. She sensed that undercurrent of unease still churning beneath the niceties, questioning glances, and pursed lips hinting at doubts regarding her fitness to rule.
While many congratulated her openly, she feared some merely put on a polite facade, inwardly judging or condemning her deception in hiding her true omega nature. With each new interaction, Rebecca felt the weighty press of their potential duplicity, worrying they now saw her as fundamentally dishonest...unfit to lead.
The entire evening's suffocating formalities were rapidly becoming overwhelming. Rebecca needed respite, even if just for a few precious moments. Politely excusing herself under the pretense of refreshing her drink, she hastened towards the palace gardens, craving a breath of open air and solitude.
Just a short reprieve to gather her wits before inevitably being drawn back into the relentless social whirlwind. A chance to simply breathe without the weight of a thousand questioning eyes scrutinizing her every move.
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Princess Evangeline found herself drawn to a quieter corner of the palace gardens as the gala continued. The moon's bright glow illuminated her path as she walked aimlessly with no direction in mind.
In the distance, she spotted Princess Rebecca standing along amongst a bed of roses. The sight of the solitary princess gave Evangeline a pause, and her steps faltered. She had observed the princess inside the ballroom and had seen the hidden tension. She saw the brave front that Rebecca displayed as she mingled with the guests. Despite her nonchalance towards the princess, Evangleine felt a tug of empathy towards Rebecca.
After a moment’s pause, she made her choice and continued her way through the garden path towards the pensive princess. As Evangeline drew nearer, Rebecca seemed to sense her presence, her head turning slightly. Their eyes met, and Evangeline noticed Rebecca's eyes widening a fraction, a momentary glimmer of surprise flickering across her features before she schooled her expression and greeted Evangeline with a warm yet guarded smile.
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She offered a warm smile as she came to stand before Rebecca, hoping to put the other woman at ease. "Good evening, Princess Rebecca."
"Good evening, Princess Evangeline. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Evangeline inclined her head slightly, a rueful smile touching her lips. "I hope you’ll forgive me for intruding upon your solitude. I merely found myself drawn to the gardens and saw you by yourself... I do hope I have not imposed too much or disturbed your peace. If you would prefer, I can take my leave..."
"Not at all," Rebecca quickly assured. "I merely needed a moment of respite. It is quite peaceful here, away from the gala, I mean... Your company is most welcome."
Evangeline regarded Rebecca thoughtfully, her gaze soft but piercing, as if she's trying to look into Rebecca's soul to see what she is hiding underneath. Then a small smile graced her lips before she directed the conversation elsewhere. “... Thank you. Although, I must admit, I'm rather glad our paths have crossed. I've been hoping for a chance to properly introduce myself and offer my congratulations. What your father did tonight, sharing such a personal truth before all those gathered, must have weighed heavily on you. I can scarcely fathom the weight you must have carried, concealing such an integral part of your identity."
Rebecca let out a shaky breath and turned her gaze back towards the rose bushes. "You're most kind, Princess Evangeline. In truth, it has been...a heavy burden to bear, as you've surmised.”
A comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the rustling of leaves in the night breeze. Rebecca appreciated the ease of this silence. Evangeline didn't rush to fill the space with meaningless words, instead seeming content to share this peaceful moment with Rebecca.
After a few moments, Evangeline's calm demeanor remained unchanged, but a subtle curiosity danced in her eyes, and she broke the silence gently. "May I ask why you are out here instead of enjoying yourself inside?"
Rebecca's gaze dropped to the rose cradled in her hand, her thumb tracing the soft petals. "Truthfully, I found myself needing a moment for myself... It's been an eventful evening, to say the least," Rebecca confessed.
Evangeline nodded slowly, conveying perfect understanding. “Revealing core parts of oneself can feel both freeing and overwhelming."
“Yes, tonight has lifted that weight but ushered in a new bevy of doubts from others...” Rebecca trailed off, plucking a petal from the rose. "I'm grateful for the acceptance I've received tonight. However, not everyone's reaction has been as embracing. I can see it in some of their eyes - the questioning, the hesitation about my fitness to rule without a strong alpha presence... And discovering that some of my close friends don't see me in the same light has been quite... disheartening."
Rebecca sighed softly, her gaze momentarily drifting away before meeting Evangeline's understanding eyes once more. "I understand not everyone may be as accepting... But it's a lot to process, and I found myself needing to get away."
Evangeline's expression softened as she regarded Rebecca. For a fleeting moment, she felt a tug in her heart, an unspoken desire to reach out and bring Rebecca into her arms to offer her comfort.
Yet she hesitated. She didn't want Rebecca to feel uncomfortable. It was the first time they met, and she didn't want to overstep any unspoken boundaries. Unsure if such an intimate gesture would be welcomed or seen as too forward, she opted instead for a reassuring smile, hoping it would communicate the comfort she wanted to extend, allowing Rebecca to decide the extent of closeness she might desire.
"What you're feeling is valid, Rebecca," Evangeline assured her. "It's never easy when those closest to us react in ways we don't expect or hope for. Their inability to see you for who you truly are reflects more on their own limitations than yours."
She paused, giving Rebecca time to absorb her words. "It will take time for some to shed old prejudices... And this may sound like I'm brushing over your feelings... but you should take comfort in those that do support you, even if it comes from those that you did not expect."
