'Beer?' Zed offered me, holding up some Tequila beer when we got back to my apartment. He placed some bottles in my fridge and glanced at me, expectantly.

'Sure.' I replied. I needed something to keep myself going. He opened a bottle and passed it over to me, clinking his bottle against mine. I glanced through the kitchen window, where Nate and Lucy were walking, hand-in-hand in the moonlight in the courtyard garden. I gave a small smile. They were perfect together.

'They're a cute couple.' Zed commented as he sank down into a dining chair. He took a swig of his beer as I sat down beside him. 'It's about time they got together.'

'I guess both of them were just scared that the feelings weren't reciprocated.'

'So two weeks til the Snow Ball. Got your dress yet?' His attempt at smalltalk made me smile. I just couldn't help it.

'Yeah.' I put down my bottle of beer a little harder than planned and I grabbed it before it could topple over. Why was I such a clutz?

'Do I get any early preview?' He gave me a cheeky grin and I shook my head.

'I haven't even let the girls see it, why would I let you?'

'Because I'm your date.'

'Hardly. It's a dance.'

'And is your boyfriend coming?'

'No.' I sighed. Marcus had a charity event that night. For his ex-girlfriend's charity. The thought made me uncomfortable but he'd promised he would go and I trusted him, didn't I?

'Then let me be your date.' He placed his bottle down and looked at me with intense eyes. 'What will it take? Glass slippers? Flowers?'

I wrinkled up my nose. 'Why do people think they can buy me? You're forgetting that I'm new to all of this.' I signalled to the apartment around me. 'I love having my own place to do my own thing, but I'd have been just as happy with a studio flat in Brixton.'

'Brixton, really?' He laughed. 'And I'm not trying to bribe you, I just thought you liked that stuff.'

'You have no idea what I like.'

'Then tell me.' His eyes softened and he almost looked as if he had let his guard down, stopped with the bad boy act. It was intriguing.

'What do you want to know?' I asked, unsure whether or not I was going to like the answer.

'Why don't you start from the beginning?' And for some weird reason, I did.

'Sorry I'm late.' I hurried into the music room to find Yves, Zed and Lara already waiting for me. It was the day before the ball and I'd spent time in the library writing an English Literature assignment on Tess of the D'Urbervilles. I'd completely lost track of time.

'It's okay.' Yves said with a friendly smile. 'It's that busy time of year.'

It definitely was. Between Christmas carol services, Christmas shopping and princess duties, I'd hardly had time for hanging out with my friends or even Marcus. Everything had just been so hectic and I was relieved I only had the music assignment and a science exam to go before I could relax. I perched myself on the stool beside Zed and he gave me a friendly smile, something I'd started to see a little more of.

'Shall we run from the top?' Lara called out from her spot by the piano. I'd desperately wanted to play, but Yves and Zed had allowed Lara to do so because it meant that my vocals could be used. With Zed's. Yves grabbed his guitar and pulled it over his lap. He started to play as Lara did, the sounds of the guitar and piano blending together almost perfectly.

Zed started to sing and goosebumps tingled across my arms, surprising me and catching me off guard, 'Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Let your heart be light

From now on,

our troubles will be out of sight.'

I closed by eyes and joined him in singing, our voices mixing into a perfect harmony. 'Have yourself a merry little Christmas,

Make the Yule-tide gay,

From now on,

our troubles will be miles away.'

I opened my eyes and Zed smiled across at me as I sang my solo, 'Here we are as in olden days,

Happy golden days of yore.

Faithful friends who are dear to us

Gather near to us once more.'

We scheduled two more meet ups before the concert the following Friday, just one week away, and then Lara and Yves headed off, making their way to dinner. I grabbed my books, dropping them immediately and sighing as I bent down to retrieve them from the floor. I was exhausted.

Zed bent down too, helping me pick them up and passing them across to me. 'You look tired.' He told me and I knew it wasn't a nasty comment. It was true.

'I've not had any time to relax this week.' I sighed. 'Gallery openings, library until closing time at 9pm... it's been crazy. Although I'd bet Nate and Lucy quite like not having me in the room. I'm not sure they know that I'm aware they've been sneaking in for make-out sessions.'

He laughed. 'Sounds about right.' We both stood up and he grabbed my bag. 'Come on, I'll walk you back to the dorm.' We left the building and I shivered at the cold air. I wondered if it was going to snow. It had that cool feel about it. 'So has your dress arrived for tomorrow?'

'Yep.' I nodded.

'The purple one?'

'Lilac.' I squinted at him. 'How did you know that?'

'Lucy isn't very good at keeping secrets from Nate.' He grinned and I rolled my eyes. He probably had kissed it out of her. I was sure that was becoming one of her new hobbies; kissing Nate. 'Actually, I have a favour to ask you.'

