'What's going on?' I finished classes on Wednesday to find Clarence stood outside in the courtyard, waiting for me once again. Dimitri nodded at her in greeting and she curtsied.

I winced. 'Do you have to do that?'

She blanked my comment. 'Good afternoon your highness. I trust you've had a good day?'

'I was having a good day.' I mumbled as a few girls stopped and glanced at me.

'Hi Sky.' Yves walked over to me, an overly friendly grin on his face. He spotted Clarence. 'Do you... umm... have Friday's notes from music? I can't find mine anywhere.'

'Yeah, sure.' I smiled. 'I'll have a look later for you and give them to you at dinner?'

'Lifesaver. Thank you.' He shifted, uncomfortably and then disappeared, walking over to join Zed. His glances at me had not gone unnoticed and Tina was nudging me.

I swatted her in the arm and she went to swat me back but Dimitri reached out. 'Seriously?' I turned to him and frowned. 'She's my friend. Friends swat each other.'

'Sorry your highness.'

'Oh boy.' Tina whistled.

'Your highness, can I talk to you in private?' Clarence asked. 'I've hired one of the music rooms.'

'Please call me Sky.' I grumbled and she blanked the comment again. I turned to Tina. 'See you at dinner?'

She shrugged. 'Sure.' She glanced at Clarence and then whispered, 'have fun with Lady Bore.'

I hadn't know that the music rooms were available for hire and I wished I had. I followed Clarence inside, leaving Dimitri stood on the door acting as a guard. I glanced over at the piano, longing to play it. It was beautiful and the keys were just calling out to me. Clarence sat down and signalled to the seat beside her. I sat down and she pulled out lots of paperwork.

I wrinkled my nose. 'Haven't I had enough paperwork?'

'You've only recieved the press agreements and family information.' She pulled out a newspaper and smiled. On the front page, as Zed had said, was a photo of Phillip and I leaving the restaurant the day before, his arm looped through mine, both of us laughing. The headline was,

It's in the jeans

Play on words as we were both wearing jeans. I glanced up at her, trying to read her expression and then she broke into a smile. 'Now I know you've been having some really horrible comments written about you in the press on social media, but this is what it's all about.' She said, looking pleased. 'Family. People are lapping this up today. Nice work.'

She acted like it was all a publicity stunt and that bothered me. I frowned. 'I just wanted to get to know my brother.'

'Of course.' She smiled and I wasn't sure if she was convinced. 'Now, there's a charity ball being held at the palace next week that Prince Phillip has been organising. He and His Majesty would like you to attend. Your first public event with the family.'

'Well that sounds lovely.' I said, honestly. It did sound good. If not a little nerve-wracking. I opened my water, took a sip and frowned as some dribbled down my chin. Oops. Clumsiness strikes again.

She sighed. 'I think we have some work to do though, first.'

'So how's life little sis?' Phillip asked me on the phone the following day as Lucy painted my toe nails and nails a lovely sparkly silver colour.

'Stressful.' I groaned. 'I nearly threw a book at Lady Clarence today.' Lucy giggled by my feet and I kicked her.

'Is she giving you extra homework?'

'More like trying to improve my posture. She had me walking around with a book on my head like I was in My Fair Lady. Tomorrow it's etiquette lessons and then Saturday it's dance lessons. Who knew being a princess wasn't just wearing pretty dresses and being nice to everyone.' I sighed.

'Only in the Disney films, I'm afraid. At least you've got your school dance on Saturday.'

I'd almost forgotten about that. The Royal College of Alexandra was well known for its grand balls and the Harvest Ball was happening that Saturday. Posters were everywhere and banners were hung across the hallway as the 'It' girls and the College Council worked together to make the decorations and plan the playlist. Savannah had been gushing all week about the wonderful dress her mother had bought her in Milan and was pinning all her hopes on Zed asking her to the dance. She was welcome to him.

'I don't think I'm going.' I replied and Lucy frowned at me.

'What, why?'

'Because I'm not going to have any time to get a dress for it.' It was true. Lady Clarence had me working over time and between that and homework, I'd not had time to go shopping with the girls. They were going shopping again on Saturday and, once again, I was going to miss out. 'But it's just a glorified party, right?'

