'Good morning your highness.' A woman I did not recognise greeted me as I arrived at the palace and got out of the car. 'My name is Nina. I'm your personal assistant.' She gave me a smile as she shook my hand. 'It's wonderful to meet you.'

Personal assistant? I tried not to look surprised. 'You too.'

'Shall I show you to your room?'

As I'd noticed before, the corridors were long and seemed to all lead in different directions, to different rooms. We passed a series of guest bedrooms before ending up in the Prince and Princess quarters, a slightly older part of the palace away from the communal areas and far from the areas tourists were allowed to visit. We reached a wooden door guarded by two guards in uniform and Nina opened the door, leading me into the most wonderful expensive-looking room I'd ever seen in my life.

There was a double bed in the middle of the room with a golden bedframe with an extravaggant plush, light pink headboard, framed with golden swirls. The bed had a plump white duvet and cream-coloured rose cushions decorating it with a netted curtain attached to the wall and draping over the sides of the headboard like a canopy. There was a large vintage-looking white dresser with a mirror and painted golden detail around the mirror and on the drawers and there was a huge wardrobe matching, the same detail on it. On the far side of the room was a white vintage-looking bookshelf and a plush pink dressing screen. It was filled with wonderful details, even a chandelier on the ceiling and cute chic white bedside tables on each side of the bed. I felt like I'd stepped into a catalogue.

'Your highness, these are your chambermaids Hannah and Clara.' She waved her hands to the two women in maids outfits, stood smiling at me.

They both curtsied before the blonde, Clara, said, 'an honor to serve you.'

Hannah added, 'we have shifts but we're happy to serve you any time of the day or night, your highness. Just call us if you need anything. A glass of water, a dress picking up, anything.'

A glass of water? Couldn't I do that myself. 'Erm, sure.' They stood looking at me expectandly as a guard walked in carrying my case.

'We'll unpack!' Hannah said, grabbing my case and carrying it over to the wardrobe before I could stop her.

'Has my dress arrived yet?' I asked out of curiousity. I hadn't seen it yet. I didn't even know what colour it was supposed to be.

'It will be here after lunch.' Nina said with a reassuring smile. 'Now your father asked if you could meet him in the paddock when you arrived.'

'Oh, okay.' I put down my back on a cream antique chair.

'But you'll get to get dressed first.'

I looked at her puzzled and Clara walked over carrying a cream pair of jodhpurs, black riding boots, a cream shirt with large black pussybow and a tweed fitted jacket. She passed it over to me and I thanked her before disappearing into my ensuite bathroom to get changed. It looked like I was going riding. With the King.

A guard escorted me to the paddocks, which were at far end of the large palace gardens, past the fountains, past the maze, past the flowers. The stables weren't as big as I thought so it was easy to spot The King stood outside of them, rubbing the muzzle of a black horse which had a white spot on its forehead.

'Your majesty, I present Princess Sky Chloe Elizabeth Henderson.' The guard announced and my father turned to face me, a smile on his face, his eyes crinkling in the corners.

'Thank you Alfred, you may be excused.' My father replied and the guard left us to it, although I did notice two other guards standing by the stable. 'I thought maybe we could go riding.' My father said, turning to face me, a friendly smile on his face. In his chinos, shirt and fleece, he looked like a normal dad.

'Sounds good.' I said, nervously. I still didn't know him that well and I was still waiting for him to decide he didn't want me anymore. That's what had happened with pretty much everyone else.

He led me into the stable where two horses were already saddled up; a white horse and a chestnut-coloured horse. He stroked the muzzle of the white horse. 'This is Angel. She's four years old and a pretty new purchase. She's lovely. I thought perhaps she could be yours.' His eyes crinked at the side as he smiled, watching me.

'My own horse?' I looked at him in surprise.

'Yes. I hope you'll be spending some more time here.' He said, looking hopeful indeed. 'You and your adoptive parents are welcome here anytime at all. Your bedroom is yours.' He paused for a moment. 'I hope you like it by the way, if not I can get someone in to redecorate...'