'You do?' The books wobbled and he grabbed a few to balance me out, tucking them under his arm.

'I have a dilemma. My parents have a ski chalet in Morzine.'

'That doesn't sound much of a problem. I bet it's lovely at this time of year.'

'It is.' He nodded. 'The problem is Nate has been coming with us for years and this year of course, he's with Lucy and my mum invited her along too.' He pushed the strap of my satchel further up his shoulder. 'I'm just worried I'll end up as a gooseberry.'

'What about Yves and your other brothers?'

'Yves will be with us for Christmas and then he's coming back here because he's doing some work experience before we come back to school. Work experience in Christmas sounds like a terrible idea.' He crinkled up his nose. 'So I was wondering if you wanted to come too? Mum's cool with it, she'd quite like to meet you.'

'Your mum wants to meet me? Why?'

'Because you're my soulfinder.' He said it so quietly that no one else would have heard us, if anyone had been around of course.

'I'll have to check with Simon and Sally... and my dad too, I suppose.' It seemed a nice idea, but at the same time would he get the wrong idea? Marcus and I were together and he needed to understand that. Plus, I'd never even left the country! That was scary, although my heart desperately wanted to visit somewhere new.

'Well that's better than a simple 'no'.' He smiled. 'Lucy is flying out on the 27th and then she's back January 2nd so let me know and I can try and get you on her flight.'

I slept like a baby that night, after I'd googled Morzine of course. It was a commune on the French/Swiss border and it was a popular ski resort. In the summer, only the highest nearby mountains had snow and the rest looked like a beautiful scene from Lord of the Rings with waterfalls descending from the mountain peaks into the valley below. Then there were the pictures from winter; thick blankets of snow covered the grounds and rooftops of the wooden alpine buildings, the trees looking like they were covered in icing sugar. I'd never seen that much snow before. It was magical.

I woke up and arranged to meet Sally and Simon for lunch, deciding it was better to discuss the possibility of going abroad face-to-face. I had plenty of time before the ball and Lucy and I weren't booked into the salon up the road for hair, make-up and a manicure until 3pm. My adoptive parents picked me up, their time-keeping perfect as always, and they drove me back to the two bedroom flat they owned near the river.

'You look a lot happier and healthier than you did on Wednesday.' Simon commented, a smile on his face. 'Much more like the Sky we know and love.'

'You've been working too hard.' Sally added as she passed me my cheese and ham toastie. 'I hope you're planning on spending the three weeks of your Christimas holidays relaxing.'

'Well actually, some kids from school have invited Lucy and I on holiday with their family.' I put down my cup of tea and glanced up at them from under my thick eyelashes, trying to decipher their reaction.

Sally looked surprised but not horrified. It was a good start. 'Well that's nice of them. Where do they want to take you?' She asked.

'Morzine, a ski resort on the French-Swiss border.' I replied.

'Skiing?!' Simon laughed. 'Oh sweetheart, you're not a skiier!'

'I know, but it's a chance to try something new and you know I've never been abroad.'

'Who has invited you?' Simon asked and I swallowed.

'Zed and Yves Benedict.' I watched as his eyes narrowed.

'A boy? You're asking to go on holiday with a boy?'

'Lucy's going! We're sharing a room and Mr and Mrs Benedict will be there. They're staying out there for a month and Lucy and I will only be there for a few days with some other kids from school.'

'How does your father feel about this?' Sally asked, cautiously.

'I spoke to him this morning.' I said, honestly. He'd given me the OK. Said it was healthy to travel and see the world and it was about time I started doing so. He'd even asked for the details of Mr and Mrs Benedict so he could speak to them about the trip. 'He was fine about it.' I continued. 'Although, of course he will be sending Dimitri with me to keep me safe.' I screwed up my nose at that.

'It's not going to be cheap, but then I assume your father is paying?' Simon's poker face was unreadable. I just nodded and he glanced at Sally. 'I'm not sure how I feel about you going on holiday with some boys. Boys who we haven't met and don't know anything about.'

'But Simon, if the parents are going to be there then things will be fine and she is sixteen now. It's a shame for her to miss out.' Sally gave me a reassuring smile and I held my breath.

'But I was a teenage boy once, Sal, I know what they're like.'

'Sky isn't a baby and she's not going to be taken advantage of. She's a sensible girl.'

It was like I wasn't there. I was just sat in the middle of a tennis match, watching the discussion move back and forwards, back and forwards. Then, eventually, Simon gave in. 'Fine, you can go. But I want daily updates via e-mail.'