Friday went by all too quickly, including music. It was the class I was definitely enjoying the most. An hour of playing music and learning about great composers. What more could you want? I didn't even mind the homework, although the idea of composing and performing a piece to the rest of the class at the end of the term was scary. Terrifying, even. But that was ages away. Either way, I was in too good a mood to complain when being taught which forks and knives to use and the ladylike way to eat and drunk, without spilling it down myself. And apparently, according to Clarence, one glass of wine at a Royal function was fine for a sixteen year-old. Just no more.

Saturday rolled around and whilst the girls set off into town to have their nails done and to pick up their dresses for the party that night, I dressed in my yoga pants and a tank top and headed to the dance studio. Clarence was already there when I arrived, accompanied by Ciara, and there was a guy there that I didn't recognise.

'Your highness.' He bowed to me and reached for my hand. 'It is an honor to meet you.'

'Um, hello?' It came out more like a question than a greeting.

'Your highness, this is Marcus, my son.' Lady Clarence introduced us and my eyes popped open in surprise. He didn't look like her in the slightest. His mousy-brown hair was scruffy and his eyes a dark shade of green. His crooked smile was cute.

'It's nice to meet you.' I smiled, shyly at the good-looking guy in front of me.

'Marcus is a fabulous dancer and it's a lot easier to dance with a male as he can do the leading.' Clarence said, clapping her hands together. 'Now I've brought some music. Marcus, darling, if you just take the lead then this will be a lot simpler.'

'Of course.' He reached for my hand and I swallowed, nervously. 'Shall we?' He moved to the dancefloor and placed a hand gently on my waist. 'Now it's tradition for noblemen to start dancing with a lady with one hand on their waist and the other behind his back.' He tucked his other hand behind his back as the music started and he gently stepped to the left and then right, leading me with him. He stepped around me so we moved in a circle and I almost stumbled. He caught me. 'Okay, your highness?'

'Please just call me Sky.' I winced.

'Sky it is.' He smiled.

'I think we should try that again.' Clarence said, a frown etched on her face. Clearly, I was very good at disappointing her.

'It's okay, it takes practice.' Marcus gave me a reassuring smile, sensing my tension. He moved his hands back in position and we tried again. 'See, you've got it already.' His eyes twinkled as they met mine, creasing as he smiled. I let out a breath I didn't realise I'd been holding. So far, that hadn't been too bad. He moved his free hand out from behind his back, taking the back of my right hand in his. 'Just listen to the music.' He said, softly, as we continued to move left then right, gracefully. He spun me, gently, and I stumbled. I cursed under my breath and Clarence tutted at me. 'Mother, perhaps you could go and get yourself a cup of tea?' Marcus suggested, stopping us.

'I am rather thirsty.' She replied, thoughtfully.

'There's that lovely tearooms in town that you like. Why don't you head there for afternoon tea and by the time you come back, Sky will be ready for Strictly.' He gave his mother a sparkling smile and she nodded.

'Well you are a wonderful dancer. But please, keep on-task. The ball is only a week away.' She grabbed her handbag and coat and kissed her son on each cheek. 'I'll see you later.'

I bit my lip as the door closed. 'You didn't have to do that.'

'Please, my mother can be frustrating at the best of times.' He chuckled, turning off the music. 'Maybe now you can relax.'

'Sorry, I'm just worn out. There's so much I've had to learn in the last two weeks.'

'Yes, Phil did say you were finding it a challenge.' He sat down and tapped the space on the bench next to him. I pulled my ponytail into a bun and sat down beside him. 'Our world isn't an easy one to live in.'

'Tell me about it. I feel like a total outsider.' I grabbed my bottle of water and took a sip in an attempt to fix my dry throat.

'You just feel like everyone is watching you waiting for you to mess up, huh?'

I turned to face him. Someone who understood. 'Exactly.' He shot me a crooked smile and I couldn't help but smile back. 'Thanks, Marcus.'

'Please just call me Marc and then I'll call you Sky. Deal?' He held out his hand and I shook it, giggling.

'Deal.'

'Now come on, let's make you into the next Darcey Bussell.' He took both of my hands and pulled me to my feet, walking over to the CD player. He pulled out the CD, frowning at it. 'Let's go for something a little more contemporary.'

A familiar intro started up and Marc placed his hand on my waist, gently moving from side-to-side as we rehearsed previously. He walked us around in a circle and then took my hand in his free one, gently turning me around without me stumbling this time. He smiled and nodded.

I walked across an empty land

I knew the pathway like the back of my hand.

He moved his hand higher on my back and we waltzed with Marc counting out loud, moving in time to the beat of the music.

I felt the earth beneath my feet

Sat by the river and it made me complete.

