Competition! I have a female part coming up soon who currently does not have a name. If you'd like her to have your name then post a review with your name in it and you might just make it into the story! You only have 2 days to do this though (as I'll be getting the chapter ready for posting Thursday) so be fast!

'I just don't understand why you let a bullet nearly hit my daughter, your princess.' My father's words were bitter as he paced his office at 3am on New Year's Day. I'd just about calmed down from the incident. At least, I'd stopped blubbing over someone wanting to shoot me and now I was mourning my wasted New Year's kiss and wondering if Zed had kissed Amy instead. It was a distraction from the shooting, but it still hurt.

'It was impossible to tell where the shot came from, your majesty.' Jose looked concerned and I wondered if he was going to lose his job. 'It may have came from the cable car or from somewhere else in the garden. It was very dark, very difficult to tell.'

'But why weren't you right by her? You must have been at least a few metres away for such a near miss.' He glared and I crossed my legs as I sat there. I felt bad for Jose.

'Father, I didn't want them to smother me. I wanted them to give me a little room to breathe.'

'But it is their job to smother you. To keep you safe.' His forehead was creased and he was doing a good job of giving himself wrinkles. He turned to look at me. 'And what were you doing outside in the dark? Why weren't you inside and where were the Benedicts?'

'Inside at the party. I needed some fresh air.' Because Amy had turned up, I added silently. 'They wouldn't have known this was going to happen.'

'But they promised to keep you safe.'

'It was impossible to predict an attack, your majesty.' Jose stuck up for the Benedicts and then closed his mouth and I knew that he was resisting from saying anymore.

'Your majesty, the MI5 are here.' My father's head of security said from the doorway and I swallowed. I was anxious and I was tired and all I wanted was to curl up safely in my bed.

'Send them in.' My father said and Jose visibly shrank. It was clear he blamed himself for what happened and it was clear that he felt guilty. I felt bad for him. It was my fault for getting annoyed with Zed and storming out.

In walked three men in suits and one woman. Sunglasses were tucked into their pockets, not that they could possibly need them in the middle of the night, and they had earpieces on. I glanced at one of the men, with his tanned skin, dark eyes and dark hair. He almost looked like...

'Your majesty.' He bowed. 'Victor Benedict. Pleased to be of service.' Of course. Zed had mentionned that he had a brother in the police force and another one worked for the secret organisation. 'These are my colleagues Anya Kowalski, Martin Brown, Alistair Rowan and Zachary Lenko.'

My father frowned and I knew what he was thinking; another Benedict. But instead of commenting, he played the perfect King. 'Thank you for coming so quickly.'

'We understand it is a matter of great importance.' Victor bowed his head and his eyes flicked to me as a small smile played on his lips. It was clear he recognised me. Even with my blotchy face and red eyes from crying. I pulled the hoodie with the royal crest on tighter around my body. It was the only thing available on the jet for me to change into, along with a pair of sweatpants. Ridiculous didn't cover it. But somehow I'd managed to get through the airport without a single photographer, even though every channel was reporting that the Princess had nearly been shot whilst holidaying in Morzine.

'We have guys out in Morzine now trying to investigate and we understand that the police force over there were stopping anyone from leaving the town until they had been properly interviewed.' Anya said.

'That's right.' My father nodded and ran his hand through his greying hair. It was a nervous gesture, his steel blue eyes concerned.

'We will leave no stone unturned, your majesty, I can assure you of that.' Victor said, his voice smooth and calm. 'Now, if it's okay with you, we'd like to question the Princess just to see if there are any details we have missed.'

'It's very late and I'm sure she is exhausted.' He spoke as if I was not in the room and then he glanced over at me, as if reminding himself that I was there.

'It's fine, father.' I said and realised my voice was hoarse, my throat dry. 'One more interview won't hurt.'

'If you're sure.' He nodded, curtly.

'You look exhausted dear, go to bed and I'll stay with Sky.' The Queen said, her voice soothing.

'You should both go to bed.' I told them, quietly. 'I'll be going as soon as I'm done here.'

My father glanced over at his head security officer who nodded, as if verifying that he was staying with me. He turned to me and pulled me into a hug. 'Goodnight Sky.'

'Goodnight.'

The questionning didn't take long at all and for that, I was thankful. The problem was that this time they wanted to know everything that had happened in the ball. Of course, I'd left a few details out but I'd had to confirm that Zed and Amy were the last people to have seen me before I'd gone outside and I'd had to say that I had walked off because I was annoyed at Zed. Victor remained straight-faced through the whole thing as Anya took notes and he only showed emotion at the end, when I was ready to go to bed and collapse in a heap.

'For what it's worth, your highness,' he had said to me, 'my brother is an idiot.'

