Somehow I managed to avoid Seb right up until Lolly's birthday on the Saturday. He'd been busy going to charity events, attending council and parliament meetings and other crown prince events, and I'd been busy being tutored with Lolly, completing homework and assignments to send back to school in England, and even helping her prepare for her party. She woke me up on her birthday. Early and eager to open her presents and start the day.

I groaned as she jumped on my bed like a small child, instead of the seventeen she was turning. 'Really, Lolly?'

'You're not a morning person, are you?' She giggled in her accent and I buried myself under my duvet cover, only to have it ripped off. I'd not slept well as it is. I'd dreamt that Ezra had come to the palace in the middle of the night, kidnapping me again and it had made me so paranoid that I'd spent the night under the covers, trying to catch up on Reign, indulging in Francis and Mary's love affair.

'It's eight in the morning on a Saturday. I wanted a lie-in after getting up for school.'

'But it's my birthday!'

'Fine! I'm up!' I pushed myself up and she beamed as she adjusted the robe she wore around her nightgown.

'I'm going to shower and when I come back, you'll be dressed, right?'

'Yes bossy boots, I'll be dressed.'

Lavine helped me cover my dark bags with foundation and she plaited my hair for me as I drank tea after my shower, which I was thankful for. She didn't ask if I'd slept well as it was obvious I hadn't, but she didn't push me to explain why either. I knew that she was aware that Seb and I had shared a bed when we slept a few times before, but she never commented on it. She kept it to herself and din't once bat an eyelid, which I was grateful for. She excused herself when Lolly reappeared in a pink dress and heels, despite the time.

'I want to look my best on my birthday.' She explained with a smile. 'Now come on, birthday breakfast time!'

Seb wasn't there, which was weird, but Lolly said he'd gone to complete voluntary work at an orphanage as he often did on a Saturday. I was relieved in a way, because I had been avoiding him and I was able to relax and enjoy the delicious cooked breakfast and cakes with the King, Queen, Lolly and my brother instead. We retired to a reception room after breakfast, a room filled with perfectly wrapped presents of all shapes and sizes. Despite having loads of presents, it didn't take Lolly long to unwrap them. New dresses, jewellery, family heirlooms, books, dvds a new laptop...

'You didn't have to get me anything.' Lolly said, picking up the pink parcel I had wrapped the night before. She ran her fingers across the paper.

'I wanted to.' I smiled.

Lolly carefully tore the paper off, revealing a Tiffany-blue box with a cream ribbon holding it closed. She untied the ribbon and then lifted the lid of the box, gasping. 'Sky!' Inside was a pair of pink and white striped pyjamas with Lolly embroidered onto the pocket, an eye mask with embroidered eyelashes attached and a pearl necklace. 'It's perfect and so Audrey!' She pounced on me, wrapping her arms tightly around me as she hugged me and I laughed. 'Thank you so much!'

'You're welcome.' I replied as she let me breathe again. She glanced at the last package, which looked like a shoebox.

'Your brother said to go and open his present.' Queen Elena said to her daughter. 'He might be a few minutes late for your party and you'll need the present for that.'

I knew what it was. I'd helped him pick them out. Lolly picked up the box, reading the message on the tag before opening it. Inside the sea of tissue paper were the shoes I'd helped him choose; silver heeled rhinestone-covered shoes with a blue sparkling butterfly at the front of each one. My friend gawped. 'They're Cinderella shoes. But how did Seb...' She looked at her mother who shook her head and then to me. 'Sky...'

'I might have helped a little.' I said with a blush. 'But there were a few designs and these were the ones Seb chose.'

'They're perfect!' She pulled them out and put them on over her tights, admiring the glint as the light hit them. 'Just perfect!'

We spent the morning helping turn the smaller ballroom into a club-style venue with funky modern looking sofas and cube-shaped chairs, glass coffee tables and bar stools around the mocktail bar. We hung lanterns from the ceiling as well as helium-filled balloons. The DJ came early and set up too, as did the people with the photobooth, and by 2pm, things were sorted and Lolly was more relaxed.

'Lolly!' Two girls appeared in the dining room as we finished our cooked lunch, filling ourselves up before the party food we'd be snacking on that night. The girls, one a red head and one blonde, were both tall and slim and very pretty.

'Anna! Kar!' Lolly stood up, nearly taking the table with her, and ran towards the girls, embracing them and kissing them each on the cheek. 'Det er så godt å se deg.' It's so good to see you, I worked out. I finished my mouthful and smiled nervously at the girls I'd never seen before, but I'd heard a fair bit about. I knew that Karolina was Seb and Lolly's cousin and she was a few years older than Lolly and I, the same age as Seb. And Anna was Lolly's best friend from childhood. 'Girls, this is Sky, Sky, Anna and Kar.' Lolly introduced us and I stood up as the girls both embraced me in a hug.

