Seb,

I hope everything is going okay and that you're settling in. I miss you too and I wish you were here with me. I miss feeling safe and sleeping well. Thank you for my birthday presents. They couldn't have been more perfect,

Beste ønsker,

Sky

All week I tried my best to avoid Zed, which was easier said than done considering we had a lot of lessons together. I hurried off after class, mostly by myself (except for my security team) and kept busy either with swims after class or visits to the library. I headed to the Riding Centre, helping Clara approve the upgrades and changes, and then on Friday Wilfred picked me up and drove me to the palace for my weekend of grounding, so I knew there was no chance of running into Zed there.

I stroked Angel's muzzle as I carefully brushed her on Saturday morning in the paddock.

'Hello Sky.' Marcus' voice made me jump. It had been a very long time since I had seen him.

'Hey.' I replied with a small smile. I stopped brushing Angel and she tossed her head in annoyance.

'How are you?' His hands were in his pockets and he looked a little awkward.

'I'm okay, you?'

'I'm well.' He smiled. 'I'm sorry about your grandfather.'

'Me too.' I looked down to the ground and back up again, surprised that tears weren't forming in my eyes.

'He was a good man.'

'He was.' I let my hands fall to my side, brushing them against my jodbpurs. 'What brings you to the palace?'

'I've not seen you in a while and I wanted to check you were okay.' His eyes softened. 'Dating a prince now then, huh?'

'Seb is a normal guy really. I think some people forget that.'

'A normal guy that's a crown prince and currently working in the navy.' Marcus replied. 'Phil said you were grounded?'

I groaned. 'It was just a party.'

His mouth crept up in the corners into a smile. 'A wild one by the sounds of it. It's just a shame you were caught out. Your brother has thrown a lot of wild parties. Worse than yours I'm sure.'

'I'm never drinking again.' I told him and he chuckled.

'Your highness?' A guard appeared beside us and he bowed. 'Your father is looking for you.'

'Oh?'

When I found my father, he was pacing his office and I wondered if something awful had happened. My mind flitted to Seb and then to Ezra, who seemed to have disappeared into thin air. I swallowed and held my breath as I looked up at him.

'Marcus is going to take you on your first driving lesson.' He told me and I looked at him in surprise.

'I thought I was grounded this weekend?'

'You are.' He replied, keeping his voice even. 'You're only driving around the courtyard and along the driveway. There is no point having a car and not being able to drive it.'

I looked over at my ex-boyfriend and he gave a shy smile as I bit my lip. 'What about my license?'

My father took an envelope from his desk and passed it to me. Inside was my provisional license; paper and card copy. My passport photo, the same one as on the new passport I'd been given a few months previously, made me cringe. It looked like a mug shot.

Driving was a terrifying experience, even without any traffic to crash into. I stalled five times. At least. And by the time I'd finished my lesson, my hands were clammy and sweaty, as was the poor steering wheel of my Mini. Marcus was a patient driver though and he remained calm. Calmer than I was. He showed me the parts under the bonnet and what each bit did, showed me how to use my lights and wipers and he encouraged me to pick up my speed to 20mph. I knew that next time, however, when I went out on the road, things were going to be even scarier. I'd have to go at least 30mph and there would be other traffic too.

My 'grounding' ended Sunday night, but that didn't really affect me as I hadn't planned anything over the weeks that followed. I spent long days studying, which started to pay off; I did well in assignments, earning myself a place in the top 3% in our year. Lucy didn't understand why I kept heading off to the library, though. She thought I was overdoing it and that I was going to make myself ill.

'Come on Sky, we're going to Tina's house this weekend. It'll be fun.' Lucy pleaded with me the last week of April. The May bank holiday weekend was edging closer and closer and my friends were making plans to make use of Tina's empty house half an hour outside of Newport, wales.

'I was going to spend the weekend studying.' I replied, thoughtfully. I underlined part of the textbook that I thought would be useful for the science paper that wasn't due in for another three weeks. I'd started to get ahead of myself and it felt good. I was doing well and it stopped my mind drifting off to thinking of Seb or my grandfather.

A pillow was launched at me from across the room and I blinked as I looked at my roommate. 'You're so god damn annoying!'