Lucy was ecstatic when she found out I was going to be joining her. She promised to teach me how to snowboard, although the thought horrified me. I was happy to go and just take pictures of the beautiful scenery or hang out in the spa at the bottom of the slope. Both seemed like safe options. She chattered away about what I'd need to buy whilst we had our hair and nails done for the ball and when we were all dolled up, we returned back to our dorm room where we ordered my plane ticket, securing the seat next to hers, and some ski gear for myself. Thank goodness I had a princess card to pay for everything.

'Will I do?' Lucy emerged from behind the open wardrobe in her royal blue ballgown with embellished detailing on the bust and across the straps. The chiffon skirt fell, just covering her silver stiletto heels, and her hair had been pinned into a loose curled bun, a few strands framing her face.

'You look wonderful.' I told her, from where I still sat in my jeans and tank top. I was the only one not yet dressed and that was why my friends were staring at me, urging me to get changed. Zoe wore a one-shoulder ballgown which was navy and then blended into a royal blue at the bottom in an ombre-style, her black hair pin-straight and decorated with a few sparkly hair clips and Tina had also gone for ombre with her deep purple strapless designer dress with ombre pink around the waist, flattering it, her red hair piled up on top of her head. I reached up to touch my own hair; my blonde curls were pinned to one side with a sparkly clip, leaving them falling delicately over one shoulder in a hairstyle that made me feel grown-up.

'Time is ticking and we need some pictures before we go.' Tina tapped at her wrist as if wearing an invisible watch. 'It's cool to be fashionably late, we already are, but being too late isn't cool and we'll fail Ballroom Dancing for missing our dance!'

That was the reason I wasn't yet dressed. I was nervous. I'd hardly eaten any tea because of nerves and my heart was fluttering, beating an irregular rhythm. What if I messed up? As a princess, people expected me to dance with confidence. Secondly, what if Zed decided not to show up or he was drunk like he had been at the last school dance? I glanced up at my friends, their eyes eager, and then I grabbed my dress and shoes and got changed in the bathroom. I crept back to the room without running into anyone else.

'Oh, Sky!' Lucy gasped as I opened the door. My lilac dress had lace detailing across the bust and a sweetheart neckline with delicate transparent lace over the shoulders where it fell into a deep V on my back, finishing just above my waist. The skirt fell in gentle tulle on the floor, covering the silver Jimmy Choo sandals on my feet.

'Is it okay?' I asked, nervously. I'd been given it by a designer and I'd loved it, but I hadn't tried it on in front of a full-length mirror.

'It's perfect!' Zoe and Tina chorused, looking emotional.

Lucy smiled up at me. 'You're the perfect princess.'

The hall had been made into a winter wonderland. Lit-trees led the way in up the path and there was a large Christmas tree in the lobby, decorated with white and silver. Icicle lights hung from the ceiling in the main room, as did giant white snowflakes. The room was lit with blue lighting and tables and chairs were stuck in the corners surrounding the huge, cleared dancefloor. The DJ was set up on the small stage and the music was already blaring out of the speakers, people dancing around us to a song I didn't recognise; I wasn't exactly in-touch with the music.

We put our coats down, saving ourselves seats and that's when Ms Jones grabbed the microphone. 'To officially open the evening, our Year Twelve students will now be performing the School Waltz.' She announced and my heart raced in my chest. Was Zed even here? I glanced around. I couldn't see him. Where was he? 'Starting positions!' Our teacher called and my cheeks flushed. I really hoped I wasn't going to be stood up.

My friends raced off to stand in their lines and I picked up my dress, moving to do the same. I stood in my line, nervously and then, when I glanced up, he was there. Zed was stood wearing a grey tailored suit with a purple tie. His jaw dropped and he looked at me in surprise before smiling.

You're so beautiful. His compliment caught me off-guard and I swallowed. The suit made him look even better looking than normal and, surprisingly, this time he seemed sober. The music, which was an instrumental of Ed Sheeran's Kiss Me, started up and I curtsied along with the other girls whilst the men bowed, all in perfect unison. Then Zed held his hand up and I did the same as we moved in our circles, clockwise and then anti-clockwise without touching. We moved to stand side-by-side and walked in time to the beat of the music, stepping in time. Then, after our eight counts, Zed twirled me in a circle and we were in waltz position, his hand sending goosebumps across my bare back as his other hand helped him to guide me across the floor in time to the music. I wanted to relax, to enjoy it, but I couldn't. I was too tense. Marcus hadn't returned my call all day, for one, and my other issue was that I was dancing with a boy who was giving me goosebumps like my boyfriend never had. And then there was the clutz syndrome, threatening to make me fall and make an idiot of myself. I concentrated on every step, every turn, trying to ignoe the intensity of Zed's deep brown eyes staring into mine. And then the song was over and he hadn't let go of me. His hand still held me in place and I was sure we were stood closer than we had been earlier on in the dance.