My sleep that night was patchy and disrupted by nightmares, where I found myself back in Morzine having gunshots fired at me. I ran as fast as I could through the snow, my quick breathing making my chest ache. I found a log cabin. It was open. I ran inside, shutting the wooden door behind me. Then there was knocking on the door...

I bolted upright in my breath, my back sweating and my throat sore. My eyes still stung too and I realised I'd been crying again. There was a knock on the door and I tensed as it opened.

'Oh good, you're awake, your highness.' Nina smiled cheerily from the doorway.

'What time is it?'

'1pm.' She replied, adjusting her grip on the clipboard as I stretched out in my comfy palace bed. 'How are you feeling?'

'Not too bad.' I lied. Just a sweaty, freaked out mess.

'Good because you have a visitor.' She smiled. 'If you shower and get dressed then I'll have brunch brought up to your reception room for you.'

Ah yes, because I had my own reception room which now housed a piano, blue posh-looking chairs, a television and a crazily big DVD collection, plus bookcases stuffed with books. I showered and threw on a comfy pair of designer jeans and a light blue cashmere cardigan over a tank top. I pulled my hair back into a bun and applied a little of the designer make-up tucked into my bathroom cupboard, desperate to look a little more healthy. My foundation hid my bags and the mascara brought the attention to my eyes, which were less red after a few eye drops. I walked across the hallway to the reception room, two guards in uniform following me. They opened the door for me, not that I needed them to, and I walked in.

Familiar messy hair and worried green eyes greeted me as Marcus stood up and bowed. 'Your highness.'

'Really, Marcus?' I tutted. 'You know me well enough to know I dislike formality.'

'I'm so glad you're safe.' He whispered and I spotted the flowers in his hand. He followed my eyes and held them out for me.

'Thank you.' I replied, realising I was now being the formal one, stood all tense and faking smiles.

'How are you?' He asked as brunch was wheeled in on a trolley, the smells of egg and bacon wafting through the air and making my stomach growl. I glanced up at him, mutely and he sighed. 'Sorry, that was a silly question really, wasn't it?'

'Mark, why are you here?'

'I wanted to wave a peace flag.' He looked nervous, a nervous look that completely contrasted with Zed's cockiness. 'I'm not asking for things to go back to how they were, I understand that's difficult but... I'd like to be friends.'

'Just friends?' I raised my eyebrows.

'That's why I brought you yellow roses. Don't they symbolise friendship?'

'Or your grandmother being in hospital.' I joked and his lips turned upwards into a smile as he chuckled, softly. I glanced at all of the food that had been brought in. 'Are you hungry?'

'Sure.'

I spent the rest of the Christmas holidays at the palace, under strict instructions not to leave whilst the shooting continued to be investigated. I spent the days writing new music or riding Angel out in the paddock, being followed everywhere by an unnecessary group of guards. Sally and Simon visited, as did Lucy and Marcus, but the one person I wanted to visit, didn't so much as even bother to contact me. Then I reminded myself that I shouldn't care; I'd been warned that Zed Benedict was a player, a bad boy, and that wasn't going to change. He'd been photographed in the paper, at events with the band, girls hanging off of his arm. Then there were the sexy photoshoots Seven Minutes in Heaven had been doing for teen magazines, the posters Lucy had brought to me with worried expressions on her face. She was worried she was going to lose Nate and I worried for her.

The school term soon was approaching and I headed back to school the Sunday before the first day of 2016 with my new entourage of guards. It was frustrating having six guards assigned to me but I knew it was for the best. At all times I would have three guards by my side, Dimitri and Ciara included. They would swap on a rotary basis and my door would be guarded, as would the room I was having lessons in. Privacy was now well and truly out of the window, that much was clear.

I woke up early on Monday morning and threw on the school uniform I was no longer used to wearing; my green and black tartan school skirt, white blouse, black cardigan with the school crest and black over-the-knee socks with my brogues. I tied my hair back into a ponytail, securing it with a black ribbon and I sighed as I looked in the mirror, checking my subtle make-up.

'Are you okay?' Lucy asked from behind me as she zipped up the black boots she wore as part of school uniform.

'Yeah.' I lied, reaching for my satchel.

Lucy frowned, her reflection visible in the mirror. 'Don't lie to me, Sky.' She shook her head. 'You're worried about seeing Zed aren't you?'

'Why would I be worried about that?'

It was her turn to sigh. 'Because despite this brave face you're trying to put on, you actually like him and you are upset he hasn't spoken to you since New Year's Eve.' I glanced over at my friend, biting my lip nervously. It was irritating that she knew how I felt and why. She gave me a reassuring smile as we both shrugged our coats on, ready to head out for breakfast. 'He's an idiot Sky and frankly, you're a lot better without him.'

The dining hall was packed and noisy as people hurried around with their cereals and pastries, gossiping about whatever they'd been up to over the three week break. Lucy and I sat down with Zoe and Tina as Nelson, Nate and Yves sat down across from us, taking up the last available seats.