'Erm, thanks?' I raised an eyebrow and looked up at her as I chewed my pencil.

'This is ridiculous!' She groaned. 'I want my friend back!'

'I've not gone anywhere.'

'You have!' She looked frustrated. 'I know you're upset and things are hard, but just talk to me. After your birthday I thought you were starting to move on, but I feel like you're back there again. Keeping busy, distracting yourself, not spending time with anyone.'

'That's not true.'

'So when did you last hang out with Zoe, Tina and I?' She folded her arms across her chest and I frowned. 'Exactly. We hang out every night and you just sit in the library or here with some stupid textbook. Sky please. This weekend will be fun and you need a break before you make yourself crazy.'

'But Zed's going.' I pointed out. Nelson, Nate, Yves and Zed had all been invited. And they were going, of course. 'I don't want anything to do with him.'

'You don't want anything to do with any of us by the sounds of it.' She looked hurt and I felt guilt in the pit of my stomach. She was right. I'd been so busy distracting myself that I'd forgotten to be a good friend. I had no idea how Lucy was feeling about the assignments or how things were with Nate. Or how she was coping now that her dad was on his worldwide tour. I'd been a terrible friend. I winced.

'I'm sorry.' I whispered, closing my book. 'I've been the worst friend ever.'

'No you haven't.' She replied with a small smile. 'You miss your grandfather and you miss Seb. I completely get that. I just don't like that you've cut us all out.'

'Me neither.' I shoved the book on the floor and Lucy almost laughed. 'So what's the plan this weekend?'

'You'll come?' Her eyes lit up.

'I'll come.' I replied. 'But Zed Benedict stays the hell away from me.'

Easier said than done on Friday evening as we were driving across the Severn Bridge toll road in a huge minibus with blacked out windows that the Benedict family had loaned us. One of my security guards drove us and two others sat at the back of the bus, out of the way. I hated that they were coming too because it meant I didn't get time to spend with my friends in private. Lucy sat beside me, chatting away to me and to Tina and Zoe, who sat across the aisle from us, buzzing with excitement. Then there was Nate and Zed sat in front of us and, every now and then, Zed would glance behind him and his eyes would meet mine, making me jittery. I reminded myself that was why I was avoiding him.

We arrived at the house after seven, having stopped for a quick McDonalds on the way. I'd never been to Wales before and I wondered why; the countryside we'd passed through was pretty, although we'd passed signs for places I had no idea how to pronounce. Tina's family lived three minutes walk from the beach in a small village called St Brides. The house itself was a large grey-stone building with huge glass windows and a balcony covering two sides. Leaving our bags in the car, we followed Tina inside and she gave us the grand tour.

The main reception room had a window covering most of the south-facing wall, revealing a beautiful view of the beach. There were two cream-coloured three-seater sofas and two armchairs, as well as a flatscreen television and several bookcases. The kitchen had a similar view and was open plan with a large dining table. There were four bathrooms in total, spread out across the two storeys of the house, and then there were the five bedrooms; Tina's bedroom, her parent's room, a double guest room and then a guest room with bunk beds. Tina, Zoe and I were going to stay in her room, as she had arranged for single beds to be moved in there, Lucy was staying with Nate in the double guest room and then the three guys were in the bunk bed room, which had enough beds for four. My security team were going to share the final room, with two twin beds, which was fine as there was always someone who was going to be awake and alert just in case.

'Your house is lovely.' I told Tina after we'd brought in our bags. I hung up my clothes in the space she had made for Zoe and I in her wardrobe.

'Thank you.' She smiled. 'I miss it sometimes, you know? I've spent my whole life here.'

I wished that I knew what that felt like. I'd been with a relative, then in a children's home, then a house in Cornwall and now I split myself between Sally and Simon's house, the dorm, The Palace and my Kensington apartment. 'I love the view.' I said with a smile, looking out to the balcony that overlooked the now dark beach.

'We'll make the most of that tomorrow.' She told me with a smile. 'Fancy a dip in the tub?'

'Tub?'

'Hot tub.' She smiled. 'There's one in the garden.'

'You go ahead.' I replied. 'I'm a little chilly.'