'Well I didn't mess up.' I said, breaking the intense silence.

'You were fantastic.' He told me, a sexy smile creeping onto his face. I slapped myself mentally for referring to him as sexy.

'Sky, let's grab a drink!' Tina appeared at my side as the DJ returned to his business and Zed released me, an unclear emotion on his face.

I turned to my friend and smiled. 'Sounds good.'

I'd missed dancing with the girls. We rocked silly dance moves to the cheesey songs and pretended to be the ultimate girl band every time Little Mix or even Fifth Harmony came blaring out of the speakers. When Taylor Swift came on, our excitement grew more and we danced around wildly, making me wonder why anyone would ever drink stupid amounts of alcohol in a club. Who needed alcohol to have a good time? It was possible sober if you had good friends with you. My phone buzzed from deep inside my clutch bag and I pulled it out to see Marcus' name on the screen.

'I'll be right back.' I told my friends and they nodded. I stepped outside to take the call, immediately wishing I'd brought my coat with me. 'Hey.'

'Hi Sky.' He said, his voice nervous and less cheery than it normally was. 'Sorry I've not returned your call. How's the ball?'

'Well I didn't mess up the dance so that was something, huh?' I laughed.

'Yeah.' He was silent for a moment and I felt a little awkward.

'What's wrong?' I frowned, sensing it. I didn't need to be a savant to sense something was wrong.

'Nothing... I mean it's not really a good time to have this conversation. We're both at parties.'

'Mark? What is it?' My heart thudded in my chest.

'Sky, do you love me?'

My throat went dry. I hadn't told him I had and I still wasn't sure. 'I... I don't know.'

His voice was sad. 'That's what I thought.'

'We've only been together a few months.' I told him but he sighed from the other end.

'Look, you're busy and I've been busy too with my degree and work experience and actually I'm going to be a lot busier... I don't think I'm being the boyfriend you deserve. You need someone who has more time for you.'

'We do spend time together.' My voice was hoarse and high-pitched and I felt sick.

'Sometimes, yes, but not as much as we did and... I can't make you love me, Sky.' He was silent and so was I. I didn't know what to say. 'I think... maybe we need to put things on hold. I'll always be there for you, you're wonderful and clever and pretty, but I think now isn't the time for us. One day it might be, one day I hope it is, but right now, it just isn't.'

'So it's over?' I whispered and I glanced up to see a few of my peers looking at me, listening to my conversation.

'Yes. Take care.' And then he disconnected the call. My eyes had teared up and I shuddered, wrapping my arms around myself as I looked up at the beautiful night sky. Now wasn't our time? We were both busy? Or was it because he had been spending a lot of time with his model of an ex? This was why I hadn't wanted a relationship. Relationships always ended with disappointment far from the fairytale endings Disney films promised. A tear rolled down my cheek and I realised I couldn't go back into the ball. My good mood had been destroyed, destroyed by a guy who I'd thought could have been my prince charming. Perfect Lord Marcus with his good looks and gentlemanly gestures. I stood up and hurried back to my room, like Cinderella running from the ball at midnight.

I must have fallen asleep for a while because I woke up to the banging on my window. I glanced down at the dress I was still wearing and I wiped the mascara that was across my cheeks from crying. A look at the empty bed across from me told me it was still early and that the ball was still happening. A glance at my phone told me that my friends were worried about me, they'd heard from Phillip. I sighed and looked at the window where Zed was sat in his tree.

Go away. I said, really not in the mood to be told I looked crap or to be persuaded to go back to the ball.

Nope. He popped the 'p'. I'll sit out here all night if I have to. He tapped on the window. Again and again and I realised he wasn't going to stop until I opened it. I sighed and opened the window carefully.

'I was worried about you.' His voice was concerned and I knew he had genuinely been worried. It surprised me. 'Why did you leave?'

'I'm not sure I want to talk about it.'

He glanced down at the polaroid of Marcus and I that had been ripped it half and lay on the floor. He didn't say anything, but I knew he'd sussed it. 'He didn't deserve you anyway.' He told me, his eyes flicking up to meet mine again. 'And if he's made you hide in your room then he has won.'

'I'm not hiding.' I told him but he raised his eyebrows. 'Fine, I'm just not really in the mood anymore for watching couples dance together.' I thought ahead to my father's Christmas party the following weekend and I groaned. Marcus would be there of course.

'Then let's hang out and watch a film or something?' He suggested. 'If of course you're not afraid to break the 'no boys in your room' rule.'

'Afraid? Of course not. Come on in.'

