Zed.

I frowned at the newspaper on the living room table in Savannah's parent's mansion. Sky and Prince Sebastien were on the front page, the headline reading 'Match-made in Norway'. They held hands as they walked past Kensington Palace the previous day, smiles on their faces and sunglasses shielding their eyes. Sky looked gorgeous with her curly hair flowing free and she was wearing a flowery dress that fell just above the knees and hugged her figure perfectly, as did her coat. I didn't want to read it. I covered the paper with another and folded my arms as Savannah walked into the room with a beer for me and a cocktail for her. She wiggled her hips when she walked along in her ripped skin-tight jeans and low-cut top and she purposely bent over in front of me, putting the drinks onto the table. The doorbell rang and she frowned, disappearing off.

I took a swig of beer and looked at the off television opposite me, the one that was a similar size to the one my 'rents had.

'I think you've been given some wrong information.' Savannah said from the hallway and I stood up, walking over to join her. After all, I was her boyfriend and sometimes that required kicking ass.

Two guys with light blonde hair stood in the doorway, looking formal in their suits with briefcases and ID badges. I squinted at the crest I didn't recognise.

'Wrong information? Miss, you're who we're looking for so if you'd step aside we'd like to ask you some questions.' Their voices, their accents, reminded me of him and I frowned.

'Can I help you?' I said, irritated.

'And you are?'

'Zed Benedict.' I replied.

The two men looked at each other and then back at me. 'Then you can both come down the station for avoiding our phonecalls. We need to ask you about the newspaper article about the location of her royal highness Princess Sky. I'm sure you're aware just how serious it is that the princess and his royal highness Prince Sebastien are kept safe.'

I looked at Savannah and she visibly shrank, making me wonder if perhaps she had sold the story. And then, just like that, the big self-absorbed front broke down and she started to cry.

'You don't understand.' She sobbed. 'I told the papers because Sky is my friend and I was worried about her just like other people were.'

My heart sank and I held back a growl. How dare Savannah risk Sky's life when the kidnapper were still out there? Because of her, Sky could have been hurt or killed. How dare she share some information that I'd given her in private? What else had she said? 'I can't believe you.' I hissed, feeling angry. 'You'd put someone's life at risk, for what, a few hundred quid?'

'You still loved her... you still love her.' She sniffed, looking at me with hurt eyes. Hurt eyes that I didn't buy. 'I hoped it would keep her out of the way for a while.'

'We've heard enough.' One of the blonde Norwegian dudes said. 'Miss, you're coming with us.' He took her wrists and cuffed them together as she cried, before leading her off to a police car, which was guarded by the kind of cops I recognised.

Distraught and angry, I watched as Savannah was driven away.

'Dude, it's your fault Sky ditched you, remember that.' Nate said in band rehearsals for our UK tour just a few days later. I was glaring at an article about Sky and that stupid prince, an article about their appearance at a movie premiere the previous night. She wore a lilac dress with thin straps and a pouffy skirt that fell above the knees, her hair in a side ponytail and her eyes bright as always, living up to her surname.

'Don't remind me.' I groaned, running a hand through my hair and shoving my phone out of sight. 'Is she coming to our London show?'

'I doubt it.' Zack piped up and I looked at Nate for his response.

'Luce is coming and I know Tina is, but Zoe's at her parent's that weekend.'

'Has anyone asked Sky?' I questionned.

'Dude,' Nate gave me a sympathetic look, 'I don't think she's going to come... she really doesn't like you.'

I walked out, slamming the door behind me in frustration.

Sky.

'Lovely to see you my dear.' My grandfather greeted me with a kiss on my cheek before turning to my boyfriend, who was stood beside me, the day before he was expected to fly back to Norway. 'And who is this fine young man?'

'Grandfather, this is Prince Sebastien of Norway.' I smiled, taking a step back. Of course, my grandfather already knew that. He'd assked me plenty of questions about him and he kept up-to-date by reading the papers.

'An honor to meet you sir.' Seb held his hand out and shook my grandfather's hand.

'A nice firm handshake.' My grandfather commented with a smile. 'Just like your grandfather.'

Seb smiled at the compliment. 'Thank you sir.'

'I'm surprised to see you, I must say. I thought Sky was keeping you away from the family.' My grandfather sat back down in his armchair, across from the sofa we perched ourselves on in the library. He coughed, a nasty cough that made me wince, and he covered his mouth with a tissue.

