Evangeline

As Evangeline made her way back to her chambers after her meeting with Rebecca, she found her thoughts endlessly circling back to the Lumina princess. She attended the festival solely as a vacation, hardening her heart to the possibility of romance after Alistair's brutal rejection. Yet as she left the meeting chamber, her steps were slightly unsteady, her senses still reeling from what just happened. She had entered their discussion not expecting much, but she found herself utterly disarmed by the faint floral aroma surrounding the princess.

From the moment the younger omega's fragrant rose pheromones first wafted around Evangeline, she felt an undeniable stirring low in her belly - a visceral reaction she hadn't thought to experience again since her courtship with Alistair. At first, she chalked it up as a mere biological curiosity, for an omega's discerning nose could hardly ignore such an alluring bouquet.

But as the meeting progressed and Rebecca's sweet fragrance only grew more intoxicating, she recognized the fluttering in her chest as more than just interest. There was an inexplicable pull, a simmering heat that seemed to beckon her to get to know the other women better.

She couldn't seem to banish the memory of the princess's sweetly flustered reactions - those delicious blushes staining her cheeks an alluring shade of rosy pink. A satisfied smile curved Evangeline's lips as she recalled how, with just a heated look or a carefully murmured phrase, she could coax those fetching roses of color to bloom across Rebecca's fair skin. There was something utterly endearing about the way the younger omega's composure seemed to crumble so readily under her teasing attention.

When their discussion turned to the startlingly intimate tradition marking the festival's culmination, Rebecca's blush deepened despite her attempts at maintaining decorum. Evangeline's chest had tightened at the sight, her omega's instincts utterly captivated by the tantalizing display of Rebecca's vulnerability. She had to resist the slight urge to reach out and caress that enticing warmth suffusing the princess's cheekbones.

Even now, the memory of Rebecca's darkened eyes and trembling voice ignites an insistent yearning low in Evangeline's belly. The way the younger woman had unconsciously released more of her pheromones with each increasingly flustered reaction... it had been utterly disarming. The implications of what lay ahead suddenly carried far more weight than Evangeline could have anticipated.

She knew the Lumina tradition was no mere dalliance, but a meaningful ritual that spoke to an omega's most primal, profound needs. If she did indeed somehow crave to share that level of intimacy with Rebecca… No. Evangeline could admit, at least to herself, that she yearned to experience that connection with Rebecca. There was an undeniable, blazing chemistry between them - one that had her instincts all but demanding she fully explore where this attraction could lead.

Perhaps it was merely the exhilarating thrill of the forbidden that made the prospect so tantalizing. Or maybe her intuition had already unconsciously recognized the potential for a much deeper bond with the Lumina princess. Evangeline couldn't say for certain, but the delightful way Rebecca's cheeks had flushed under her heated gaze was enough to convince Evangeline that she was quite eager to unravel the guarded omega.

As startled as Evangeline felt over her body's reaction, she recognized the truth her intuition whispered - this attraction transcended mere physicality. There was undeniable potential for something deeper, more intimate, with the Lumina royal... if only Evangeline allowed herself to remain open despite her guarded stance.

Settling onto the window seat, she gazed absently out over the grounds as she mulled over this remarkable emotional shift. Perhaps her parents and her brother had been correct - perhaps she did need to let her heart embrace the unknown again to allow new possibilities to take root, even if the prospect seemed daunting. Because, try as she might, Evangeline couldn't silence the persistent craving blossoming from the depths of her omega's psyche. Every fiber of her being felt called to further explore what could possibly blossom between herself and Rebecca. And after believing herself incapable of feeling such urges again after Alistair's cruelties... well, it was a stirring Evangeline wasn't quite ready to turn her back on.

A faint smirk started to form across her lips. The memory of Rebecca's words lingered, teasing at the edge of Evangeline's consciousness, causing a small shiver of anticipation to dance down her spine. The shy yet endearing way the Lumina princess had confessed her eagerness for their outing... it had caught Evangeline somewhat off-guard. Not that she minded.

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She hadn't quite expected Rebecca to so candidly voice her feelings. Yes, Rebecca had acted quite differently from the night at the gala - blushing, being unexpectedly playful, and managing to tease back at her playful quips. Yet Rebecca's admission astonished her more so than her change in behavior.

The raw earnestness undulating through Rebecca's voice as she expressed her anticipation... it was as if Evangeline could sense the sincerity thrumming through those words on a visceral level. Her instincts seemingly attuned to the subtle emotional undercurrents flowing between them. For a fleeting moment, Evangeline witnessed the princess's carefully curated exterior give way to something sweeter, more unguarded. The prospect of being privy to those unrestrained glimpses into Rebecca's core self was something that she hoped that she only got to see.