It became clear why Marcus and us had broken up the next day. Every front page of every paper showed him greeting his ex and model, Cassandra Kingsley, with a kiss on the cheek. Then there were pictures of them leaving hand-in-hand, her body perfect in a black maxi dress with cut out and sheer detail. I'd felt upset at first but then Zed's words echoed in my head. I was stronger than this. I didn't need a guy to be happy. I didn't want him to win. I spent the next few days keeping my head up and keeping busy, smiling and keeping my cool.

Thursday came quickly and my dress fitting for the ball made me nervous. Lucy, who was my plus one for the royal party now, sat in my room in the palace with me whilst the designer I didn't recognise made final tweaks to my dress. There was a knock at the door and then it opened revealing my father. Lucy's eyes widened. She'd not yet met the King. She stumbled to her feet and curtsied.

'There's no need for that, child.' The King said.

'Er, father, this is my best friend Lucy. Lucy this is my father, his royal highness-'

'Edward. Just call me Edward.' His smile was warm as he shook my friend' hand. 'It's lovely to meet you.

'And you sir... erm... Edward.' Lucy was nervous and her cheeks were rosy.

'That dress looks lovely on you.' He turned to face me now, taking in the red dress that had been fashionned for me for the party and the formal family photos before hand. The red gown was tight around the bust and only had a strap over one shoulder, where a strip of tulle fabric fell away from the dress like half of a cape. The skirt was tulle too and dimantes were embellished in a small and delicate detailing around my waist. 'Now, I've spoken to Mr and Mrs Benedict regarding your trip to Morzine.'

'Oh?' I glanced up, wondering if he'd changed his mind. I was far more willing to go now; it meant being further away from Marcus and my ski outfits had already arrived. Designer, of course. Nothing less for the princess, apparently.

'I'd like to meet them before you go away with them.'

'They're going away on Monday so that might be kind of hard.' I replied. Christmas Day was just six days away and that meant the Benedicts flying out on Monday so they were at their chalet for Christmas. And then two days after Christmas I would be joining them.

'That's why I have invited them to the party on Saturday night. So I can meet them and then so can Sally and Simon.'

My heart fluttered against my chest. 'And they're coming?'

'Yes, as are your friends Yves and Zed.' He gave me a warm smile and Lucy's eyebrows shot up. Suddenly I felt even more nervous about the Christmas party.

I glanced through the gap in the curtain at the crowd as Savannah's group performed their version of Santa Baby, Savannah in her Mariah-Carey style Mrs Claus dress. She was trying to be Kylie but she was trying far too hard. I spotted Sally and Simon sat with Phillip and my father and it made my heart flutter with nerves seeing them all sat together, waiting for us to walk on next. My waist was given a squeeze and I glanced up to see Zed stood beside me, looking smart in black tailored trousers, a white shirt and a red tie which managed his red converse.

'How are you holding up?' He asked, the smell of cigarettes on him. He was clearly nervous too.

I fiddled with the hem of the cream lace dress I was wearing. 'I've been better.'

He peered through the gap in the curtain I had been looking through. 'Your dad's here.' His eyes were wide. 'You didn't say your dad was coming.'

'It's not a big deal.' I shrugged. 'You're used to performing anyway.'

'Not in front of the King.' He swallowed and my mouth twitched. I wanted to smile at his squirming.

'Huh, and you're singing with his only daughter, the princess.' I reminded him and he shuffled, uncomfortably as the crowd applauded Savannah. We were up next. 'You ready?'

Savannah walked off the stage, blowing a kiss to Zed as she passed him. I sucked in a deep breath and walked onto the stage alongside Lara. She sat down at the piano and Yves slipped the guitar strap over his shoulder, taking his place. I stood at the mic stand next to Zed's and a shy smile appeared on his face instead of the usually cocky one that came with his persona. The music started up and we got lost in it.

'We did it!' Yves called out happily when we were backstage after the performance. The audience were still cheering as the next act went out. He hugged Lara and I then high-fived Zed.

'You were awesome!' Zed was buzzing, it was clear, as he picked me up and spun me around. I laughed as he put me down and I his eyes locked onto mine in an expression I couldn't decipher. His aura around him was hiding itself from me too.

'Hey Zed.' Savannah purred, appearing at his side. She ran her false nails across his biceps and smiled up at him, fluttering her eyelashes. 'You were great, baby.'

'Thanks, Anna.' He smiled down at her and I blinked at the nickname. 'So were you.'

'Do you like my dress? I wore it for you.' Her eyes were seductive now and I felt a little uncomfortable. I turned away with Yves, watching the band onstage. 'Maybe you can come by my room later and... check it out.' My eyes widened as I switched off my hearing, focussing on what was going on onstage.