'I wanted Seb to meet you before he returns to Norway tomorrow.' I explained with a smile.

'It is lovely to meet you at last.' My grandfather tucked his tissue back into his jacket pocket and smiled as tea was poured for us. 'I have heard a lot about you. You are a brave, young man. Without you, we would probably not have our Sky back, so thank you.'

Seb gave a modest smile, his cheeks a little pink. 'It was the least I could do. Your granddaughter means a lot to me.'

I looked over at Seb and he smiled, squeezing my knee. My grandfather smiled back at us, content. 'I am glad to hear that.' He said, softly, before coughing again.

'Are you okay grandfather?' I asked. His cough was nasty and it worried me.

'Of course.' He smiled. 'I'm glad that you are here.' He relaxed in his chair. 'Sky, my dear, would you sing for me?'

He often asked me those days to sing or to play the piano. It seemed to relax him and often he would close his eyes and just listen to the melodies and notes, drifting off to some peaceful place that I was sure was a long way from the palace.

'Of course.'

Seb's flight back home was set to leave early the following day, so I was thankful to be spending his last night curled up at his side, his warmth radiating off of his skin, his heartbeat present in my ear. I couldn't help but notice, however, that he seemed more tense than normal and I was worried if grandfather had worried him; not that it should- we'd spent the day playing chess and talking with him before taking a stroll about the palace gardens together.

'I like your grandfather.' He told me suddenly with a smile and I knew that wasn't the issue. 'He's a lovely man and I'm sure he was a great King.'

'I'm sure he was.' I smiled back. The public had adored him. Most of them still did, even though he was no longer King. I looked at Seb, who had a sad expression on his face that made my heart sink. 'What's wrong?'

His eyes met mine and he sighed. 'I need to tell you something.' I held my breath, waiting for the break-up speech, the speak to say that it wasn't going to work or whatever. But that just wasn't it. 'In my family, it is traditional for male royalty to spend six months in service, working in the Royal Navy...' He paused for a moment. 'I should have told you this when you were in Norway, but it's time I served my country before I become King.'

My heart sank. Six months at sea, six months where I couldn't ensure his safety. 'When?'

'Monday.' His eyes softened.

'Easter Monday?' I blinked. That was just four days away. He gave a sad nod. 'Why didn't you tell me?'

'There never seemed a right time.' He ran his hand through my hair gently. 'I was hoping after what had happened that it could have been delayed, but father does not believe Ezra is a threat to me.'

'But he is to me.'

'I have no doubt that your father will keep you safe whilst I'm gone.' His face was serious but there was hurt there. 'I just wish... I wish I could have gone before I met you, because now I risk losing you... I can't ask you to wait six months for me, Sky.'

My stomach churned. 'You want to break up?'

'Of course not.' He looked taken aback and then he gave a sheepish smile. 'That's the last thing I want... I love you.' The words rolled off his tongue with ease and made me blush. 'But I can't expect you to wait for me. If you want to end things then I completely understand.'

I frowned. 'This is a lot to take in.'

'I know.' He kissed my forehead gently. 'I should have told you sooner. Then I realised earlier, when you were talking to your grandfather, that I was running out of time.'

'What if you get hurt?'

'I won't.' He said with a soft chuckle. 'I have an advantage I suppose.' Yes, superhuman healing powers.

I looked up at him again as his arms tightened around my waist. 'Promise me you'll return to me.'

He gave a small smile as his eyes met mine. 'I promise.'

The awful news that I wasn't going to see or speak to Prince Sebastien, other than the odd letter for six months hung over me like a dark cloud that weekend and I didn't think things could get much worse. Unfortunately, I was wrong. Easter weekend at the palace, with Sally and Simon joining as family members, seemed somewhat relaxed. We visited the service at Westminster on Sunday morning, had a roast diner and then had an Easter Egg hunt and croquet match, even though there were no children around. It had been a joyous occassion, although I had worried about grandfather continuing to cough and he seemed to be getting tired earlier than normal.

