The next few days seemed to be a blur. I attended the events with my brother as expected on the Tuesday and Wednesday morning, cutting ribbons, greeting people and posing for pictures with my brother. We were all over the web and on the front page of papers, but, as normal, not every comment was nice. Some were horrible and I had to listen to Phillip's advice when he told me I was better off not reading them. After a quick lunch on Wednesday, a hairdresser and a make-up artist turned up at my door to prep me for the premiere of the new James Bond film. My eyebrows were waxed again (ouch) and so were my legs. Then my hair was put into curlers and I was given a soothing facial whilst my nails were done. I glanced down at them in surprise; a french manicure with a little sparkle. It had made me wonder what my dress was like.

My dress was delivered by the designer herself, a girl new to the business who looked pretty nervous around me. She tucked the loose strands of red hair that had fallen out of her bun behind her ears when I answered the door to her, having just had my hair and make-up finished. My make-up was silvery yet not over the top and it made my eyes look a steely blue colour. My hair was in a loose bun with curled strands falling around my face, framing it and making it look sophisticated. It had been secured with a sparkly hairclip that I was sure had real diamonds or a similar gemstone in it.

'Your highness, it's lovely to meet you.' The red headed girl curtsied and I held back a sigh.

'Call me Sky, please.' I told her and I realised it was starting to sound like my catchphrase. 'Do come in.' I stepped aside and closed the door behind her.

'I've brought three dresses incase you don't like the one I picked out.' She said nervously. 'Oh where are my manners. I'm Katie.' She held out her hand for me and I shook it.

'It's great to meet you Katie.'

'I really hope you like my designs, the palace said you would but I've only just come out of fashion school so I really understand if you don't.' She rambled, making it clear that she was nervous.

'Will you show me the dress you picked out?' I asked, giving her what I hoped was a reassuring smile. As reassuring as I could give her when I too was nervous. She hung a dressbag onto the outside of my wardrobe and carefully unzipped it, revealing a simple but elegant black dress made from silk. It was a mermaid-fit with a high-neck and draped back. It was beautiful. 'Mind if I try it on?'

She looked surprised. 'Of course.'

I slipped into the bathroom, glad I'd worn seamless underwear that smoothed my bum and almost-flat stomach. It fit perfectly, like it had been designed just for me and it hugged my figure, giving me an hour glass shape. I felt like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. It was grown-up but not slutty and I liked that it fell down on the back, finishing just above my bra.

I walked out of the room and spotted Katie biting her finger nails. 'Well I think it suits you perfectly, but maybe I'm biased.' She said, her grey eyes meeting mine.

'It's gorgeous.' I told her, really meaning it and she looked at me in surprise.

'Really?'

'Katie, you're a very talented designer.' I looked at myself in the full-length mirror, admiring the small train as she pulled out a pair of black strappy heels, which weren't too high, and a sparkly silver bag with dangly silver earrings.

'These will go perfect with the dress.' She said to me and I took them from her, slipping my feet into the shoes. I carefully placed the earrings in my ear and picked up my keys, placing them in my clutchbag with some cash and my debit card, just incase.

'I feel like a Bond girl.' I told her and she grinned at me.

'You look like one too.'

I held out my phone for her. 'Would you mind taking a photo? I promised my friends that I'd send them a picture of my outfit.'

'Of course.' She snapped a few full-length pictures, making sure to get my whole outfit in. 'You look great, Sky.' She told me with a sincere smile.

'Can I have you card? I'd love to see your other designs.' I told her and she squealed with excitement, before apologising. 'It's fine.' I laughed. 'I want to do that too.' The doorbell rang, bringing me back to reality and I sucked in a deep breath. Marcus was here. My own James Bond.

'Shall I open it? And then you can walk out and it's more dramatic!' Katie suggested and I found myself agreeing. She walked off to the door and I heard her open it.

'Erm hello?' Marcus sounded unsure.

'Katie Jones.' Katie introduced herself. 'I'm Sky's dress designer.'

'Is she ready?'

I took that as my cue. I slipped my phone into my bag and walked out of my bedroom, onto the landing. Marcus stood in the doorway in a tuxedo, his hair slightly tamer than normal but still just short enough to show off his emerald green eyes. He looked at me, his lips apart, not saying anything and I blushed.

'Does it look bad?' I asked.

