The party wasn't hugely appealing for teenagers, I had to say. We spent the time talking with Amy and her friends whilst she touched Zed's arm more than she needed to and Zed kept looking over at me, reminding me of what had nearly happened out on the balcony. I wished it had. I was still thinking about it when Lucy was snoring softly behind me that night, far away in dream land with a smile on her face that suggested she was dreaming about Nate or Michael Buble. Or both. I rolled over in bed once again, sighing when I realised sleep wasn't coming anytime soon.

Are you still awake? Zed's voice took me by surprise in the darkness and I looked around, checking Lucy hadn't been woken. Then I rolled my eyes at myself. Of course she hadn't, we were communicating in our heads. It was still a bizarre concept to me.

Yes. I heard a creak on the stairs.

Wanna sneak out?

Is that such a good idea? His parents would freak out if they knew we'd snuck out and so would my security guards, who were probably fast asleep by now.

Live a little.

I thought about it in my head and decided he was right. Until we'd lied to Karla by sneaking off to a bar and getting drunk, I'd not actually done anything to break the rules. I'd kept things pretty tame. I always said please and thank you and made sure I was back for curfew. I was a good girl.

Give me 2 minutes to get dressed.

Wrap up warm, it's freezing outside.

I changed out of my pyjamas and pulled on some warm tights and then my leather leggings over the top. I pulled on a vest top, plaid shirt and my baggy grey jumper dress and grabbed my phone, turning it onto silent. Slipping my faux fur headband and scarf on, I tiptoed out into the living room. Zed was already there, leaning against the bannister of the stairs. He smiled as I carefully closed the bedroom door, hoping I hadn't woken up my friend. We slipped on our snowboots in silence and then grabbed our coats before sneaking out of the front door, Zed carefully locking the door with his key behind him.

'We're not going drinking again, are we?' I whispered as the snow crunched under my feet.

'Not tonight.' He smiled, throwing the blankets over his shoulder that had been laid on the porch swing. He reached for my gloved-covered hand and I took it, letting him lead me up the hillside and away from the house. At 1am, it was completely silent in the valley and all you could hear was the sound of our feet on the snow. I'd have been scared as we moved away from the lights if I hadn't had Zed holding my hand and lighting the way with the torch on his phone.

'Well at least we're not going snowboarding.' I laughed as passed the last house on the hillside. He led me past some pine trees to where there was a snow-covered picnic bench and he brushed off the snow before placing a blanket over it.

'Your highness.' He teased and I rolled my eyes before sitting on the table.

I looked at the valley below, spotting the Benedict's chalet. 'It's so peaceful here.' I sighed as he sat down beside me. 'This is what I miss about living in Cornwall. The peace and quiet.'

'I know the feeling.' He smiled. 'We used to live in Penzance. Not far from where you're from, right?'

'Less than an hour.' My eyes flicked towards his, meeting them and then I looked back out at the valley, feeling nervous.

'This is my favourite place to think.' He told me. 'I've written a good few songs up here.'

'So sneaking out is a common occurance? Why am I not surprised?' I tutted, disapprovingly.

'You know I like sneaking out. I've spent a great deal of time trying to woo you from that tree outside your bedroom.'

'It's like some creepy stalker I can't get rid of.' I teased and he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me towards him, our sides pressed together. His arm moved to my shoulder and just hung there as I looked out at the nightsky. 'I've missed the stars.'

'Me too.' He whispered.

'This place is just so perfect... I don't think I've ever seen something so beautiful.'

'I have.' His voice was like silk and I turned my head towards him. Without warning, his hands moved to cup my face and he pressed his warm, soft lips to mine. My lips tingled as his lips moved against mine, savouring the kiss. It was definitely the best kiss I'd ever had and I felt weak as he held me in place, kissing me and igniting fireworks inside of me. He pulled back, almost reluctantly, still holding my face in his hands. 'You asked me earlier so I was hoping the offer was still standing.' His eyes searched mine.

'Shut up and kiss me again.' I gave him a flirtacious smile and he pressed his lips to mine again, making me forget all about the cold.

I woke up the next morning to the sound of a phone buzzing. Over and over again. Then there was the clearing of a throat. I opened one eye and realised I was in the living room, Karla and Saul staring down at me. I looked up at my moving pillow and realised Zed and I had fallen asleep. On the sofa. He grinned down at me, a cocky grin and I sat up feeling embarrassed.

'I'm not even going to ask.' Saul said, more to Zed than to me. 'I'm not sure I want to know.'

'Sky your phone has been ringing nonstop.' Karla's eyes were concerned and I wondered why. 'I think it's important... well I don't think... I know.' Ah right, because according to Zed she could see the future.