Easter Monday, a bank holiday for all, was the annual garden party held for Unicef. The Royal family were expected to be in attendance, as normal, as were other blue bloods, celebrities and those with larger wallets. This year the event was being held in Kensington, in the Roof Gardens, a venue I'd only ever heard rumours about. Lucy's mum and dad were going to the party, so she'd snuck round mine to get ready beforehand, the two of us becoming used to someone doing our hair and make-up for us. Then there were the outfits we had spent the last two weeks gossiping over; Lucy had opted for a white skirt with light blue flowers and a blue silk blouse tucked into it, stilettos on her feet and a white blazer to keep warm. My outfit was equally stylish; a light peach tulle skirt that fell just above the knee, and a cream blouse with pink and peach flowers on it, pearls around my neck and in my ears and nude coloured heels on my feet. It felt nice not wearing a ballgown for once and I was thankful for that; how many ballgowns did one girl need anyway?

We were taken by car with my brother, in a smart navy suit, to the Rooftop Gardens and I wasn't sure what I expected, but it wasn't what I saw. We found ourselves in a paradise above the city, flowers lining the path that led to a small bar in the centre. The Meditarrenean-inspired buildings lined the garden with small balconies and terraces, overlooking the main garden, which was already buzzing with guests in pastels and florals, contrasting with the bright surroundings. Through a secret passage led to the area we would be eating, with grand tables that reminding me of a wedding. Flamingos chilled by a pond and a giant chess set, which guests were already arguing over, champagne in their hands. There was an undercover area with a moroccan theme too, filled with comfy sofas and cushions and lit lanterns, despite being the middle of the day.

'I feel like I've stepped into Wonderland or the Secret Garden.' I said to my best friend and my brother, looking around. My mind drifted to Seb, who was heading off on his ship today. It wouldn't look anything like this where he was.

'It's rather bizarre, isn't it?' My brother commented with a chuckle from beside me. 'In the middle of Kensington and someone has made a garden that looks like it belongs in Italy or Spain.'

'Are the flamingos real?' Lucy blinked.

'Yes.' My brother nodded. 'See, that one has an itchy leg?'

'As long as we're not using them to play croquet.' I commented with a smile.

'I think we've seen enough of you playing croquet, my dear.' My grandfather's voice behind me took me by surprise. He smiled a warm smile and kissed my cheek. 'You look a lot better than your croquet skills.' He chuckled and I blushed.

'Coordination has always been a weakness of smile.' I sighed.

'I look forward to the summer polo match.' Phillip grinned and I elbowed him. 'Well, I suppose we'd better go off and mingle. Royal duties call.'

There were very few people I knew personally at the party, so I stuck with Lucy as she greeted people who knew her dad or her. There were some models I recognised, who greeted Lucy and I like long-lost friends, so we shared polite smalltalk with them, something which I was getting surprisingly good at. I found myself checking my phone every now and then, but I realised it was a habit that I needed to get out of and quickly; Seb wasn't going to be calling me or texting me anytime soon.

'Nate!' Lucy ran off to greet the love of her life, leaving me stood like a lemon. I sipped at the cocktail I was drinking, resisting the urge to pull out the raspberry and munch on it. Lady Clarence was there and I knew she would not have been impressed if I'd stuck my fingers into my drink to fish out a piece of fruit. She'd already glared at me when I'd clinked my glass against Lucy's a little too loudly.

'Sky?' I froze and my shoulders tensed at the familiar voice I didn't want to hear.

I turned around and smiled politely, aware that people were probably watching the Princess to see how she interacted with other people, 'famous' guests included. 'Zed.' I said in formal greeting, holding out my hand. He looked at it, puzzled, but then shook it anyway.

'How are you?' He asked.

'Fine thank you, yourself?'

He looked at me like I'd lost the plot, but then he didn't really know Princess Sky so well these days. 'I'm fine thank you.'

'I heard about Savannah.' I said, the first thing popping into my mind. I had heard. She'd been arrested, questionned and was now facing a hefty fine, community service and she'd been given a restraining order against me. If she'd been eighteen, risking my life could have been treason.

'I'm sorry.' He said, his eyes sympathetic. 'You tried to tell me and I should have listened. You were right.'

'I suppose I was.' I said, evenly, despite feeling angry. 'I never did trust Savannah.'

'And you were right not to.' He frowned. 'I still shouldn't have told her where you were though. That wasn't fair. Neither was how I spoke to you.'

'I completely agree. It was rude and uncalled for.' I folded my arms across my chest, keeping my best pokerface on. Guests would have no idea that I hated Zed and everything he stood for. 'It hurt me a lot.'