'Sky, darling!' Savannah's voice made me put down the buttered croissant I had been about to eat. 'How was your winter break?' She bent down to airkiss each cheek, a fake smile plastered on her perfect face.

'Fine, thanks.'

'I'm so sorry to hear about the attack in Morzine. It's awful.' Her face didn't match the sympathetic words. She pulled out seven pink envelopes, each with a name written on it in a fancy cursive. 'I hope you'll still come to my birthday party on Saturday. It's the party of the year.' She handed me an invite and did the same with my friends on the table.

'This Saturday? Isn't that a little late notice?' I turned over the pink envelope in my hand.

'Oh you are funny.' She said with a false laugh. 'My party is the same weekend every year. It's always been the third weekend in January so everyone always keeps it free. I hope you,' she glanced at my security team watching from the side of the dining hall, 'and your security team, I guess, can make it. I've even got a special guest performer.' And with that she turned on her heels and left, her hair flying out behind her.

I opened the pink envelope, looking at the fancy handmade invitation.

You are invited to Savannah's Hollywood Glamour Birthday Party

January 16th 8-12

At The Twilight Room, Chelsea

RSVP

'The Twilight Room? Chelsea? Sounds intriguing.' I said, looking up at my friends.

'It's like My Super Sweet Sixteen.' Yves said with an eye-roll.

'So we're not going?'

'Of course we're going.' Lucy tutted me. 'It's social suicide not to.'

'Well I guess you girls can stay at my apartment afterwards?' I suggested. 'It's easier than trying to get back to school.'

'As long as we can arrive in style.' Zoe grinned and I shot her a puzzled expression. 'Come on, it's Hollywood. The least we can do is arrive by limo.'

'Isn't that a bit obvious?' Lucy frowned and I smiled.

'I have an idea.'

I'd done so well avoiding Zed all day, even avoiding him in tag rugby in P.E that afternoon. Then the day ended and I tried to hurry off to the boarding house with my security guards, but he of course caught up.

'Sky!' He called from behind me and I groaned, inwardly, as I continued to walk as quick as I could. 'Sky! Hey, wait up!'

'I'm busy.' I replied, bluntly. Truthfully, I was. The girls and I were booked in at a designer shop in London and the car was picking us up in thirty minutes; one pro of being a princess, I supposed.

'Have you been avoiding me?' I cursed in my head as he appeared at my side. Disadvantage of having small legs- I just wasn't quick enough.

'No.' I replied, my voice sounding a little high pitch.

'You have.' His voice sounded hurt.

'It's not like you've made the effort either, have you?' I said, bitterly. I frowned at him and his eyes looked sad. 'I've seen the papers, Zed. I guess some things never change.'

'I wanted to talk to you... to see you.'

'Then why didn't you?'

He looked uncomfortable and I knew that he was hiding something. 'I can't say.'

I rolled my eyes. 'Until you can open up, I don't want anything to do with you.' I folded my arms across my chest as I glared at him. 'I don't have time for games, Zed. There's a lot going on in my life right now and I don't need to have my feelings thrown back in my face.' Then I turned on my heels and sped off as fast as I could, just as the rain started to fall.

'Your highness, it's so wonderful to see you again.' Red-headed Katie, the girl who had designed my dress for the Bond premiere, greeted me with a curtsy and a smile as we reached her shop that evening.

'Thank you so much for staying open for us.' I said with a smile. 'I know it's completely last minute.'

'It's a pleasure.' She smiled. 'We've had a lot of business since you wore the black dress for the premiere.'

'Good.'

'So what can I do for you all?' She glanced at all of my friends, who were looking around the small boutique shop in awe. Ballgowns and cocktail dresses were hung on railings by size, each design a one-off.

'We have a party on Saturday... it's a black-tie Hollywood theme.' I explained as an assistant took our coats and hung them on an old-fashionned coat stand.

'So you need something with a bit of glamour and sparkle.' Katie nodded. 'Well we can do that.' She turned to my friends. 'Look around and see if there's anything you'd like to try on.' She then turned back to me. 'Your highness, I actually have a dress that would be perfect for you.'

She led me towards the back of the store, where a few dress bags were tucked away. She checked the tag and then unzipped it carefully, revealing the most beautiful dress I'd ever seen; the dress was cream with small cap sleeves and a fitted bodice, before flowing out at the waistline into a tulle skirt, which wasn't too pouffy. The best part was that the dress was covered with beading and delicate pearls, giving it a Great Gatsby feel (AN: Lily James' Disneyland dress).

'It's beautiful, Katie.' I told her, reaching out to touch it. It must have taken ages to make.