'It's lovely.' I smiled, shyly. 'And Angel is perfect.'

'How is school? Are you keeping up with all of the assignments?' The King asked me as our horses trotted along the paths of the beautiful grounds of the palace, side-by-side.

'It's fine and yeah, it's no more than what I was used to at my old school.' I replied.

'You looked lovely at your Harvest Ball last week. Phillip showed me some of the photos.'

I gave him a small, bashful smile. 'Thank you.'

'And are you looking forward to this evening?'

'Yes.' I croaked out and he frowned.

'Don't lie to your father, Sky.' He said, his voice stern.

'I just don't know what to expect.' I admitted, biting my lip. 'What if I mess up? What if people don't like me? Phil has had years of practice and I've only been royalty for a few weeks.'

'No, you've been Royal all your life.' He said, turning the horse around so that we were heading back towards the stable. 'You just didn't know it, and in a way, that makes you even more likeable and more likely to succeed. You've not had everything handed to you on a golden plate.' He chuckled at his own comment. 'Instead, you've had to work for it and that, my dear, has made you the wonderful girl you are today.'

We joined The Queen, my grandfather and Phillip for a cooked lunch, as we were only going to be eating canapes at the Ball that evening. The conversation flowed nicely, although the Queen was still quite as normal. I wouldn't blame her if she always felt awkward around me and in a way I was relieved when Nina came to return me to my room. Inside, Hannah was stood with a pot of tea on a silver tray in her hand. She greeted me with a curtsy and a smile.

'Please, you don't have to keep doing that.' I told her.

'But it's part of the job, your highness.'

'Sky.' I corrected her. 'None of this formality, please. You don't have to be formal unless you're in public, right?' At least I'd learnt one usual bit of information from my etiquette lessons with Lady Clarence.

'Your highness,' Nina interrupted me and I flinched at the title once again. Had she not just tried to rid herself of that title? 'There are two beauticians here ready to prepare you for this evening.'

'Beauticians?' The thought was horrifying enough. It was bad enough doing my own legs and eyebrows. I didn't want anyone else to do them.

'Only the best.' She shot me a reassuring smile, although it didn't do much for my clammy hands and racing heart. She opened the door and, sure enough, two middle-aged ladies were stood in the doorway, dressed in their white beautician outfits, each with a carry on suitcase.

'Your highness.' The one with the brunette bob said as they both curtsied and I groaned, inwardly. Couldn't I just be Sky again? Or even Miss Bright? Nina ducked out of the door, closing it behind her and Hannah made herself scarce too, telling me that she would be one bell away if I needed anything. Helda (yes, really) and Margery waited for me to change into the white, fluffy robe on the back of my bathroom door and then they got to work. My legs were waxed (ouch), my feet given a pedicure, my fingers given a manicure, my eyebrows threaded (ouch again) and then I was given a facial. Some of it had been relaxing, but some of it had just been downright painful. Hannah returned early evening with some finger sandwiches, which I was more than happy to munch on whilst Helda took my hair out of the rollers I'd worn all afternoon. She styled my hair carefully, applying unfamiliar product throughout the process; unfamiliar but clearly expensive and it smelled just like strawberries. Yum. Margery applied my Maxfactor make-up, from a thin layer of foundation to shimmery eye make-up that was subtle and pretty, bringing out the blue of my eyes. She applied a little lipstick, just two shades darker than my lips, and reassured me that it was a lipstain and wouldn't come of until scrubbed. Then my dress arrived.

'Your highness, it has been an honor to make your dress.' The designer said, arriving with a dress bag, a sewing basket and a shoe box. She placed the sewing basket and shoe box on the floor, hooking the hanger of the dress bag to the dress-screen. 'I really hope you like it.' She unzipped it carefully and I gasped; the dress was a light blue with a teal ribbon around the waist. It had slightly-capped sleeves with hundreds of little flowers sewn on, giving a 3D effect. The flowers travelled across the perfectly embroidered chiffon-style bodice and stopped at the waist, where embroidery continued a little longer before flowing out into a tulle skirt, which had a little volume without being over-the-top. At the bottom of the dress, it was embroidered again, with just a few of the flowers sewn on travelling upwards. It reminded me of Cinderella's dress from the most recent film, only less pouffy. It was perfect.

