'You make a wonderful cheerleader.' Marcus smiled when we were back at my apartment, my friends downstairs drinking hot chocolate in the smaller living room I'd renamed 'The Library.'

I sank into the leather sofa and he sat down beside me as I blushed, folding my arms across my chest. 'It's not really me.' I said, honestly. I'd be the worst cheerleader ever. Falling about all over the place.

'Well the uniform suits you.' His smile met his eyes and they twinkled. 'I heard your concert went well this evening.'

'It did.' I said, relieved. 'I'm glad it's all over.'

'I'd like to hear you play some time.' He signalled to the piano in the corner of the room and I bit my lip, nerves flowing through me as the pink aura surrounded him. I wondered what emotion it was. I wasn't sure. All I knew was that it was a savant ability of some kind. Marcus interrupted my thoughts by leaning towards me, caressing my cheek with his hand and pressing his lips against mine. I kissed him back, enjoying the relaxed feeling I had when he kissed me. His soft lips moved against mine as he held me cheeks with his hands, keeping me in place. The kiss deepened and both of our breaths quickened and he suddenly pulled back. 'I must go.' He said, his eyes looking deep into mine.

'You'll be back awful late.' I said, glancing at the clock above the fireplace. It had passed midnight.

'I'm staying at your brother's.' He replied with a smile. 'He has a party tomorrow. Will you be attending?'

Phillip had mentionned it once or twice, but I wasn't aware that I had been invited. Plus I had my friends staying for the weekend. 'I'm not sure.' I told him and his smile turned to disappointment.

'Well I do hope to see you there.' He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. 'Goodnight, beautiful.' And then he was gone.

The girls and I were woken by the doorbell the following morning and I groaned as I threw myself out of bed, careful not to land on Zoe and Tina who were asleep on a sofabed next to my luxury double bed I had shared with Lucy. I grabbed my fluffy white dressing gown, wrapping it over my silk pyjama set and I padded across the carpet and out onto the landing, carefully opening the door. Phillip was stood there, in jeans and a t-shirt, and I wondered what time it was. He looked cheery and awake and I yawned as if it was some ridiculous hour in the morning.

'Morning, sis.' He smiled as I let him into the apartment, closing the door behind him. 'Sorry, did I wake you?'

'What time is it?'

'Ten thirty.' He replied and I stretched. I'd nearly been asleep ten hours. Clearly I had needed it.

'Would you like a cup of tea?'

'No, it's fine thank you, I'm on a flying visit.'

'Oh?' I cocked my head to the side as I looked at the brother who shared my father's eyes with me.

'I'm hoping you and your friends will be attending my party later.' He said.

'We didn't bring any ballgowns with us.' I told him. We'd been expecting a quiet night in.

Phillip wrinkled his nose. 'Ballgowns? It's a house party, sister. People dress up yes, but ballgowns aren't required. It's more a cocktail dress affair.'

'We don't have any party dresses with us.'

'Well that's hardly a problem, baby sis.' Phillip grinned. 'Are you forgetting you are in London? You have hundreds of shops at your disposal.'

I woke up the girls and we ate breakfast in our pyjamas around the dining table in the kitchen, watching the fountain in the terrace outside. I pulled out my phone and flicked back through the photos from last night, realising I hadn't posted them to social media yet. I uploaded all of the photographs to Facebook and then I pulled up the photo of the girls and I posing in our cheerleading costumes by the stage and I uploaded it to Twitter and Instagram.

Had a great night watching taylorswift13 last night!

Then I looked at the photo of us making silly faces with Taylor and I smiled. There were sensible pictures, but that one was definitely my favourite.

Was great meeting you taylorswift13 ! You're awesome!

I showered and dressed in my ensuite, deciding on jeans, riding boots, a blouse, a cashmere jumper and my warm coat to protect myself from the cooling Autumn air. I tied my hair back into a plait and then I waited for the girls to get ready. I'd been happy catching the tube to Oxford Street, but Dimitri had dismissed the idea. Instead, we piled into the SUV and took the twenty minute drive to the main shopping centre in London.

The street was packed when we arrived and I remembered visiting once before with Sally and thinking the same thing. Shoppers and tourists hurried around with brown paper Primark bags, chatting and gossiping. A few looked my way and gaped at me open-mouthed, causing me to slip on my sunglasses. In busy London, it wasn't so easy to hide and I realised why it was even less easy when we passed a Newsagents. On the front cover of almost every paper was me, laughing in my cheerleader costume the previous night. Someone had recognised me and taken a photograph.