'So good to meet you.' Karolina said through her accent, which somehow seemed thicker than Seb and Lolly's.

'We have heard many things about you.' Anna added.

'All good I hope?'

'Of course.' Anna smiled.

'Have you girls been to your rooms?' Lolly asked.

'No but Marius was taking our things to the suites.' Karolina replied, running a hand through her shoulder-length waves. 'And he said to tell you that the beauticians are here.'

Lolly looked at me and grinned. 'Perfect.'

It was like being home in England in the palace. Beauticians gave us facials, waxed arms, underarms and eyebrows. Gave us manicures, gave us pedicures, and gossiped about stuff they'd seen on the telly, whilst Karolina plugged in her iPod, blaring out her favourite tunes. All of which, thankfully, were English or American songs that I knew.

'So how come you've been avoiding Seb?' Lolly said to me as my nails were painted. I stiffened as Karolina and Anna grinned across at me.

'I've not been avoiding him.' I lied and Lolly rolled her eyes.

'Yeah, right.'

'What haven't you said?' Karolina glanced at Lolly and then back at me. 'I thought something was going on because I've seen Seb's Instagram, but I wasn't sure.'

I blushed and looked down at my lap, avoiding any prying eyes. 'Well,' Lolly replied, 'Seb is totally into Sky, even if she denies it.' She nudged me with her foot, her toes separated by those hideous foam seperators. 'I've not seen my brother ever look at a girl like that or be that protective over anyone.' I looked up and she gave me a smile. 'You guys would be a cute couple.'

'Agreed.' Anna nodded and my cheeks blushed more.

'I don't want a boyfriend right now.' I told her, examining my painted nails. 'Guys just let you down.' Someone in the room sighed, but I wasn't sure who.

'Not all men.' Karolina said. 'Only those not mature enough.'

'I think my brother can be an idiot sometimes, but he wouldn't hurt you, Sky.' Lolly piped up but I didn't say anything. Zed filled my mind and I flinched. 'Anyway, enough about Seb and Sky,' she changed the subject and I was grateful, 'what are your dresses like for tonight?'

I was a little nervous in my outfit. I was so used to wearing ballgowns now for parties, dresses that covered my short legs, and now I was stood wearing a light blue bodycon silk dress that fell halfway up my thigh. It had lace detailing over the shoulders and to the sweatheart neckline, around the waist to give me an hourglass figure and then around the bottom of the dress. It was gorgeous but short, and that made me feel concerned. Was it slutty? I looked at the sparkly silver heels with bow-detailing that were on my feet, making my legs a little longer, as Karolina, Anna and Lolly appeared behind me, trying to see in the mirror. Anna and Karolina looked gorgeous, both wearing short black dresses in different styles and then Lolly looked the perfect birthday girl in a white bodycon dress with sparkly detailing on the bust and her new shoes. She flicked her blonde curls over her shoulder and it drew attention to my hair; my curls were now pin-straight and my make-up was sparkly, making my eyes glitter too. I pulled at my dress and Lolly squeezed my arm.

'You look great Sky.' She told me and her two friends nodded in agreement.

'Is the dress too short?' I asked, feeling paranoid.

'Of course not. It actually makes your legs look longer.' She smiled.

'Thanks.' I said, gratefully. 'You look great too.'

'Love the shoes!' Anna said, admiring the Cinderella heels.

'Takk.' Lolly smiled. 'Seb and Sky chose them.'

Karolina looked surprised for a moment, but then her surprised expression turned to a smile. 'Well they look lovely on you. Okay, it's showtime, are you ready?'

Lolly adjusted her dangling diamond earrings. 'As I'll ever be.'

When we reached the ballroom, guests were already inside, teenagers and young adults from all kinds of backgrounds wearing cocktail dresses or shirts with formal trousers and ties. The King and Queen weren't around and I realised they'd kept their word; they'd promised to let Lolly enjoy her night and not embarass her. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons filled the speakers as we walked in, in a long line like a girlband or something. Seeing all of the faces I didn't recognise made me nervous, but I let out a sigh of relief when I saw my brother talking to a guy I didn't recognise.

'Dear sister, looking lovely as ever.' Phillip said, cheerfully, kissing me on the cheek.

'I guess you look alright.' I teased.

'More than alright if you ask Tina.' He grinned and I rolled my eyes.

'She fancies any guy with pretty eyes, brother. Don't go thinking you're special.'

He smiled and turned to Lolly, kissing her cheek. 'Happy birthday. Quite the nightclub you have in the palace.'

'It looks great doesn't it?!' She beamed. 'Maybe we should keep it like this!'

'We can propose the idea to your parents tomorrow.' Phillip chuckled as a girl appeared at his side, practically swooning. I rolled my eyes and the girl looked at me, as if trying to work out where she'd seen me before.