'And it's in your size.' She smiled. 'Go ahead, try it on and then I can see if any adjusting needs doing.' She placed the dress in a fitting room and I could hear my friends giggling in the other fitting rooms as they tried on possible dresses. I slipped off my jeans and blouse and then very carefully stepped into the Gatsby ballgown. I zipped it up carefully and glanced at my reflection. It was a perfect fit, like it had been made for me.

'Sky, are you decent?' Tina called. 'We've found out perfect dresses.'

I pulled back the curtain and smiled at my friends. 'So have I.'

'I'm not happy with you going to this party.' My father told me, sternly, on Friday evening when I arrived at the palace in time for dinner. I'd turned up with my dress for Savannah's party and with my weekend bag, as he'd wanted me close by this weekend to be on the safe side. That was the new agreement; weekends at the palace, not at school.

'But I've got the perfect dress.' I told him, surprising myself. I'd never been upset over not getting to wear a dress. Tomboy Sky had long gone and princess Sky was starting to influence me.

'I can't guarantee your safety at a party.'

'Just send me with my guards.' I replied, folding my arms as Phillip and the Queen ate their dinner, their eyes flicking between us like they were watching a tennis game.

'But you might get injured.'

'There's a guest list, only people from school will be there.'

'I can't keep you safe at some over-the-top sweet seventeenth or whatever it is.' His face was serious.

'Is this what it's going to be like now? Keeping me inside, stopping me from going to parties or seeing my friends? You might as well just throw me in the tower. It would be the same thing.'

'Don't be so melodramatic.' He tutted. 'It's not princess-like.'

'You're forgetting that I didn't sign up for this princess stuff.' My eyes teared over and I felt emotional. 'I just wanted to be a normal teenage girl who gets to go to college and do music without anyone knowing who I was. Now the press follow me and so do a band of security guards and yes someone shot at me and it was terrifying but I'm sixteen. I'll come to balls and charity events and gallery openings without a fuss. Please don't take every piece of my teenage years away from me.'

'Edward, let her go to the party.' The Queen said, her eyes sad. 'She's your daughter not a prisoner.' I glanced up in surprise at the Queen and she gave me a small smile.

'What if something happens?' My father furrowed his eyebrows together in frustration.

'It won't. Send your best guards and she'll be safe.'

My father sighed. 'Fine,' he turned to me. 'You can go, but I want you and your friends to get ready here and stay here afterwards. I will send a police escort with your car and your security guards will attend the party with you. Do I make myself clear?'

I nodded with a small smile. 'Thank you.'

Zoe and Tina had never been into the palace before, so they were bouncing off the walls when they arrived the following afternoon, even more so when they found out that they would be staying in a guest suite whilst Lucy shared with me. They tried to make the guards laugh with silly jokes and ended sighing in frustration when they realised that the legend was true; the guards did not smile. They weren't allowed to. We were reading magazines and chatting in my bedroom when there was a knock on the door and Nina revealed herself.

'Your highness.' She said with a curtsy. 'I'm sorry to interrupt.'

'It's fine.' I said with a smile, sitting myself up on my bed.

'The Queen sent a surprise for you.'

'She did?' My eyes widened in surprise as four beauticians walked into the room dragging suitcases behind them.

'She wanted you to look your best for the party and for you all to enjoy yourself.' Nina smiled. She nodded and then left us to it as the beauticians curtsied and introduced themselves.

'Well that was awfully nice of the Queen.' Lucy said, watching the beauticians setting up their equipment.

'It certainly was.' I smiled in agreement. It was a lovely gesture, one I would have to thank her for later.

'Your highness, shall we get started?' Clary, one of the beauticians, said, looking up at me from behind her long lashes.

'Sure.'

'So are you going to forgive Zed yet?' Lucy asked me as we had our nails done later that afternoon. All of us had our hair pinned up in rollers and I'd taken a few pictures of us, posting them on Instagram just for the fun of it.

My heart fluttered at the question my friend had asked me and my stomach churned. We'd not spoken since I'd told him to leave me alone and I was pretty sure I was going to keep it that way. 'No.'

'I'm sure there's a good reason he didn't talk to you after what happened.' Zoe piped up, admiring her drying red nails that matched her toes.

'He cares about you, Sky.' Lucy said, her eyes soft. 'Nate said he's been going crazy not being able to talk to you.'

'Well maybe he should have thought about that before making a huge mistake.' I frowned at the beautician tutted.

'No gentleman is worth you getting premature wrinkles over.' She told me, rubbing moisturiser into my forehead. She finished my nails and spread them out to dry before grabbing the foundation and a brush, ready to start on my make-up.

'You're right.' I agreed. 'I need to smile.'

'Happiest girls are the prettiest girls.'

'Audrey Hepburn.' I smiled at the beautician and she winked at me.

'An icon.'