Just a normal teen!

Teen Queen!

Royal Variety!

I tensed and Lucy gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. The photograph wasn't a bad one, but it had been an invasion of my privacy and that bothered me. I picked up a paper and scanned to the article, only skimming it. It referred to me as a normal teenager and then went on to speak about the affair my mother had had with the King and that made me feel irritated. There was a photograph too of me sat at the piano at my school concert the day before. Someone had turned that one in. I'd been described as a talented pianist and singer. I sighed. Even on the days when I thought my life was normal, it wasn't.

'Come on Sky, let's go. There's no use worrying about it.' Tina said with a friendly smile. She was right, so I followed my friends to Topshop.

The day was going well, even with the ocassional stare I recieved. We each tried on lots of dresses and then chose one, before heading to a late lunch at a restaurant just off the main street. The waitress by the door asked how many needed seating and then she looked at me, her eyes wide. 'Your highness, an honor.' She curtisied and my smile faded. Today wasn't going to be a normal day either. 'I'll give you the best table in the house.'

We were seated upstairs by a large glass window which overlooked Soho Square, a small piece of tranquility in the busy London city. The food was delicious and many compliments were paid by the staff, all of whom felt the need to introduce themselves to me whilst Dimitri called for our taxi. I paid for the whole meal on the 'princess card', despite complaints from my friends and after paying the tip, we made our way back downstairs.

'Your highness, there appears to be paparazzi outside.' Dimitri warned, grabbing my arm. 'Keep close to me and we'll get straight into the car.' Dimitri held my arm and we pushed out through the crowds of paparazzi and onlookers, my friends close behind me. He opened the door of the SUV for me and I climbed in, followed by the girls. Dimitri closed the door and moved round to the passenger seat, sliding in as the car started up. I released my shopping bags, putting them on the floor, and I let out a huge sigh. Life had gotten seriously weird in the last few months, that was for sure.

The party was set to start at 7pm, so we spent the rest of the afternoon prepping ourselves. We painted each other's nails and toenails, had face masks, did our hair and then it was time to get dressed. All of us looked sophisticated and classy, but with a hint of sexy. And it was the most sexy I'd ever felt. Lucy wore a khaki Forever Unique dress with sweetheart neckline and off-the-shoulder bustier joining onto a chiffon skater skirt, black stilettos on her feet and her hair pin-straight, framing her face. Tina's hair was in red curls and she wore black shoe boots and a silver midi dress with a plunge front and back, making her look at least eighteen. Zoe's hair was in a loose bun and she wore black heels decorated with flowers and a lace halterneck dress with prom skirt. Then there was my outfit, that I loved but was quite nervous about wearing. My dress finished just above the knee and it had a peach-coloured bustier top that made my breasts look a little bigger than they were (thankfully) and a sparkly pink sequinned bodycon skirt. The dress was fitted and flattering and it almost made my legs look longer paired with the shoes I'd worn for the Ball at the palace a few weeks back. My make-up made my eyes look bluer than normal and my blonde hair framed my face in loose curls. I felt pretty. Nervous, but pretty.

'Whit-woo!' Lucy called as I emerged from my ensuite bathroom in my outfit.

I blushed and smoothed down my dress. 'Is it too much?'

'Not at all,' Tina smiled, 'not at all.'

Phillip's apartment was more modern that mine, with very few antiques in sight. It looked more like the home of a Hollywood star than the Crown Prince of England, with it's rectangular-shaped sofas and egg-shaped chairs. There was a DJ booth on the far side of the main reception room, although I assumed that was usually not there, and waitors walked around in waistcoats, weaving in and out of men and women wearing expensive clothing and security guards. A few girls I recognised from the Ball, except this time they wore short dresses with low backs or plunge fronts. It wasn't a formal party, but the sexy dresses were still designer.

'Maybe I'm overdressed after all.' I laughed to Lucy as a girl passed me in a dress that revealed dresses I was sure weren't real. She laughed and grabbed two glasses of wine from a passing waitor, passing one to me. I took a sip of the expensive wine and enjoyed the fruity taste it left in my mouth.