He started to move us across the floor and I stumbled. 'You're doing great.' He said, returning to counting, guiding me in time to the music.

Oh simple thing where have you gone?

I'm getting old and I need something to rely on

So tell me when you're gonna let me in

I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin.

By five o'clock, I'd got it and I was feeling exhausted but pretty pleased with myself too. Clarence applauded us after watching us perform to the classical tune she'd brought in, although I couldn't help singing the lyrics to the song we'd spent the day rehearsing to under my breath. Marc had looked like he was trying to keep a serious face with that performance. He clapped his hands together. 'By jove, I think she's got it!' He said with a playful wink as Clarence's phone rang and she exited the studio to take it.

'Thank you so much for today.' I said to him, meaning it.

'Not a problem, you are a natural.' He smiled.

'When I'm not falling over my two left feet.'

'Princess Sky, you are stronger than you seem, braver than you believe and smarter than you think.' He said to me, his smile meeting his eyes.

'Christopher Robin?'

'You betcha.' He opened up the blinds, allowing the last of the evening's sunbeams to fall into the studio, making patterns across the floor. I sighed as I watched a group of students walk past carrying the balloons for the ball. 'Is there a party tonight or something?'

I nodded. 'Yeah it's the Harvest Ball.'

'And you're still here?'

'I'm not going.' I replied, pulling my O'Neill hoodie over my tank top. I sat down and pulled back on my socks and then slipped my feet into my trainers.

'Why not? It's the perfect place to show off your new moves?'

'Dancing with who?' I laughed. 'I don't have a date. I don't even have a dress. I've not had time to get one.'

'I'm sure any guy would be happy to escort you to the dance.' He said, running a hand through his hair nervously.

'I doubt it.' I sighed, tying my shoelaces. 'I've never hate a date to a party in my life.'

'Then they're all stupid.' I glanced up and realised he was looking at me, an expression I wasn't sure of on his face. A soft pink hue surrounded him and I blinked, wondering if my eyes were playing tricks. It didn't go. 'Will you save me a dance next Saturday, Sky?' His eyes looked hopeful and suddenly the pink hue disappeared. I was probably just tired.

I looked up at my new friend and gave him a small smile as I stood up. 'Of course.'

'I look forward to it.'

I joined the girls for dinner in the dining hall and then we headed back to the Boarding House so that they could get ready for the ball. I curled Lucy's hair for her whilst she painted her finger nails and Tina pinned her hair into a cute updo. Zoe fussed over her hair for a while and was still doing so when there was a knock at the door. I glanced at the clock on my bedside table. Were Ciara and Dimitri swapping shifts already? I put down the curlers and walked over to the door, opening it carefully. My eyes widened.

'Hey sis.' Phillip was stood there, a cheeky grin on his face.

I looked at him, suspiciously, eyeing his tuxedo. 'You're not about to break our little deal are you? Please tell me you're not talking one of my friends to the dance.'

'Hey!' Tina called out from behind me and I rolled my eyes.

'Of course not, although I hear you've spent the day with Marcus. Now who's breaking sibling rules?' He teased, glancing over his shoulder at the girls sticking their heads out of their doors. Nosy parkers. My cheeks blushed red at his comment as he shifted uncomfortably, a large, white box in his hand. 'Perhaps I can come in?'

I stepped aside, letting him in and closing the door behind him. 'I'm really hoping that's a really big cake to keep me company this evening.'

'Even better.' He said, passing me the box, which felt a little heavier than I expected. He sat down on the edge of my bed beside me as I carefully untied the blue ribbon. I gasped as I opened the box. Inside was a beautiful blue dress with netted skirt and gold embroidered detail ressembling lace over the shoulders and across the bottom of the tulle. Next to the dress lay a beautiful pair of gold Jimmy Choo heels and a gold headband decorated with intricate golden flowers and pearls. My eyes watered and I looked up at Phillip who was smiling down at me. 'Cinderella, you may go to the Ball.' My friends looked at us, Lucy crying and Tina and Zoe practically melting. I smiled at him, a small smile and he looked at me, panicked. 'Don't you like it?'

'Of course I do.' I whispered. 'This is probably the nicest thing anybody has ever done for me.'

He sighed with relief. 'Well why should you miss your first social event of the year? If anything, you deserve it more after having to put up with Lady Clarence for a week.' I cut him off, pulling him into a huge hug. 'Do I win brother of the year yet?'