I glanced at my phone; a missed call from Phillip, one from my father and five from Nina. Yikes. It buzzed again and Nina's name appeared onscreen. 'I'd better take this.' I answered the call and walked out onto the decking, ignoring the fact that I had no shoes or coat on. 'Hello?'

'Oh thank god. I've been trying to ring you for the past hour!' She sounded tired and a little stressed.

'What's going on?' I asked her, worriedly.

'You're in the paper... well most of the papers.'

'I'm always in the paper.' I replied as a couple sledged past the house.

'Sky, were you ice-skating yesterday?'

'How did you...' I paused as it dawned on me. 'Someone saw me ice-skating with Zed.'

'Yeah... the pictures are cute but I'm afraid the headlines and articles are not... his bad boy image isn't so good for yours.' She sounded frustrated. 'My advice is don't read the articles. We're going to file lawsuits as they didn't run these articles past the palace before posting them. Your dad is not happy.' Neither was I. My heart sank. 'Try to enjoy the rest of your holiday and I'll see you in three days time.' And she was gone.

I moved back towards the door but I hesitated upon hearing the conversation inside.

'She's a lovely girl Zed, don't let her go.' Saul was saying.

'I don't intend to. I've never felt this way before.' Zed piped up.

'It's because she's your soulfinder and you're meant to be.' Karla's voice this time. 'She seems to be turning around and for that I am grateful. I'm seeing the old Zed again and it's wonderful.' I opened the door and stepped in, three faces turning to look at me. 'Was it about the papers, my dear?' Karla asked and I simply nodded.

'I'm sorry.' Zed apologised.

'It's not your fault, it comes with being a princess.' I shrugged. 'Now how about I wake up Lucy and we head up for a day on the slopes?'

I'd tried not to read the articles, I'd tried not to look at the pictures, but as Lucy slept beside me that night after a busy day snowboarding, I couldn't help it. In the dark, I opened up the laptop and typed my name into Google. Articles popped up from today and I clicked on one, scanning the headline; 'Seven Minutes in Heaven with the Princess.' There was a picture of Zed catching me and laughing at the ice rink the day before, something completely innocent. I scrolled down, reading the article.

Princess Sky was spotted holidaying in Morzine this week and more importantly, spending alone time with Zed Benedict, lead singer of Seven Minutes in Heaven (Don't Stop). Zed's bad boy reputation has been in the press since the band were signed, with fans claiming to have left parties with the womanizer and with photos appearing of him smoking and stumbling out of pubs at closing time, underage. Now he seems to be spending a lot of time with the Princess, which may put her title in jeopardy. Campaigns have already been set up to have her title revoked and so far the palace has been firing back. Will they be able to when the Princess spirals out of control? Stay tuned for more.

I felt angry and I grit my teeth as I slammed the laptop lid closed. How dare they? Yes, Zed did have a reputation but hadn't Karla said earlier that he was changing, reverting back to his old ways. And why did it matter who I spent time with? It was my decision. I wasn't going to end up a bad person for it. A tear rolled down my cheek and I hadn't even known I was crying. I stood up, realising I wasn't going to sleep, and I walked through the living room onto the decking. I jumped when I spotted the figure stood there, cigarette in hand.

'I read the articles. All of them.' His voice was bitter and he made me stiffen.

'Me too.' Another tear escaped and I sighed. 'I hate this. I wish I'd never found out I was a princess. It makes everything so damn difficult.' I grabbed the cigarette from his hand.

'What are you doing?' He frowned.

'Stopping you from making things worse.' I stumped it out in some snow.

'You're crying.' His eyes softened as he turned to face me. 'It'll be okay Sky, everything will.'

'Will it?' I shivered in the cold, only wearing my pyjamas and slippers. 'I've got people trying to take my title away, saying that I shouldn't be royal because my father had an affair with my mother. People are trying to break me, Zed, and now they're pulling you down too.'

'Baby, they can't pull me down anymore. I've made my bed.' He wiped a tear from my cheek with his thumb. 'But you can't let them break you. You make a damn good princess. You're beautiful, smart, talented and you want to make a difference and so you should.' His face saddened and he let out a sigh. 'And if that means letting you live your life without me in it then that's just what I'm going to do.'

I frowned. 'But you kissed me.'

'And I'd happily do it again, but I don't want to ruin things for you or for your family... I don't want to ruin your image and everything you're working for.'

He wiped away another tear. 'I'm not quite sure I'm ready to give you up just yet.'