'I'm sorry.' He whispered. 'Can we start over?'

I looked at him, warily. 'I'm just not sure that's possible.'

For a few hours, I still felt irritated and my skin prickled from my conversation with Zed, but I knew I had done the right thing. Zed Benedict was fire and it was dangerous playing with him. It was better to keep away and have nothing to do with him. I spent time at the party meeting new people, speaking to the charity ambassadors (except for one third of the members of Seven Minutes in Heaven of course) and tucking into good food. As guests started to leave as the air became cold, I found my grandfather sat on a bench by the pond by himself, looking weary.

'Are you tired grandfather? Because I can take you back to the palace.' I offered, sitting down beside him.

He gave a small smile as he adjusted the tweed jacket I was wearing. 'You're always fussing over me, dear. Don't let me ruin your fun.'

'You're not.' I replied. 'The truth is, I'm not really having fun anymore.'

'You're missing Sebastien.' He stated and I simply nodded. 'Although that other boy, the tall one with the dark hair, seems to be pining for you too.'

'Ew.' I wrinkled my nose and he laughed softly.

'You've come a long way from that girl I first had tea with, the one that vomitted when she found out she was a princess.' He smiled. 'But she's still in there and every now and then she makes an appearance and it brings me such joy. Don't ever lose yourself, will you, Sky Bright? Princess Sky is wonderful and a good role model for girls everywhere, but I love the girl who wears those scruffy shirts and old jeans just as much.'

My eyes felt teary for some reason and I smiled at him. 'Thank you, that means a lot.'

His eyes twinkled, the eyes he'd passed onto my father and then onto my brother and I, but then he started to cough. He didn't get the handkerchief ready in time. Blood splattered out onto his hand and my eyes widened.

'Grandfather?' But he couldn't stop coughing. He kept on coughing, trying to cover it up, trying to blot it with the old handkerchief with the royal crest embroidered onto it, and his face paled. I spotted one of our security guards. 'Help!' I called and he ran over. 'You have to call an ambulance.' And then my grandfather collapsed beside me.

I paced in the hospital with Phillip whilst our father was in talking to the doctor. Tears streamed down my cheeks and some mascara, and blood also, had already stained my perfect spring outfit, a forever reminder of what had happened. Phillip reached out for me and I crumbled as I cried against his shoulder. I knew the cough had been a bad sign. I'd told him to go to a doctor, but why hadn't he? Now he was back in Intensive Care, where he'd been less than a month ago. Father came out, bags under his eyes and his face pale, new wrinkles forming on his creased forehead. He ran a hand through his hair and let out a breath as he looked at us, his two children.

'What is it, father?' Phillip asked, his voice strained.

'Your grandfather has lung cancer.' He said, his voice hoarse. 'I told him all those cigarettes and cigars would be the death of him.'

I sniffed and Phillip tried to soothe me by running a hand through my hair. 'Is he...'

'He's hidden this for over a year.' My father said and I knew he was hurting. 'Not told a soul, other than the doctors who knew of course. He's unconscious and they don't think he's going to wake up. Not this time.'

I felt Phillip shake against me and I knew he too was crying as he held me. 'Can we see him?'

'The doctors say he can still hear, but his breathing is... rattling. It's not a pleasant sound.'

'I want to see him.' My brother said, firmly. 'Sky?'

'Me too.' I managed to get out.

It was clear that this time he wasn't going to make it. His breath rattled, as my father had said, and it sounded force as his heart rate beeped on the machine. Tubes were in him, a drip attached, and the doctor spoke to my father about finding him a private room to make him comfortable. I sank down in the chair beside my grandfather, looking at his clammy forehead, his almost-grey face and his hands, which were sweaty to touch.

'Grandfather?' Phillip spoke first. 'I really hope you can hear me like the doctors say.' His voice sounded pained and a tear rolled down the cheek of my brother, the one who always seemed so strong. 'I want you to know that you have been the best grandfather I have ever had. I know it sounds cliche and I know you would tell me so, but it's true. You taught me to fence, to play polo, to ride my bike...' His voice shook. 'So many things and one day I hope I can lead this country as well as you did. It's an honor to have a name from you and I will forever hold that piece in my heart.' The tears rolled down his cheeks and he couldn't say anymore, but I don't think he needed to.