'You're definitely a nominee.' I smiled at his joke and he chuckled. I looked at his attire again. 'Are alumnis allow to crash school parties?'

'Oh, I'm going to Walter's birthday party.' He said. '21 today. I wouldn't want to cramp your style.'

'I don't think that's possible.' Zoe sighed and I shot her a warning look.

'Well, I'd better go and leave you ladies to get ready.' Phillip stood up, stretching. 'Have a great night and I expect to see lots of photos.' He dabbed at my wet cheek with his handkerchief. 'Let your hair down sis, you deserve it.' He kissed my cheek, bowed to my friends and then he was gone. As soon as the doors closed, the girls hurried over to glance at my dress, headband and shoes once again.

'And you were saying being a princess is awful?' Tina teased, nudging me. 'Is that why I saw you dancing with Lord cutie-pants earlier?'

'Hey!' I blushed, covering my cheeks. 'Can we change the subject?'

'Sure.' Zoe smiled, wickedly. 'Your brother looks damn fine in a tux.'

'Totally inappropriate.' I said as Tina whipped off her clothes so she was in her underwear. I glanced away, surprised, as she pulled her strapless gold dress off of the hanger. 'Have we crossed that friendship boundry already?'

'She did years ago.' Zoe told me. 'It's just you that hadn't witnessed it yet. It means she likes you.' She winked, teasingly.

'You make me sound like a cat or dog.' Tina scoffed, turning around. 'Can someone please do my zip?'

I walked over to her and carefully secured my zip as the other girls changed too. Lucy wore a knee-length cobalt blue dress with embellishment over the bust and Zoe was wearing a knee-length, bodycon cream lace dress. I grabbed my dress and ducked behind the wardrobe, changing into it carefully. Tina returned the favour by zipping up my dress and then, as the other girls were ready, they moved to help me. Zoe pinned my hair into a half-updo, my blonde curls cascading over my shoulders, and she fixed my headband onto my head. It looked like a tiara.

'Erm, Sky, I think this might be real gold.' She said, her eyes wide. 'And real pearls.'

Tina stopped doing my make-up and glanced at it in awe. 'I think you're right. It's so pretty.'

Lucy walked over to join us and smiled. 'It really is.' She looked at herself in the mirror and sighed.

'What's up?' I asked her.

'She's upset Nate didn't ask her to the dance.' Tina said for our friend and Lucy frowned. 'What? It's true. He's just going with the guys though, Luce, they didn't want dates. Maybe he'll dance with you.'

She flattened down her dress, nervously. 'Yeah I very much doubt it.'

Zoe walked over to the bag she'd lugged her make-up over in and rummaged around, before pulling out a bottle of champagne and four plastic champagne flutes. 'Well I think it's time for this!'

'How did you get hold of champagne?' I raised an eyebrow, not sure drinking before a school disco was a good idea. We were bound to get in trouble.

'Fake ID.' She said casually and I blinked in surprise. 'What? Haven't you ever done anything crazy?'

I thought about it. 'Went naked in the paddling pool when I was four or five maybe?'

'Sky, live a little.' Tina chuckled, nudging me. 'Come on, the ball has started. Let's drink some champers before we go.'

We weren't the only students who had had a little drink before we arrived. Some were even turned away at the door, others danced wildly and clearly not just because they were enjoying the hype. Luckily, between four of us, we'd only had around a glass and a half each, so other than being excitedable, we were fine. Tina and Zoe headed off first, grabbing the drinks and I stood with Lucy whilst she glanced around for Nate, fiddling with the hem of her dress.

'Lucy, relax.' I told her as a few girls passed us, glancing my way. I gave them a small smile and they waved before disappearing into the crowd. 'You look gorgeous.'

She gave me a shy smile. 'Thanks, Sky.'

The Ball was in full swing by nine o'clock, when the live act came on. I'd never heard of him, although Tina had and it was clear she was a fan from her high-pitched screams. As he sang, he made eye contact and it was enough to make girls want to throw themselves at him, enough to make girls think that the love song he sang was all about him. It irritated me. I hated musicians that did that.

'Hey girls.' I turned to see Yves and Nate stood behind us, whilst Tina reached out for the arrogant musician, trying to grab any body part she could. I resisted rolling my eyes at her.

'Hey.' I replied to Yves with a small smile. Lucy just watched Nate, not even blinking. I nudged her as subtly as I could with my foot.