I didn't say anything to her, but I turned to Lolly. 'I don't suppose your mocktail bar serves alcohol.'

'Could you imagine the headlines? Teenagers get drunk at Royal Party? Ha! Come on, let's get a mocktail.' She said, looping her arm through mine. 'And you must meet some people.'

Lolly knew a lot of people, but I guess that came with being a princess. There were nobles there, a few teenage celebrities Lolly was friends with, distant teenage relatives and then people she knew from when she had been at school, before her parents had decided that homeschooling was safer. Everyone danced on the dancefloor, bodies jumping up and down and hands in the air as the DJ played remixes of dance music, some old and some new. I sipped at my cocktail, my eyes on the door, aware that Seb would turn up at some point and I'd have to face him. What would I say? Would I admit I'd been avoiding him because I didn't want a relationship? Because being hurt again was too much of a risk? Because I didn't want to risk up the friendship we had? Or because I knew Zed was possibly my soulfinder, supposedly, and that wasn't going to just disappear.

'Midnight,

You come and pick me up, no headlights.'

Lolly held my hand and we danced together in time to the music, bouncing and moving our hips.

'A long drive,

Could end in burning flames or paradise

Fade into view, oh, it's been a while since I have even heard from you.'

I twirled Lolly around and she laughed as she almost bumped into Karolina as we sang along to Taylor Swift.

'I should just tell you to leave 'cause I

Know exactly where it leads but I

Watch us go 'round and 'round each time.'

My thoughts drifted to Zoe, Tina and Lucy, who I knew were going to someone from Science class' birthday party that evening. The pictures were probably going to be on Facebook of the three of them glammed up and having fun and I missed our silly dance moves and singing along together.

'You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye

And I got that red lip classic thing that you like.'

What was I worrying about? They were having fun and so was I? I moved my body in time to the beat and smiled across at Lolly, the Norwegian princess that was starting to seem more like a sister than a friend.

'And when we go crashing down, we come back every time

'Cause we never go out of style

We never go out of style.'

I danced, turning to the side, and then I saw him; Seb. His messy blonde hair was falling a little over his forehead and his eyes were watching me as he gave me a cute, small smile in greeting. Tina's nickname, Prince Yummy, filled my mind as I took in his appearance; slim-fit black trousers, a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves and a light blue tie that matched my dress. I turned back to Lolly, but I'd been caught. Anna and Karolina were both smirking and Lolly was smiling at me, cheekily.

'So it goes

He can't keep his wild eyes on the road

Takes me home

Lights are off, he's taking off his coat, hmm, yeah.

I say, "I heard, oh, that you've been out and about with some other girl, some other girl."'

Seb reached us through the crowd and Lolly hugged him, saying something in Norwegian that I didn't understand, a smile on her face. He looked down at her shoes and smiled. 'I had some help.'

'I guessed.' Lolly replied. Seb greeted Karolina and Anna with a kiss on the cheek and some polite Norwegian smalltalk, before turning to me.

I bit my lip and caught his eyes flicker to my mouth before back up to my eyes. 'Hey.' I said, the greeting coming out as really awkward. I tried not to visibly cringe at how lame I sounded.

'Hey.' He replied, a small smile forming on his lips.

'I'm going to get a drink! Girls?' Lolly said, not so subtly, and Seb rolled his eyes as his sister pulled away Anna and Karolina, leaving me alone with Seb. Thanks Lolly. Thanks a lot. It was too rude to go after her, even though I was panicking, desperately wanting a way out, but I only knew Lolly, Karolina and Anna and they were in on it, and my brother was dancing with some girl I didn't recognise, across the room.

'You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye

And I got that red lip classic thing that you like.'

'I feel like I've not seen you in years.' He said, breaking the silence between us. 'You look lovely by the way. You always do but tonight there's something different... beautiful with maybe a hint of sexy.'

I swallowed. Zed had said that to me before. 'Thank you.' I said, my voice uneven and my cheeks blushing pink.

'I like your hair like this.' He commented. 'But then I think I like it curly better.' He gave a small smile and I fiddled with my fingers nervously. 'Did you like the photographs?'

'You're a very talented photographer.' I said, honestly, a small smile on his lips.

'It's alright for a hobby I suppose.' He shrugged as Lay It All on Me started playing through the speakers. 'Would you dance with me?' My heart thumped and I swallowed, feeling nervous. I wanted to. He was a good dancer and I didn't want to upset him, but then wasn't I supposed to be putting distance between us.

I listened to my heart and cursed myself for it. 'Sure.'

'All alone as you look through the door

Nothing left to see.'

He placed his hands on my hips and I placed my hands on his shoulders, able to reach them easily in my heels, which were surprisingly comfy.

'If it hurts and you can't take no more

Lay it all on me.'

