Electric Blue Rose - Book One. [COMPLETED] Undergoing Edits

Chapter Thirty-Six - A Princess's First Request

Alex, Edge, and Joe left in the morning so that she and Topaz could have some more bonding time before she returned to Omega 5. Jade wandered the castle as Topaz answered calls and meetings. Topaz had books lined out on the dining table about her presentation to the kingdom. She frowned. The idea of it happening right in the middle of her Omega experience sent unease in her. Jade flipped through the books, her eyes widening at the different dresses. She looked down at her own and smiled. Admittedly one of her favorite parts of this newfound life was how she got to dress, but now she couldn't believe there was another level to elevate to—that of a princess. The words still shocked her, something the kingdom had never known, a child of royalty. Then to learn that child would be her, that a mere Serf would be named the daughter of the Enlightened—the kingdom's Light.

Jade was nearing six months as an Arc. An ability-wielding Arc raised as a Serf. And, now? Now she was the Enlightened's daughter, the first princess of Findere. She ran her hand across her face. Sometimes, she became lost in self-doubt when she sat to process it all. The gut-wrenching feeling in her stomach worsened as a cold chill came across the room. William entered. His smirk left her short of breath. He took a seat across from her, his eyes peering into her soul.

"Good morning, Princess," William said, his eyes trailing her. Jade's face reddened, and he smiled at her reaction. "If only I had known, then maybe I would've let Alex take you as his own," William's hand reached hers. Jade wanted to pull away, but he placed it firmly atop hers. "Though I'm sure I am among many who have already seen different sides to the princess, hm?"

"If Topaz found out."

William interrupted her. "While true, Topaz could make my life difficult. Just remember whose life I control. After all, we know Alex has bent to my will before." Jade turned her head. "Good girl." William stood up and looked down at the magazines. "Should be quite the event. Wonder how the kingdom will react to all this." William smiled once more before leaving the room.

William's words left her mouth dry and escalated all her concerns. Mid-terms were just a couple of weeks away. Then they'd be moving right into their team battles after one short break. That break couldn't be this ceremony. Everyone would be too afraid to battle her, it would change everything, and she wasn't ready for that yet. Jade stood up just as Topaz walked into the room. He glanced at her, surprised by the movement. His eyes studied her and then traveled to the magazines.

"What's wrong?" He asked. Jade frowned, they barely had a chance to get to know her, and he already seemed to be able to tell when something was bothering her. Topaz gestured for her to sit back down as he took the seat William occupied not long ago. "You can tell me."

"Well." Jade stared at the covers of the magazine. A sigh escaped her before she returned her gaze to him. "I was thinking about the ceremony, and. I was wondering if we could wait until after I graduate? I want people to respect me for my performance, not because of my rank in the kingdom." Topaz smiled at her, processing her request.

"Yeah, let's do that." Jade perked, surprised by the ease of it all. "As long as you promise to spend some of your mid-break with me?" Jade nodded. "So, how are you and Edge doing?"

"We resolved the situation," Jade stated. "I just hope nothing else happens, and I can just finish the year with some ease."

"As much as I wish you some calm, I don't think you'll be getting that anytime soon." Topaz laughed. "Well, just because we're delaying the ceremony doesn't mean you can't start picking out some details." Topaz rearranged some papers on a clipboard he was carrying and handed them to her. "Tend to these questions the best you can. Remember, no task is too big." Jade smiled. "Can you dance?"

"Yeah, Amorio taught me growing up."

"Good, good," Topaz nodded. "You know, Jade. I respect your relationship, but you may feel pressure to date a prince. Kingdoms are going to want to form a strong alliance as well. There hasn't been a princess in the kingdoms for a while now. Some of the others have a few that were just born, but here you are now. It will bring you a lot of attention, and I want you to be prepared."

"Okay," Jade nodded, taking a deep breath. "Will I meet Prince Emanuel of Thundaar?" She asked, averting her eyes.

Topaz laughed, "yes, you will. I'm surprised by that. His brother Sebastian is the one who brings the attention, and I mean, he's quite a powerful man."

"Well, it's just. Prince Emanuel inspires me, and I'd love to discuss herbology and gardening with him. It seems like a dream." Jade felt the excitement send a blush to her face.

"Your passion moves me, Jade." Topaz reached over and squeezed her hand. "Why don't you get to work on that clipboard. I have to get you back to Omega 5 soon for review."

Jade nodded and tended to the papers ahead of her. Decisions of colors, flowers, food, and dresses are all blank, waiting for her desire to touch pen to paper. Looking at the options, she began to fill in some of the blanks. Excited for the event the planning would lead