'Not seen you around much this week, Sky. Been busy?' Yves made conversation as Nate smiled at Lucy. He was clearly into her. Why didn't she realise?

'Oh yeah, you know, lot's of stuff to do. Nothing exciting though, mind.' I wrinkled my nose and he laughed. Then I spotted Zed walking into the room. His eyes met mine and he looked at me with uncertainty as he tried to walk over me, stumbling once.

'Oh boy.' Yves sighed. 'What an idiot.' He marched over to meet his brother and said something to him that made Zed frown, but he wasn't stopping there. He continued to walk towards me and Lucy looked at me, puzzled, before turning to Nate.

'Nate, shall we go and get a drink?'

'Sure.' He smiled and they walked off, leaving me to face Zed alone as Tina fan-girled and Zoe danced with some guy from her science class. I wanted the ground to swallow me whole. He looked gorgeous in a tuxedo and I realised he kind-of reminded me of Jacob Black from Twilight. Just hotter.

'Hey, Sky.' He said as he approached me and I raised my eyebrows at the scent of whiskey and cigarettes on his breath. He looked gorgeous but he did not smell great. And he was most likely drunk.

I wrinkled my nose. 'You've been drinking and smoking.'

'You look like a real princess.. really pretty.' He said, ignoring my comment.

'Thanks.' I said, awkwardly, folding my arms across my chest. He leaned his head towards mine and I stepped back. 'What the hell are you doing?'

'Sorry I-'

I frowned, irritated. How dare he kiss me. He had no right. I hardly knew him and after his bad-ass attitude and then making up some crap about soulfinders and now he was drunk. My frown became more of a glare. 'Back off.'

He looked hurt for a second, before scowling. 'Whatever.' He turned and walked off, across the room out out of the door.

'Erm, what was that about?' Tina's attention was back on me again and I realised that singer-dude had disappeared somewhere. She looked at me, suspiciously.

'I don't even know.' I frowned again. 'Come on, let's dance.'

The night moved on quickly in an uplifting direction and the catchy songs I recognised from the UK Top 40 were soon blaring out of speakers whilst a DJ scratched disks on his desk. I danced with Tina and it wasn't long until Zoe and Lucy had joined us and we were strutting our stuff like the next girl band. By the end of the night, our dancing group had tripled in size and girls I didn't recognise were dancing with us, chatting to us all happily, including Savannah. That was until the final slow song came on.

'Lucy?' Nate walked over to us, nervously, as Ed Sheeran's Thinking out Loud poured out of the speakers. 'Would you like to dance?'

Her cheeks blushed and Tina and I turned away as Zoe was whisked onto the floor, wanting to give our friend some privacy. 'Sure.' Lucy smiled.

I glanced around the room at the dancing couples and sighed as a few guys glanced our way. 'I wonder if they're going to ask you.'

'They're looking at you, not me.' Tina said although I didn't believe her.

No one approached us or asked us to dance, but then maybe that was a good thing. I'd spent a lot time dancing that day, that was for sure.

The next day was more relaxed, other than Lady Clarence turning up with a dress-fitter to measure every part of me from my bust to shoulders to bum etc. My dress for the ball was in the process of being made and it was important that it fitted perfectly, apparently. Thankfully, I spent the rest of the day catching up on the homework I'd been putting aside for the week and I camped out in the library until dinner, when it was finally done. The week flew by and in between etiquette lessons, including how to greet guests formally, how to eat canapes without making a mess (almost impossible for me) and questions I was allowed to answer and not answer from the press, it was a busy week.

Then it was Friday.

'Okay, so I'd like each of you to compose a piece of music with the title 'Who am I.'' Our music teacher, Mr Smith, announced in final period. 'The next two weeks you will be given an alotted time within our music lesson to have individual or group access to the music rooms. Then we will meet back in three weeks time and perform our pieces to each other in the theatre.' I sucked in a breath. It was a big assignment. 'Are there any questions?' No hands shot up and Lucy and I supressed a smile. No one ever wanted to ask any questions in last period on a Friday. Some people headed home for the weekend and others would be heading out for dinner or even down the pub. 'Okay, I'll see you in three weeks. Check your emails.'

We stood up and Zed stormed past us, continuing the irritated mood he'd had ever since the Ball. I walked him in disbelief as Yves passed us in the hall.