We moved in time to the music, my hips moving as we stepped quickly, a different dance to the dance we were used to and the closeness making me nervous as he looked down at me, a cute lopsided smile on his face. What was wrong with me? Why did I have to be so damn hormonal and why were there suddenly loads of cute guys in my life, some of which had paid attention to me over the last few months? Was it because I was a princess?

'No you don't have to keep it under lock and key

Cause I will never let you down

And if you can't escape all your uncertainties

Baby I can show you how.'

'How is your tutoring coming along?' Seb asked, distracting me from the music. I stumbled, cursing and he caught me, placing his hand on the small of my back.

'It's coming along ago.'

'And your Norwegian?' He grinned.

'I worked out some of what Lolly and Karolina were saying earlier.' I replied, the smile contagious.

'Impressive.' His voice was just above a whisper as he placed both hands back on my hips, pulling me closer to him. Our chests were touching and other parts of our body almost were too. 'Sky, jeg har savnet deg.'

His eyes met mine. 'You missed me? Really?'

He looked surprised I'd understood what he said and he nodded, a small, shy smile on his lips. 'It seems that in this short time you've become quite important to me.'

'Oh?' I needed Lolly to come and save me now. I felt nervous. Panicked.

'I think you've sort of become my best friend.' He said the words easily and I knew he meant them. I relaxed a little. Friends? So we were on the same page? 'I hope that's not weird.' He added, nervously.

'Not at all.' I replied as he started moving me in time to the music again. 'I guess you've sort of become my best friend too.' I teased, but his face remained serious as his eyes moved, taking in my body, my face, and then my eyes again.

'My girlfriend's bitchin' 'cause I always sleep in

She's always screamin' when she's calling her friend.'

I stopped moving and wrinkled my nose at the Seven minutes in heaven song as Zed's voice filled the room. Seb stopped dancing and one of his hands moved to caress my cheek. 'Zed?' He asked and I simply nodded.

'Figures. I think they're doing really well in the music charts at the moment.'

He looked at me with an expression I just couldn't read. 'Want to get a drink?'

'Sure.'

Seb led me to the mocktail bar, greeting a pretty slim girl with killer legs. Luckily, as he spoke to her, I grabbed Lolly, wishing suddenly that I could have a Sex on the Beach or something with strong alcohol in it.

'Are you okay?' She asked, seeing panic in my eyes.

'Why did you leave me alone with Seb?' I hissed as Karolina and Anna sang along to the song behind her.

'Because you've been avoiding him and you needed to talk to him.' Lolly paused, giving me a sympathetic look. 'I know there's stuff that's been going on that you haven't told me and I'm going to guess that it involves a boy... but Seb isn't like that. He isn't going to hurt you.'

I sighed and sipped my drink, turning to face Seb. Pretty brunette was stroking his arm and I raised my eyebrows, looking back at Lolly. 'Really?'

'Ugh, that's Kat.' She said, her voice irritated. 'Seb's ex-girlfriend, but don't worry they are so over.'

'It doesn't look that way.' I whispered, quietly, watching the brunette fluttering her eyelashes as she spoke to him.

'Seb broke up with her last year.' Lolly explained. 'Kat liked the fame of dating a crown prince but I don't think she actually loved my brother. My parents never liked her and neither did I.' Her frown turned into a smile. 'Kat, hallo.' She said as the brunette we'd just slagged off appeared, kissing Lolly once on each cheek.

'Gratulerer med dagen.' Kat said, wishing Lolly happy birthday in Norwegian. She turned to face me, eyeballing me.

'Kat, this is her royal highness princess Sky.' Seb said from beside Kat, introducing me. 'Sky, this is our childhood friend, Kat.'

Kat looked at me, warily, and she had what Tina would call a 'resting bitch face.' She reached out, holding Seb's arm and he tensed. 'Sebastien and I actually are more than just friends.' I noticed the use of his full name and her use of the present tense.

'Well we used to date.' Seb said awkwardly and Kat flinched. She tried to hide her surprise with a smile and she flicked her curled waist-length hair over her shoulder.

'That's not to say that we can't date again.' Kat said, turning to face him, her breasts almost against his arm. My stomach twisted and I wondered why. 'Sebastien, dance with me.'

It reminded me of Zed. It was a command, not a question. Seb looked at Lolly and then at me, before giving into Kat. He nodded and she led him to the dancefloor.

'Why is my brother such an idiot?' Lolly exasperated.

'See, we're just friends.' I told her, ignoring the queasey feeling in my stomach. What was wrong with me?

'I came here with a broken heart that no one else could see

I drew a smile on my face to paper over me

But wounds heal and tears dry and cracks they don't show

So don't be so hard on yourself, no.'

'Forget my idiot of a brother.' Lolly said, holding her hand out for me. 'Tonight is about me dancing with my fabulous, sexy ladies!' Karolina and Anna giggled as we were all pulled to the dancefloor.