'It's wonderful.' I told her, really meaning it.

'Can I see it on? I need to check if there's any final adjustments to be made.' I changed behind the dress-screen, carefully zipping the dress up at its hidden side zip. It fitted perfectly. It hugged the small curves I had and was flattering. I felt like a real princess and then I realised I was. I emerged from behind the dress-screen and the designer admired it, a smile on her face. 'Well it fits perfectly. Wonderful!'

'You look so pretty, your highness.' Helda gushed and I blushed. She walked over to adjust my hair just as there was a knock at the door.

'Come in.' I called out.

Lady Clarence entered with a curtsy, wearing a sparkling silver strappy gown with a deep navy wrap, a red velvet box in her hand. She smiled at me, admiring my outfit. 'Well don't you look a picture?' I gave her a small smile as the designer passed me the silver heels to slip on; they had a subtle heel without being too tall to dance in. I fastened them on my feet carefully and glanced at myself in the mirror, feeling a million dollars. 'That dress is perfect for you.' Clarence said, taking in my look. 'And the hair is wonderful, although it is missing something.' She opened the box, revealing a silver tiara with diamonds and pearls entertwined together. The tiara itself was only about two inches high, but it was detailed and perfect.

'You want me to wear a tiara?' I said, blinking.

'No, your father wants you to wear the tiara.' She told me and I noticed there were small, dangling diamond earrings beside it. 'This tiara has been in your family worn by princesses for around one hundred years.' She told me. She placed it on the bedside table and put in the earrings for me, gently. Then she took out the tiara carefully and placed it onto my head. It wasn't heavy. It was perfectly light and I admired it as Helda adjusted my hair for it so that the tiara rested, tucked into the pinned back sections of each side of my face. My hair fell in perfect curls over my left shoulder and the tiara sparkled as I moved. I'd never felt so good. I'd never looked so good. I pictured myself dancing in the Ball, my dress flowing outwards as I did so. I pictured prince charming bowing and asking me to dance. It was like I was in a fairytale.

'A perfect princess.' Clarence commented, bringing me back to reality. 'Now you really are ready to go to the Ball.' I took a deep breath as I remembered how important the night was going to be. It was a charity event, for one thing, but there was going to be royalty, celebrities, wealthy people, people from the Houses of Parliament. And I was expected to arrive via a grand staircase when introduced. And I was expected to dance. My heart felt like it was in my mouth and I swallowed. I wasn't going to be dizzy or throw up. Not in this beautiful dress.

There was a knock at the door and Nina entered, curtsying. 'Your highness, your father requests you in the main library for photographs before the Ball.' I sighed and, after one last glance in the mirror, I followed her out of the room.

The 'main' library was just that; a grand library with polished wooden floors and bookshelves covering every wall, except for the part of the wall decorated with an elaborate fireplace. There were two leather armchairs laid out on one side of the room, where the King and Queen were sat being photographed, my brother watching them from behind the cameraman.

'Well don't you look gorgeous.' Phillip said, walking over to greet me with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I blushed at the compliment from the brother I didn't know I had until a few weeks previously. He added quietly, with a teasing smile. 'Mark will be knocked off of his feet.'

I blushed even more rapidly and narrowed my eyes at him. 'Shut up.'

'Very ladylike.' He teased.

'Sky, you look the perfect princess!' The King cooed, beckoning me over. I walked over beside Phillip and admired the Royal family; my father wore his flight lieutenant's uniform, minus that hat, and my brother wore a black tuxedo that James Bond would have been jealous of. The Queen looked beautiful in her metallic grey ballgown with sleeves to the elbow and a train, her usual tiara on her head and bling around her neck.