'Good evening ladies.' My brother walked towards us in a tuxedo and I grabbed Tina before she could collapse beside me from swooning. My brother kissed each of our cheeks in greeting. 'You all look spectacular.'

I blushed at the compliment. 'Thank you.'

'Come on,' he held out his arm for me. 'There are people I would like you to meet.'

He led me around the party, introducing me to each guest, some who were Lords or Ladies and others who were friends from when he was at school. They all seemed nice and accepting of me, welcoming me to 'the family.' I spotted Marcus across the room talking to a pretty brunette with ridiculously long legs, her chest on display in her tiny dress. She touched his arm as she spoke to him and laughed at something he said. For the first time in a long time, I felt somewhat jealous. Phillip excused himself and Marcus glanced up, spotting me. His eyes twinkled as he smiled and I walked towards him, carefully not to lose my footing in my heeled shoes.

'You look beautiful, as always.' Marcus said and the look he gave me made me almost believe it. He planted a soft kiss on my cheek and I glanced at his lady friend as he stepped back. 'This is Roseanna, a family friend. Roseanna, her Royal Highness Princess Sky.'

It was the first time in a long time that Marcus had used a formal title when speaking to me, but I knew it was because I did not know Roseanna. I wasn't sure I wanted to either. She curtsied. 'It's lovely to meet you, I have heard a lot about you.'

'All good things, I hope.' I said, seriously, but she laughed at it as if it was a joke.

'Of course, your highness.' She glanced at Marcus and then back at me. 'If you'll excuse me.'

I relaxed as I looked at Marcus and I realised his expression had turned to apologetic. 'I'm sorry, Roseanna and I have history.' He frowned. 'But it is history so there's no need to worry.'

I had been worried, uncertain even, but then I was also uncertain as to what was going on between the two of us. We went on dates, spoke to each other almost everyday, we kissed each other. What were we? Friends? Dating? Boyfriend and girlfriend? It hadn't been discussed. 'It's okay,' I told him, 'I trust you.'

'That's lovely to hear.' His smile was heart-warming as his hand met mine and he pulled my hand to his lips to gently kiss it. 'You really do look breathtaking this evening.' I blushed and he smiled as he ran his fingers gently over my cheek, before tucking a loose curl behind my ear. A few people glanced our way, watching the exchange and I held my hands together in front of me, nervously. 'What is it?' He asked, his voice soft.

'Can we talk?'

His eyes looked concerned. 'Of course.' He placed his hand on the small of my back and led me to the empty reception room downstairs. I couldn't help but notice that the layout of the apartment was very similar to my own, only more updated. I sat down on the very rectangular black leather sofa and Marcus hesitated before sitting down beside me. 'Is everything okay, Sky?'

'What are we?' I asked him, hoping to settle my curiosity.

'What do you mean?'

I bit my lip, feeling embarassed and more so over having to explain what I meant. 'You and I. What are we?'

He took my hand in his. 'Whatever you would like us to be.' His thumb gently rubbed the back of my hand and it felt relaxing, comforting. 'I like you a lot, Sky, but we will be whatever you want us to be. Whether that's friends or boyfriend and girlfriend. I am happy with whatever you decide.'

He had been raised to be a gentleman, that much was clear. I smiled at him. 'Well that's good because I kinda assumed you were my boyfriend.'

His lips twitched up in the corners into a smile and he pressed his lips to my forehead, in a gentle gesture. 'That's lovely to hear.'

'There's just one problem.'

'Oh?' His smile faded and his facial expression became nervous once again.

'The press are following me almost everywhere at the moment. They even found out where I was having lunch earlier and they took photographs. Being with me is going to come with a lot of baggage. I'm still learning all this princess stuff and there's that with its crazy expectations and there's the press, the public, watching my every move. Everyone will know about our lives.' He chuckled and I gave him a puzzled look. 'What?'

'Sky, I've grown up with your brother and he and I have been in the papers together many times, as have my mother and I. Being in the press, it isn't new to me.'

'Oh.' I felt embarassed and I looked down.

'If we're in the public eye, I'm fine with that, but I still like these private moments even better.' He whispered, lifting my chin with his finger so that I was looking at him again. He gently pressed his lips to mine as the music upstairs was turned up. 'Would you like to dance? I'm afraid a waltz won't do for this sort of party but I know many other dances.'