We didn't win. A beautiful and emotional cover of Silent Night had won and I hadn't been surprised. The vocals and harp and violins had just made it perfect and it had given me goosebumps. I didn't mind not winning though. We'd got a good grade, the perfect end to my first full term at the Royal College of Alexandra, and then my father, brother, Sally and Simon had taken me out for a meal together at a nice Italian in the town. The following day, a car came to take Lucy and I to the palace. We grabbed our packed bags for the night and headed off as a little snow started to fall from the sky, leaving a sprinkling of icing sugar across the ground. We spent the afternoon riding around the paddock on Angel and Crackle, one of the other horses that lived in the stable at the back of the Palace gardens, before retiring to my room for sandwiches and beauty treatments. Our legs were waxed, something which still hurt but I was getting immune to, our eyebrows shaped and then we were given facials.

'I think we should go to the party like this.' Lucy signalled to her green face, green from the face mask she was wearing.

'I think you're right. It's not like we have any men to impress anyway.' I replied, stifling a giggle.

'I don't know, I still think Zed has the hots for you.' Her eyes were serious and I glanced away, my cheeks feeling hot.

'Don't be ridiculous. Besides, he's not my type and I'm avoiding boys now for at least two years. They just aren't worth it.'

'He's not your type?' Her right eyebrow raised. 'You seem to talk to him quite a lot... at least you have over the past few weeks.'

'We were doing an assignment together, remember?'

'Mmmhmm.' She rolled her eyes at me as the beautician gave us a thumbs up, signalling that it was time for her to remove our masks. 'Whatever you say.'

Lucy looked like royalty herself that evening. She wore a simple black dress with a lace top and lace capped sleeves, a chiffon skirt attached and a pearl necklace with matching pearl earrings, the same cream colour as her shoes. Her hair was in a loose plaited updo, a few curls falling and framing her face. Her golden make-up made her eyes more green than blue but they twinkled non the less. 'Do I look okay? I hope so as it's my first royal ball.'

'You look wonderful.' I called out to her from behind my divider. 'Like I said earlier, you look a million dollars.' I zipped up my red dress and stood out, feeling almost a million dollars myself. My dress fitted perfectly and looked even better with heels on, adding a little height. My hair was down and curled, a few strands pinned back from my face, and my tiara, the tiara I'd worn for the first ball I'd attended, was secured on my head. I had diamond droplet earrings in each ear and a subtle diamond necklace around my neck.

'Wow.' Lucy's eyes looked teary.

'Why are you crying? Please don't.' I begged her, glancing at my own make-up in the mirror. My eyes shone like blue sapphires thanks to the natural-looking false eyelashes and make-up highlighting them.

'Because I've not seen you in your princess outfits with your tiara before. It's beautiful, it really is.' She sniffed.

'Luce, you're going to smudge your make-up.'

'Sorry.' She apologised. She sucked in a few deep breaths and then looked up at me. 'You do look lovely, though, really lovely.'

There was a knock at the door and Nina appeared. 'Your highness, we're ready for the family Christmas photos.' I followed her out of the door, Lucy closely behind me, and along to the library where a space had been cleared by the Christmas tree. Phillip stood in a tuxedo, a red bow tie on, and my father was there in a similar looking tux. The Queen wore a beautiful navy velvet ballgown, her sapphires in her crown making it look even more beautiful.

She gave me a smile when she saw me. 'Sky, you look very much the perfect princess.' She told me before turning to my friend. 'As do you , Lucy.'

'Thank you.' We both chorused and Lucy took a seat to the side as I was ushered into the photograph. A few photographs were taken of me stood next to my father, Phillip across from me and stood next to his mother. Then we were swapped around. I posed for a few portraits too and then thankfully Nina returned, alerting us that the guests had arrived and it was time to make our entrance. Lucy was ushered off and I promised her that I would meet her in the ballroom. I wished the entrance hadn't been so formal; this was a party, an event which wouldn't be published anywhere. It was close family and friends invited only, not any members of the public. I sighed and took my place at the top of the staircase, beside my brother.

'Are you okay?' Phillip asked me as he held out his arm for me. I held it gently.

'Why wouldn't I be?'

He frowned at me. 'Dear sister, don't try that with me. You can try to put on a smile and fool everyone else but I know you're hurting. It's in your eyes.' He lowered his voice. 'Does it help if I say I want to punch him? Because I really do and I think Marcus knows that too. I'm sure that's why he's avoided my calls all week.'

I laughed at that. 'I don't think father would be pleased if you punched a good family friend at a Christmas party.'

'Good family friends don't break my sister's heart.' He said, his voice sincere. Our titles were announced and he gave me a reassuring smile, one that told me it was going to be okay. He led me down the stairs into the ballroom and I smiled as I saw Lucy, Sally and Simon waiting for me. Then I saw him. Marcus dressed in his suit, looking dapper and ever so handsome. He gave me a weak smile and I tensed as we reached the bottom of the stairs, the King and Queen right behind us. The music started up and I tried to swallow, my mouth try. Phillip turned to face me and bowed. 'Come on, sister, let's dance.'