'Your royal highness.' The photographer bowed his head to me. 'I'd like to get some family photos if you don't mind.' He organised us so that the Queen and I were sat on the armchairs, Phillip and my father behind us. He took a few photos and then swapped us so that the King and Queen were sat down, myself and Phillip stood behind. 'A wonderful family.' He said after a few more shots. 'Now may I please get some portraits of your highness, Princess Sky, by oneself?' My new family moved aside and the photographer set up a stool instead for me to sit on. I sat on it, sideways as asked, and he adjusted me until he was happy with the position I was in. He snapped away a few photos of me smiling and then a few photos of me smiling with my mouth closed before he was happy. Then it was officially showtime.

I felt nervous as I stood outside of the ballroom, alongside the Queen, waiting patiently to be announced. The guests were already inside, having been introduced if they had a title or were 'important enough' to do so. Phillip and I would be announced first and we would walk from our opposite sides along the stairwell, meeting in the middle before descending into the ballroom below. Then the King and Queen would follow suite. I swallowed, my throat dry from nerves, silence hanging in the air.

'Whatever you may hear, whatever you may read, I do not hate you.' I looked up at the Queen in surprise as she finished her sentence. 'You are a poor, dear child caught in the middle of this.'

'I'm sorry.' I whispered, unsure of what else to say.

'For what? I was not keeping my husband happy and he'd been in love with another woman when we'd married... your mother. Only, they could not be together. She was not from wealthy blood.' Her sad eyes met mine and my heart sank; did that mean I could not marry someone if they were not of wealthy blood? 'He loved your mother very much.' I didn't say anything to that, so she reached out for my hand, squeezing it. 'I know I'm not your mother and I know you have your adoptive parents but I would like to be a part of your life, Sky. I'd like to get to know you... if you'd let me.'

I gave her a small smile. 'I'd like that very much.'

'His Royal Highness Prince Phillip James Henderson and Her Royal Highness Princess Sky Chloe Elizabeth Henderson.' Someone announced inside the ballroom as the door in front of me opened. I spotted Phillip across from me as we both walked down the stairs. We met in the middle and I curtsied, as rehearsed whilst he bowed. Then he gave me his arm and I held it gently as we walked down the stairs as cameras flashed and guests stared up at us. My heart beat wildly in my chest and I felt relieved when we reached the bottom of the stairs, turning to greet the King and Queen. They came quickly behind us, catching me by surprise. I'd been too busy concentrating on not falling that I'd not even heard them being announced. I curtsied again, whilst Phillip bowed, as they reached us and then we stood as a family, the cameras flashing once again as the music started off. Phillip turned to his mother, holding out his hand for her and I cursed inwardly. I'd forgotten I was going to have to dance with my father. Maybe we should have rehearsed instead of horse-riding earlier.

My father bowed and held his hand out for me in offering and I took it, letting him lead me to the dancefloor. It was different to the rehearsed dance with Marcus. Instead, he moved straight to touching my waist lightly, taking my hand in his and waltzing quickly in time to the music. My cheeks reddened as I felt eyes on us, watching exactly what we were doing, like we were a show. And then I realised we were. The Royal family. The Royal show. The song was short and the classical music ended quickly, changing into something more traditional that I recognised from my piano lessons many years ago. My father disappeared into the crowd and Phillip joined me, taking over from where the King had left off.

'Now don't take this the wrong way, dear sister, but you look like you've seen a ghost.' Phillip said as he danced with me, other people now joining us on the dancefloor.

'I'm just nervous, that's all.' I told him, biting my lip.

'I'm afraid these balls aren't terribly exciting.'

'Didn't you organise it?'

'I did, yes, and the tickets were almost a thousand pound a piece. It has raised a lot of money for Cancer Support UK.' He said with a smile that met his eyes just like our father's. 'That doesn't mean I have to like them though.'

'Eminem more your style?' I teased and he chuckled.

'Perhaps not Eminem but I do prefer more modern music. Unfortunately, though, that is something the guests would not enjoy. Look around you. Dukes, Duchesses, Lords, Ladies and a lot of posh snobs with far too much money.'

My eyebrows shot in the air. 'How much did your tuxedo cost?'