'Do you know how to twerk?' I teased and he laughed, shaking his head.

'I cannot twerk, I'm afraid, but I think people would love to see a princess doing so. Let's go.'

It seemed somewhat ironic when 'King' by Years and Years came blaring out of the DJ's speakers. Lucy and Zoe were dancing together, whilst Tina danced with a man I did not recognise.

'I caught you watching me under the light

Can I realign?

They say it's easy to leave you behind

I don't want to try.'

Marcus placed his hands gently on my hips and I placed mine up on his shoulders, thankful that I had worn heels, making dancing with him much easier.

'Cut cover, take that test

Hold courage to your chest

Don't wanna wait for you

Don't wanna have to lose

All that I compromised to feel another high

I've got to keep it down tonight.'

We moved in time to the music and Marcus sang along, which surprised me. I was even more surprised that he had a lovely singing voice.

'And oh oh oh, I was a king under your control

And oh oh oh, I want to feel like you've let me go

So let me go.'

Having a boyfriend was a new experience to me, but it was a wonderful one. I had someone sending me a 'good morning beautiful' text everyday and somehow who called just before I went to bed. Marcus would turn up and surprise me or send flowers or chocolates. He'd take me to dinner, much to the delight of the papers who were gushing about what a wonderful match we were, or he'd make us picnics or drive me into the countryside so that we could watch the stars. The closer we became, the more right it felt, although the big secret I carried was started to niggle at my insides. I was starting to see auras around people on a more common basis and now I'd worked out a lot of the colours.

Red was anger.

Gold was love.

Pink was lust.

Deep green was jealousy.

Light green was guilt.

Blue was sadness.

Yellow was when someone was lying.

What I hadn't yet worked out was how to turn off the ability and this became increasingly annoying, especially when I was in the cafeteria or in the theatre at assembly in the mornings. I was surrounded by colours. It was like being at a disco and it made my eyes hurt.

Are you alright? Zed's voice took me by surprise in the last Friday assembly before half-term. We spoke using telepathy often and it had stopped being as painful now that I was getting used to it. It didn't stop it feeling any less weird, though.

Yes.

You're very pale.

I glanced across the room at where he sat, watching me, a purple surrounding him. What did purple even mean? I skinted at our headteacher on the stage, trying to ignore the other colours but it was useless. I felt dizzy and unwell. I stood up and excused myself, walking out into the cold air as November neared. The trees were bare, orange and yellow leaves below them, blowing in the wind. Rain fell on me but I didn't care. I was just glad that my eyes had stopped hurting.

'Sky?' Zed appeared behind me, without a coat and soaking wet. 'What's going on?'

I hadn't told him I could see colours. I thought it sounded crazy. 'I just feel unwell.' I lied, blinking away the raindrop that had landed on my eyelash.

'It's your ability, isn't it?'

'Hush!' I said, my eyes wide as I glanced around. I was surprised that Ciara hadn't followed me out of the theatre. Either that or she was hidden somewhere.

Sky you can tell me. He'd switched to telepathy, knowing we wouldn't be heard this time.

It sounds totally crazy.

Isn't talking to each other in our heads crazy too?

I sighed. I can see emotions. I know how people are feeling by the aura that surrounds them. Is that weird?

Not at all. He gave a small smile and reached out for me, but I took a step back. 'Of course, your boyfriend.'

The word sounded bitter and I frowned at him. 'You say that word like it's deadly.'

'It is.' He told me, his frown returning to his face. 'Because you should be with me.' And then he was gone.

I had to tell someone. I needed to talk to someone. So I told Lucy I packed for my apartment that evening. Everyone was going home for half-term, although I was holding a Halloween party at my apartment, with help from my brother so they'd all be returning early for that.

'He told you that you should be with him? What a jerk.' She frowned as I closed my suitcase. I'd missed out the part about Zed and I being savants. That was enough weirdness for one day.

'Exactly.' I sighed.

'He's just disgusting and a complete idiot.'

'Enough about me.' I said as I grabbed my coat. 'How are you and Nate?'

'Same old.' She sighed. 'I really hoped that perhaps that kiss on the cheek might have led to something. His parents are coming to stay this weekend though and so is he, so you never know.'

'You should kiss him.' I told her and she looked mortified at the thought. 'What, Luce? I'm sure he likes you too. Very sure of it. Maybe he's too afraid to make the first move.'