The music was good and dance-worthy, and every now and then girls or guys would come and join our little group as we danced. Who needed alcohol? I was starting to relax a little, although part of me wondered if it was because I was completely high on sugar. We danced to Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and then some other hits I recognised from sometimes listening to Radio 1. After Lolly blew out the candles of her grand layered cake, she pulled me off to the photobooth and we posed with feather boas, stupid looks on our faces in the little box, all of my cares out of the window for a few hours.

'I am having the best time!' She said as she pulled me out of the booth, giggling. 'This is the best birthday ever.'

I climbed out, walking straight into Seb, who seemed to have been lost in the crowd for the last two hours. 'Sorry.' I apologised, feeling awkward.

'It's okay.' He gave a shy smile. He turned to Lolly. 'Are you having a good time?'

'Yes.' She nodded. She looked at me, giving me a reassuring smile. 'Let's go get a drink Sky.'

'I was hoping maybe you'd join me in the photobooth.' Seb said, his eyes reflecting his hopefulness.

'I don't know if I can let you steal my dance partner.' Lolly said to her brother, a playful smile on her face. 'I mean, she's got the best dance moves in here.'

'What about Kar and Anna?'

'What about Kat?' I raised my eyebrows and folded my arms across my chest at the same time as Lolly.

Seb looked hurt and he ran a hand through his hair, awkwardly. 'Kat and I broke up a long time ago.'

'Yet you danced with her.' Lolly pointed out. She didn't look impressed with her brother and I was grateful she was sticking up for me.

'Out of politeness. You know what she's like Lol...' He turned to me, his eyes sad. 'I'm sorry if it upset you Sky.'

'Upset me? Of course not.' I said, perhaps a little too quickly. My heart sank and my stomach twisted as I said it. I mentally slapped myself. I was being an idiot. Of course I wasn't upset.

Seb's brows furrowed and he turned to his sister. 'Can I talk to Sky? Please?'

Lolly glanced at me, waiting for me to respond, but I was busy trying to act calm and cool. I shrugged and she gave her brother a wary look. 'Fine, but ruin this night and I will kill you.' She walked off, cautiously, and I shifted, uncomfortably, stepping aside as a group of girls slid into the photobooth, pulling the curtain closed behind them.

'Don't take this the wrong way, but you've not been acting kind of... weird the past few days.' He said, tucking his hands into his pockets.

'No I haven't.' I lied, frowning.

'Sky, you think I don't know you, but I know you better than you think.' He took a step closer to me, his eyes locking on mine. 'I know why you're avoiding me... you think I'm just like Zed, don't you?'

'Throw your heart to me

Let it fall and hit the ground

Let it go.'

'I'm sorry but in my experience, guys are cruel.'

'Your timing was so wrong

I just want to be found.'

'Not all of us.' His face turned sad. 'Sky, please stop pushing me away. I want to be a part of your life. I want to be there for you, be someone you can talk to when you're upset, keep you safe.' He reached out, stroking my arm gently with his fingers. 'I know you're afraid.' I opened my mouth to interrupt but he cut in. 'Don't deny it, you don't need to pretend for me. I know when you're not telling the truth. You avoid my eyes.' He gave a small smile.

'Oh, it's brighter this time

This type of mine.'

'I'm sorry.' I sighed, looking up to Seb. 'I shouldn't have pushed you away. We've been through a lot together and you're great.'

'This disguise

Oh, you talk, ooh, to me.'

'Not so bad yourself.' He smiled as the girls came out of the photobooth. 'So, will you join me for a photo or have I got to pose solo?'

'Well, nothing's gonna hurt me with my eyes shut

I can see through them

I can see through them.'

I laughed and took his hand, pulling him inside the photobooth with its patterned walls and props. He pulled the curtain closed and I put a hand on his head and then a tiara on mine and we made stupid faces, changing poses and props as we did so. I pulled the hat off of his head and froze when I realised that his eyes were staring into mine.

'I am drawing pictures I'm evading

I will not use them

I will not use them

Again.'

And then Seb's lips were on mine in a gentle kiss, a kiss where we were barely touching, but it was just enough to make my lips tingle. It only lasted a few seconds and then he moved his head back, his eyes searching mine. 'Sorry, I really wanted to do that.' He apologised. 'I should have asked permission.'

I blushed, realising that the camera probably had caught that single, innocent kiss. The one that was making me feel confused and questionning want I wanted. I thought of Marcus and how he'd chosen work over me. Then I thought about Zed and how he'd gone back to Savannah, the girl he had years of history with, the girl who would do whatever he wanted her to do. Seb was right, he was different, but was I willing to give in and risk friendship with a Norwegian prince that would one day be in charge of a country?