'I never said that I wasn't a posh snob.' He grinned, playfully and I rolled my eyes. His eyes glanced over my shoulder and his grin became more teasing. 'I think someone is admiring your outfit choice.' He turned so that I was facing the way he had just been glancing and Marcus stood with a wine glass, facing me. He raised the glance to me, a smile on his face and I blushed. 'Not going to break the sibling code, are you dear sister?'

'Of course not.' I said, returning my eyes to his.

The song ended and he bowed to me. 'Fancy a drink?' A waitor passed us and he grabbed two glasses of wine. He passed me one and I looked at him in surprise. 'Oh come now, I think we're both going to need a little wine to get through this party.' Marcus walked over to us, looking smart and handsome in a tuxedo. There was a blonde man with him. 'Walter, Marcus, alright?' Phillip's tone completely changed and he seemed more relaxed suddenly as he greeted his friends with a shake of the hand.

'Yeah, thanks mate.' Walter said with a nod. He turned to face me and bowed, taking my hand in his. 'Your highness, I do not believe we have met. I'm Walter.'

'Hello.' I said shyly, feeling slightly creeped out when he kissed my hand. I took it back from him as Marcus bowed his head to me.

'Sky.' He said quietly, a small smile on his face. I reached up to my hair to touch it, touching my tiara instead and taking me by surprise. Marcus' eyes followed my hand back down to my waist. I sipped at my wine, nervously, enjoying the taste of the liquid flowing down my throat. Feeling eyes on me, I turned to my brother, who was watching me with an expression I didn't recognise. Protectiveness, perhaps?

'Come on, dear sister,' Phillip said, gently taking my arm. 'There are some people I would like you to meet.'

For the next hour and a half, I was dragged around by my brother, being introduced to other Royals, the Prime Minister, MPs, Lords, Ladies, Dukes and Duchesses, as well as the charity Ambassadors who had attended. It was an overwhelming experience. People would bow or curtsy at me, some even kissing my hand (ick) and then they would throw questions at me; Where did I grow up? Where was I studying? What was I studying? How did I feel about finding out I was a princess? What were my plans for the future? My head was swimming with the same questions and the same answers I had given over and over, whilst putting on my best smile and trying to charm people into liking me. It was tiring. I'd never been a social butterfly. I'd been quite shy for my whole life and I'd been used to fitting into the background, but now I was the centre of attention. A photographer had pretty much followed me around all night and I'd had to pretend I was a people person, pretend I wasn't overwhelmed at all by being the Princess, daughter of the King of England and sister to the future heir to the throne.

I was relieved when the art auction started up as it gave me a chance to breathe, a chance to relax. I grabbed a finger sandwich from a passing waitor and walked to the back of the room as everyone had moved forwards to watch the auction. My brother walked out onto the stage, charming the audience and introducing the items for sale, whilst my father and the Queen stood to the side, looking proud.

'Are you alright?' Marcus appeared beside me, catching me by surprise.

'Yes.' I said, after finishing my mouthful. I locked my fingers together in front of me, nervously.

'You're lying.' His emerald eyes met mine and I glanced away, shyly.

'I'm exhausted.' I told him, honestly. 'But please don't tell my family I said that. This is the first event of many.'

He tapped his nose, showing me that it was our little secret. 'You've done very well. You've come across as the perfect princess.'

'I guess I'm a better actress than I thought.'

'Or you're just perfect for the job.' He gave me a small smile and his eyes twinkled.

'Phillip is a lot better at me than this.' I said, glancing over at my brother, who had just made the audience laugh.

'Phil has been doing this his whole life.' He pointed out. 'So your first official Ball... how does it compare to one of RA's college Balls?'

'Don't get me wrong, I love classical music, but not to dance to and not to listen to all evening.' I wrinkled my nose. 'And my friends are missing too. They're great dancers.'

'As good as me?' He grinned.

'A different kind of dancing.' I told him. 'They're good for cheesey dance routines like a bit of Steps or S Club 7.'