She looked shy and nervous as her eyes met mine. 'I guess we'll see what happens.' She pulled me into a hug. 'Have a lovely few days and I'll see you on Friday for your party.'

Wilfred greeted me with a bow and a friendly smile as Dimitri carried my baggage, placing it in the trunk of the car. I climbed inside quickly, trying to avoid the rain that had poured all day. I glanced out the window at the school as we pulled away, just as Zed ran out of his boarding house, waving me off.

The housekeeping had offered to help me unpack when I arrived at my apartment, which had been cleaned and tidied and my clothes from the previous weekend had been washed and dry cleaned, hung in my wardrobe ready for their next outing. I'd declined the offer of unpacking, wanting to do it myself. I put my iPod in the dock and turned on some motivating music, opening up my suitcases and pulling out my clothes and hanging them. I put my school uniform in the washing hamper and dressed in a comfy pair of jeans and an off-the-shoulder knitted jumper. I jumped at the sound of the doorbell.

I walked out across the landing to the front door, opening it carefully. I smiled at Marcus stood there before me. 'Hello you.'

'Hello.' He grinned, kissing me softly and picking me up, his arms wrapped around my waist. He closed the door behind him. 'How are you?'

'I'm good, thank you. Yourself?'

'Much better now.' He kissed my forehead gently and my heart fluttered. 'I thought perhaps I could cook you dinner? It will be nice to spend some time together away from the press.'

I nodded in agreement. 'That would be wonderful.' And it would. We'd had press following us to restaurants and trying to follow us on autumn picnics over the last two weeks and it was getting tiring and dull. Normality was good. We walked to the kitchen and I was surprised that Marcus knew exactly what my fridge and cupboards would be stocked with. I shot him a curious look and he grinned.

'I might have put an order in.' He said and I laughed. I reached into the cupboard and pulled out a candle, putting it on the table. I carefully lit it and moved to sit on the counter, watching Marcus work. Even in jeans and a rolled-up shirt, he was incredibly handsome. He had clear bicep muscles and subtle muscles on his chest, although his muscles were smaller than Zed's. I scowled at myself for thinking of his muscles when my boyfriend was right in front of me, cooking me dinner.

His green eyes looked up to meet mine and they sparkled as he ran a hand through his scruffy brown hair. He walked over to me, placing his hands on my hips so that I had a knee either side of his body. My cheeks blushed. It was a very intimate gesture. I found myself reaching up to move his fringe gently with my fingers, so that it wasn't blocking off his beautiful emerald eyes. He pressed his lips to mine gently and then rested his forehead against mine. 'There's something I need to say.' He whispered and I looked at him with uncertainty. It had been a month since we had started dating. Had he grown tired and bored of me already?

'Whatever it is you need to say, say it.' I whispered back, holding my breath.

'I know it is so very soon but... I'm in love with you, Sky. I love you.' His eyes softened and he kissed my forehead. My heart fluttered in my chest. Did I feel the same? It was surely too soon to tell. Sensing my hesitation, he spoke again. 'I'm not expecting you to feel the same, not yet. Take all the time you need.' He smiled and caressed my cheek, before stepping back to the dinner.

'There's still a lot about you I'd like to know.' Marcus told me as we ate the dinner he had cooked, in the candlelight in my oversized kitchen/diner.

'Like what?' I asked, sipping at my glass of lemonade.

'Let's play a game. I can ask you five questions and you can ask me any five. Deal?'

'Deal.'

He looked thoughtful for a moment. 'What are you three favourite films of all time?'

'Easy. Breakfast at Tiffany's, Tangled and Iron Man.'

He looked surprised. 'That's quite a diverse range there.'

'It is.' I smiled. 'Who is your favourite superhero?'

'It is Iron Man, actually. His suit is red, my favourite colour, and he's pretty unstoppable. What is your halloween costume?'

'Ah, a wasted question.' I laughed. 'Because that, I'm afraid, I am not telling you. Who is your favourite author?'

'Sorry for being a cliche but I do enjoy Shakespeare's works. I know it makes me sound about thirty years older than I am, but I find his writing quite enjoyable. What is your all time favourite song?'

I thought about it for a moment. There were lots of songs that I liked. I liked Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran. I liked Enchanted by Taylor Swift. Then it hit me and I replied. 'Just a kiss by Lady Antebellum.'