Despite the sweat, I took my grandfather's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. 'I've not known you for long. In fact our life together has been so very short, but you've always believed in me and you took me in and treated me like I'd been part of your family for all this time.' Salt from my tears burnt my tongue as I cried. 'Thank you so much grandfather, for all the love and attention, for making me feel like I truly belonged and showing me that I can be a princess.' Phillip gave me a small smile from across the room and I started to sing. 'It's been a long day without you my friend, but I'll tell you all about it when I see you again. We've come a long way, from where we began, oh I'll tell you all about it when I see you again.'

That night, in a private room filled with flowers and his family, The Duke of Edinburgh, Former King Albert II slipped away.

Zed.

'We interrupt this broadcast for some terrible news. Last night, The Duke of Edinburgh and England's former King, Albert II died.' My head shot up to look at the television screen as they showed the note being put up outside the Palace and then there was the statement which had just been released by the Palace online. 'The Duke was suffering from lung cancer, but kept this from his family and country not wanting to cause concern. He was taken ill at Unicef's annual Garden Party yesterday afternoon and was taken to the Royal Wing at Alexandra Hospital. Unfortunately, there was little the doctors could do and he passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. The Royal family have asked that their privacy be respected in this very difficult time.'

I turned off the television as a shot showed flowers being placed outside of the palace. My heart sank as I thought of poor Sky. She'd been with him at the garden party, I'd seen them talking, just moments before the ambulance had turned up. Had he shared his last words with her? The thought was heartbreaking and my heart ached for her.

Sky?

I tried to contact her but she didn't reply and I wasn't surprised. I was sure she must be broken. She'd spoken a lot of that man and they'd spent a lot of time together since he had met with her and told her the truth. I'd never met him, but he'd always seemed a nice guy. Trusting, loyal, kind, caring. Like he saw the good in everyone. I wondered if Prince Sebastien was going to leave the navy and fly over to comfort her. Was he allowed to do that? Probably not.

Sky.

I felt numb. Just a week and a half before my seventeenth birthday, my grandfather, my one and only grandfather, had passed away from the disease that killed so many people every single day. I'd been sick. I'd cried a lot. I'd probably lost weight from lack of appetite and I knew from Hannah's concerned face that I looked awful as I refused to leave the bedroom in the palace. Lucy had been to visit, giving my family some flowers, and she'd tried to cheer me up by talking about the 50s birthday party I'd planned for my closest friends. But that just didn't matter anymore. I didn't want a party. I didn't want to do anything.

Father, Phillip and Roseanna looked just as tired, but they kept busy by putting their efforts into the Royal funeral. It was going to be held at Westminster Abbey, as all Royal weddings and funerals were, but there was still so much to arrange. Guests had to be invited, the press had to be informed, outfits had to be ordered, as did flowers and coffins. They seemed to move like clockwork and I only saw them at dinner time, when no one exchanged a single word.

My friends returned to school the following Monday, the Easter holidays over with for another year, but I stayed at the palace, preparing myself for Tuesday's funeral. When I woke on the dreaded day, the black skater dress and cardigan hung on my wardrobe, almost taunting me. Despite Hannah and Clara's best efforts, I got dressed in silence, letting them brush my hair and apply some waterproof make-up. They slipped a black alice band into my hair and I slipped my feet into my court shoes, wordlessly, realising I hadn't really spoken to anybody in days. Then it was time to go. I met my family, out in the courtyard and we stood as the gun carriage approached, my grandfather's coffin and a union jack flag and wreath of white flowers on top. The black horses halted and the soldiers took their position in front of and behind the carriage. The black car for the family pulled up and we all got inside, wordlessly. Phillip took my hand, holding it gently, for his own benefit and for mine too.

The journey to Westminster took longer than I wanted and my stomach churned, my eyes watering, as hundreds of people lined the streets, paying their respects. They held flags, not waving them, and their heads hung, those wearing hats had taken them off as we passed. When we arrived at Westminster Abbey, we headed inside as the coffin was closely guarded, and flowers led the way inside, lining the steps. I followed my father and the Queen inside, mutely, and they gave false smiles as they greeted the guests who had come to pay their respects. I spotted, to my surprise, King Aleksander and Queen Elena, and they gave a small smile before bowing their heads. Lolly was there too and she hurried over, breaking all the rules by pulling me into a hug. She didn't say anything, but she didn't need to. She smoothed my hair and held me tight, before pulling away. Then I saw him...

