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

Chapter Forty-One - Dinner with Royalty

Jade took a deep breath as she approached the staircase in her oversized ivory dress with golden floral patterns. Jewelry decorated her bodice and arms, topped with the circlet on her forehead. This dinner would be the only first impression she would get with them, and besides looking perfect, she had to follow it with how she acted. Jade took one more breath before walking down the stairs, holding the railing to keep herself balanced. Everyone had already gathered in the dining room. She walked towards the pleasant conversation, praying to Asai that everything would go well. Once she was in the doorway, all eyes turned to her. Jade smiled her rehearsed smile.

King Charles dressed in a deep blue suit, a large crystal flower attached to his front pocket. His hair was white and parted in the middle extending on both sides. His beard and prominent mustache are white and perfectly tailored. Queen Marianna was the most beautiful woman Jade had ever seen. Her dark brown hair was decorated with jewels. Her skin was fair, and her smile was genuine. She wore a deep blue dress matching King Charles, but her beauty radiated.

"Oh wow, how darling!" Queen Marianna enthused, crossing to Jade. Jade laughed appreciatively at her compliment as she stared at Jade. "The first princess of Findere, and this beautiful? What a beautiful addition to Findere's royalty." Jade's cheeks reddened, causing Queen Marianna to enthuse further about her.

"Come now, Marianna," King Charles chuckled. "Let the girl sit."

Queen Marianna sighed, smiling at her. "Beautiful." Trays of food and drinks were brought out, allowing everyone to start eating while they proceeded with the conversation.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Jade said, bowing. Jade turned to King Charles, "and a great pleasure to meet you, Your highness." Topaz smiled at her with pride. Amorio helped Jade take a seat, adjusting the dress around her. Jade looked up, noticing all eyes were on her. Taking a steady breath, she smiled. "I have looked forward to meeting you since learning of my royal blood. I've always been a fan of Thundaar. It's such a fascinating kingdom."

"Well, we've heard a great deal about you, young princess," King Charles smiled. "Sounds like you've had quite a year of self-discovery."

"Yeah," Jade said with a light chuckle. "It's been remarkable."

"Seems that growing up as you had truly resulted in a humble member of royalty. That's not an easily found thing among royalty," Queen Marianna laughed, sipping wine. "Wow, our son Sebastian will be so impressed to meet you." Jade opened her mouth but closed it, smiling. "What is it, dear?"

"I have a feeling, your Majesty," Amorio interjected. "That Jade may be curious about your other son?"

Jade's face flushed. Charles and Marianna shared a glance. "Emanuel?" King Charles asked, "really? Well, that's new. Can I ask why?"

"Well," Jade felt consumed by the heat radiating. "I've always admired his works. Since I was a child, I've read his books, and he inspired me to focus my studies on herbology. His intelligence radiates from the pages he writes, and the meticulous detail always moves me regarding every living plant and animal. His cautious approach to the well-being of nature around him leaves me breathless as I turn every page." Jade took a breath to settle herself and realized the tangent she sent herself on. "I." Glancing away, she recuperated. "I'm just impressed by him."

"That's so sweet," Queen Marianna gushed. "Well, now we must make sure he attends your presentation."

"Oh," Jade's tone trailed. "Was he not intending to attend before?"

"Don't take it personally," King Charles explained. "Emanuel has never been one to embrace such royal activities, and he's always got his nose in some book." Jade smiled at the thought. "Wow, you genuinely are smitten. Don't worry, and we won't say a word to him."

"We look forward to seeing his reaction to you ourselves." Jade tucked her hair behind her ear. A habit Topaz was helping her to break, but a fidget she couldn't seem to break.

Topaz glanced at her, sending her hand immediately down to her lap. Queen Marianna's eyes remained steady on hers but full of admiration. Jade's insides were twisting, masking the heaviness in her breathing became challenging as a small silence passed. "So, what other invitations are sent?" Queen Marianna asked, saving Jade from the silence.

"We've extended invitations to Chaanda, Retedian, Sasta, Berene, and you in Thundaar," Topaz explained. "Though with the distance from our kingdom, we're uncertain of Sasta and Berene's ability to attend the invitational. It's more likely they will attend her official presentation rather than the invitational."

"Mm," King Charles nodded. "Yes, you're probably correct. I assume there will be a formal dance for each potential suitor."

Suitor? Jade's face flushed. Topaz chuckled. "We're not planning to be so forward as to call them suitors quite yet."

"I see," King Charles said, running his fingers through his beard. "Well, we'll just have to see where the night leads, hm?"

"I look forward to meeting your sons very much in the evening," Jade said, bringing Topaz some relief. "If they are anything like their parents, I can only imagine an enchanting couple of men."

"Well, we know Topaz can be a charmer," Marianna spoke, but she turned to Amorio, "though I'm guessing her kind heart derives from your raising?"

"Jade's kind heart was a doing all her own," Amorio said, smiling at her. The pride in his eyes made Jade's smile grow. "She has always been my entire world, and I'm excited for the world to see just how magnificent she is."

"Dad," Jade turned shy. Topaz, Amorio, Charles, and Marianna shared a small laugh resulting in Jade's shyness increasing.

"Well, Topaz," King Charles proclaimed, patting his mouth with a napkin. "This dinner was perfect, and so is your daughter." Jade smiled, trying to sit up straight as they practiced. "But we should be taking our leave." Amorio helped Jade to a stance. They exchanged formalities by kissing each other's cheeks. Amorio and Jade smiled at each other, finding the salutation humorous. King Charles did rounds with both Jade and Amorio. Queen Marianna stopped in front of Jade, her eyes shining at her.

"You truly are remarkable, Jade." She placed her hand on Jade's face and kissed her forehead. "Findere is lucky to have you, and we find ourselves very gracious to have met you."

"The pleasure is all mine. It's been extraordinary to meet you," Jade bowed.

"Just perfect," Marianna gushed. She patted Amorio and Topaz on the shoulders and smiled approvingly before leaving.

Jade's smile beamed when they left. "Nailed it," Topaz said as he and Amorio pulled her into an embrace. "It's hard to believe you've only been at this a couple of weeks." Jade laughed. "Now, let's get some rest. We have a lot to ready tomorrow for the event."