'It's a song, I'm not familiar with.' He replied, honestly.

I stood up, feeling brave. 'Then follow me.' I led Marcus upstairs to the living room and I sat down at the piano, patting the space beside me. He squeezed onto the small stool next to me as I sucked in a deep breath. I didn't perform for people. I panicked when I did so. But for some reason, I felt relaxed about Marcus. I ran my fingers across the keys playing the chords and I started to sing,

'Lyin' here with you so close to me

It's hard to fight these feelings when it feels so hard to breathe

Caught up in this moment

Caught up in your smile

I've never opened up to anyone

So hard to hold back when I'm holding you in my arms

We don't need to rush this

Let's just take it slow

Just a kiss on your lips in the moonlight

Just a touch of the fire burning so bright

No I don't want to mess this thing up

I don't want to push too far

Just a shot in the dark that you just might

Be the one I've been waiting for my whole life

So baby I'm alright, with just a kiss goodnight.'

I stopped playing and I glanced at my boyfriend, who was watching me with an expression on his face I didn't recognise. His eyes looked deep into mine and his lips were turned upwards in a small smile. 'Erm, shall we put a film on?' I suggested and he nodded, his eyes still locked on mine. I decided for Iron Man and I slid it into the DVD player, pressed play and then signalled for Marcus to join me on the sofa. He sat down beside me and then his lips were on mine and he was kissing me like there was no tomorrow.

I woke up Sunday feeling more nervous than I'd felt my whole life. For one, I was attending some Royal events that week including a visit to a children's hospital and an opening at a children's centre. Then there was the fact that Sally and Simon were joining me for dinner at the palace the following day, so that they could meet my biological father. Then there was the fact that I was joining Marcus' parents for Sunday lunch. Sure, I'd met Lady Clarence before and I knew her quite well, but that didn't make me less nervous. I was still a trainee princess, yes, but now I was a trainee princess who was dating her son, her only child.

I showered and let my hair dry naturally, allowing it to dry in blonde curls framing my face. Then I spent the morning studying, curled up on my living room sofa. Half an hour before Marcus was coming to pick me up, I headed back to my bedroom and stared at my wardrobe, wondering what on earth I was going to wear. I missed the girls. They were perfect when it came to choosing outfits.

Wear red. Zed's voice caught me off guard.

Are you listening to my thoughts?

Of course not.

Whatever. I looked at the red skater dress in my wardrobe with the 3/4 sleeves. It was pretty and girly and classy. I pulled it on and looked in the mirror. It would do perfectly with a pair of tights.

Where are you going?

Out for lunch.

With your boyfriend? The word still sounded bitter and I rolled my eyes.

Jealous?

Yes.

He could be jealous all he wanted. I didn't care. I smoothed down my dress and ran a hand through my curled hair. Should I wear it up or down? I applied some natural make-up and slipped my feet into my black leather pumps, deciding to have a half-updo. I pinned back the front curls and secured them at the back of my head with a dimante hairclip just as the doorbell rang. It would do fine. I slipped on my black pea coat and grabbed my handbag, making sure to put my keys in it.

'Hello beautiful.' Marcus greeted me with a peck when I opened the door to him. 'I like the red, you should wear it more often.'

I blushed, thinking Zed was responsible for that compliment. 'Thank you. Shall we go?'

Marcus' house looked different on a rainy October day and I couldn't help but think that it almost looked haunted as we pulled up in his Audi R8. He parked the car and climbed out, opening his umbrella and moving round to open the door for me. He sheltered me with his umbrella and wrapped his arm around my shoulder, leading me up the steps and into the house I'd been to many times before, but only when his parents were not there.

His butler opened the door for us and took each of our coats and I enjoyed the warm feeling of the house. We walked along the runner, hand-in-hand, as Marcus led me to the reception room I knew his mother and father were waiting in. We stepped inside and the familiar room with the large bookshelves full of old books, comfy old armchairs and sofas and the warm lit fireplace looked different to me somehow. Lady Clarence and her husband, Lord Sebastien, both stood in greeting, Clarence curtsying and Sebastien bowing.

'Wonderful to meet you, your highness.' Sebastien said. 'I've heard a lot about you.'

