Jade smiled as the sun rose, lighting up the bed where she slept. Her heart was whole and warm as thoughts of yesterday's Invitational visited her. Jade stood up and danced around her room, remembering Emanuel's eyes on her. Something was exciting about a blossoming romance. Her heart held onto Alex so long that all she knew otherwise was Edge. Even as Edge returned into her life, the feeling of pure bliss she had right now couldn't be touched. Jade stopped when Amorio was at the door, and she turned her head embarrassed.
"Sorry, I didn't think you were awake," Amorio chewed his lip to contain a laugh. "I guess you enjoyed yesterday?"
"It was better than I could've ever imagined, Dad. I know I can get overly excited and jump from one relationship back to another, but this. It's like my entire life leading up to the moment of meeting him. There wasn't any question about how he saw me like I always had with Alex. There wasn't any unease between us like with Edge. It was new, beautiful, and enchanting."
"It was something extraordinary watching you like that. I haven't seen you so carefree and happy, well, ever. After everything you've endured, I've watched you blossom into a strong and magnificent woman, Jade." Amorio embraced her. "I couldn't be more proud." Jade leaned her head on Amorio's shoulder. "Though, I did come in to tell you something." Jade sat back up. "Well, Edge wasn't too happy with yesterday's events. So much that he leaked your story."
"Wait, what?"
"Topaz has been trying to get a handle on it all day, but an announcement will have to be made. While we still are okay with the presentation being held off until graduation, I'm afraid your want of going unnoticed until then isn't going to happen."
"Petty jerk," Jade spat. "Well, okay. There isn't anything I can do about it, I suppose. Hopefully, they won't treat me differently on the battlefield."
"Sounds like Topaz has an idea for that. Come, you should get dressed, and there is a lot of catching up you have to do."
Jade nodded and crossed to the bathroom to shower and get ready. The more she went through the motions, the more routine it seemed. Jade changed into a yellow tulle dress, dressing her braid with a matching ribbon. A knock came as she was stepping into her shoes. "Come in." Alex stepped in. Her eyes widened, surprised by the visit.
"Hey," Alex said, smiling at her. He brought forth a vase of flowers, and Jade took it and set it on her dresser.
"Thank you. They are beautiful."
"Speaking of, wow!" Alex said, spinning her around. "Princess suits you." Jade laughed. They both took a seat at the edge of her bed. "So, I saw some news today on the front pages."
"Yeah, seems Edge didn't take lightly to me breaking up with him." Alex's eyes softened. "Oh, well, it wasn't the entire story."
"I hadn't realized Edge was even the one to release the story. Why did you guys break up?"
"When we were all in the castle last, remember with you and Joe?" Alex nodded. "He accused me of leading you on or something."
"Oh, Jade. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to cause any tension."
"No, no, you didn't, Alex. I don't think he could forgive me after Inanis, and well, I couldn't trust him. Especially after finding out how he manipulated us from finding out his ability. Then, yesterday." She sighed. "Well, he tried to manipulate me right back to his arms. I was a step ahead that time, though. I had a sinking feeling that the nulling gem I requested would come in handy."
"I'm so sorry. Well, then it sounds like you made the right choice." Jade nodded. "I came to see how you were doing after finding out the kingdom knows of its princess."
"I only found out about an hour ago, and I just finished getting dressed to step into the chaos. Thanks for that, you know? It's so nice that you came to check on me."
"I owe you a lot of kind gestures after the Void of a year I've helped make for you. I won't lie, Jade. It is still hard to look at you and not be with you. Even when I'm with Joe, I remember the happiness we once had but am quickly reminded of how I ruined it. I struggled with the attention you were getting and how suddenly your name overshadowed mine. However, now I can see why." Alex placed a hand on her face. "I see it now. All the potential you have, the new face of Findere. I will be here to help you through whatever you need."
"Thank you, Alex. I hope you'll save a dance for me during my presentation?"
"Well. I can't deny the wish of my Princess, can I?" They both laughed. "Well, are you ready?" She shook her head. "Yeah, well. Ready or not, it sounds like you may have to meet your kingdom a little sooner than you anticipated." Alex's eyes studied hers, "I'm jealous that they get to see you for the first time. That's a feeling like no other." He embraced her and helped her to a stance. "Come, I'll help you down the stairs." Jade bowed her head. Her lips pressed together.
All eyes were on her as she made her way down. Inquiries were shoved at her by all other castle staff. Jade tried to answer everything the best she could but was thankful when Topaz pulled her out from their questions.
"Amorio told you already, right?" Jade nodded. "I'm sorry. I know you wanted to keep it a secret, but what's done is done. We have three days left before your break ends. Which means we have to have an announcement tomorrow." Taking a deep breath, she nodded. "I know it's a lot. It's not going to be that formal at all. You will be dressed formally, and we will address the kingdom from the balcony. The story will spread as we have to invite reporters, and then the fire is lit. The attention you were trying to avoid will hit you hard." Jade nodded in understanding. "We're increasing security at Omega 5. We will keep to your wishes to wait until after the presentation, but there is a chance you will have to do a few events in between. The kingdom is beyond curious and will eat up every word about you for a while."
"Well, then it's a good thing we'll get ahead of the word. Edge's move was petty, but he isn't going to manipulate anyone's opinion of me, and I refuse. So, please tell me what I need to do. I'm ready."
YOU ARE READING
Electric Blue Rose - Book One. [COMPLETED] Undergoing Edits
FantasyAt the age of 18, Jade Flora finally qualifies for the Omega Ceremony. However, as a Serf from Inanis, she knows it's likely that the Omega Ceremony will give her a future that she doesn't want. She holds on to the hope that her childhood love Alex...
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