When we were all ready, we looked ready for the red carpet, ready for Hollywood. Zoe dazzled with her hair in a glamorous updo, wearing a beaded black maxi dress with keyhole cut outs on the back. Tina looked sophisticated in a black lace maxi dress with a scoop across the back, her red hair in a faux Gatsby-style bob. Lucy looked sexy and classy in a red dress with high neckline and cut-out detailing on the waist, her hair in a half updo, tumbling in curls. And then I felt like I was in the Golden Age of Hollywood in my perfect dress, which hugged my waist, with my hair in Hollywood waves in a side-parting, tumbling over my shoulders. I'd been given red lipstick to complete the look, we all had, and my eyes looked bluer than ever. I looked like I should have been in a black and white movie, maybe in a Marilyn Monroe or Lauren Bacall movie. The beauticans said their goodbyes to us and we took some pictures together before the knock on the door told us that our car had arrived.

'Are you ready?' Lucy beamed excitedly from beside me.

'There's something I want to do first. I'll be down in a minute.' I told my friends with a smile. I grabbed my clutch bag and picked my dress up as I walked along the corridor to the King and Queen's quarters. The guards on the door showed me that the Queen was in her library and the joyful piano tune coming from inside echoed that. They bowed to me and opened the door, calling out my entrance to the Queen. She stopped playing the piano and I was surprised for the second time that day; I had no idea that she played.

She stood to greet me, a smile on her face. 'Sky, you look beautiful as always. A perfect princess, true royalty.' Her eyes sparkled as she spoke and I wondered when she had started to feel more relaxed around me.

'Thank you.' I told her with a curtsy.

'There's no need for that.' The Queen chuckled, her eyes kind. 'Now don't you have a party to get to? Fashionably late is fine, but a princess is never too late for a party.'

'I came to thank you. For sending the beauticians.' I said, nervously.

'I wanted you and your friends to enjoy yourselves.' She smiled. 'You were right yesterday when you stood up to your father. It isn't fair for you to put your whole life on hold. Life is too short.'

'It is.' I agreed. We were both quiet for a moment and I wasn't sure what else to say.

'I've always wanted a daughter, Sky. Did Phillip tell you that?' I glanced up to meet her eyes as she spoke, sadness now in her tone. 'We tried but there were complications and we weren't able to have another child. I lost two and then it just hurt too much.'

That had never been in the press. It was a family secret. 'I'm sorry.' I told her, feeling bad for her. She'd had Phillip and had wanted another child, but couldn't carry full-term and then I wondered if perhaps that was why my father had gone back to my mother, despite being married. He was probably upset. And then how heartbreaking for the Queen when her husband had had an affair with a woman and they'd concieved a daughter.

'I know I will never replace your mother and I don't want to. Nor do I want to replace Sally. She has done a wonderful job with you these past seven years.' She reached for my hand and I let her take it, her fingers locking gently around mine. 'But I hope that one day perhaps I'll be like a mother figure to you. If you ever need anything or just need to talk or need some advice, I'll be right here.' She gave me a small smile, a nervous one, as her brown eyes looked into mine. 'You're a wonderful girl and I know Edward can be protective but it's because he loves you. He's been a lot happier since finding you.' She squeezed my hand as silence filled the air. I wasn't sure what to say. All I knew was I was trying my best not to cry and not to ruin my make-up. 'Now go.' She commanded. 'You have a party to get to.'

Instead of a limo, Phillip had helped me to hire a Baby Bentley for our grand entrance. The car itself was a fancy Chrysler Stretch Limo, a black one often used by the Royal family when attending events apparently. The seats inside were real leather and there was a bar stocked for us with champagne, so we enjoyed a glass as it drove us to Chelsea. When we arrived, there was a red carpet laid out with a few photographers stood either side, although I wasn't sure if they were for show or really from the press. We posed for a few pictures together before heading in, followed closely by my security guards.

The Twilight Room was actually three rooms. There was the main room with a swanky looking bar at one side and a few tall tables with bar stools scattered close by, as well as a large wooden dancefloor and a stage on the other side, the Hollywood Sign behind it and large silver stars hanging from the ceiling. Then there was an archway, marked by two giant golden Oscar awards, which led to a modern-looking room with a chandelier and glass tables and zebra-print chairs scattered around, a buffet table of food against one wall. Then through another archway was the VIP area with a bouncer on the door who surprisingly let us in. The area consisted of four booths with cream leather sofas on a raised platform around glass tables. That was where we found Savannah, who pulled me into a hug and air-kissed me again, nearly falling out of her plunge-front silver dress which was completely covered in sequins. With a plunge front and a plunge back, almost down to her bum, she looked in her twenties. It was pretty, but too revealing for someone our age and I wondered why on earth her parents had let her out of the house like that.