'Suit yourself.'

My friends headed out to the hot tub as I finished unpacking and their laughter echoed through the air from the balcony as I watched them with a small smile. I wrapped my jumper tighter around myself and stepped back inside, closing the french doors behind me. I headed downstairs, craving a book, but I hesitated as I passed a room we'd not even been in.

'You tell all the boys "No"

Makes you feel good, yeah.

I know you're out of my league

But that won't scare me away, oh, no.'

It was Zed's voice and there was a piano playing. It wasn't perfect, a little rusty, but it was pretty good. When did he learn to play piano?

'You've carried on so long,

You couldn't stop if you tried it.

You've built your wall so high

That no one could climb it,

But I'm gonna try.'

He pressed the wrong note and he winced, cursing under his breath.

'I think it's a D.' I said from the doorway and he looked at me in surprise, tilting his head to the side.

'How long have you been stood there?' He looked pained.

'Not that long.' I shrugged.

'Long enough to hear that?'

'I didn't know you could play piano.'

'Not very well it would seem.' He shuddered and I walked into the room, leaning against the piano.

'How long have you been playing?'

'A few weeks.'

'Well you're very good considering you've only been playing a few weeks.' I told him with a reassuring smile. 'It took me months to get that far.'

'I don't think I'll ever quite be up to your standard.' He said, sheepishly, running his hand through his hair.

'Nonsense.' I tutted. 'It takes practise, that's all. So why piano?'

'Our manager thinks it would be nice if we had a few piano songs in contrast with the pop-rock stuff and I might have said I could play piano.' He frowned. 'I wish I hadn't said that, though.'

'Why did you?' I raised an eyebrow.

'To try and impress?' He looked thoughtful. 'Rookie mistake though. We're off on tour in three weeks and I'm expected to play these new piano songs. Time is ticking on.'

I perched on the stool beside him, aware that our arms and thighs were touching, making my own tingle. Then I squinted at the sheet music, reading the notes. I started to play and I soon came to a mistake in the sheet music. 'Yep, that should be a D.' I told him, changing the note with a pen.

'Thank you.' He said with a smile as he pressed the right key. 'Maybe you could sing with me?'

I wanted to but I tensed in response. It wasn't a good idea. 'Actually, I'm going to head to bed. I'm exhausted.' I lied.

I retired to the bedroom, yes, but instead I stayed up writing my own lyrics as they flooded over me. And when my friends came to bed, I pretended I was already asleep.

I woke up early the next day and the sound of birds singing filled the air. With a glance at the clock, I saw that it was only seven. Too early for anyone else to be awake. I disappeared into a bathroom, tying up my hair and changing into my bikini, deciding that I would make the most of an empty hot tub. I grabbed my towel and threw on a baggy t-shirt before creeping my way downstairs.

Martin, my head of security, sat in the living room and his eyes flicked up to meet mine as I passed. 'Good morning your highness.'

'Good morning.' I replied, tired of correcting people. There was no reason to refer to me as your highness when we were on a weekend away and no one else was around. It was silly really. 'I'm just going out to the hot tub on the terrace Martin.'

'Okay.'

I carefully unlocked and opened the french doors, slipping out onto the terrace. I turned on the jets and pulled back the cover, before slipping of my t-shirt and sliding into the hot water. I sank in and felt the tension leaving my shoulders as the jets worked their magic, massaging away my cares. I could see the beach again, at the bottom of the hillside, and somebody was walking their dog. I could hear the birds singing and the rustle of the trees in the gentle breeze. There was no roar of cars. No beeping of horns. It was tranquil and calm and it reminded me of my home back in Cornwall.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, thinking of the song I'd written the previous night.

'Sunlight comes creeping in

Illuminates our skin

We watch the day go by

Stories of all we did

It made me think of you

It made me think of you.'

I flinched at the sound of a twig breaking and I opened my eyes to see Zed was stood there in shorts and a hoodie, a sheepish look on his face. I released the breath I hadn't known I was holding. 'You scared me.'