'Thank god you're both still alive!' Lolly's head appeared through the curtain. 'Have you two made up now?' Seb nodded, a small smile on his lips that could give everything away. But then my blush could have given it away too. I slid off the stool and ran a hand through my straight hair. 'Sorry brother, but I'm going to need to take my dance partner back before Sven thinks he has the right to dance with me.'

I gave Seb a small smile and then I followed Lolly out of the photobooth, grabbing the photographic evidence and tucking it in my purse out of the way as we disappeared into the crowd.

I sat on the window seat in my floral pyjama short and vest set, the pretty ones with the lace around the bottom of the shorts and the top of the vest, that night, looking out at the quiet gardens below. The party had ended at midnight but still, at 1am, I was wide awake as Seb's kiss played back through my mind, as did the rest of the night. I wriggled my toes, glad to be out of heels and glad that the weather was warm enough to not have to wear a million layers, even indoors. I heard some talking in the corridor as some other guests, who were staying, passed my bedroom door and I hummed to myself, wishing I had a piano to play. I missed running my fingers over the keys and the tuneful sound it made, the relaxing feeling it created.

There was a knock at the door and I grabbed a blanket, pulling it over myself. 'Yes?' I called out.

The door opened and Seb stood there in his robe, plaid pyjama bottoms sticking out of the bottom. 'Still awake?' He said, surprised.

'You'd think I'd be tired but my body had other ideas I suppose.' I said with a small smile. He walked across the room and lifted my legs, sitting on the window seat and then putting my legs down across his lap.

'Too many mocktails.' He teased.

'At least it wasn't champagne, I guess.' I pulled the blanket off, my body feeling warm but I assumed it was probably because I was embarassed about the kiss. 'Seb, I-'

'Sorry for kissing you.' He whispered, looking away from the window and at me. 'I don't want to ruin our friendship.'

'Me neither.' I replied with a small smile. 'Because you're a really good friend.'

'You too.' He nodded. 'I guess I'd better let you go to bed.'

I wasn't sure why, but I didn't want him to go. Maybe because I slept better with him around and after a few nights of terrible sleep, I needed to sleep more than just two hours. 'Will you stay?'

He looked surprised but then he smiled and nodded. 'Of course.' He scooped me up, carrying me and I tried not to squeal, despite feeling worried he was going to drop me. He placed me carefully on the bed and I slid down under the covers as he climbed over me, taking off his robe and slipping into the bed beside me, his chest on show. He paused and I knew he'd spotted the photos from the photobooth, which sat on my bedside table. He didn't say anything. Instead, he laid down beside me, kissed my forehead as always, and fell asleep.

When I woke up the next morning, after sleeping and dreaming quite happily, Seb was spooning me, his arm wrapped tightly around my waist and his chest pressed against my back as his breath tickled my neck. I sighed, feeling warm and content, but then I jumped when an alarm sounded, an alarm that wasn't mine. Seb groaned from behind me, his hand leaving me for a moment whilst he turned off the alarm on his phone. Then he went back to spooning me.

'Do you need to be somewhere?' I asked.

'Trying to get rid of me?' He whispered, sleepily.

'Of course not.' I turned over, facing him and his hand reached out for my hair, tucking it behind my ear. 'I just don't want you to be late anywhere.'

He sighed. 'I'm going to the children's home for girls today. They're moving into a new building and I've been asked to go along and open it.'

'Ah, Royal duties.'

'I'd much rather stay here like this though.'

The door open and both of our eyes widened as Lavine strolled in. She paused when she saw us and curtsied. 'Oh sorry, your highnesses... I didn't realise you were here, my prince.'

'It's okay, Lavine.' He smiled, sitting up. 'I need to get up anyway. I have to be at the children's home in an hour and a half.' He grabbed his robe and my cheeks flushed red as the curtains were opened by Lavine, who had a grin on her face.

'Seb?' I said as he climbed out of bed.

'Yes?'

'Could I come with you today?'

A smile crept onto his lips, one that reached his eyes. 'Of course. It would be nice to have the company.'

'Great.' I smiled back.

'We'll leave in an hour.' He nodded and then he was gone.

When the door closed, I glanced over at Lavine and realised that whilst collecting my water glass, she'd spotted the photo reel from the photobooth, which displayed our jokey pictures and then one of us kissing. I quickly snatched it up, my cheeks red, and Lavine smiled at me. A knowing smile, as if saying I told you so.

Lavine picked my outfit out whilst I showered, leaving my hair pin-straight as I'd washed it the previous afternoon before having it straightened. I applied some subtle make-up and wrestled my way into my black tights before pulling on the grey long-sleeved tube dress with black polka dots on it. With my black cardigan and a pearl necklace, it looked classy and sophisticated and perfect for a March day in Oslo. I ate breakfast alone, whilst flicking through Facebook photos of the party that Lucy, Tina and Zoe had been at the night before. Then Lucy's name popped up on messenger.