'And I, you.' I replied, formally. Was it always supposed to be this formal when you met your boyfriend's parents? I somehow doubted it. 'But please call me Sky.' I said, trying to make the situation more relaxed.

'Of course, take a seat.' Sebastien signalled to the vintage sofa and I sat down, Marcus beside me.

'Can I get you a tea, your highness?' The lady I recognised as the housekeeper asked with a curtsy.

'Yes please.' I smiled, glad to be next to the fire. It was a cold day.

'Marcus tells us you're quite the pianist.' Clarence said as her son's fingers interlocked with mine. 'Maybe you'll treat us later.'

'Sky gets nervous around an audience.' Marcus replied on my behalf and I shot him a thankful smile as he squeezed my hand.

I didn't relax until we'd had dinner and Marcus led me to the music room, away from his parents. I looked around in awe at the beautiful room I'd never been to before with its paintings on the walls, patterned ceiling and vintage instruments as well as modern. There was a grand piano, a violin, a guitar and an electric guitar in the room, as well as a velvet, comfy-looking sofa. I sank into the sofa but Marcus beckonned me over to the piano, patting the stool beside him. I sat down, enjoying the warmth radiating off of his skin in the cold house and he pressed his lips to my forehead in a gentle kiss.

'So I couldn't find the sheet music to that song you liked but I have an alternative.' He gave me a shy smile and I could tell he was nervous. 'I hope you like it.'

'You're going to sing to me?' I asked, surprised.

He nodded. 'If you'll let me.'

'Of course.'

His hands ran along the keys as he played the chords and the introduction and then he sucked a deep breath before singing, 'I finally asked you to dance

On the last slow song

Beneath that moon that was really a disco ball.'

I figured out what the song was and I smiled, singing along, 'I can still feel my head on your shoulder

And hoping that song would never be over.'

He beamed as he looked at me and our voices joined together to create a wonderful melody, which surprised me. 'I haven't seen you in ages

Sometimes I find myself

Wondering where you are

For me you'll always be 18

And beautiful and dancin' away with my heart.'

There was something about Marcus' voice when he sang that made me want to melt. It wasn't poppy or husky, but almost soothing and it was soft and easy to listen to, a bit like Michael Buble was. I thought of Zed's husky voice when he sang, a kind of voice that made girls go hysterical and get hormonal, but in a different way to Marcus'. He didn't put on a cocky, sexy front. His voice was just warm and lovely to listen to, a voice that was more melt-worthy than throw-your-knickers-at-the-stage.

'I can't believe you learnt that song for me.' I said to him when he finished playing and he gave me another shy smile.

'Did I do okay?' He asked as his eyes sparkled.

I pressed my lips gently to his before whispering, 'you did perfect.'

'Oh my god, I can't believe he sang to you! That's the cutest thing ever!' Lucy squealed down the phone to me that evening.

I smiled at the memory as I laid down on the goosefeather pillows on my bed. 'It is.' I agreed.

She sighed on the other end of the phone. 'You're so lucky, Sky. Mark is crazy about you and you two are so adorable.'

'Apparently the press agrees.' I looked at the Sugar Magazine article about Marcus and I that had appeared on my Facebook timeline. I clicked on the link. 'How are you and Nate?'

'Same old.' She sounded a little frustrated. 'I wish I knew how he felt, Sky.'

'Oh, Lu.' I felt bad for her, I really did. 'He's coming to my Halloween party, right?'

'Oh, about that.' She paused for a moment and I could hear her typing on her laptop. 'Nate asked if you wanted a live performance at your party. I know you've got a DJ but a band might be cool too and I told Nate I'd ask you...'

I laughed. 'Didn't they just get signed? Why on earth does Nate's band want to perform at a silly little house party?'

'Because it's your house party. Everyone is talking about it on Facebook incase you didn't realise. It's your party in a Royal apartment and the heir to the throne is going to be there. There's a lot of hype. It's good coverage for the band, especially with Royals and other guests with a lot of money there. It would help them with private bookings, although they're not expecting you to pay them. It's a favour really.'

'You're waffling.' I laughed, glancing at the photo of Marcus and I leaving a restaurant earlier that week, which had appeared on the screen with the article.

'Sorry.'

'But tell Nate yes, it'll be cool as long as they come early and set themselves up at seven, maybe?'

'Awesome!' She said, sounding pleased.