Prince Sebastien stood in his navy uniform, already a medal on his chest. He lowered his hat when he saw me, his eyes filled with worry and concern and his aura matching that. I hurried over to him, this time breaking the rules myself as he held me tight, letting me sob all over his smart, new jacket. He placed a kiss on top of my head and simply whispered, 'I'm so sorry Sky.'

Grandfather would have loved the grand and traditional funeral right down to the flowers, which were his favourite. The eulogies were good, the songs were about loving life and celebrating it and then there was the part I had to play. Two thousand people sat, waiting, as I walked to the piano at the front of the room, the heels of my shoes echoing in the grand Abbey. I sat down, nerves and emotion overwhelming me and I took a few deep breaths. Seb gave me a reassuring smile from his pew and I knew I had to do it.

'My grandfather always asked me to sing for him.' I managed to say into the microphone. 'Grandfather, I hope you're listening because this one is for you.' I played the opening notes and closed my eyes, imagining the man with the deep blue eyes and laughter lines was sat watching me. 'Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high

There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby

Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue

And the dreams that you dare to dream,

Really do come true.'

I thought of my nerves the first time we'd met. I thought of his kind eyes and kind smiles as he cleaned up the vomit I'd got everywhere after finding out I was a princess.

'Someday I'll wish upon a star

And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.

Where troubles melt like lemon drops,

High above the chimney tops,

That's where you'll find me.'

I thought of his smiles and his relaxed expression whenever I had sang or when we had played chess together.

'Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly

Birds fly over the rainbow

Why then, oh why can't I?

If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow

Why, oh why can't I?'

A tear rolled down my cheek as I finished, my mind slipping back to his last words, the words he had spoken to me. And then, as I thought of the short time we'd had together, I wept for all of those years I had lost.

The wake was a small gathering at the palace and not all of the guests from Westminster Abbey were invited, which I was thankful for. Lots of them were just faces to me, faces in a crowd who I didn't know. They'd been kind, though, and had told me my granddad would be proud after the funeral had been carried out, ready to join the other kings and queens from the past in their tomb. I'd said my final goodbye to the coffin, my hand placed on it as I thanked my grandfather for everything, as I had done in the hospital before he'd taken his last breath. Then the guests had queued to pay their respects to my family before we returned to our palace. I didn't join everyone in the ballroom. Instead, I found myself in the library, sat down looking at the chess set I had played on with my grandfather, as the grief overwhelmed me.

'Oh, Sky.' Seb whispered, appearing beside me and pulling me close to him.

'You're supposed to be on a boat.' I mumbled into his chest and he let out a soft chuckle.

'I am, you're right. But I had to be here for you.' He kissed my forehead gently.

'When do you have to go back?' I looked at him and his eyes looked sad.

'Tonight.' He said. 'I'm so sorry. They would only let me come for the day.'

'It's okay.' I replied, but really it wasn't. I needed him, but unfortunately his country and service had to come first.

I went back to school on Thursday. I wasn't ready to do so, but I needed to be busy and sitting around in the palace where there were so many memories was just too much. My father and brother had thrown themselves back into work too, my father flying off to France for some meeting with the EU and my brother heading up to Scotland for some events I couldn't remember the subject of. My classmates gave me concerned looks and offered their condolences as I moved from class-to-class, before spending the evenings stuck in the library. On Friday night, when I was sent out of the library at closing time, the girls intervened.

'Sky you can't go on like this.' Lucy said, her face and voice filled with concern.

'It's hard and we totally get that. We want to be there for you but you're just hiding out and pushing us away.' Tina added, squeezing my arm.

I grabbed my pyjamas from my dresser and fiddled with them. 'I'm just keeping busy.'

'You're going to make yourself ill.' Lucy frowned. 'You need to give yourself time, stop over-working it.'

'And it would be nice to do something for your birthday, wouldn't it?' Zoe offered.

'I don't want to celebrate tomorrow.' I told them. 'Or at all. I'd rather just get my studying done.'

The girls looked at each other, a worried expression on their faces. 'You've already missed Zed's party.' Tina told me. 'Don't miss your own.'

'I didn't want to go to Zed's anyway.'

'I totally get that.' Lucy said. 'But this is your birthday. Your granddad would want you to enjoy it.'

