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

Chapter Sixty-Four - The Graduates Ball

Jade woke up and showered that morning, but she didn't have to move a muscle after that. There was someone focused on each feature of her, from her hair, makeup, and tending to her dress. They curled Jade's hair, letting long curls hang down her back. They decorated her hair with several chains, all decorated with various gemstones, a thin gemmed circlet around her forehead. They helped her into the shapewear that would help her gown keep its form. Jade's smile grew as the dress was put over her, and dozens of other jewelry pieces started to stack on her, adding weight to the entire ensemble. They all swooned at her, gushing over how well everything had come together. While today was her last day as a student at Omega 5, this would be the first time she presented herself as a Princess in such a public event.

"Your Light, these came for you," Neia said, bringing in a large arrangement of flowers. Jade smiled and grabbed the card.

If only I were as lucky as these flowers and got to see you at this moment.

- Emanuel

Jade smiled as she put them on the table, tending to some of the neglected petals. Topaz arrived soon after to walk her to the ballroom. "I have a surprise for you." Jade perked at this, waiting for him to explain it, but he remained silent. Students leaving their room paused at her sight. Jade's eyes glossed as reality hit her. The days of the broken Serf passed, and only the days of her being the princess of this kingdom remained. Topaz stopped at the top of the steps and turned towards Jade. "Every time I see you, Jade, my heart skips a beat. I have never experienced such pride before, but here you are." Jade's eyes glossed at his words. Topaz turned towards the door and looped his arm in hers. They walked down the stairs, careful of every step. It wasn't until Jade lifted her head that she saw him. Emanuel smiled at her, sending her into a daze. "Surprise," Topaz whispered. When they reached the end of the staircase, Emanuel took her hand from Topaz.

"Your Enlightened," Emanuel said with a now. Topaz smiled, returning the bow before leaving them alone.

Jade stared at Emanuel. Her lips parted, looking for words, but she was in a trance. Emanuel ran his hand on her cheek and looked at her with shining eyes.

"I knew to expect unspeakable beauty, but the heavens outdid themselves today with you." Jade bowed her head, succumbing to old traits of tucking her hair back. "Our little secret seems to be out in the open now." Jade bowed her head, unable to retract her smile. "May I have this dance, Princess?"

"You may," Jade managed through heavy breaths. Edge led her to the dance floor. With each step, sway and dip, her heart gave more of itself to him. Jade's eyes glistened as his eyes told her everything she needed to know.

"I have been dreaming of this moment since leaving you that first night. Now that it's here, I feel like it's a dream," Emanuel said. "You have my heart, Jade. Whatever you want from me, all you have to do is ask."

"All I want is you, Emanuel." Emanuel spun her and lowered her for another dip. This time as he brought her to a stance, their lips met. Jade heard the flashes sound around her. Easily this would be on the front cover of every news source in the kingdom, but she couldn't care less. When their lips parted, his eyes portrayed love for her. As if he could read what she was feeling, he confessed. "I think I'm in love with you, Jade." She couldn't resist kissing him again as the words left his mouth. There was a bloom in her heart—the inability to stand being a moment away from him. The answer to all the tears she shed over her lifetime, the heartbreak she faced. Every single thing Jade ever endured was to bring her to this moment.

"What am I supposed to do with this much love?" Jade asked.

"Embrace it." Jade opened her mouth, but they found themselves surrounded by her friends.

"You look beautiful, Jade," Amelia beamed in a blue ballgown. Ray stood beside her, his suit matching her gown.

"Me? Look at the two of you!" Jade beamed. "Oh, um, Emanuel. These are my friends Amelia and Ray." Jade turned to her friends. "Amelia and Ray, this is my Emanuel." Jade flushed at the my, she added, but Emanuel lit up from it. Emanuel bowed in greeting, and they returned it.

Alex and Joe crossed over to join them. Joe and Jade exchanged an embrace and gushed about one another's outfits. Jade continued the introductions until they were all acquainted. Alex's eyes lingered on Jade longer than she wished. Jade turned her attention to Emanuel, hoping to signal Alex to revert his gaze to Joe.

Amelia sighed as she gestured widely at the group. "I can't imagine no longer waking up knowing your just doors away. I hope we stay close without Omega 5 binding us."

"We will, I promise," Jade declared. "I'm sure I'll have enough events that you'll get sick of me after a while." They all chuckled, but a hint of sadness was present. "Thank you for helping me discover who I was. I never expected to get such a great group of friends like this. You're all the real reason I've made it so far."

"Our lives are only just starting," Amelia proclaimed. "I can't wait for us to celebrate them together."

"Me either," Joe said, turning to Alex. Alex smiled, kissing Joe's lips. Jade's stomach relaxed from the gesture.

"No matter where you are, you bring out the best in everyone," Emanuel said, looking down at Jade. "I'm just lucky enough that you see the best in me."

"Only the best," Jade whispered, returning her lips to Emanuel's.