'Maybe I'm good at those too.'

'I guess one day I might find out.' I regretted it as soon as I said it. Of course he didn't want to hang out with me. He'd simply been doing his mum a favour. Doing the crown a favour.

He was silent for a moment before he spoke again. 'Did you find your prince charming at the Harvest Ball?'

'Of course not.' I scoffed.

'So you didn't show off your new moves?' He looked surprised.

'Nope. Tina and I just took embarassing photos of Lucy and Zoe dancing with the guys they liked so that we could tease them later and plaster them all over Facebook.' His eyebrows shot up. 'Don't tell me that Phil has never taking any embarassing photos of you?'

'Oh no, there's plenty and I have equally embarassing shots of him too. Mainly from drunken nights out and yacht parties and so on. Of course, they're not available online as I think your father would probably sue me.' He chuckled to himself. 'I am very surprised, though that you did not dance with anyone at the Ball. Their loss I suppose.'

I shrugged. 'Whatever. I had fun with my friends and that's what counts. Next week I'm doing it all over again.' He looked at me in surprise. 'My roommate Lucy's birthday is next Saturday and she wanted a masquerade Ball for her party. It sounds like something from My Super Sweet Sixteen, but it should be fun I suppose.'

'Three Balls in three weeks. A wild life you lead!' He laughed.

'I don't quite imagine it will be like this though.' I glanced up as the last painting for the evening was displayed. Lucy's party was Vampire-Diaries inspired, of course. There were going to be cloths draped across the ceiling and fairylights and her parents had even promised her a live act. Unfortunately, I very much doubted that Ian Somerhalder or Paul Wesley would be attending, but I was sure it was going to be a good party and we were staying over afterwards so it would be nice to have a weekend with the girls. A break from being a princess for two days.

'I'm sure you'll have a great time.' Marcus' smile became nervous again as the painting was sold and the music started up again. Couples returned to the dancefloor, dancing to the slow music. 'You owe me a dance.' Marcus said to me, his voice soft. 'May I?' He held his hand out for me and I decided why the hell not? I took his hand and he led me over to the dancefloor. He placed a hand on my waist as we'd rehearsed and gently stepped side to side to the music, leading me, his free hand behind his back. He walked us round in a circle and my cheeks reddened when I realised people were watching us. I just hoped I didn't lose my footing.

'People are looking at us.' I whispered and his eyes met mine.

'No, believe me, they're all looking at you.' He smiled, his eyes twinkling as he walked us round in a circle again. He placed his hand delicately under mine and our hands moved up and down together, before he turned me around, pulling me back in with a hand on my waist and his right fingers interlocking with mine. I placed my hand on his shoulder and he led me in a waltz as the music started to speed up. Our feet moved in time to the rhythm and I was surprised when the song was over and I'd survived without a single mess up. I smiled at Marcus and he smiled back as he bowed to me and I curtsied, ending the dance, whilst a few onlookers watched us. I'd had my Cinderella moment and it had felt pretty damn wonderful.

'So how was it?' Tina said down the phone to me at 1am, when I was snuggled under my goose-feather duvet in my favourite pyjamas.

'I can't believe you're still up.' I told her with a yawn.

'We waited up for you.' Lucy said, confirming that I was on speakerphone.

'I sure hope Hetty the Horrid Housekeeper doesn't hear you.' I said to them, referring to the lady who lived in the Boarding House with us and checked we were following the rules;

1) Strictly no boys in the Boarding House after 6pm.

2) Girls and boys are not to be alone together at any time.

3) Lights out by ten PM on weekdays and eleven PM on weekends.

4) Students are not to be in other rooms in their boarding house after ten PM.

'She's snoring her head off, I heard her earlier.' Zoe replied. 'But you're totally avoiding the question.'

'How was it?' Tina pryed again.

'Different.' I said, honestly.

'In a good or bad way?'

'Well it was all very formal and I had to be on my best behaviour all night. I met loads of really important people and got asked lots of questions about myself, which I had to answer and I had to be charming all night.' I sighed.

