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

Chapter Sixty-Five - Jade's Presentation

The Enlightened's castle was full of energy as citizens danced and joined in a party that extended from the marketplace of Kudosider to the castle courtyards. After winning the competition, Jade invited the entire student body to her presentation. Every single aspect of this event revolved around the idea of unity between Arcs and Serfs. Jade opened the courtyard to all citizens of Findere, not just the Arcs. Tables of food lined for miles, racks of beautiful clothing, and medical centers were placed. Jade ensured no one would go hungry today. She even arranged transportation for some of the cities farther away.

Of course, despite the careful and inclusive planning Jade did, the highlight of the entire event would be Jade's formal introduction to the kingdom. Royalty enjoyed the festivities, and several princes were dressed in their best clothing, awaiting a chance to dance with Jade. Despite the happiness that radiated from the event, Alex remained to wallow in his displeasure. He reached into his pocket and took another pill as his heart fell victim to the pain. Joe was striking up a conversation with everyone around him. Joe didn't need Alex to stand beside him because of his natural allure. Alex sighed, wishing all this attention and pleas in his heart could reconcile under Joe's touch, but no amount of pills could give Jade's place away.

Alex's eyes focused on the one who was winning Jade's heart, Prince Emanuel. Emanuel's smile lit up the room bringing cheerful whispers around him. Apparently, this behavior was uncommon for the prince, but Alex knew just what Jade could bring out in a person. This event was intended to introduce Jade to the kingdom and all the others. However, from Emanuel's expression, Alex knew no other prince would be able to touch what they had. Emanuel's expression shows the familiar look of falling under Jade's spell. It wasn't Emanuel's expression that broke Alex, but Jade's. She glowed from the love Emanuel infected her with at the Graduate's ball.

Alex downed his drink, exchanging the empty glass for a new one that passed on a platter. The moment in the Medical Wing where she told him it was over was when Alex lost her forever. Jade struggled to forgive him for his cruel words on Inanis, for the years of unresponded letters, but after endangering her life as Alex did, forgiveness had an end. No matter what Alex did, she still stood beside him. A promise she made to do anything for him remained, but that promise had limitations this time. Alex thought they would find their way back to each other, but here they were—the same building, yet so far away. Alex gazed at the stairs wondering when she would be down.

Today was the day's new life would begin. Jade would fully embrace her royal duties and begin to serve her kingdom. Emanuel would not take long to propose, and Jade would say yes, wrapping up Jade and Alex's story. Jade would send out invitations to various events in desperate attention to keep them all together. At first, they would make an effort, but they would drift apart over time. Alex once was in her spotlight, but now he watched from the sidelines as the Serf, with wide eyes, no longer looked at him the way she always promised to. Jade kept her promise to do anything for Alex, but only Emanuel seemed interested in doing anything for her.

"Hey, brother," Brian said, breaking Alex out of his train of thought. Brian was the spitting image of Alex, just a year younger. William found such pride in Brian, likely because they both had the same motto for success. Power equals success, no matter how it is obtained. "Must be hard to witness everything you lost, huh?"

"Always a pleasure, Brian," Alex said dully.

"If you're not careful, you may lose him too." Brian gestured to Joe. Brain looked over Joe's body and smiled in enjoyment. Alex turned to Brian and grimaced. "What? I can look. Besides, it's not like you have been."

Alex turned to Joe and frowned. Joe didn't deserve the half-love Alex gave him. Joe deserved a love so complete and faithful that he could feel it radiate from across the room. No pills seemed strong enough for Alex to replace Jade with him. No matter the feelings brewed in his heart, Alex promised to try, and he would do just that. Taking a deep breath and finishing his drink, Alex crossed over to Joe, pulling his hand and bringing him close.