'Savannah, darling.' A woman in her thirties in an equally revealing black dress appeared in the VIP room. 'Zed's band are ready to play in the main room. He's waiting for you.' She winked and I realised she was Savannah's mum. They had the same pearly white teeth and the same eyes.

'Ooh, great!' Savannah grinned and clapped her hands together before turning to me and my friends. 'Are you coming?'

My heart was racing and I felt sick. I was hoping to avoid Zed, although I wasn't sure making that obvious was a good thing. 'Erm, sure.'

The main room was buzzing when we returned, filled with party guests in suits, tuxedos and glamorous dresses. Some had gone for iconic looks, looking like Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe, and others had worn sparkly dresses worthy of the red carpet. Nelson and Yves waved us over from their position at the bar so we walked over to join them, ordering one of the mocktails being served.

'Ladies, you're looking fabulous.' Nelson said, flirtaciously, and Tina rolled her eyes in response as he wiggled his eyebrows.

'And you're looking rather dapper.' I replied, a small smile playing on my lips.

'Sky, you've always been my favourite.' He put his arm around my shoulders and this time Yves rolled his eyes.

'Any girl is your favourite.' Yves said, shaking his head.

'What can I say?' Nelson grinned. 'I just love the ladies.'

Yves smirked. 'It's just a shame then that they don't love you.'

We all laughed and Nelson squeezed my shoulder before releasing it as the venue lights dimmed and the onstage spotlights came on. The crowd went wild, cheering and screaming and Lucy gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, giving me a small smile from beside me. She knew I was nervous and she was letting me know that she was there to support me. Seven Minutes in Heaven came onto the stage and went straight into She Looks so Perfect, the crowd immediately dancing around, the girls flicking their hair as boys tried to dance with them. I sipped my mocktail by the bar, wishing I'd had some more champagne in the car on the way to the party. Zed started singing Shut up and Dance and I looked away as his eyes met mine as he sang.

'What's going on with you two?' Yves eyeballed me suspiciously and my cheeks blushed.

'Nothing.'

'Right.' He nodded. 'Just because I left Morzine early doesn't mean I don't know what happened after I left. My brother's been in pieces and I've not seen him like this over a girl before.'

'Well he seemed pretty cosy with Amy on New Year's Eve and then he didn't bother to contact me.' I folded my arms across my chest.

'Because your father told him to keep away from you.'

My heart sank in my chest as I turned to face him, my voice only just above a whisper. 'What?'

'Your father spoke to my parents after what had happened and he was pretty angry, even more so when he found out that you went outside after an argument with Zed. He told Zed that he was trouble and a bad influence and that he was never to see you again or they'd be hell to pay.' Yves' face was sad and mine mirrored his as the news sank in. My father had banned Zed from contacting me without even asking my opinion. 'Believe me, Sky, my brother wanted to see you... to speak to you... but he was afraid of what your father would say or do. He is the King after all. That's a lot of pressure.'

My eyes started to tear up and I bit down on my tongue in an attempt to stop the tears. I didn't want to cry. 'I can't believe it.'

'I'm sorry.' Yves looked apologetic. 'But Zed cares about you and you deserve to know the truth.'

I felt sick and I felt miserable. I picked up my dress so that it didn't catch on my shoes and I hurried back into the now empty VIP room. Then I pulled out my phone and dialled my brother's number, not wanting to talk to my father.

'Sky? Are you okay?' He sounded concerned from the other end of the line. 'Do you need me to come and get you?'

'I'm fine.' I replied. 'Well not really... can father be quite controlling?'

He was quiet for a moment. 'I think you know the answer to that question. He did try to stop you from going to the party.'

I sank down into the chair as my eyes clouded over. 'I think he's the reason why Zed didn't come to see me or call me to check I was okay.'

'Go on...'

'Apparently he rang the Benedicts after the accident and he was so angry that he told Zed never to come near me again.' I frowned as I repeated the information Yves had given me. 'Would he do that, Phil?'

My brother sighed from the other end of the line and he paused before speaking. 'I'm sorry Sky but I wouldn't put it past him. He seems to have this hold over people.'

'Because he's king.'

'I don't know, there's more to it than that. He's quite often put thoughts into other people's heads, mine included and you feel like you can't push them away, you know? Like you have to do exactly what he's asked you to.' He paused again. 'I don't know, it's ridiculous, you can't put thoughts into someone's head.' He cleared his throat. 'Ignore me.'

But then you could if you were a savant, surely? Was that why Zed had been avoiding me, why he had done as my father had asked? He'd not been able to help it?

'Sky? Are you okay?' Lucy stood in the doorway, looking concerned.

I nodded before returning to my phonecall. 'Phil, I'll see you later. Bye.' I hung up the phone and slipped it back into my clutchbag.

'What was that about? What did Zed say to you?' She walked over to me.

'My father told Zed to stay away from me so he did.' Was all I could say to her.

