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

Chapter Forty - A Line of Suitors

When Jade arrived at the castle, she was quick to fall into her new patterns as Findere's princess. Amorio and Topaz fawned over her expressing their pride over her passing midterms. When considering all of her limitations in education growing up, she could appreciate it for the triumph it was. The three of them caught up in the front lounge, Amorio, and Topaz gushing over the details of her royal presentation. Jade's gaze remained on nothing in particular. Her mind flooded with the unravelings of the last few days. Amorio's hand on her knee broke her trance.

"Everything okay? Amorio asked. Topaz's face expressed the same concern.

"Yeah. Just some boy drama," Jade laughed. "Just getting tired of everyone assuming they know how I'll feel about something before giving me a chance to react."

"Like what?" Amorio pushed. Jade didn't want to shape their opinions of Edge, but the relief that came with explaining all that happened allowed her to relax. They provided comfort to her while simultaneously expressing their dislike of Edge's behavior.

"The ability of Manipulation is a dangerous ability," Topaz explained. "The trust needed for Manipulation wielders' partners is a challenge, especially when Edge kept his ability a secret from you. Using his ability on you shows what kind of wielder he is already."

"Yeah," Jade nodded. "I don't know why every relationship I have has to be so difficult." Jade rolled her eyes and laid her head back. "It's exhausting."

"Well, then. It's probably not the best time to tell you." Topaz dragged out the sentence. Jade grimaced, uncertain of what to expect from the rest of it. "Well, we've discussed with our alliances about you. We explained that it wasn't to be public knowledge yet, but many people want to meet you this week. Including some princes."

"Here, I thought I would get a week off." Jade massaged her temples. Topaz frowned, sending a sharp pain in her chest. "You know it's probably good practice before my conversations become public." Topaz's smile brought her relief. "So, what do I need to do?"

Topaz started to explain the proper procedure. They practiced formal gestures for greetings for each kingdom and what to expect from those who came. They reviewed photos of the different royalties to expect to come to introduce themselves to her. Jade changed into a gown like ones she'd be expected to wear as Amorio led her in a dance. While she mastered these dances as a child, the gown posed a significant obstacle. The more they practiced, the better she became. Jade laughed as Amorio spun her. The adornment they both shared watching her made her heart warm. They took a seat, allowing her to catch her breath.

"So, we're having what's called an informal invitational. While it will be formal, it's a private event that makes it informal not to draw attention. Much like your presentation, you'll be expected to dance with different members of these royal families, and they're going to want to understand your positions and personality," Topaz explained.

"Well, what positions do I have?" Jade asked, her eyebrow-raising.

"All the ones that make you special," Topaz explained. "Your love of nature, your compassion, and how you put everyone else's needs above your own. I think it's going to be refreshing to many of them to hear of a princess who cares about her kingdom." Jade smiled, and the compliments from Topaz dissipated her earlier anxieties.

"Just be yourself," Amorio said with a smile. "That will be all anyone needs to see."

Jade's smile was wide, and all her thoughts of Edge vanished. Suddenly this invitational was all she wanted on her mind. When Topaz first told her she was a princess, its reality seemed impossible. However, the longer she embraced it, the more she fell in love with the position. The elegance and passion that came with it brought a sense of self that she hadn't realized she was missing. This position would give her the opportunities to inflict real change and to provide help to those who need it, which was the only thing she ever really wanted to do.

"So, in two days, we will be having the invitational," Topaz explained. "Though we do have some special guests joining us for dinner tonight. King Charles and Queen Marianna of Thundaar." Jade lit up, resulting in a chuckle from both Topaz and Amorio.

"I got to shower, and I need to get changed," Jade said. "Really? Are they coming to see me? Oh, what if they don't like what they see."

"Calm down, honey," Amorio said, standing up. He placed his arms on her, "They will adore you. I'm sure your obsession with their kingdom and son." Jade blushed as they both chuckled again. "I'm sure they are going to enjoy it very much."

"Wait, it's just going to be them, right?"

"Today, yes," Topaz smiled. "Who knew how starstruck our daughter could be, Amorio?" Amorio smiled, as he had first-hand experience of how head over heels she's been for Prince Emanuel of Thundaar her entire life. "Well, why don't you head up? Your staff will be up shortly to assist you in readying for dinner."

"Can you believe this, Lane?" Jade asked as her lady-in-waiting as they rushed upstairs. They both giggled at the idea of it all as they made their way upstairs to get her ready.