'No.' He shook his head. 'You've just left me speechless. You're breathtaking.' He swallowed and the corners of his lips tilted up into a smile that made my heart melt and my knees weak. I remembered we weren't alone and Katie disappeared back into my room, grabbing her belongings before hurrying out of the door after a quick goodbye. 'Am I really going out this evening with you on my arm?' Marcus asked, his pretty eyes sparkling again.

'Only if you want to.' I replied as I reached him and he grabbed my hand, planting a small kiss on it.

'I want nothing more.'

It was all well and good dressing up in a gorgeous silk dress, but I could have frozen to death when I stepped onto the red carpet that evening, following Marcus, Ciara and Dimitri (double security) out of the car. I'd forgotten it was the end of October. It was bloody freezing. My coldness didn't last long, though, because Marcus took my hand and then suddenly everyone realised who we were and our names were being called. It made me want to panic, even though Nina had briefed me for this; I was allowed to say we were in a relationship, that was fine. But part of me wondered if I wanted the public to know about my private life. Or was my private life no longer existant?

'Princess Sky!' A few girls a couple of years younger than me called out to me, taking photos on their phone and, more surprisingly, holding up a copy of the only magazine interview I'd actually done, one month ago. I signed the picture of myself, finding it all rather weird and Marcus and I posed for selfies, giving into his female fanbase. I'd forgotten that people knew who he was. Lucy had said he'd been in the press as one of the most elegible bachelors in England. And he was practically royalty. My boyfriend placed his hand delicately on the small of my back, leading me up the carpet and we were soon faced with the press.

'Your highness!'

'Princess Sky, over here!'

'Lord Marcus!'

We posed for pictures together and Marcus chuckled to himself as questions were thrown his way. He didn't say anything. Instead he stood with me, his arm draped around my waist protectively as he smiled down at me. Then he took me by surprise, planting a delicate kiss on my forehead. It was a sweet gesture, but one he had never done in public before.

'Princess Sky, are you and Lord Marcus an item?' Came the next question from several reporters.

He glanced at me with sparkling green eyes as I smiled up at him. All it took was a simple 'yes' but the words just wouldn't escape my mouth. His attention turned back to the press and, as relaxed as confirming his full name, he said, 'yes we are. Aren't I the luckiest man in the world to have this beautiful girl on my arm tonight?'

I blushed wildly as more questions came our way but he simply held out his hand for me. I took it, interlocking our fingers and he led me inside.

'Well cat's out of the bag now.' I said to him after the film had finished. It had been good and we'd even managed to score seats right by Daniel Craig. We weren't attending the afterparty, as I was under the legal drinking age, so I was disappointed I wouldn't get to meet the cast properly.

'Sorry.' Marcus apologised as I turned my phone back on.

'Why are you apologising? It's fine that people know.' I gave him a reassuring smile and he kissed my cheek.

'Good because if you don't mind I'd like to make it Facebook official.'

'Do princesses make it Facebook official?' I laughed and he grinned at me.

'I don't know, but there's a first for everything.'

'Well I might also be the only princess who takes selfies.' I held up my phone. 'Come on, squish up.'

'More than happy to oblige.' He cosied up to me and he crossed his eyes. I looked at the photo and rolled my eyes.

'Really?'

'I'll do a proper one now, I promise.' He laughed and he smiled as I took another selfie. His Facebook notification buzzed and he glanced down at his phone, seeing I'd uploaded the two pictures as well as the picture of myself all dolled up. 'Hey!' He nudged me, playfully, on seeing the photo of his beautiful green eyes crossed. He looked ridiculous.

'You're the one that made the silly face. Maybe that will be the one I post to Instagram and Twitter when I get home.

'Hmmm.'

Marcus dropped me off at my apartment and gave me a kiss goodnight before we went our separate ways. I sighed as I laid across my bed. I didn't want to take off the dress or the shoes. The night had been wonderful. Perfect. Magical. And now the whole world knew we were an item. I swallowed, typing in our names into Google. We'd already made the news with our updated Relationship Status. My phone buzzed and I looked at the Instagram notification, opening it up. Marcus had tagged me in a photo of the two of us on the red carpet. The picture was from the waist up and he was kissing my forehead. It was a lovely photo, one that made me feel fuzzy and warm inside. Then I saw the caption.

I might be a little biased but here's me with HRHPrincessSky, the most beautiful girl in the world.

I fell asleep with a smile on my face.