'Oh, Sky.' She sighed and pulled me into a hug. 'See, I told you he didn't do it on purpose. He's probably afraid of your father, especially because he's King.'

'Yeah.' I nodded as she released me. Except there seemed to be a lot more to it than that.

The Seven Minutes in Heaven set was short and ended with Savannah singing a cover of I really like you by Carly Rae Jepsen with the band. She'd tried to make the song sexy as she shook her hair and wiggled her hips, moving around the stage and touching Zed's chest, but to me I could only think of the cheesy artist who had sang Call me Maybe, possibly one of the most cringey songs of all time (it was up there with Rebecca Black's Friday for sure). The song ended and everyone applauded as the band left the stage and disappeared to get changed into their party outfits, instead of the t-shirts and jeans they'd been wearing.

Savannah, however, took a bow, almost flashing her boobs as she did so, and stayed on the stage with a microphone. 'Welcome to my super sexy seventeenth!' She cooed and the audience cheered.

'You were right.' I said to Yves, who was stood with us. 'Totally My Super Sweet Sixteen.'

'Oh no, it's worse.' Lucy giggled.

'Thank you all so much for coming, it's amazing to see you all here for the best party ever.' She beamed. 'Now my next special guest is even bigger than the gorgeous Seven Minutes in Heaven.'

'I hear it's Beyonce.' Tina said, folding her arms across her chest.

'Really? I heard it was The Script.' Zoe said.

'Give it up for Taylor Swift!' Cue more screams, even more hysterical than the last, as Savannah introduced Taylor Swift, who walked onto the stage with her band wearing a high-neck black dress with gold belt around the middle and mesh where each leg was.

'Well I didn't expect that.' I blinked as Taylor smiled at Savannah adjusting the mic stand.

'How on earth did she get Taylor Swift to play at her birthday?' Tina looked surprised like the rest of us.

'Zed said that her dad's studio was used for Taylor's new album.' Yves shrugged. 'So I guess she owed him a favour or something.'

'Hey everyone.' Taylor said into the microphone and the crowd went wild. 'I hope you don't mind this evening if I play some old stuff as well as new.' Cue more cheering and screams, including from Savannah who was stood at the side of her stage with her minions. 'Let's rock!' The opening music for Shake it off started playing and Lucy grabbed my hands and we danced together, looking ridiculous with crazy dancemoves as we danced in our pretty dresses.

We sang and danced along until Nate whisked Lucy off to dance with her as Taylor sang some of her old stuff. The chords for Mine started up and Zed walked into the room looking handsome in a tuxedo with a red bow tie. I sucked in a breath as he glanced my way, a smile playing on his lips.

Hollywood suits you. You look beautiful.

I gave a small smile back, running my fingers over the delicate beading of my dress. Hollywood suits you too.

Savannah walked over to him, draping her arms around his neck and whispering something into his ear. My heart sank and she kissed his cheek, causing me to glance away and ignore whatever was going on between them. I turned to Yves and then he walked off, leaving me with Tina, Zoe and Nelson.

'Okay?' Tina asked and I simply nodded. Unlike Lucy, Tina didn't know me well enough to know when I was lying.

'We were both young when I first saw you

I close my eyes and the flashback starts

I'm standing there, on a balcony in summer air.'

I sighed as one of my Taylor Swift songs was sang and couples around me began to dance together. I glanced over at Tina dancing with Nelson and I laughed to myself as the dancing pair passed Zoe and her dance partner. Of course Tina had a soft spot for Nelson. It was pretty obvious.

'See the lights, see the party, the ballgowns

See you make your way through the crowd and say hello

Little did I know.'

'Hey.' I glanced up at Zed's voice in surprise. I'd not even noticed him on his way through the crowd.

'Hello.' I replied with a small smile.

'That you were Romeo, you were throwing pebbles

And my daddy said stay away from Juliet

And I was crying on the staircase

Begging you please don't go.'

'Well this song seems somewhat ironic.' Zed laughed softly. 'Yves said he spoke to you.'

'He did.' I nodded, fiddling with some beading on my dress.

'I'm sorry Sky. I wanted to see you and I wanted to talk to you.' He frowned. 'I didn't want to leave things the way they were left. I care about you, I really do.'

'Romeo, take me somewhere we can be alone.

I'll be waiting; all that's left to do is run.'

'What about Savannah?' I glanced over to the girl who was watching our conversation and pouting, whilst having a conversation with her best friend.

'That's been over a long time, you know that.' His voice was sad.

'You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess,

It's a love story, baby, just say, "Yes".'

He held out his hand for me, a nervous smile playing on his lips. 'Dance with me... and before you ask, it's not a question.'

'Okay.' I let him take my hand and he placed his other hand on my waist, sending electric shocks through my skin with his touch. I placed my free hand on his shoulder and we started to step in time to the music.