"Just remember... their inability to see you does not diminish your value," Evangeline said softly. "Those who truly matter will embrace you as you are. The rest..." She shook her head. "Give them time. True friends look beyond titles and circumstances. Not everyone can adjust to something new quickly. Sometimes, it takes time for them to see beyond what they thought they knew."
Rebecca's lips parted, surprise flickering across her features. She hadn't expected Evangeline to genuinely acknowledge her. Rather, she thought that she would brush it aside and offer her some generic warmth. It was unexpected, yet a reassuring comfort settled within her.
"I... thank you." There was a softness in Rebecca's voice as she struggled to find the right words. "I didn't expect... I mean, I did not anticipate such genuine understanding from you. So often, others offer empty words without truly comprehending the depths of one’s struggles...”
Her voice trailed off as she regarded Evangeline with a newfound appreciation for their meeting. There seemed to be a connection between them that seemed to instantly bloom between them.
"It's comforting to hear someone acknowledge how I feel," Rebecca quietly said, a small smile gracing her features. "Thank you, Evangeline."
Evangeline returned the warm smile. "You need not thank me. I was simply sharing my thoughts."
“If it would please you, Princess Evangeline, I should be honored to have your companionship as we stroll these gardens together," Rebecca offered, desiring to prolong their connection. "Your presence would bring me great delight."
Their conversation followed naturally after that, and Rebecca and Evangeline found themselves discovering common ground and understanding as they walked down the garden path, passing by other nobles who were also enjoying their time outside the ballroom.
Evangeline's manner remained open and engaging, lacking the formality Rebecca so often encountered at court functions. This new acquaintance seemed genuinely interested in Rebecca herself, asking thoughtful questions and listening attentively as the princess shared her perspectives.
However, as the evening progressed, Rebecca felt a tug at the edges of her consciousness, a reminder of her duties that she seemed to be forgetting. Her gaze drifted towards the center of the garden, where a group of musicians was preparing to perform. The realization that she was responsible for overseeing the events of the evening came rushing in.
Rebecca's brow furrowed slightly as she wrestled with her reluctance to leave Evangeline's company. She would have very much loved to stay, but her own sense of responsibility would not allow her to neglect her obligations as host, no matter how tempting it was to remain with her new found friend.
Turning to Evangeline with an apologetic smile, Rebecca spoke up. "Princess Evangeline, I'm truly enjoying our conversation, but I fear I must attend to my responsibilities as host soon. As much as I have been enjoying our conversation, I cannot neglect my duties. The musicians are about to start, and I should make sure everything is proceeding smoothly."
"Of course, Princess Rebecca. I understand. Please, don't let me keep you from your duties. You have been an excellent host, and I appreciate the time you've given me already."
A touch of regret tinged Rebecca's smile as she wished to stay with Evangeline longer. "Truly, the pleasure has been mine. Will you be leaving soon? Perhaps we might continue our discussion at a later time?"
"I would like that very much," Evangeline said warmly. "For now, go and tend to your guests. We shall speak again soon."
As Rebecca stepped away, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment at leaving such an engaging conversation behind. She casted one last glance back at Evangeline, who gave her an encouraging smile, letting her know everything will be alright.
"Thank you again, Princess Evangeline," Rebecca expressed. "For acknowledging my feelings, for understanding... I look forward to seeing you again."
And with those words, Rebecca excused herself to check on the musicians. When everything was all in order and the music filled the air, she went back inside to meet more guests and exchange pleasantries. She moved through the crowd with poise, though her mind occasionally drifted to the conversation she had with Princess Evangeline in the secluded corner of the garden.
She found herself scanning the lavish hall, her eyes trailing over the faces of nobles and foreign delegates, hoping to catch another glimpse of the visiting princess. However, despite her efforts, Evangeline was nowhere to be found, and she found herself feeling disappointed. Evangeline had left quite an impression on Rebecca, and she had wanted to get to know her better over the course of the evening.
As the night unfolded, Rebecca reluctantly accepted that Evangeline must have taken her leave. Despite her disappointment, Rebecca carried on gracefully, mingling with the other guests. Throughout the rest of the evening, she received genuine smiles and kind words from both old acquaintances and newfound friends.
The gala eventually began to wind down, and Rebecca stood once more before her subjects and guests. She felt a surge of gratitude for her father's decision to reveal her Omega status and for the unwavering support of those who had stood by her side through the revelation.
With a heart full of hope and a newfound sense of purpose, Rebecca's gaze swept over the crowd. Her voice rang out, steady and clear, carrying a mixture of vulnerability and strength that rang throughout the hall.
"Words cannot express the gratitude I feel this evening. Your kindness, your open mind, and your open heart have been a precious gift. I want to sincerely apologize for keeping my true nature hidden and presenting myself as an Alpha for so long. But I also want to say thanks to those who have accepted me for who I am and are supporting me. I feel deeply touched by the warmth and understanding you all have shown me tonight. I promise to continue leading as I have always done and to embrace my Omega status with pride. I also want to say that I will work even harder for Lumina."
The crowd erupted into applause, their hands clapping in approval and admiration. Rebecca raised her hand and everyone started to quiet down once more.
"On that note, I just want to say that I hope you have enjoyed the gala. I am truly happy that everyone came here to get to know me better. Just like my father said before, if you feel as if my status changes any meaning to who I am and would not like to partake in the month-long festival, I thank you for coming to Lumina, and I am sorry you had to travel here only to return. But I hope you enjoy the rest of the evening."
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