'Have you seen the papers?' Lucy asked on the phone the following morning as I ate my breakfast.

'No.' I replied with a mouthful. I wasn't worried about being ladylike around my friends. They were used to it by now. The doorbell rang and I padded upstairs to get it.

'You're everywhere. In all the gossip magazines and the tabloids. You're even featured as a top story on Star News.' She told me.

I opened the front door to the postman and signed for my package. 'My costume is here.' I told her, closing the door as the postman walked away, escorted by security.

'Are you listening to what I'm saying at all? You're like world famous. I'd bet paparazzi are even camping outside right now.'

'I'm not sure I want to check.' I told her. I hung my costume up on my wardrobe door. I glanced at the clock on the bedside table. 'Eugh, Nina will be here in a minute, so I'll see you tomorrow?'

'Ten AM sharp so make sure you're up. We have a lot of decorating to do.'

Nina turned up right on time, with her iPad and her own green tea bags. She made herself a cup, turning down my offer and set herself up at the dining room table. She pulled out a few tabloids and I groaned. I was on the front cover of every one. Lucy had been right. There were photos of Marcus and I posing for selfies with the general public, photos of us walking hand-in-hand up the red carpet, the forehead kiss and a few posed pictures of us. My outfit had been complimented and most of the news articles contained Marcus' quote and weren't negative. But then there were the gossip columns, the one that referred to me as a 'bastard.' Historically, they'd be correct. Did I have the right to be a princess when my mother hadn't been the Queen? She'd not been a duchess or a lady either.

'Your father isn't happy about these ones.' She signalled to the negative gossip magazines. 'They're very unfair and very judgemental, but unfortunately some people don't agree with you being a princess.'

'I'm not sure I do either.' I sighed and she frowned at me, before continuing.

'His solicitor is going to contact them today and he is going to release a statement as personal attacks on you are unfair.' She waited for me to say something, but I didn't so she continued. 'Most members of the public and press, however, are very interested to find out more about you. They haven't really commented on the events you've been to over the past few days as they knew they were scheduled and organised by the palace. They want to see more of you. Going out with a Lord has helped of course, but are there any interests of yours worth pursuing?'

'I don't know.' I shrugged.

'You like horses, right? Well what about getting involved with a riding centre or something? That would be beneficial.'

I suddenly remembered the riding centre not far from school that I'd passed many times in the car before. 'There's a riding centre for children with disabilities not far from school. I actually wanted to pop in and see what they're doing for those children. Everyone deserves the chance to ride.'

Her lips turned up into a smile. 'Wanting to make a difference. Now that sounds a lot more like a princess.'

We went through my schedule for the next few weeks and I was thankful that it was mostly free as it meant I could keep my schoolwork up to date and then I could volunteer at the riding centre. I called them and organised a visit with them Monday after school, something else to check off my list and Nina gave me details of interviews with two teen magazines, who were interested in interviewing me. She told me it would be good publicity and show the public what I was like. We'd see.

After I'd cooked myself an easy dinner, I was surprised to hear security on the apartment telecom.

'Your highness, there's a gentleman here to see you.'

'Marcus?' I asked. He normally was let straight in. They knew him well enough to do so.

'No a bit more... rugged. He says he's Zed Benedict and apparently you're in music class together at school.'

I raised an eyebrow. What are you doing here?

Please let me in, I've been on the smelly underground and now it's chucking it down with rain.

'Let him in.' I told security and I hung up the phone. It was lucky I hadn't yet changed into my pyjamas, even though they were calling me. I slipped my feet into my warm slippers and pulled a jumper over my vest top, feeling cold, suddenly. I'd let him dry off and then I'd send him off. That was a good plan, wasn't it? My doorbell rang and I walked over, answering it. Zed stood there in a hoodie and jeans, completely soaking wet. 'Did you not think to wear a coat?' I asked him.

He shrugged. 'It didn't look like it was going to rain.'

I squinted at the darkness out of my window. 'It's dark, how does it not look like rain?' He stood awkwardly in the doorway and I stepped aside. 'Come in.'

'This place looks pretty sweet.' He grinned, cockily, putting his rucksack down. 'Do I get a tour?' He shrugged out of his soaked-through hoodie and I took it off him, walking down the corridor to the room that contained my washing machine and tumble dryer.

'Okay.'