'Sorry.' He apologised. He glanced at Martin through the window. 'I don't think he'd have let me near you though if I was a serial killer or something.' My mind flitted to Ezra and I tensed, a lump forming in my throat. 'Sorry, that was a stupid thing to say.' He frowned. 'I didn't mean to scare you.'

'It's okay.' I gave a small smile whilst battling with whether to hurry back inside or not.

'Did you write that song you were singing?' He asked and I nodded. 'It's good, I like it. Guitar or piano?'

'Piano I think.' I bit my lip. 'Although guitar might sound good too.'

'May I join you?' He signalled to the hot tub and I became all to aware that I was sat in just a Roxy bikini. I blushed as I nodded and he pulled off his hoodie, revealing his perfectly carved tanned chest. I diverted my eyes, feeling my blush deepen, and then he climbed into the hot tub beside me, sat just a metre away. 'The view is pretty sweet, huh?' He commented and I had to agree.

'It's lovely.' I said with a smile. 'So peaceful and so different to London.'

'It's a shame it looks like rain.' He said and he was right. The clouds were grey and they didn't look like they were promising any sunshine. 'Tina mentionned going into Cardiff today. It's definitely one of my favourite cities.'

'I've never been.' I admitted, sheepishly. 'This is my first time in Wales.'

Zed looked surprised. 'It's a pretty sweet country.' He said. 'Although the language is pretty tough. Lots of castles here though and sheep.'

I laughed at the latter. 'Really? Because so far I haven't seen any.'

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales, was only half an hour away, but it seemed a whole world away from the tranquil surroundings of Tina's house. It was a buzzing city with hundreds of shops and attractions just asking to be seen. We headed to Cardiff castle first, because you couldn't not visit a castle in Wales, could you? The castle was Medieval and was right in the city centre. We spent the morning wandering around, listening to the audio guides and the guys pretended to have sword fights on the castle walls whilst the girls and I rolled our eyes at the sight, trying to ignore the people glancing my way with recognition, even though I'd put on sunglasses in an attempt to hide my identity, as had Zed and Nate, who were still being stopped every ten minutes or so by hysterical teenage girls.

'This is crazy.' Lucy whispered as we left the castle and the boys were once again hounded by a group of girls who claimed to be their future wives.

'It is.' I agreed. 'At least they aren't allowed near me. Martin wouldn't allow them within a metre.' I signalled to my security who were stood with us, looking around.

'Oh Zed, you're so muscular!' A girl cooed, grabbing my ex-boyfriend's biceps. I laughed, a little too loudly. Zed looked over at me with a raised eyebrow as did the girls and Lucy laughed under her breath.

'Are you saying I'm not muscular, your highness?' Zed asked, his face serious.

'Not at all.' I replied, evenly, looking to Lucy for help. 'Lucy was just saying she wanted to head to Primark and I thought it was funny.'

He didn't believe me. The amused expression on his face said so much. But either way, he seemed to go along with it. 'I see. Well we were going to head to the Millenium Stadium. Why don't you girls go to Primark and we'll meet back for lunch?'

'Sounds great!' Zoe said, giving me a puzzled expression as Lucy giggled beside me. 'Text us when you're done.'

And we headed off in the direction of the shops.

'Okay, what on earth is going on?' Tina quizzed as we walked through the busy streets, members of the public glancing our way.

'I have no idea what you mean.' I replied with a shrug.

'Don't play coy with me.' Tina frowned. 'What's the banter with Zed? And don't think I don't know you were in the hot tub with him this morning.'

A blush spread across my cheeks. 'Nothing is going on.'

'I always said they had chemistry, didn't I, Ti?' Zoe piped up. 'For months there's been a spark but nothing ever happened.' Lucy glanced down at the floor and I hoped they hadn't noticed her awkwardness.

'Guys, really?' I furrowed my eyebrows. 'There's nothing there. We don't even like each other.'

'Mhmmm.' Tina's eyes were wary as we reached Primark. Without another word, we headed inside.

We met the boys for a late lunch after spending probably too much money on new clothes, something I hadn't been allowed to do for a while. I wasn't allowed to shop in London, so unless I was ordering online, I didn't have the chance to buy clothes from High Street stores. Most of my wardrobe was designer and it was Princess Sky, not normal Sky. I particularly liked my new Topshop dress, which fell halfway down the thigh and was light blue with white polka dots, strappy with a sweetheart neckline.