The New Year's Eve Ball was being held at Morzine's only five-star hotel the following evening, Mont Blanc Royal. The boys had headed off early with Saul and then we were going separately, incase the press were outside as there would be a few celebrities and wealthy businessmen and women there. It did mean, however, that we'd had more time to get ready and I was glad for that. I'd opted for wearing the ballgown I'd bought for Lucy's birthday, as it had only made one appearance and the deep red was bound to be a winner with Zed. I admired my dress in the mirror one last time, its lace detailing, off-the-shoulder and mermaid fit. Then I grabbed the faux fur shrug I'd picked up in town with Lucy and gave my friend a smile. In a simple strapless black mermaid-fit dress, she looked classy and elegant, more so with her hair tied back. Mine was in a loose bun, curls falling out and framing my face. It showed off the royal necklace I'd worn to the Christmas party, a gift to show my heritage.

'Girls the car is here!' Karla called out.

'Ready to face the world?' Lucy held out her hand for me and I took it, nervously.

'Let's show them that I'm supposed to be a princess.'

The press were there when we arrived with my two security guards making up my entourage. A red carpet had been laid out to the front of the building, a huge, wooden alpine hotel with an attached spa. Karla climbed out of the hired SUV with help from the driver and then she came round to our side, giving us a thumbs up. In her navy ballgown with her hair curled, and red lipstick, she looked very glamorous. 'I'll meet you just inside.' She told us with a friendly smile before disappearing up the red carpet.

Lucy was first out of the car, picking up her dress so that she didn't trip as she stood up. She turned to face me and grinned as I stepped out and the cameras flashed, the press calling 'Sky' and 'Lucy' at the top of their voices. Of course they knew her because of her dad and he'd hidden her away from the press for most of her life. We linked arms and walked onto the red carpet together, the cameras going wild. Then we stopped and posed for a few pictures, pouting, laughing and making silly faces. Despite the questions being thrown our way, we ignored them and headed inside where Karla was waiting for us.

'You girls handled that like pros.' She told us with a proud smile. 'Now let's head inside... I know two boys who are going to be very pleased to see you.'

The ballroom was a large room with wooden ceilings and skylines overlooking the beautiful night sky. White and silver glittery lanterns hung from the ceiling and twinkling lights were wound around some of the wooden beams. Circular tables seating eight people were spread around with white and purple flowers for centerpieces and there was a large area by the stage, where a band was already playing, for dancing. It was classy and sophisticated and full of guests in black tie outfits.

I squealed with excitement as a familar face passed us. 'Is that Michael Buble?!' My eyes were wide with delight.

'It is!' Lucy squealed back.

'He's performing this evening.' Karla replied as our shrugs were taken to the cloakroom. 'Ah, there's the boys!' She led us to the other side of the room where, sure enough, Nate, Saul and Zed were sat around in their tuxedos. I swallowed. Zed in a tux was always going to make me giddy. That much was clear. They all stood to greet us and Zed's jaw dropped, making him look even cuter. Karla kissed him on the cheek, but he continued to look at me and I giggled as Saul pulled me in for a hug.

'I think Zed is trying to say that you look lovely.' Saul told me with a chuckle and I blushed at the compliment.

'Thank you.' I said in response as Zed placed a gentle kiss on my forehead.

I'm speechless. He said telepathically and I gave him a small smile. You look so beautiful and yet so... sexy. His voice deepened on the last word and I looked at him in surprise.

No one has ever called me sexy before. I admitted.

No idea why not. His eyes were intense as they skimmed my outfit before meeting my blue pools again.

Well you look alright yourself, but don't get big-headed. He smiled at that and I was aware that Karla and Saul were watching us, a knowing look on their face. I blushed again.

Zed pulled out a chair for me. 'May I?'

I tried not to smile at his surprising gentlemanliness. Instead, I sat down and let him tuck the chair in. And then I let him get me a glass of wine for me to enjoy with my meal too. Might as well make the most of it. The five course meal was somewhat ridiculous, but it was tasty and luckily the portion sizes were small enough to stop me looking like I was pregnant in my tight-fitting dress. A chilled out jazz band played as people finished their food and then I had to stop myself screaming like a fangirl when Mr Buble stepped onto the stage.

Lucy grabbed my hand and squealed. 'We need to get on that dancefloor. Right now.' Nate and Zed rolled their eyes.

'What is it with girls and Michael Buble?' Zed said, giving me a disapproving look.

'He has a voice like heaven.' Karla said, making everyone at the table look at her in surprise. 'What? I'm not too old, he's only about ten years younger than me...' She glanced at Lucy and I. 'Go and get him girls.'

