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

Chapter Forty-Five - A Magical Ending

Jade took another bow as Prince Avery took his exit. She took a deep breath and crossed over to a chair resting from the day's events. A red-headed girl took a seat beside her, and Jade recognized her as one of the royals from Retedian. Jade sat up and made a formal introduction.

"It's a pleasure, Jade," Princess Lily introduced herself. "I'm so excited to have another princess near my age, though I have a few years of experience on top of you."

Jade laughed, "well, you knew you were a princess perhaps a little sooner than me?"

"True," Lily laughed. "I know how overwhelming all of this can be, and I want to let you know I'm here to lend a friendly ear if you need it. Such as," Lily reached behind Jade and adjusted her necklace. "That way, you can stop fidgeting with it, and it will stay in place."

"Lifesaver," Jade sighed. "I appreciate it; honestly, I'm just barely getting by. Growing up, I knew of the other kingdoms, but there is only so much you can learn growing up as I did."

"I heard about that. What a crazy story you have. You found out you have abilities and royal blood all in six months?"

"Been a crazy half a year so far," Jade laughed. "So, what's it like in Retedian? I've read a lot about Thundaar and then met some Chaandians this year, but I'm not sure I've ever met a Retedian before."

"We don't have a lot of ability users in our kingdom. Since I've married Ariel, Sasta's kingdom has many more than we do. Though, the travel to Omega 5 and back to Sasta is challenging, so most tend to bring their residence here to Findere."

"Prince Ariel is such a handsome man. How did you two meet?"

"Well, at an event much like this. It is the more formal presentation to the kingdoms, which I heard you've put yours off for a bit?"

"I wanted to finish my studies before the word got out. We have competitions coming up, and I didn't want it to affect how the other teams treated me."

"Noble of you," Lily said, impressed. "Well, I was lined up with all these handsome suitors, plus the rest from Sasta and Berene that you'll meet. Some of them much too young to be considered suitors." Jade and Lily laughed. "It's funny, I was so nervous that I would feel trapped among the pool of men, but the connection Ariel and I had was true. Much like the one I noticed between you and Prince Emanuel?" Jade blushed. "I thought there was some chemistry there."

"I'm sure most of it was just him being friendly."

"Prince Emanuel ducked out before meeting me, you know." Jade's eyes widened. "I took no offense. I've always heard he keeps to himself. Besides, as the younger of the two princes, Sebastian was the one pushed on me, not Emanuel. That Sebastian, now that's a character. I see you got the same dance I did."

Jade laughed, "I had no idea where to put my feet, and I'm sure he carried me in each position." They both took a drink off a tray brought over to them.

"Keep a secret?" Lily asked. Jade nodded. "I need you to drink this for me." She eyed her stomach. Jade gushed, and Lily shushed her, smiling. "It's still early, and we want to wait before announcing it. I'd love it if you came to the shower when the time comes."

"I'd be so honored," Jade beamed. "How exciting!"

"Well, seems you two are hitting it off?" Sebastian came over, posing in front of them. Jade and Lily exchanged a glance. "The one who got away and is playing hard to get." Jade downed her drink and swiftly exchanged her empty glass with Lily's full one, and Sebastian was none the wiser.

"Well, Jade, I'm afraid my mother is waving me away." Lily pulled her into an embrace and whispered, "good luck." They both giggled. "I'm going to write you, okay?"

"I'd like that." Lily squeezed Jade's hand and walked off.

Sebastian's face moved closer to Jade's. Jade smiled politely. He ran a hand through his hair and looked over her approvingly. "I saw you were getting close to my brother. I mean, Emanuel is great and all. Though, not quite as experienced as me." Jade blushed. "Ah, a modest girl?" Jade pulled away as he moved closer. "I'm sure I can figure out how to drive such a beauty mad with just a night."

"Hey, brother," Emanuel interjected. "Mother's looking for you." Sebastian sighed and turned to her. He kissed her hand and smirked, walking away. Emanuel took his seat, and Jade relaxed. "Figured you needed some saving." Jade laughed and nodded. "I wanted to see if you were okay. I noticed you weren't so happy to dance with that man earlier. The one who said he was your boyfriend?"

"We broke up during the dance," Jade winced. "I asked him for the week to figure things out, and he couldn't give it to me. Besides, there were a lot of other factors. We had been drifting apart for a while." Jade twirled a strand of her hair around her finger. Her gaze meeting Topaz, who shook his head. She lowered her hand, realizing.

"I know that reaction," Emanuel laughed. "I always fidget with my hair, too. Mother's glare is now burned into my mind." Jade turned her head before meeting his gaze again. "I did not expect to be so enchanted coming here, Jade. My mother did not stop talking about you since she came home but in the past. Well, girls usually aren't interested in me and more so in the idea of being a princess or away in towards my brother. After a while, the whole ordeal gets tiring."

"and tonight?" Jade asked. "Was the night tiring?" Emanuel shook his head. "Your parents and mine teased me when I spoke about you during dinner." His eyes lit up, "Honestly, I've had a crush on you for as long as you've published books. For thirteen, I have to say your first book at thirteen. You had such impressive writing talents."

"If I knew a pretty girl was out there reading my books, I would've rushed to put more out. As the years passed, writing proved as natural as breathing." Jade sighed in admiration, and her eyes steadied on his. "Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do?"

"Garden," Jade answered. "My life changed when I read your book, and I created a herbal garden back home for the other Serfs in my community, and it thrived for a while."

"What happened to it?" Emanuel asked. Jade frowned, resulting in a worried expression for him.

"It's a long story and not a pleasant one," Jade shook her head and turned to him. "I'd rather focus on something charming." Emanuel's face reddened. "A younger me would've died thinking about having a conversation like this with the Prince Emanuel of Thundaar. I kept a photo of you on my wall."

"I've no recollection of ever being this flattered," Emanuel glanced up and sighed. "Well, the parents are signaling. It's time to return. "I know we both have a hectic schedule these next few months with your competitions and my classes. Though the idea of waiting until your presentation to talk to you again seems like torture." Jade smiled. "Could I write you?"

"Yeah, I'd like that." Emanuel looked into her eyes once more and leaned forward, kissing her cheek. "I'm going to get in trouble for that," he laughed. "Goodnight, Princess." Jade stood up as he did. He smiled before crossing back to his family. Sebastian gave her another wink before leaving with his parents. Jade's hand went to her cheek, her smile untamed. Looking up, both of her fathers smirked at her. She rolled her eyes and crossed towards them.

"Well, I'd say that went perfectly," Topaz proclaimed as they led her into the dining room, "should we draw up the wedding plans." Jade groaned as Amorio and Topaz teased her together.