After spending the afternoon in the harbour, we headed back to the house. The plan was to go to the local pub, owned by Tina's parent's friends, and chill whilst listening to live music and there was karaoke planned for later too. We divided into our genders, the girls getting ready together and the boys opening beers whilst they got ready too. I sipped on my wine as I adjusted my blonde curls and Lucy, Tina and Zoe straightened their hair carefully.

'I missed this.' Lucy said, giving me a smile. 'Are you glad you came?'

I smiled back at her. 'I am.' I turned to face my other friends. 'I'm sorry for being a rubbish mate over the past weeks.'

'We forgive you.' Tina said. 'It's good to have you back, Bambi.' She winked at the old nickname she'd given me and I laughed softly. 'Are you wearing your new dress tonight?'

'Isn't it supposed to rain?'

'So what? It's five minutes away. We can run there if we have to.'

I wasn't sure I felt like running when I looked at myself in the mirror half an hour later. My dress hugged my figure perfectly and looked great with the denim jacket I'd paired it with. I wore white plimsol-style shoes on my feet, adding a bit of comfort to the outfit and my hair fell in perfect curls, my make-up also looking pretty good considering I had done it myself. Zoe and Tina looked fabulous in maxi dresses, looking like they should be in Ibiza or something and Lucy looked cute in a blouse and floral skirt, pumps on her feet. We met the boys downstairs in the reception room, where my security entourage were waiting for us too.

Wow. Zed's voice in my head took me by surprise and I shot him a confused look. You look gorgeous.

My cheeks reddened and I looked down at my casual shoes. Thank you.

I glanced up again and saw his eyes burning into mine, giving my heart palpitations. It jittered in my chest and I bit my lip, wishing that Zed Benedict didn't still have that effect on me.

Tina looked around awkwardly, ignoring Nelson's lustful expression as he looked at her. 'Shall we go?'

The Lighthouse Inn overlooked the lighthouse that belonged to a family who apparently rented out some of the rooms as Bed and Breakfasts too. I admired the TARDIS on the top balcony and Tina explained that it was the changing room for their hot tub. It made me wonder if everyone around here had hot tubs overlooking the ocean, which was now starting to look a little stormy. The pub was small and cosy, with a roaring fire on, despite being May and cute knick-knacks and pictures around, decorating it and giving it character. There was a restaurant part, where we sat and ate first before moving to the pub area, where locals sat chatting as the band set up their instruments. A few people glanced my way and bowed their heads in respect, making my cheeks flushed, but I tried my best just to ignore it and blend in.

'Here you are.' Tina pushed some beers our way and I glanced up at her in surprise. 'They said they'd only do one round for us as we've technically been eating so it's legal.'

Nate clinked his bottle against Lucy and then Zed's before taking a sip. 'I do love me a tequila beer.'

I squinted at the brand name that was unfamiliar before taking my own sip. I nodded in agreement. It was pretty nice stuff.

'Hi my name is Tyler and it's great to be here tonight.' The performer said into the microphone. He didn't look much older than my friends and I and he looked nervous, even though there were only about thirty people in the pub, if that. 'Let me know if you have any requests. This one's by Maroon 5.' He started playing some chords and I watched with curiosity as I tried to work out the first song. 'I'm hurting, baby, I'm broken down

I need your loving, loving

I need it now

When I'm without you

I'm something weak

You got me begging, begging

I'm on my knees.'

'I love this song!' Lucy said excitedly as Nate took her hand, their fingers interlocking. I gave a small smile at the cute gesture, although I felt envious of it too. I missed Seb's hand in mine. It was comforting, relaxing and loving all rolled into one. I looked up and saw Zed watching me as he quietly sang along under his breath from across the table.

He soon joined me, sat beside me as Tyler's performance finished and the karaoke started up, Tina and Zoe opening with a rendition of 'Bang bang' that was clearly not approved by anyone over thirty in the pub. 'What are you singing?' Zed asked, nodding to the stage as my friends tried to rap Nicki Minaj's part almost painfully.