Sally and Simon were all emotional after I had danced with my brother and he had disappeared off with Walter to catch up, leaving Marcus behind. I hugged both of them and they smiled down at me, proudly before they were taken away by my father to be introduced to a few people.

'Have a holly jolly Christmas, it's the best time of the year

I don't know if there'll be snow but have a cup of cheer.'

Lucy grabbed my hand and pulled me back onto the dancefloor as the band sang the upbeat song.

'Have a holly jolly Christmas and when you walk down the street

Say hello to friends you know and everyone you meet.'

We spun around and I stumbled into someone. I turned to face them, ready to apologise, when I saw that it was Zed Benedict. In a tuxedo. I swallowed. 'Sorry.' I apologised, my cheeks reddening as I tried not to gawp at him. He looked good. Dangerously good.

His eyes met mine and his mouth dropped a little. Then he caught me off guard by bowing. 'Your highness, you look beautiful, even more than normal if that's possible.'

I raised an eyebrow at him, trying to calm my heart from the compliment he had paid me. 'What's with the formality?'

'I'm trying to impress your dad.' He replied, his voice sincere. I moved by eyes subtly to the left and saw that, indeed, The King was watching our exchange. 'Although really, I should be formal with you all the time.'

'Please don't.' I told him and I realised Marcus was watching us too, from the other side of the room. I tensed up and Zed glanced over his shoulder, narrowing his eyes at my now ex-boyfriend.

'What is he doing here?' Zed asked, his voice irritated.

'He's a family friend, sadly.' I sighed. 'Not that he's going to be one for much longer. I think Phil wants to punch him.'

'He and I both.' He grinned before frowning when he saw my worried expression. 'Don't let him ruin your night. You look beautiful and I'm sure he's thinking right now that he's made the biggest mistake of his life.'

'I don't know.'

'Well I do.' He smiled, his cocky smile returning and I shook my head at it. 'Come on, let's dance.' He held out his hand for me.

'No.'

'I'm not asking.' His smile was lopsided and I knew it was yet another argument with him that I was going to lose as his hand took mine and he pulled me to a free spot on the dancefloor. I glanced around for Lucy, feeling guilty, but then I realised she was talking and dancing with Yves across the room from us. The slow piano intro started up for the next song and I tensed, realising that it was a version of All I want for Christmas is You, one similar to that sang by Lady Antebellum. Zed, however, didn't seem bothered. He placed a hand on the small of my back and my skin tingled through the fabric of my dress at his touch, sending goosebumps across my arms. His left hand took my right and his fingers locked around mine as I hesitantly put my left hand on his shoulder.

'I don't want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing I need

I don't care about the presents

Underneath the Christmas tree.' We swayed in time to the music and I tried to ignore the fireworks feeling, the tingling, burning sensation of his skin touching mine. It was making it hard to concentrate.

'I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

All I want for Christmas is you, yeah.' I wondered if he felt the sensation too? I glanced up and saw his eyes were locked on mine, a smile I hadn't seen before on his face. He looked... happy? It wasn't a front. It was real.

'I don't want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing I need

And I don't care about the presents

Underneath the Christmas tree.' I blinked, looking away from him as we waltzed around the room in time to the music. I realised Marcus was watching us, an annoyed expression on my face. It made me smile. It served him right. He was the one who had broken things off and now I was dancing with the ridiculously good-looking Zed Benedict from Seven Minutes in Heaven. The one who I didn't want anything to do with. He had a bad boy reputation after all.

'I don't need to hang my stocking

There upon the fireplace

Santa Claus won't make me happy

With a toy on Christmas Day.' My eyes glanced back up at Zed and he was still watching me with that smile. I glanced at his lips and licked my own without even realising it at first. Part of me wanted to kiss him but I knew that was the worst idea in the world. I didn't want anything to do with guys. Guys were jerks.

'I just want you for my own.' I was caught off guard by Zed's singing, bringing me back to reality. He was singing to me, in my ear as he held me closer. 'More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

All I want for Christmas is you.'

My heart was fluttering like a hummingbird's wings and my knees felt weak as we continued to waltz, our chests almost together. I swallowed, knowing in that moment exactly how all of those fan girls felt.

'Oh, all the lights are shining

So brightly everywhere

And the sound of children's

Laughter fills the air.'

He twirled me once and I put all of my concentration into not stumbling, not falling, as we passed Lucy. She raised her eyebrows at me and I knew she was going to wind me up about this later on. That much was obvious.

'And everyone is singing

I hear those sleigh bells ringing

Santa, won't you bring me the one I really need?