'But you are charming.' Lucy said.

'Maybe to you girls but you're my friends and I'm comfortable around you. Strangers make me nervous. I was nervous when I first met all of you, no offence.'

'None taken.'

'So it was boring?' Tina asked.

'What about the lovely Marcus?' Lucy teased and I was glad they weren't around to see me blush. 'I'm guessing the silence means he's still as lovely as ever.'

'Hush.' I said to her, feeling embarassed.

'Did you dance together?' Tina quizzed and I bit my lip.

'Yes.'

'And was it wonderful?' Zoe sighed, happily.

I thought back to being in Marcus' arms, his hand on my waist, his fingers interlocked with mine and I smiled. 'Yes it was.'

'Oh crap.' I cursed the next day as I had toast and tea for breakfast in my room whilst watching the television. I'd made the news. Again. They showed Phillip and I walking down the stairs at the Ball, me dancing with dad, me dancing with my brother and then there was a video of me dancing with Marcus.

'Her Royal Highness Princess Sky charmed everybody at the Ball last night in a Valento Designer dress inspired by Cinderella. She danced almost to perfection with the King and her brother, His Royal Highness Prince Phillip before surprising guests by dancing with Lord Marcus Abbott.'

I groaned and Hannah looked up from where she was re-packing my suitcase for me. 'I hope it's not too bold for me to say your highness, but you two do look lovely dancing together.' She gave me a small smile as pictures from the night flicked up on the screen as the news moved on to talking about the charity and the amount raised the previous night.

'It's not too bold.' I told her, shyly. I finished the cup of tea I was drinking and sat up, grabbing the clothes she had laid out for me; white smart trousers, a blue shirt and a navy cashmere peplum jumper with nude-coloured court shoes. I showered and changed in the bathroom, making sure not to get my hair wet. It fell in loose curls from the previous night and they looked surprisingly good. I applied my subtle make-up first and then headed back into the bedroom. Hannah had disappeared and Nina had appeared in her place.

'All ready for your first ever interview with the press?' Nina asked me, seeming stupidly cheery for a Sunday morning.

I sucked in a deep breath. 'Okay.'

Nina and the King had decided to avoid criticism I needed to be interviewed by the press, but, thankfully, my father had chosen his favourite reporter to meet me. She covered a lot of the Royal family interviews and was very reliable, apparently. I met her in the library we'd been photographed in the previous night and she greeted me with a curtsy and the shake of the hand. Lady Clarence was there too, apparently in a supporting role, but I knew she was probably just keeping me in check.

'Thank you so much for giving your time up today, your highness.' Elzbieta, the reporter, said, a friendly smile on her face.

'You are most welcome.' I replied, formally, as rehearsed with Clarence a few days previously.

'Now if there are any questions you are not comfortable answering, that is fine of course. I will be recording you on my dictaphone to make sure I don't miss out any important bits.' She held up the small electronic device so that I could see it. 'And all in all, just be yourself.' I nodded and she pressed the record button. 'First of all, how are you adapting to life as a princess?'

I thought back to the very first phonecall Sally and Simon had recieved from my grandfather. They'd spoken in hushed tones and had asked me to leave the room. 'Well, believe it or not, I was enjoying my summer holiday, living near the beach in Newquay in a tiny two-bedroom cottage just a month and a half ago. Then my parents, Sally and Simon, recieved a phonecall from my grandfather and suddenly we were moving to Kingston-upon-Thames and I was starting a boarding school. It's all very new to me. There's things I'm having to learn that I've never even had to think about before.'

She nodded and smiled. 'What has been your biggest challenge so far?'

I paused for a moment before replying. 'I'm not sure any challenge in particular has been my biggest. I've faced a lot of challenges from starting a private school to making new friends to going to Royal engagements and being in the paper. They've all been equally challenging in their own ways.'

The interview continued formally, although some questions were more relaxed and easier to answer; what was my favourite lesson at school? What were my hobbies and interests? What did I like to do in my free time? The interview was over within an hour and I was relieved when Elzbieta shook my hand and left the room.