A wistful sigh escaped Evangeline's lips as the image of Rebecca resurfaced, stirring unspoken yearnings within her. The younger omega's doe-like eyes darkened with desire, those rosebud lips parting slightly, seeming to ache for Evangeline's claim...

Evangeline bit down lightly on her plump lower lip, shoving such indulgent musings aside. Getting ahead of herself would only lead to overwhelming cravings she had no intention of saying until she was absolutely certain of her conquest's readiness.

Still, she couldn't quite smother the anticipatory thrill that zinged through her core as she pondered how best to thoroughly undo the princess's enviable restraint when planning their date activities. The thought gave Evangeline pause. Planing for their date... it was such a novel concept for her. In all her previous courtships, she had always been the one pursued, admired from afar until a suitor gathered the nerve to officially seek an audience. Her dates and outings had always been arranged by those vying for her affections, leaving Evangeline to simply grant or deny her favor.

But this time was different. This time, it was her turn to be the planner, the pursuer responsible for arranging the perfect means to woo Rebecca. The idea should have been daunting, overwhelming even. Yet she found herself transfixed by the prospect instead of intimidated. There was something immensely alluring about being the orchestrator of a date.

Because despite her extensive romantic history, Evangeline realized she had never put much thought into what truly captivated or enthralled her past suitors on a personal level. Her own interests and preferences had never been the priority - rather, she was simply expected to receive their elaborate courtship overtures with an appreciative grace.

But now, planning this date, it required a more personal approach. A thoughtfulness and consideration for the younger omega's wants and needs, not just an arbitrary display of extravagance. There was a thrilling sense of being utterly unscripted in her pursuits this time, free to simply follow her instincts and Rebecca's lead.

Leaning back against the cushions, Evangeline's fingers idly toyed with a lock of pale hair as she pondered what she actually knew about Rebecca's likes and dislikes. Her favorite colors, fabrics, and scents. The flavors that pleased her palate and the sensations that brought her joy. While she had caught glimpses of Rebecca's sweet shyness and the subtle fire simmering beneath, she knew little of the younger woman's hobbies, her favorite pastimes, or the simple joys that brought her happiness.

What sort of activities did Rebecca enjoy when she wasn't shouldering the weight of her royal duties? Did she prefer quiet pursuits like reading or painting, or did she prefer more adventurous outlets? Aside from the tantalizing glimpses of Rebecca's sweet vulnerability in their meeting, how much of her true self did Evangeline really understand?

"An Omega, kind, generous, and concealing emotions," she muttered to herself.

A small frown tugged at the corners of Evangeline's lips as she was forced to admit how little she truly knew of the Lumina princess outside that formal setting. If she were to properly devise a courting strategy worthy of capturing Rebecca's interests, she would need to spend more time with the younger woman first. Learn her passions and preferences, discover the subtle nuances that made Rebecca's heart flutter.

Her thoughts drifted to the meeting they just had - specifically Rebecca's reactions to her compliments. She could vividly picture the flush that had bloomed across Rebecca's fair cheeks as their gazes locked, the princess's eyes widening momentarily before demurely ducking her head. Yet even in that shyness, there had been an unmistakable heat simmering in those emerald depths. An alluring dichotomy of boldness and apprehension, all wrapped in one tempting package. And oh, how Evangeline yearned to be the one to finally coax that vulnerability into full bloom.

A slow smile curved Evangeline's lips as she savored the memory. There was something uniquely enthralling about seeing the regal Rebecca so sweetly flustered and uncharacteristically bashful. With each teasing remark or heated look Evangeline bestowed upon her, the younger woman's cheeks would instantly bloom with color, her fingers twisting together in a nervous tell.

It had been...fun, Evangeline admitted to herself. There was something immensely satisfying about seeing someone like Rebecca momentarily unravel because of her... Something immensly gratifying. She can see now why alphas would have such a high sense of ego.

Rebecca was a delightful puzzle indeed, and Evangeline had every intention of earning the honor of seeing that facade fall away entirely. To be the sole focus of Rebecca's gaze and gentle smile, the source of all Rebecca's warmth and affection.

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Evangeline's list of what she knows about Rebecca so far: Kind, generous, concealing emotions, Omega, playfull, extremely shy, blushes easily, fidgets with her fingers when she becomes shy and nervous, rose scented pheromones, adorbally bashful yet eager to please