Won't you please bring my baby to me?'

He twirled me again and then pulled me back in closer, our chests together and his breath tickling my cheek, sending goosebumps in a wave over my skin once again. I sucked in a deep breath.

'Oh, I don't want a lot for Christmas

This is all I'm asking for

I just want to see my baby

Standing right outside my door.'

He caught me of guard, turning and lifting me up at the same time and I realised people staring as he put me back down again in one swift motion. He was a dancer and he'd clearly done this before.

'Oh, I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

Baby, all I want for Christmas is you.'

The song ended and the crowd applauded as Zed released me. That was when I realised the applause wasn't just for the band. It was for Zed and I too. Our dance had looked like a flawless routine, something rehearsed, which it wasn't. I wiped my clammy hands on the tulle off my dress, subtly as Zed's grin widened. 'Not bad, eh?' He said, the cockiness making a reappearance.

I wanted to reply, but my father was walking over to us with Sally, Simon and a man and lady. From their tanned skin and dark hair and eyes, I knew they were Mr and Mrs Benedict. They were attractive, just like their sons (the ones I had met, anyway).

'Your majesty.' Zed's formality returned and he bowed, nerves removing the cockiness from his face immediately.

'Zed Benedict.' My father said, just as formal. He held out his hand for my classmate and Zed shook it with a firm grip.

'Mum, dad.' Zed looked at his parents, nodding at them. 'This is S... Her Royal Highness Princess Sky.' He'd slipped up, showing he was human. 'Sky, this is Saul and Karla Benedict... my parents.'

I held out my hand and shook the hands of Mr and Mrs Benedict. 'It is a pleasure to meet you both.'

'And us, you. We have heard lots of lovely things.' Saul Benedict said, a friendly smile on his face. Zed Benedict blushed and I almost wished I had a camera to capture the moment. I smiled, trying to hold back a giggle.

'Saul and Karla have been telling me us all about their lovely chalet in Morzine.' My father told us both. 'Although they failed to mention that you're a very talented dancer, Zed. You're in a band too, is that right?'

'Yes, sir... I mean your majesty.' Zed stuttered. Yes, I did quite enjoy watching him squirm, I decided.

'Well we've discussed the holiday and have come up with some arrangements for travel and security purposes.' My father turned to me now. 'Sally and Simon and I would feel a lot better if my two top security guards went with you to Morzine.'

'But-'

My father held up his hand. 'They will stay in the hotel next to the chalet so that you have your privacy, but you must understand Sky that you're a member of the royal family and we must keep you safe... which is why the jet will take you and Lucy to the airport.'

'The jet?' I blinked.

'It is a lot more secure than a normal airline apparently and that's very reassuring.' Sally piped up as my head felt overhwhelmed with the information being given.

'Erm okay.'

I needed some air after that, so I took myself off down the hallway and stood on one of the balconies which overlooked the gardens. A small sprinkling of snow covered the grass and flowers, making them almost glitter in the moonlight. I sighed as I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding. I leaned against the doorframe, which had been decorated with greenery and a large red ribbon, fairylights wound around it. The garden looked calm and peaceful below me, completely oblivious to the party going on in the main hall. I heard the music to 'Baby please come home' blaring through the speakers and I sighed, my breath coming out as steam in the cold air.

'What's up?' Zed appeared beside me, a worried look on his face. He reached out to touch my shoulder, his warm hand touching the ice. 'You're freezing!' He pulled off his jacket and in a quick sweep, wrapped it over my shoulders in a gentlemanly gesture which took me by surprise. Coming from him of all people.

'Ever just think that everything is getting a little bit overwhelming?'

'I know the feeling.' He gave a small smile. 'Although I'm sure it's worse for you. Finding out you're royal and have all these expectations must be pretty crap.. I mean... rubbish.'

'You know, I like this Zed better.' I told him, my blue eyes meeting his warm, dark eyes which reminded me of melted chocolate.

'What do you mean?'

'The nervous Zed. The one who worries about what he's saying and squirms a little. It's a lot better than cocky Zed. It makes you more human.'

'Most girls like cocky Zed.' He grinned at me and rolled my eyes.

'Well I'm not most girls.'

'You got that right.' He nodded, stepping closer to me, so close that I could smell his aftershave. 'You're a hard girl to impress, your highness.' He took my hand and glanced upwards, a smile on his face. Then I realised why he was smiling. Mistletoe hung above us. Just typical. He moved his face towards mine and I had a feeling he was going to kiss me. Did I want that?

'Zed-' His lips gently pressed against my cheek. A small brush of his lips which left a tingling sensation where they had been.

'I'm not going to kiss you.' He whispered to me, his eyes intense. 'Not until you ask me to.'