We didn't need to be told twice. As Mr Buble started singing It's a Beautiful Day, we reached the dancefloor and twirled together as a few other girls and women joined us. Lucy took my hand and we spun each other around, laughing as we sang along with Mr Buble and his voice like silk. The song ended and everyone applauded as his band started the intro to Close Your Eyes. Couples moved to the dancefloor and Lucy waved Nate over.

'Thanks, dance partner.' I said sarcastically to her and she laughed.

'Is alright, you've got a new dance partner.' She grinned as a hand caressed my bare shoulder. I turned to see Zed stood there, smiling down at me.

'Let's dance.' He said, taking my hand in his. 'And before you ask no, it's not a question.'

'You're an angel dressed in armor

You're the fair in every fight.'

He placed his hand on the small of my back and I placed my left hand on his chest as he started to move us in time to the silky goosebumpy vocals of Mr Buble.

'You're my life and my safe harbor

Where the sun sets every night.'

We waltzed across the floor, his eyes locked on mine and I blushed when I realised he wasn't going to look away.

'And if my love is blind

I don't want to see the light.'

He twirled me around before pulling me back in closer to him, his breath tickling my forehead.

'It's your beauty that betrays you

Your smile gives you away.

Cause you're made of strength and mercy

And my soul is yours to save.'

'You're so beautiful.' He whispered and the aura surrounding him told me that he meant it.

'I know this much is true

When my world was dark and blue

I know the only one who rescued me was you.'

He turned me around, my back against his chest and I swallowed at the closeness of it all, his breath now on my neck.

'Close your eyes

Let me tell you all the reasons why

You're never gonna to have to cry

Because you're one of a kind.'

He turned me back to face him, singing along with Michael Buble and making me knees weak. I decided I wouldn't mention that to anyone at the risk of ruining his street cred.

'Yeah, here's to you

The one that always pulls us through

You always do what you gotta do baby

Because you're one of a kind.'

'Mind if I cut in?' Amy's voice surprised me and irritated me. I glanced up at Zed and he simply shrugged, making me frown. Was he going to fight to keep dancing with me? His grip loosened on me and I realised the answer was no. I released him and hurried away, leaving him to dance with his ex-girlfriend as the time ticked closer to midnight.

I collected my faux fur shrug from the cloakroom and found myself outside in the beautiful hotel gardens. Snow was scattered across the grass and plants, but the path had been shovelled and sprinkled in salt so that it was clear of snow and ice. I walked along the path, turning when I heard footsteps behind me. I sighed with relief when I realised it was just my two security guards.

'Are you okay, your highness?' Jose asked, a wary look on his face.

'I just need a little air.' I replied. 'Can you keep a few more paces behind me than normal please? Don't smother me.'

'Of course, your highness.'

I groaned, inwardly, fed up of hearing my title. Eventually I might give up and just get used to it, I decided. I walked across the ground carefully, the salt crunching under my stilettos, but I preferred that to falling flat on my face. I walked down the stairs, past two bushes, and found myself in a quiet part of the garden, away from the party. It was only lit by simple lanterns and I could see the chair-lift rising up next to the hotel, taking people to the lodge at the top for a good view of the fireworks. I wanted to sit down, but I knew the damp outdoor furniture would ruin my dress, leaving inappropriate wet patches on it. Instead, I leaned against the bench, resting my hands on it and wishing I could just kick off my shoes and relax my feet.

At the sound of a gunshot and a bullet smashing a plant pot beside me, I tensed as my security guards ran over to me, covering me and calling things into their headsets. There was another gunshot and I held my breath, hoping it hadn't hit anything.

'Your highness, we must get you to safety.' Jose mumured and I realised my feet weren't working. I put them into action immediately, moving them as quick as I could as they covered me, walking me back towards the hotel. Two other security guards joined us, one trying to spot the shooter, and I heard a circling helicopter almost instantly. Mutely, I followed the men as they pushed me into the building and through the kitchen before pushing me out of the fire exit, with an entourage of security. I squinted as a helicopter landed on the snow, blowing icicles off of the nearby fir trees as they bent from the powerful propellors.

'Where are we going?' I asked, my heart hammering against my ribcage as what had just happened started to sink in.

'It's not safe, we need to fly you home.' Jose said, pushing me towards the helicopter.

'Home?'

'Back to London.'

'But my holiday... it isn't over and it's New Year's Eve.'

'I know, your highness, but this is for your safety. We are here to protect you.' We reached the helicopter and he lifted me in as my legs became numb.

I'd never been in a helicopter and this wasn't the right time for that. I should have watched the beautiful view below as the alpine buildings got smaller and smaller and the mountain tops got closer. But all I could think about was one thing; someone had tried to kill me.