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

Chapter Forty-Seven - Jade's Announcement

Alex watched the chaos in the castle ensue. Staff ran around as though the place was on fire. Topaz reviewed several pages of speeches and other paperwork to finalize before they came. Alex already sent the request for Jade to Joe and Amelia, but neither had shown quite yet. Through the castle windows, he could already see citizens lining up. They helped themselves to the catering provided to the kingdom in the courtyard. Alex looked at the top of the stairs. Dozens of staff were in Jade's room. He could only imagine how overwhelmed she would be by having someone assigned to every aspect of her look for today. Though, she settled into the role of Princess surprisingly well.

Alex's mind traveled to Edge. He could understand how overwhelming it could be to lose Jade, but the fact that he manipulated her in the first place? Alex stopped. While Edge's mistakes were big, Alex was just as guilty. He used Jade's feelings for him against her. His power and fame twisted Jade into a knot that Alex couldn't undo. He would be lying if he said he was also grateful that Edge wouldn't be the person to undo it either. After everything she's gone through in the past few months, over her lifetime, seeing her happy was plenty enough. At least it should be.

Joe walked in dressed in a handsome black suit, his red tattoos peeking through the top. Alex's mouth opened at him. Joe was his closest friend other than Jade, and he paid him no attention when Joe fell for him. However, now, Alex's eyes remained on him. There were moments of falter when Jade's eyes grazed Alex's, but he needed to embrace something new just like her. Alex stood up, refusing to sabotage this relationship before allowing it to grow. Joe's eyes met Alex's. As the smile on his face formed, Alex smashed his lips against Joe's. Pulling away, he enjoyed the sweet expression on Joe's face.

"Well, hello to you too," Joe said, laughing. Alex leaned forward, kissing him again.

"That suit is working for you," Alex whispered, looking down at Joe. "A couple of days without you showed me how dull life can be without you in it."

"Alex," Joe said, turning his head away, embarrassed. "Honestly, after the last time we were here, I've worried that your eyes may not have been solely on me."

"I know," Alex sighed. "I admit I had a hard time letting Jade go. I may still have moments, but the excitement it stirs in me is new and fun when I see you. I want to give us a shot. If you're still willing to bet on me?"

"Yeah, I am." Joe smiled. "And that suit is working for you too. I hope we don't overshadow Jade." As if it were planned, she walked down. They both turned to her. Her dress shone from the gems that decorated it, rainbows on the wall from their reflections. Her hair curled and topped with her circlet and other jewels that hung from her head down. "Well, I don't think we have to worry about that," Joe scoffed, impressed. Jade's eyes met theirs, and a giant smile overcame her. They crossed over to her and met her embrace.

"Joe!" Jade exclaimed. "Wow, look at you both," she turned towards them. "You guys look amazing."

"Us?" Joe proclaimed. "Look at the princess who just crossed my sight." Jade laughed. "Seriously, Jade. Wow."

"Thanks." Jade smiled at Alex, pleased. "How is your mom?" Jade asked turning to Joe.

"Great. Distraught by the idea, I know the new Princess of Findere," he laughed. Jade joined in on the laughter. "Are you nervous?"

"Yeah," Jade said, looking up at the balcony. "I felt a bit more in control after the invitation, but yesterday I woke up to the news my ex was a petty man, and the entire kingdom knew of their new princess."

"Yeah, sorry about Edge," Joe said with a frown. Jade shrugged. "You seem alright?"

"Yeah. The truth is, I told Edge I needed the week to think of our relationship, but I already knew my answer would be." Jade sighed. "One day, he'll see it's for the best." Jade's smile expanded as Amelia walked in. Amelia's eyes widened as she rushed over.

"Holy crap!" Amelia exclaimed. "You're like a fancy chandelier." They all laughed. "Wow, when I thought you couldn't get any fancier, here you are. This is crazy, Jade."

"Yeah, tell me about it," Jade laughed. "And this isn't even going to touch how the actual presentation to the kingdom will be."

"I'm going to need a new dress," Amelia shook her head. "Look at the spread of food they have here," Amelia shook her head in disbelief. "I'm going to count how many different cheeses there are." The rest of them laughed as she rushed off.

"Well, I need to get into place. Wish me luck," Jade said, squeezing Alex's and Joe's hands. "Thank you for being here."

"Wouldn't miss it," Alex smiled at her. He and Joe watched as she walked off, and they rose their eyebrows at one another before joining Amelia at the cheese table.