'And tell him he owes you a date in response.'

'I'm not so sure about that.' She sounded nervous. 'Look, I've got to go. I'll see you Friday.'

'See you, bye.' I hung up the phone and looked at the photo of us. Luckily I'd worn a nice dress and my hair looked good. We were smiling, genuinely, so it was a nice photo. I looked at the headline and decided I'd read the article.

Match-made in Kensington?

Her Royal Highness Princess Sky was spotted in another fabulous outfit on a dinner date with the gorgeous Lord Marcus of Addington on Wednesday evening. We are still yet to find out if they're officially dating or just very good friends, but it's safe to say that they make a lovely couple and we are very jealous! Relationship goals, anyone? I hope we have an answer soon, we've waited long enough for one! #Skarcus or #Marky?

I laughed. They'd find out soon enough.

'You know, it's not too late to back out.' I said to Sally and Simon as we arrived at the palace the following day, ready for dinner. Simon had worn a suit and Sally had worn an expensive dress I'd never seen before. I wore the light blue lace dress I'd worn for my piano performance a few weeks back. For a girl that never wore dresses, it was quickly becoming one of my favourite items of clothing.

'Why would we back out?' Simon asked with a raised eyebrow.

'And I'm sure it's rude if we decline an invite just ten minutes before we're expected.' Sally added.

I wiped my clammy hands on my coat. 'Is it a bit soon? To meet my biological father? I mean, I don't want it to change anything between us.'

'It won't change anything.' Sally squeezed my arm, affectionately. 'You're still our daughter, whatever happens Sky. A fancy apartment, a Royal father and a new title isn't going to change that.'

'Is it weird? Finding out that your daughter is the daughter of the King of England?'

'Of course it's weird. It's like some crazy fiction novel.' Simon chuckled. 'But it's your life and we want to be a part of it. Although I'm not sure I'm happy about all that time you're spending alone at the apartment. Especially with that boy of yours... what's his name?'

'Mark.'

'Yes, that's is, Marcus.'

'He's harmless. He's lovely.' I told them with a smile as Wilfred opened the door for us.

'He might be lovely but he's still an eighteen-year-old boy and you're only sixteen.'

'You're right,' I said, looking at Simon as he got out of the car.'Nothing has changed.'

Dinner went surprisingly well. Sally and Simon told my father all about how they'd found me, which broke his heart, but he was grateful for their kindness and for them raising me. They spoke with the King about art, whilst the Queen remained quiet, and my brother spoke to them about their gallery and funding for art centres for children and aspiring artists. It was a relaxed dinner and I felt comfortable until Nina took me to office for a chat. She pulled up the article about Marcus and I that I'd read the day before and I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.

'Are you and Lord Marcus an item?' She quizzed, her face serious.

'Yes...' I replied with uncertainty. 'Is that a problem?'

Her serious face turned into a smile. 'Wonderful news! I couldn't think of a better match for a princess. His family are noble so that makes things a lot simpler and it's very good publicity. Nice work.'

'Nice work?' I frowned. 'I'm not dating him because his family are noble.'

'Okay.' She nodded. 'Then it's a win-win situation. I've managed to get you tickets for the premiere of the new James Bond film on Wednesday evening and I'd like you to take Marcus as your date. The press are dying to hear about the new princess' personal life and they'll love it if you and Marcus attend together.'

'Erm okay.' I said, unsure of what else to say.

'I'll phone him first thing in the morning and I'll get you a dress sorted. Everyone will want Princess Sky wearing their designs.'

Everyone just wanted to be on my side, so it seemed. And I was pretty sure it was only because I was a princess.

Zed spoke to me that night as I got myself ready for bed in my apartment. So I hear I'm rocking your living room on Friday night! I hope you've got soundproofing.

I'm sure I have. I replied, not feeling very enthusiastic. All I could think of was my title and how that seemed to be changing everyone's opinion of me. It wasn't going to change anytime soon either. I was attending three events over the next few days as Princess Sky, not as Sky.

What's going on?

Did I tell him? I hesitated, but then I thought, who could I tell anyway? Marcus had grown-up being noble, grown-up with a title and with money and with a crown prince for a best friend. I'm just not sure I'm cut out for this princess stuff. Everyone wants to be friends with a princess, not with me. They don't know the real Sky.

I want to know the real Sky. If you let me.