He looked around, nosily as I showed them the apartment and he admired the furniture or pictures on the walls on the way round, stopping to look at the most recent photoframe I'd put up, filled with photos of Sally, Simon and I. He looked on the mantelpiece, squinting at the frame containing a photo of me with the girls, and then one of me and Phillip, and then a photo of me with Marcus. 'This your boyfriend?'

'You know it is.' I rolled my eyes. 'It's not like you can miss it.'

'The press love you at the moment, don't they?'

'Some more than others.' I frowned. 'I am the bastard daughter of the king, of course.'

'Wait, are we in Game of Thrones or the Middle Ages or something? Seriously, who still uses that word?'

'Some people, apparently.' I sighed as we reached the kitchen. 'Tea?'

'I like something a little stronger.'

I resisted rolling my eyes again. 'Seriously, we're sixteen.'

'Does this mean there's no alcohol at your party tomorrow?'

'I'll get in trouble.'

'No one has to know. It's your own apartment and the police are hardly going to turn up, are they? They'd have to get past the crazy security at the gate.' He leaned against the kitchen counter and I could see his six-pack through his soaking wet t-shirt. I swallowed and glanced away as I felt heat rushing to my cheeks. He glanced over at the papers on the table, all with me on the front cover. 'Is this what you're worried about? The press?'

I shrugged. 'A lot of people are watching me at the moment. I need to be careful.'

'You do, yes.' He yawned and stretched. 'You're in danger of becoming a bore.'

I stopped making the cups of tea and glared at him. 'You turn up here, interrupting my plans and call me a bore?'

'Your plans?' He smirked. 'You didn't have any. Except maybe a night of Netflix.'

How did he know? I frowned. 'Either sort out your manners or get out. You're irritating as hell.'

'That's not very princess-like.' His grin was cocky and stupidly sexy at the same time.

'I can't always be princess-like. It's my day off.'

'I don't think you get days off.' He pointed out.

My eyebrows hurt from frowning as I looked at him. 'You're right, I don't, so why am I wasting valuable time getting annoyed with you? Get out.'

'You're asking me to leave?' He looked surprised and I had no idea why.

'No, I'm telling you.'

'Look I'm sorry for whatever I've just done or said that's offended you...' He looked puzzled and I surpressed a sigh.

'Whatever you've just done? Do you need a list of all of the offensive things you've done?'

'I'm not really a people person.'

'Doesn't seem that way when you're with Savannah or one of her posse. In fact, it seems like you are a very peopley person.'

'Sorry, I'm used to girls throwing themselves at me, not being blunt with me.' The cocky smile was back.

'Your head is so damn far up your arse!'

He shrugged. 'I get a lot of compliments.'

'Not from me you won't.'

He reached for the cup of tea but it fell to the floor between us. 'Shit, a few seconds too late.'

I looked up at him, curiously. 'You knew that was going to happen?' He nodded and it sank in as I grabbed a tea towel. 'Oh, right, your ability.' I mopped up the floor and he bent down in front of me, picking up the broken crockery.

'Yeah, sometimes it's a bit delayed and doesn't work great.' He frowned. He winced as the broken china cut his finger and it started to bleed.

'Oh god.' I grabbed his hand, leading him to the sink and I held his finger under the tap as the blood came out quicker. I could feel his breath on my ear and I stopped myself from shivering. We were too close. 'Hold it under the tap a minute and I'll get a dressing.' I grabbed a dressing from the bathroom, glancing at myself in the mirror as I did it. My cheeks were flushed. Brilliant. I walked back to the kitchen and turned off the tap, applying pressure to his finger as I held his finger, calloused from playing guitar. I placed the dressing on it, sticking it in place and I glanced up at Zed to see he was watching me, an intense expression on his face. It made me nervous. 'I hope that doesn't affect your guitar playing tomorrow.'

'It won't.' He said, his eyes not leaving mine. I moved back to cleaning up the mess on the floor, desperate to distract myself. 'Are you going to give everyone a performance tomorrow?' I laughed and I glanced up to see he was serious.

'Of course not.'

'Why not? You have a lovely voice.'

'Wow, insults and now a compliment. Are you feeling okay? Did you lose too much blood?' I teased, throwing the broken crockery into the bin.

He rolled his eyes. 'You, Sky Bright, are a hard girl to please.'