'Well you handled that rather well, dear.' Clarence said to me, cheerily, nodding.

Nina walked into the room, her headset on and a clipboard in hand. 'The car will be ready in an hour and a half, your highness.' She told me. 'Is there anything you would like to do before you leave?'

I found myself spending the last of my time in the paddock, riding Angel. I'd not changed into my full horse-riding gear, as I'd packed a set to take back to school, but I'd settled for slipping on riding boots over my outfit for the day. Horse-riding was somewhat relaxing and, after the busy weekend I'd had, it was just what I needed. I slept the whole journey back to school and I was surprised when Dimitri nudged me gently when we made our way back. He carried my bags and led me into the Boarding House. I was thankful that it was late evening, as it meant most people had retired to their rooms and weren't around to stare at me.

'You're back!' Lucy pulled me into a hug as I opened the door and the door opposite opened, revealing Zoe and Tina.

I spotted the textbooks open on Lucy's bed. 'Sorry, I've stopped you studying.'

'We can study later.' Tina said as she and Zoe pushed past me into the room I shared with Lucy. 'Come on, we want to hear all about your princess duties.'

I'd filled them in on the ball, showing them the photos the official palace photographer had taken, including the portrait photos of the family, which were now on the Royal website and the Facebook page. I showed them a picture of Angel and then I showed them a picture of my room, which they were in awe of. The conversation soon moved to Lucy's masquerade Ball the following weekend and she shared her plans with us. Her family lived in Sussex, so we would travel there on Saturday morning via a car her dad was sending and we'd be back by lunchtime on Sunday so that we could get our studying done. Lucy never said much about her family, but it was clear that they had a strong work ethic and they wanted their only child to succeed.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday flew by quickly and I spent the time catching up on studying and homework and working on my composition for my music assignment. I left classes on Thursday to see a surprising visitor waiting outside in the courtyard, being swamped by girls asking for photos and autographs.

'Hello dear sister.' Phillip smiled from the middle of his fans and I rolled my eyes at him.

'You'd think my brother is Leonardo di Caprio.'

'Except I'm much more charming.' He grinned and a few girls swooned, making me roll my eyes.

'To what pleasure do I owe this?' I asked, curiously.

He walked over to me and handed me his arm. I took it as a few girls moved out of our way, some gawping, some looking envious. 'I thought it would be nice to spend some time together, less formally. What are your plans this evening?'

I glanced over at Lucy and she shrugged. 'Nothing.'

'Excellent. Then let's grab dinner.'

We ended up in a pub that was far more my style than the expensive place he'd taken me to before and, this time, he'd invited my friends to come too. I knew they wouldn't turn the offer down. The old pub away from housing estates was quiet, as it was a Thursday night. We sat ourselves in the back by the fire, away from anybody else inside.

'This place is nice.' Tina said, glancing at the old beams on the ceiling.

'I like coming here when I want to feel normal.' Phillip replied with a friendly smile.

'Is it possible to feel normal?'

'Sometimes.' He shrugged. 'It is a rareity though.'

Zoe and Lucy shot me a sympathetic look and I knew exactly what they were thinking; I wasn't ever going to feel or be 'normal' again. I ordered my food and a glass of lemonade and I sat stirring the ice around in the liquid, watching it spin.

'Would you like to come and see the Royal apartments this weekend?' Phillip asked me and I glanced over at Lucy.

'Sorry but it's Lucy's birthday. We're all going to stay with her this weekend.' I said, apologetically.

'Sweet seventeen?' Phillip said to my roommate, his cheeky smile on his face.

'Or not so sweet.' Lucy said, flashing him a cheeky smile back. 'I'm having a masquerade party.'

'Should be fun.'

'You should come!' I looked at my friend in surprise and she shrugged. 'Come on, it'll be fun!'

'I'm not sure it will be when you're being hounded by screaming girls.' I said to my brother, although I knew he loved the attention.

'But he'll be in a mask.' Tina pointed out, her lips turning upwards into a smile. 'It will be our little secret.'