Lucy: Hey stranger!

Me: Hey, how are you?

Lucy: Hungover and missing you terribly! You?

Me: I'm okay... not hungover but missing you. Party looks fun. Missed dancing with you last night.

Lucy: But you had Lolly and Seb right?

Me: Yeah it was pretty good!

Lucy: Any gossip on the Seb-front?

Me: Gossip?

Lucy: Don't play dumb with me, bff. He's totally into you!

I paused, looking at the screen. I hated lying to her, but was it right to tell her that Seb and I had kissed?

Sensing my pause, she started calling me on Skype and I answered as I sipped my tea.

'You look particularly glammed up for a Sunday morning.' She commented and I realised she was still in her pyjamas, her hair tied back in a high ponytail. Zoe and Tina were there too, waving at me with tired and hungover faces.

'I'm going out for royal duties.' I replied with a small smile, hoping I'd not smudged the pinky lipstick on my teacup.

'With Sebastien?' Tina quizzed and I nodded. 'Knew it!'

'Spill!' Zoe added and Lucy raised her eyebrow as I blushed. 'And we can see you blushing. Your light is particularly good.'

'Did you kiss Prince yummy?' Tina asked.

'No.' I lied, but my intonation changed, my voice getting higher at the end of the word, giving me away.

'You liar!' Lucy scolded. 'Spill!'

I blushed and bit my lip, nervously. 'Okay, but it's just between us, alright?' They all nodded. 'He kissed me last night at the party but no one else saw.' I sighed and pulled the photo out of the top drawer of my bedside table. I held it up to the webcam, not sure how clear it was, but it was clear enough for Tina to squeal.

'Oh my god! I knew it!' She squealed and I put the photo back on top of the bedside drawer.

'So you like him?' Lucy asked, warily.

'What happened after?' Zoe pryed.

I wasn't about to tell them he'd stayed in my room as I knew they'd make a big deal out of it. And they would assume it wasn't innocent, like it was and had been every time we had shared a bed together. 'Nothing. I don't know what to do and I don't know where we stand.' I replied, most of it being true. 'I'm just not sure having a boyfriend is a good idea, you know?'

'Because of Marcus?' Tina said and Lucy looked down, knowing it wasn't just Marcus that had influenced my decision. 'Not all guys are heartbreakers and Seb seems like a good guy. Hold onto him.'

'But what if it ruins my friendship with him?'

'Sometimes we just have to take risks.' Lucy said with a small, reassuring smile. 'It worked for Nate and I.'

Oslo's Children's Home for Girls was a fifteen minute drive from the palace, across the city and by the water. The cream building with brown painted frames around the windows was on the corner of a quiet street, with a park opposite and flowerbeds lining the edge of the building, making it look like a happy and inviting place. Members of the press already waited outside, a large red ribbon across the door, and a group of girls in tea dresses and coats were stood with a few middle-aged women in skirts and smart jackets. Seb sat beside me, looking smart himself in a suit and tie, the perfect prince charming. I felt nervous as the car stopped outside and the driver got out, security already waiting for us on the pavement. It wasn't my event, but I hadn't actually been to an opening or event in over a month and it felt unusual to be doing so, especially in a country I didn't know, where they spoke a language I hardly knew. The car door opened on Seb's side and he got out, the cameras immediately starting to flash as the questions were asked. He turned back to face me, holding out his hand and I took it, getting out after him. Cue even more questions in Norwegian and even some in English, aimed at me. I wanted him to keep my hand in his, but he let go, guiding me with a hand on the small of my back towards where the girls between age four and eleven stood with the people I assumed owned the Home. They curtsied in turn and Seb, charming as always, greeted the workers with a handshake, speaking in Norwegian, and then turning to shake the hand of each and every young girl.

I did the same, starting with the women who clearly worked at the home. 'God morgen , er det en glede å møte deg.'

The blonde woman smiled, a genuine smile. 'Lovely to meet you too, Princess Sky.' She said in response, her accent thick. 'And perfect Norwegian too.'

I laughed softly. 'My Norwegian is getting better but I wouldn't say it was perfect yet.' I replied and a few members of the public and press laughed.

'Princess Sky is a fast learner.' Seb said from beside me and I shot him a grateful smile that he returned. I walked over to the girls, greeting them and shaking their hands, crouching down to their level.

'Oslo har mange prinsesser.' I said to them; Oslo has a lot of princesses.

'Jeg er ikke en ekte prinsesse.' I'm not a real princess, a young girl with spiral curly hair said and she reminded me a little of Liza, as she too had said she wasn't a real princess.

I frowned, holding out my hand for her and she took it. 'You are all princesses. All little girls are. Didn't anybody ever tell you that?'

