Be My Princess (Fanfiction): A Rose to Remember

Chapter 27

Author's Note:

Ok, so I had planned for this to be a "Thanksgiving Special" type chapter, but I didn't finish this chapter until now.

I hope you enjoy this chapter nonetheless!

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The two weeks had flown by so quickly, I couldn't believe it was already Thanksgiving. And the day of the Thanksgiving Ball.

I looked down at the paper that contained my speech for my grandmother's memorial.

Next month would mark five month sincere my grandmother had passed away.

Time flew by so quickly.

Emma had styled my blonde hair into a double dutch braided low bun. She also used the pearl pins from before, which transformed the simple hairstyle into a more intricate and elegant look.

She kept the makeup to a bare minimum, since I clearly didn't need much.

For tonight's Thanksgiving Ball, I chose to wear a light blue floral beaded bodice ball gown with an off the shoulder neckline. The floral beading had been stitched throughout the skirts of the dress.

I paired the dress with simple white heels.

Tonight, I wore the diamond stud earrings with its matching bracelet and tear drop necklace set my grandmother had given me on that night. I had almost forgotten about it until Zain had shown it to me the day before today.

"So you could have a piece of her for tonight's Thanksgiving Ball," Zain had said when I didn't want to wear my grandmother's jewelry.

Was I ready for this Thanksgiving Ball? I thought as I descended the grand staircase, Edward was at the bottom of the stairs. Waiting for me.

The more important question was: Was I ready to give the speech for my grandmother's memorial?

"Ready?" Edward asked as we walked toward the Ballroom.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I muttered out in a shaky breath.

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The Thanksgiving Ball felt like just any other Ball.

Except, all of the Kings and Queens of all Six Kingdoms were all present— like that day on the funeral.

And there was a memorial for my grandmother.

When it was time for me to give my speech about my grandmother, my nerves were everywhere.

My grandfather had given a short speech about my grandmother first, before he gave me the microphone.

My original plan was to recite the speech I had already planned for tonight's memorial, but as soon as I held the microphone— that completely went out the door.

"Five months ago, we all suffered a great loss," I began as I looked at everyone that was in the Ballroom. "We all lost Lady Adeline I together. My family and I lost her together. As you may have known, I never knew my grandmother as the Lady of all Six Kingdoms. I knew her as just my grandmother."

I paused for a few seconds, blinking back the tears that fought to spill over my face. "Even though, I never knew the truth about my grandmother— about my family— I will always cherish the memories that I have of my grandmother, Lady Adeline I.

She truly was loved by everyone. She herself had been the epitome image of a Lady. I do believe that she is in a better place now. Lady Adeline Michel I will always be greatly missed."

After I had given my quickly improvised speech, everyone applauded.

I curtsied deeply, bowing my head so that I could hide the tears that spilled over my face.

Unlike the regular Balls, this Thanksgiving Ball didn't consist of dancing and mingling around.

Instead, it really just consisted of the Crown Princes— and the Kings and Queens— of all Six Kingdoms coming together, and to have a heartfelt moment with my Grandfather and I.

A true Thanksgiving dinner.

When the dinner portion of the Thanksgiving Ball came around. I sat at a dining table with the Crown Princes.

My grandfather sat at another dining table with the Kings and Queens.

The other guests that had been invited were sitting at another dining table next to my grandfather's dining table.

Edward was sitting next to me on my left.

He leaned in closer to me and whispered, "You were amazing, Adeline."

My cheeks burned when he praised me.

Before I could whisper a "thank you" to Edward, Joshua spoke.

"Lady Adeline, you have yet to disappoint," Joshua said as we all ate dinner. "Your speech was amazing."

The other Crown Princes agreed.

My cheeks burned even more at the Crown Princes praise.

"Thank you," I said as I forced myself to eat the thanksgiving dinner.

Spending this Thanksgiving dinner without my grandmother was...difficult, but I got through it.

My grandmother would want to see me happy.

That night, I moved on— even if it was only a tiny bit and that was a start.