'You don't know what he'd want.' I snapped and I stormed out.

I spent the night in my apartment in Kensington, alone, and when I woke up after another patchy night of sleep, it was my birthday and the day of the party I was no longer having. I didn't feel any different at seventten. I still felt sick. I grabbed a baggy jumper, throwing it on over my pyjamas and I walked out into the apartment, freezing when I reached the landing. There were balloons in the living room and Sally and Simon were sat there, with Phillip and Roseanna, watching something absurd on the television.

'Happy Birthday!' They chorused when I walked into the room. I spotted presents lying about and I frowned.

'Turn that frown upside-down sunshine, it's your birthday!' My brother smiled but I just glared. 'Come on Sky, we're trying here.'

'I know it's hard sweetie, but it's your special day.' Sally piped up.

'It doesn't feel very special.'

'I think you should look at this first.' Phillip handed me a letter and I recognised the handwriting instantly; it was grandfather's. 'There was this and some presents for you left in his room at the palace.' He gave a small smile. 'There was a letter for me too.'

I turned the letter over in my hand, before leaving the room and returning to my bedroom for privacy. I sat down on the bed and opened the envelope carefully, not wanting to tear his writing. I picked up the letter and held back the tears as I started to read it.

My dear Sky,

I write this letter incase I am not around on your seventeenth birthday as I would like to be. I know you have a special day planned with your family and friends and I want you to continue with that, whatever should happen.

When your father had that affair all those years ago, I was furious with him. Elena was a wonderful Queen and a kind-hearted person and I could not believe that your father would risk losing her. His love for your mother was clear, but I was still very angry for what he had done. That was until I found out that your mother had had a daughter, one that your mother had tried to keep hidden because she was afraid of what would happen to you. I knew in that moment that, even if your father did not want to, I would keep searching for you until I found you. So I hired private investigators and searched for years until I found you, knowing that I needed to before I died. I've known about the cancer for a long time now, a year to be precise, and I knew that the doctors were unable to help. It was too far spread. I didn't want to worry any of you or cause you any burder, so I kept it hidden and I hoped that we'd meet before I passed. Thankfully, we did and it has been an honor getting to know you.

I never thought I would say I am glad for my son's mistake but I am, because it has given our family you. I know you were afraid at first, we all were, but you rose to the challenge and were willing to face your fears. Even when you were kidnapped and I was afraid I'd lost my only granddaughter, you returned here with such grace and lived your life as if you were not afraid. Sky, you are fearless. You are strong, beautiful, intelligent. Do not let anybody tell you any different. Our country is lucky to have you and although you won't be Queen of England, you'll be a wonderful leader one day as England's princess.

Promise me that whatever happens, you'll be happy and keep living life to the full because it's too short my dear.

And if I'm not there for your birthday, please forgive me and please go to your party anyway because otherwise you won't be able to wear your gifts!

All my love, always,

Grandfather Albert xx

I wiped my tears as I put down the page, careful not to stain it with tears. He was right. I'd shown I was strong and brave and now I needed to show it. He wouldn't want me like this. He'd want me happy, a leader. I took a deep breath and walked back into the living room, where my two families, now including my father, were sat waiting, patiently. Despite my attitude, they didn't seem bothered and they all smiled when I walked in. I sat down and opened the presents my grandfather had wrapped perfectly for me and my heart fluttered as I did so. Inside the first box was a beautiful blue strapless dress with huge net skirt made up of ruffled lace layers. The note inside made me smile. For a perfect princess, a dress from the 1950s worn by my princess, your grandmother. The dress was perfectly vintage and beautiful and it made my insides warm. There were little white lacey gloves with it too and my father looked surprised.

'That dress was my mothers.' He said. I nodded and he smiled. 'It will look lovely on you.' I smiled back at my father, relaxing with his approval as I opened the next present, which was by far the grandest; a diamond necklace with pear-shaped aquamarines in a delicate box. It was heavy, proving it was real. I swallowed; It will match your tiara perfectly. Time to start a new tradition for our new princess.

A tear rolled down my cheek, except this time I don't think it was sadness. More joy, perhaps. I looked over at my brother and he gave me his lopsided smile that Tina loved too much. 'Phil?'

'Yes?'

'Can you call my friends? I think there's a party that needs to be finalised.'