One of the older girls, shook her head. 'If we were princesses then somebody would want to adopt us.'

It was heartbreaking and it made me feel so sad that they felt so little of themselves. 'Dere er alle vakre.' You are all beautiful, I told them. 'And anybody would be lucky to have you as a daughter.' They didn't look sure and I knew what I needed to say, although my Norwegian wasn't strong enough for it. 'Prince Sebastien, I'd like to say some things to these girls and I'm not sure they all will understand my English, could you please translate for me?'

'Of course.' He gave a small smile and nodded.

I took a deep breath, aware that I was about to lay myself bare for the world, the press, but I didn't care. 'You might not all know this, but I have not always been a princess.' I paused to Seb could translate. 'I only found out I was a princess in September.' I took the hands of the two youngest girls as I spoke. 'Like you, I spent some time in a children's home back in England after my mother died and at the time the King didn't even know he had a daughter.' I fought back the tears in my eyes that often appeared when I spoke about my past. 'I didn't think anyone would ever want to adopt me but then Sally and Simon saw me one day and they decided they wanted me to be their daughter.' I smiled. 'And now I'm lucky because I have four parents to look after me.' I squeezed the hands of the little girls as some of the other children looked at me in surprise, either understanding me or Seb. 'You're all beautiful and brave girls and I have no doubt that one day someone will adopt you.' I stood up and slowly, people started to applaud me, more and more doing so until everything was clapping. I blushed and one of the older girls looked at me, a smile on her face.

'Thank you.' She whispered.

Seb gave a speech about the Children's Home and the wonderful work it did before cutting the ribbon and then we were led inside and given a tour of the building. It was light and fresh with wooden floors, white walls and light rooms thanks to the large windows. They had two reception rooms, one with bookshelves and sofas, one with a large television, computers, and an air hockey table. There were plenty of bedrooms too, each designed for two girls; some had bunk beds and others had twin beds, all with light pink duvets, a desk, a wardrobe and two dressers. Then there was the large dining area with enough tables and chairs for everyone, food laid out that the girls were snacking on.

'Frozen! Elsa!' A young girl said to me, tugging my dress.

I bent down to her level and smiled. 'Do you like Frozen?' She looked at me puzzled and I paused, trying to think of the Norwegian. 'Liker du Frozen?'

'Synge!' She said, sing. 'Let it go, let it go...' Her little voice sang and I smiled. Of course that was the only English she knew. She pulled me off to the reception room, where a few other girls were playing airhockey. 'Let it go, let it go!'

'Elzbieta!' One of the older girls laughed. 'She wants you to sing, your highness. She really likes Frozen and thinks you look like Elsa.'

'Well that's a compliment.' I smiled as the young girl, Elzbieta, pulled me onto the sofa beside her.

'Synge! Synge!' The little girl said again and I laughed.

'Okay.' I said and she smiled; the word was universal. 'The snow glows white on the mountain tonight, Not a footprint to be seen... A kingdom of isolation, And it looks like I'm the queen... The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside...Couldn't keep it in, heaven knows I tried!' The little girl clapped her hands and smiled as I continued to sing. 'Don't let them in, don't let them see, be the good girl you always have to be, Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know...Well, now they know!' A few other girls came and sat by me, some of the floor, some of the sofa and, surprising me, they sang the chorus with me.

'Let it go, let it go

Can't hold it back anymore

Let it go, let it go

Turn away and slam the door!

I don't care

What they're going to say

Let the storm rage on,

The cold never bothered me anyway!'

By the end of the song, we had an audience. Seb stood with some of the workers and members of the press, in the doorway. Photos were being taken and I blushed as the young girls clapped and the youngest one, Elzbieta, wrapped her arms around my neck, a big grin across her face. It had turned out to be a good day.

England.

Zed Benedict looked at the missed calls of Savannah, aware that the area code wasn't in England. Zed unlocked her phone and saw that the location said Norway. Why were Norway calling her? He put down her phone, the iPhone locking onto a selfie of them kissing just a week before hand. She returned to the bedroom wearing just one of his shirts, her frilly pink knickers peeking out underneath as she bent over, probably on purpose. He bit his lip, still wondering why she had four missed calls from Norway.

'Savannah?'

'Yes, babe?' She turned to face him, her eyes attempting to be innocent.

'Why do you have missed calls from Norway?'

'Why were you looking at my phone? Do you not trust me?' She stuck out her bottom lip.

'Of course.' He sighed, getting irritated. 'Are you talking to Sky?'

'No. The royal family keep calling, threatening to sue me or whatever because they think that I told the papers Sky was in Norway.' She rolled her eyes and Zed's heart leapt.

'And did you?'

'Of course not, babe. I've got better things to do than sell stories to the press.' She flicked her hair over her shoulder and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her slim body against his. 'Like keeping busy with you.'