'He shouldn't have tried to kiss you.' Yves said, casually, and Lucy's eyebrows shot up. Guess I'd missed that bit out. 'Not very gentlemanly, my brother. An idiot most, if not all, of the time.' He tutted and shook his head, before heading on out. Ciara stood behind us in silence and I almost felt as if she was judging me a little. I turned to Lucy to see that she was, too.

'I should have told you.' I said in response as I tightened the grip on the book I was holding.

'Too right.' She nodded as we headed into the cool October air. 'What is going on between you?'

'Nothing. I think that's the problem.' I said, irritated. We walked out onto the cobblestone path towards the boarding house.

'Well never mind that, you see Lord handsome tomorrow, don't you?'

'What, Mark?'

'Mmmhmmm.' She gave me a sly grin, a twinkle in her eyes.

'And when are you next seeing Nate?' I fired the teasing back and she blushed.

'Exactly.'

After dinner, Tina and Zoe took their usual place, each perched on a bed in their pyjamas with The Vampire Diaries on in the background whilst I packed. I was going to be at the palace from the following morning up until Sunday evening and the thought was making me nervous. I hadn't even realised I was pacing in front of my wardrobe until Tina had grabbed my shoulders and physically stopped me.

'Chill out.' She told me as my phone buzzed twice. She dived to grab it but I jumped in before her, snatching it out of her hand.

How's packing going? Looking forward to some quality brother-sister bonding. P x

I smiled, quickly sending my brother a text back and then I opened the second message.

Sky, I hope you don't mind me texting you, I stole your number from mother's phone- oops. I look forward to our dance together tomorrow, beautiful Cinderella. Mark x

I felt my cheeks blushing as I thought about what I was going to say in response. I glanced up to see my friends watching me and I blushed even more.

'And how is Lady Bore's son?' Lucy asked, giving me a knowing smile.

'Fine.' I replied, biting my lip.

I don't think she'll be pleased with that. You might interfere with our busy training schedule! Well let's hope I'm not wearing heels or I'm afraid we'll be spending the night down at the hospital. Sky x

Probably not my smoothest reply, I decided two seconds after sending it and I cringed. Should I have thanked him for the compliment? Even though he clearly needed glasses if he thought I was pretty.

It will be a pleasure to spend an evening in hospital, as long as you're there to keep me company. Although, I don't think you'll mess up. Not if you dance with me all evening anyway... x

He was flirty, I gave him that. I pulled out my weekend suitcase and threw in my underwear, including a strapless bra just in case, my most sensible pyjamas, a plaid shirt, my cream cashmere jumper, my grey wool pinafore, a white silk blouse and my grey wool skirt, giving myself plenty of options. I placed in my black satchel too, a second bag to take, just incase. Then, after a few more hours of Damon Salvatore gawping, I headed to bed.

I was up early the next day, and not out of choice. I showered, washed and dried my long, blonde, curls, tying them into a loose bun and then throwing on my nicest jeans, a white polka dot shirt and a navy cashmere v-neck jumper, my black riding boots on my feet. I did my natural make-up, as normal, and headed to breakfast with the girls, although fruit and yoghurt was all I could stomach. I was nervous. My heart was fluttering like a hummingbird's wings and I wondered if I was going to be sick or pass out. I hoped neither. When we got back to the boarding house, Wilfred was there with the car and Ciara, her weekend bag in her hand ready to move for the weekend. Dimitri escorted me to the room so I could pick up my belongings and then he followed me out with his own weekend bag.

'Ready to go, your highness?' Wilfred asked me, too cheery for a Saturday morning.

My friends gave my shoulders a squeeze and I turned to face them, feeling dizzy. 'I'll see you tomorrow evening?'

'Absolutely.' Lucy smiled. 'But send us a picture of you all dolled up, won't you?'

'And text us the gossip when you get home.' Tina added. Zoe pulled me into a hug first and the other's followed suite as Wilfred stood, patiently. I was delaying the schedule and I hoped he wouldn't have Clarence to answer to again when we arrived.

'Have a nice weekend, Sky!' I glanced up to see Savannah waving at me and hurrying towards me. She pulled me into a false hug and air kissed me, making me eyeball her in surprise. Tina glared at my new 'friend', burning holes in the back of her head.

'Erm, thank you.' I said, uncertainly.

'Your highness, are you ready to go?' Wilfred pushed and I was glad he did. He'd saved me from an awkward conversation.

'Yes.' I replied, my voice small. I fiddled with the satchel I had over my shoulder and I gave my friends a small smile before heading into the car.

I could have sworn I held my breath most of the way to the palace.