The doorbell woke me up the following day and I cursed when I realised I was still in my clothes the night before. I cursed a second time when I realised that Zed Benedict was asleep on my cream-coloured sofa next to the bed. We must have fallen asleep talking. Brilliant. I jumped up and opened the door, where Lucy was stood, waiting.

'Hey.' She looked puzzled. 'Are you feeling alright? You don't look great.'

Honest as always. 'Erm, I've just woken up.' I admitted, feeling the need to be honest too.

She sighed. 'We've got work to do, there isn't time to sleep in!' Her eyes widened as she looked over my shoulder and I cursed in my head. I turned to see Zed stood there looking sleepy but sexy, stretching so that you could see the lower part of his stomach. My friend raised an eyebrow at me.

'I'd better go.' Zed said. 'I'll see you later.' And then he left, leaving us to it.

'Explain.' My roommate said to me as soon as the door closed behind me.

'Fine, just let me shower first.'

'I can't believe Zed Benedict stayed at your house overnight.' Lucy said as we rearranged the furniture in the living room, pushing it against the walls to allow more room. She draped fluffy black throws over the light-coloured furniture, tucking it place to protect it.

'We fell asleep. I still can't stand him.' I told her as I draped fake cobwebs off of the mantelpiece and in the fireplace.

'He's gorgeous and girls love him.'

'Other girls maybe, but he's an ass and asses aren't my type.' I said, bluntly. I grabbed a fake spider and taped it in place as the doorbell rang. 'Please don't tell Marcus, I don't want to worry him.'

'I promise.' She gave me a reassuring smile and I headed out onto the landing. I opened the door to see Chadwick stood with two delivery guys and an iron throne.

I looked at it in confusion as my brother appeared, carrying shopping bags. 'Oh great, it's here!' He said, cheerily and I looked at him in surprise. 'Well you need an Iron Throne to go with your outfit.' He said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

I blinked. 'It's not real, is it?'

'Of course not, they need that to film the next season, so I got hold of a replica for the evening sis. It's good being royalty sometimes.'

'Where would you like it, your highness?' Chadwick asked me.

'Maybe on the landing, as the first thing the guests see when they enter?' Phillip suggested, pushing past me, formality gone now that we knew each other better.

I stepped aside and allowed the iron throne to be placed where Phillip directed. Lucy appeared in the hallway and squealed. 'Oh my god! The iron throne! You didn't tell me you were ordering one!'

'It wasn't me.' I nodded and my brother who looked pleased with himself. 'Is this you getting ready for being king? Are you going to sit on the throne all evening?'

'Doesn't work with my costume.' He shrugged, setting down his bags. 'Now come on, I'm thinking a Game of Thrones-esque living room and then spooky stuff everywhere else. We've got work to do.'

Giving the apartment a makeover took most of the day and I was already dreading getting it back to normal afterwards. The living room had become a haunted house including a DJ deck. The library room downstairs had become a second haunted house, except with an area marked out as a 'stage' for Zed and Nate's band, Seven Minutes in Heaven. The kitchen was stocked with party food, thanks to a caterer, and even some wine and beer, thanks (or not) to Phillip. I'd insisted no one would be drinking but he'd said we had a good security team and any nonsense, people would be out. Right.

Lucy emerged from the bathroom wearing a blue dress with patterned bodice and a golden rose in the middle; a perfect replica of a costume worn by Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones. She'd even styled her hair the same way, like a pro. She could have easily been Natalie Dormer. Lucy's costume had been inspired by my plan to be a Game of Thrones Queen. Or Khaleesi. I wore Daenerys' Qarth dress, the light blue one with plunging neckline (enough to show a little cleavage without too much), gold detailing on the shoulders and a golden belt with beads around the waist. My hair was in loose curls with sections pulled back into braids, just as she had done. I felt like a cosplay dream.

'You look great!' I told my friend and she smiled across at me.

'So do you, Khaleesi.'

'Now that's a title I'd prefer.' I told her as I slipped my shoes on. 'None of this princess and your highness business. Khaleesi, sure I'd respond to that.' I glanced at my cleavage. 'It's not too low is it?'

'No, it's classy but sexy and you've not broken any rules. It's legs or boobs. Your legs are covered so you're fine.' She gave me a cheeky grin and I laughed.

The doorbell rang and I glanced at the clock. The DJ was coming early to set up, as were Seven Minutes in Heaven. I knew which arrival I'd prefer. I swallowed. It was going to be an eventful night. I could feel it already.