'So I sneak out to the garden to see you.

We keep quiet 'cause we're dead if they knew

So close your eyes... escape this town for a little while.

Oh, oh.'

I caught Savannah's face and wondered if she was going to kill me. Her glare said it all and I tensed up, nervously. Zed glanced down at me, his brown eyes meeting my blue pools. 'What is it?'

'If looks could kill...' I signalled over to where Savannah was and he turned us so that he was facing her.

'Huh, I guess I've just ruined her birthday... oops.' He chuckled and I looked up at him in surprise at his light-heartedness.

''Cause you were Romeo - I was a scarlet letter,

And my daddy said, "Stay away from Juliet"

But you were everything to me,

I was begging you, "Please don't go"

And I said...'

Zed twirled me around and then pulled me in so that I was closer to him, the two of us dancing together. He smiled down at me but I just couldn't relax. Too many eyes were on us. 'My dad's going to be seriously pissed.' I told him and Zed's forehead creased.

'He'll probably kill me.'

'Don't say that.' I looked at him in horror.

'Sky, I want this to work, so bad... it just feels right.' The hand on my back pushed me slightly closer to him, our bodies touching.

'I want it to work too.' I admitted, sadly. 'But my dad disapproves and I don't want him to make your life hell.'

'Romeo, save me, they're trying to tell me how to feel.

This love is difficult but it's real.'

'Then I guess for now we don't tell your dad.' He whispered in my ear, sending goosebumps across my skin. I shivered.

'Don't be afraid, we'll make it out of this mess.

It's a love story, baby, just say, "Yes".'

'But what if he finds out?' I bit my lip nervously.

He won't. His voice was reassuring in my head. We'll just have to be careful.

We're hardly being careful now. My eyes moved around the room, signalling the party guests watching us.

Just let me have one dance with the most beautiful girl in the room. He smiled down at me and I sighed, resting my head against his chest as we danced together in perfect time to the music.

I spent the rest of the evening having fun with my friends, Zed included, but I hated that I couldn't be close to him incase people suspsected more. At least Savannah was somewhat relieved that I was no longing hogging her dancer partner. When Taylor's set finished, I ruined Savannah's party for the second time; Taylor knew me and joked around with my friends and I, despite her desperate attempts at attention from her idol. We posed for pictures together and Taylor Swift, my favourite country star, told me she'd text me about meeting up.

When we got home that night, the King was waiting for us, his arms folded and a stern look on his face. We were late. By about ten minutes. Not that I cared. 'You've passed curfew.'

'Sorry.' I replied, although not really meaning it. My friends shifted uncomfortably at my side as I folded my arms across my chest, mirroring my father's body language.

'Girls, go on off to your rooms. I'd like to chat with my daughter in private.' His voice was even but my friends still looked at me worriedly before disappearing up the corridor. 'When I give you a curfew, I expect you to keep to it.' His voice kept even but there was anger behind it.

'Sorry, we were enjoying ourselves and lost track of time. Besides, it was only ten minutes.'

'It might be only ten minutes, but you do as I say. I am your father and I expect you to respect me.'

'Like you respect me?' It came out before I could stop myself. 'Ruining my relationships, really father?'

'I don't know what you mean, now go to your bed.' His eyes locked on mine and he said the words forcefully and I wondered if it was supposed to be a command I obeyed.

'You told Zed Benedict to never see me or speak to me again.'

He looked taken aback, surprised that I knew about his game. 'He shouldn't have told you that.'

'He didn't.' I frowned at my father. 'You're a savant, aren't you?'

'Where did you hear that word?' His voice was just above a whisper and despite trying to keep his cool, he looked anxious. 'From your mother?'

'Where I heard it doesn't matter.' I said, cooly. 'You're a savant, aren't you? And your ability is that you can control people.'

'Except you, so it would seem.' He gave me a wary look. 'I don't know why I didn't realise you were a savant earlier. I should have expected it.'

'Was my mother your soulfinder?' I asked, suddenly.

His eyes looked hurt for a moment and then they turned to stone. 'Soulfinders are just a fairytale.'

'No they're not.'

'And let me guess, Mr Benedict is yours, hmm?' He frowned when I didn't say anything. 'You're not to see that boy again, do I make myself clear? You will choose a suitable suitor, one who will not damage our reputation, do I make myself clear?'

'You can't tell me who to date.' My eyes clouded over with tears of anger and of sadness.

'As your father and your king, yes I can. You are a princess, Sky, and you have expectations. We all do. You are not going to tarnish your image with some silly boy who likes female attention too much.'

A tear rolled down my cheek as I glared at my father. 'You don't even know him.'

'And I don't want to. Now go to bed before I ground you.'

I held up my dress and ran down the corridor as the tears escaped, just as the clock struck twelve.