'Nothing.' I shrugged. 'I'm not really feeling up to it.'

'You should sing.' He encouraged with a small smile.

'I have a headache.' I replied and it wasn't a lie. A small headache had made an appearance between my eyebrows and I wondered if I'd been frowning without realising it.

'Just one song?'

I shrugged. 'I'm not really up for singing.'

'Next up we have...Sky Bright!' The pub owner announced and I groaned.

'Who did it?' I looked at my friends suspiciously and they all pointed at each other. 'Brilliant.' I muttered as the chanting started. 'Thanks guys.'

'You love us really.' Lucy said, slipping into my seat as I got up.

'What am I singing?'

'You'll see.' Tina winked, a wink that I didn't like the look of as I walked over to the stage. A microphone was handed to me and I held my breath as I waited for the backing music. My eyes widened as the lyrics appeared on the screen and I started to sing.

'And I know he'll be the death of me, at least we'll both be numb

And he'll always get the best of me, the worst is yet to come

But at least we'll both be beautiful and stay forever young

This I know, (yeah) this I know.'

My friends cheered and I rolled my eyes at them as I continued to perform.

'He told me, "Don't worry about it."

He told me, "Don't worry no more."

We both knew we can't go without it

He told me you'll never be alone-oh-oh, whoa

I can't feel my face when I'm with you

But I love it, but I love it, oh

I can't feel my face when I'm with you

But I love it, but I love it, oh.'

When the song ended, I was thankful to sink back down in my seat and I was starting to wonder if it was a good time to head home when Zed jumped up to perform. A few people in the pub glanced at him in recognition, as they had done with me, and I wondered if they had realised he was the new 'bad boy of pop' as the papers were saying. He didn't say anything as he took the microphone and perched on a stool like a member of Westlife. And then the song intro started up and I knew what it was straight away. A personal favourite of mine.

'You look so wonderful in your dress

I love your hair like that

The way it falls on the side of your neck

Down your shoulders and back.

We are surrounded by all of these lies

And people who talk too much

You got the kind of look in your eyes

As if no one knows anything but us

Should this be the last thing I see

I want you to know it's enough for me

'Cause all that you are is all that I'll ever need

I'm so in love, so in love

So in love, so in love.'

Zed closed his eyes as he sang the chorus, but as soon as it was over, his eyes opened and they locked on mine as he sang.

'You look so beautiful in this light

Your silhouette over me

The way it brings out the blue in your eyes

Is the Tenerife Sea.'

He gave a lopsided smile and I blushed as my friends turned to look at me. I ignored them and the wary looked on their faces as I glanced down at my drink, suddenly wishing it was alcoholic.

'And all of the voices surrounding us here

They just fade out when you take a breath

Just say the word and I will disappear

Into the wilderness

Should this be the last thing I see

I want you to know it's enough for me

'Cause all that you are is all that I'll ever need

I'm so in love, so in love

So in love, so in love.'

As Zed sang, I became aware that I was turning into one of his groupies, one of the girls whose knees went jelly-like, whose hearts fluttered and who couldn't breathe. I sat in stunned silence when he finished, whilst our friends gave puzzled claps. I'd not even realised that he'd sat back down beside me as I rubbed my painful forehead and squinted.

Wanna go? Zed's voice filled my mind and I raised an eyebrow at him. Not like that. You look a little pale.

'Guys, I'm sorry but my head is killing me. Can I meet you back at the house?' I said to my friends and they gave me sympathetic looks whilst Lucy just looked plain-old disappointed. 'I promise I'll be more fun tomorrow.'

'You look a little grey.' Tina said, sympathetically. 'Get some good sleep.'

'You can't go back by yourself.' Lucy tutted.

I signalled to my security. 'I'm hardly going alone now am I?'

'I'll take her.' Zed piped up, catching me by surprise. Lucy wiggled her eyebrows and I glared at her before anyone could see her. 'I'm pretty tired anyway.' He shrugged.

'Thanks Zed.' Tina smiled, throwing us a set of keys. 'Those are the spares so don't lose them.'

'No problem.' He smiled back.

As we left the pub, I hadn't even realised that somebody had been watching us the whole time.