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

Chapter Forty-Four - A Fractured Heart

Jade's eyes lowered as Edge cut in. Emanuel was as magical as she had always imagined. Her heart still throbbed from the way he looked at her. That look of interest only comes when you meet someone for the first time, and that someone is someone you want to see again. Edge led her into a dance. Edge's eyes focused on Jade's as hers struggled to be on Edge.

"I asked for a week," Jade started.

"Seems if I waited, you might be in the arms of another man," Edge said, frowning. "I couldn't bare leaving you after the way we departed."

Jade sighed, "Edge, this new world I've joined. It demands certain things of me, and at first, I was proud to lead my own life and do things my way. However, the more I embrace it, the more I enjoy it. Then you brought me back to the reality where secrets are kept and swept under the rug. It's hard for me to trust you after you've done."

"After everything, you're willing to give up so easily?"

"Nothing about this is easy," Jade said, her expression lightened up. "I stand by what I said. Leaving you as I did in Inanis was awful. I was a coward, and I will always regret my choices. Then you entered back into my life, and everything happened so fast. I fell back into your arms, eager and welcoming to this relationship. Then, that night in the castle."

"I knew you couldn't let that go," Edge glanced away.

"It's hard to let go of accusations like that, Edge." Jade's eyes met Emanuel's briefly. His smile nearly unraveled her. Jade turned her attention back to Edge. "Edge I." Edge placed his hand on her face. She saw the gem on her wrist light up resulting in a look of curiosity from Edge. "That is a gem I had made special to null any ability someone tried to use on me." Edge's face fell. "You were planning to manipulate your way back into my heart?"

"You're not giving me much choice. You made googly eyes at that prince," Edge gestured towards Emanuel. "I'm supposed just to stand by and watch him sweep you away from me."

"It's not your choice to make, and it's clear now. You and Alex are alike, desperate to mold me into your perfect girl. Willing to take away my choices and self-control to get what I want. Edge, I felt us drifting apart quicker than we fell for one another. The chemistry we once had isn't there anymore." Jade bowed her head. "I'm sorry, but."

"Right here at your invitation," Edge nodded. "You're going to break up with me in front of everyone."

"No one can hear our conversation."

"Everyone's been gushing about you, how kind you seem, how beautiful." Jade met Edge's gaze. "They'll be in for a rude surprise when they see you for who you are."

"Yeah, who is that?"

"That same broken little Serf, clinging to any positive attention she can get. Emanuel will break your heart just like the rest of us. Everyone wants first dibs on you because they know they can mold you into the exact princess they desire." Jade turned her head. "You know I'm right, don't you?" Jade refused to meet his gaze. "Well, have fun with your life, Princess. Good riddance." The song ended, and she was left staring dumbly ahead of her as he walked away. Jade caught her breath and crossed off the ballroom. Topaz and Amorio rushed after her.

Jade took breaths through her teeth, settling herself down. The moment their gazes met hers, she frowned. "Am I just being groomed to be their perfect princess?"

"No," Topaz crossed to her. "I know I've shoved a lot of lessons at you at once, but usually, this etiquette training requires years, and we just were short on time. Jade, I stand by letting you make your own choices. The point of this was to meet with other kingdoms. Marriage isn't the only thing that brings them together. Some of the best partnerships revolve around friendships and positive influences."

"What happened with Edge, Jade?" Amorio asked.

"I told him when I left Omega 5, and I wanted the week to think about our relationship. He shouldn't have been here in the first place." She scowled, "he tried to manipulate me again, and I used the nulling gem if he showed up. Just as I expected, not only did he show up, but he tried to put me back under his spell."

"We'll make sure he doesn't take another step near you," Topaz said, crossing over to the staff and explaining the situation.

"I know it's hard," Amorio said, gently touching her. "But your life is only just beginning. Think of where you were a year ago and now look around you." Jade nodded, smiling at Amorio. "Alex and Edge couldn't let go of their insecurities to allow you to be your true self, but now, everyone in the kingdom will see how beautiful your true self is. It seems maybe a certain prince already noticed?" Jade blushed. "All you need to do tonight is have fun. Enjoy the attention and meet with other people. No decisions need to be made tonight. You and Emanuel can just enjoy each other's company. No one is rushing you into anything."

"Thanks, Dad," Jade said, embracing him. "You're right, and this is an opportunity to meet other kingdoms and enjoy myself. I'm not going to let Edge or Alex or anyone get in my way of being happy anymore."

"Good," Amorio said, nodding his head. "Now, let's get you back out there." He took her arm in his and walked back towards the ballroom. Amorio was right. This event wasn't about them; it was about her and what her new life expected of her. If Jade was utterly truthful, breaking up with Edge brought her great relief. With his ability, he changed, just as she did. While they may have been meant for each other once, their compatibility was no longer there. For once, she would enjoy her own company and, well, maybe enjoy the company of a few princes who want to ogle at her.