'Good morning Sky.' The Queen's voice took me by surprise as I carefully brushed my hair, despite Hannah's best efforts to do it for me. I hated people doing things for me, especially when I was perfectly capable. Besides, there was nothing worse than having your hair brushed when it was knotty. Ouch.

'Good morning.' I replied and Hannah curtsied, excusing herself. I turned in my chair to face my father's wife, her familiar warm smile on her face.

'I feel like I've not seen you in a few days.' She sat down on the chaise longe. 'How are you?'

'I'm getting there.' I smiled. It had been four weeks since my operation and my walking had returned pretty much to normal. I'd even gone riding in the paddock a few times, with some assistance getting on and off the horse. The doctor had also been pleased with how my stitches had been healing.

'Good.' She smiled, reaching for my knee and giving it a gentle squeeze. 'What are your plans for today?'

It was a Monday and it was raining outside, which meant definitely no riding or walks around the gardens and I was waiting for Zed to drop by with more school work as I'd done it all. 'I'm not sure.'

'I wondered if you'd like to help me with the planning for the ball next Saturday?'

I'd completely forgotten about the ball. It hadn't been mentionned for weeks, since way before the operation and possibly even before my grandfather died. The annual ball was held at the palace to signal the start of Summer as it did every year. Royals and nobles from around the globe were invited and it was expected to be very important. I swallowed. I'd been to lots of other events, sure, but this one was even grander than the usual. And it required meeting more people, more important rulers.

'Is it not already planned?' I asked.

She gave a small nod. 'The big details yes and the invites and RSVPs have started to be returned.' She paused. 'Actually I wondered if perhaps you wanted to invite some friends to keep you company as Princess Laura and her family are unable to attend due to other commitments.'

My face fell. I hadn't seen Lolly in a long time and I hoped to be seeing her soon. But then maybe it was a good thing. My heart ached when I thought of Seb and I wondered constantly if he was thinking of me, what he was doing. Six months of service was going to be long and very painful and so far only two months had passed. 'Maybe it would be nice to have some friends there.' I decided. Some friendly faces.

'Wonderful.' She smiled. 'Perhaps your friend Lucy and her boyfriend, Nate, is it? And then maybe Zed. We do owe him a lot and he saved your life.'

I nodded and gave a small smile. I did owe Zed my life. Not that anyone knew that. 'I'll give them all a call.'

'I'll have invites sent over to school this afternoon.' Queen Roseanna said. 'And I'll add a little message inviting them to stay in the guest rooms here afterwards. Might as well make use of them now that they've been rennovated.' I simply nodded. 'So would you like to help me with preparations? I could do with an extra hand to help me pick flowers, centerpieces and food. Your father is very busy these next few weeks.'

I looked at the woman who treated me like a daughter these days, even though I was the result of her husband having an affair. She smiled at me warmly and lovingly, her gentle hands helping me to my feet. Queen Roseanna was a true Queen; beautiful, kind, caring and honest. More than that, she was forgiving. She had forgiven my father and, in ways, by taking me under her wing, she had forgiven my mother too. 'I'd love to help.'

The next week was spent keeping busy with organising the ball alongside the Queen, visits from Sally and Simon and schoolwork as I completed the last assignments due before the upcoming week off in just a week's time. Half-term started the day of the ball, so naturally my friends had RSVPed with a yes, claiming it was a good chance to celebrate the end of the second-to-last half-term before summer and before the new school year. It also fell just before the Seven Minutes in Heaven headline tour, so the boys were going to be 'checking out' of their guest rooms on the Sunday and practically heading straight to Manchester for the first show that evening. They were going to have a very busy half-term break. I was confirming flowers with the florist the Wednesday before the ball when Zed turned up spontaneously, taking me by surprise. He came in his usual attire; skinny jeans and a black-tshirt and hoodie, rucsack slung over his shoulder and his guitar too. He looked tired and I sent off Hannah to make us some tea and bring us some food straight away.

'What are you doing here?' I asked him, surprised, as I ticked off the flower order, signing my name to show that I had seen it. I nibbled on my pencil as he sank down into the sofa beside me.

'I've got all of your graded papers.' He said with a smile. He unzipped his rucsack and passed over two thick brown envelopes. 'They were going to post them but I said I'd bring them here. Guess school trusts me nowadays. It's a weird feeling, not worrying that you're going to get kicked out.'

I raised my eyebrows. 'So no more getting caught smoking on campus?'

'I quit.' I looked at him in surprise and he shrugged. 'You were always saying you hated the smell.'

'You quit smoking because I didn't like the smell?' My voice was wary as I put down the clipboard and the flower order.

He shrugged again. 'Well my mum is happier and I guess it'll stop me getting all kinds of sickness when I'm older.' But he'd quit because of me? Wasn't that a little weird? He glanced at the order I'd put on the table. 'That's a lot of flowers.'

'We have to fill the ballroom.' I reminded him with a small smile. 'Centre pieces, decorations on the banisters and so on.'

'Rather you than me.' He gave me a lopsided smile. 'Has the Queen got you working hard?'

'She's kept me busy.' I replied, stretching. 'It's okay though, it's nice to be useful and I've actually learnt quite a lot about planning Royal parties. I suppose it'll come in handy one day.' He looked away, a distant look on his face, his smile gone. 'Are you looking forward to tour?' I changed the subject and he gave a small smile.

'Yeah it should be good if it all goes to plan.'

'I'm sure it will.'

'We've been learning a new song I wrote and I'm still not sure about it. The label wants us to play it but I don't know...' He trailed off as Hannah entered the room with tea, water and some homemade pizza and salad. Yum. 'Thank you.' Zed said at the same time as me and Hannah curtsied before leaving again.

'Can I hear it?'

'What?'

'Your new song.' I gave him what I hoped was a reassuring smile and he sucked in a deep breath, his confident persona gone and a nervous look on his face.

'Okay but please give me your honest opinion.' He grabbed his guitar case, unzipped it and carefully pulled out his guitar. He pulled it across his lap and bit his lip, thoughtfully, whilst he checked that it was in-tune. Then he started to strum and started to sing, his eyes closed as he concentrated and put emotion into the song. 'I thought that I'd been hurt before

But no one's ever left me quite this sore

Your words cut deeper than a knife

Now I need someone to breathe me back to life

Got a feeling that I'm going under

But I know that I'll make it out alive

If I quit calling you my lover

Move on

You watch me bleed until I can't breathe

Shaking, falling onto my knees

And now that I'm without your kisses

I'll be needing stitches

Tripping over myself

Aching, begging you to come help

And now that I'm without your kisses

I'll be needing stitches.'

The song was a heartfelt one, filled with emotion and it made me feel uneasy. It wasn't about me, was it? He finished the song and I gave a shy smile as he relaxed his arms, the scar on his bicep poking out of the sleeve of his t-shirt. 'Well?'

'It was good.' I told him. 'Really good. The fans will love it.'

He bit his lip. 'It's about Savannah.' I relaxed. 'She messed me about so many times, you know? I don't know why I kept going back to her. But it's well and truly over. It'll never happen again. I can't believe I wasted so much time on her.'

It was weird hearing Zed talk about his love-life. We'd spoken about a lot of different things over the last few weeks; friends, families, television programmes, interests, aspirations. Not once had our love-lives come up and it felt weird, possibly because Zed was an ex of sorts. Not an ex-boyfriend, we'd not been official, but an ex-date perhaps? 'We all make mistakes.' I told him, unsure of what else to say. 'And Sally always told me you had to kiss a few frogs before you found your soulmate.'

His eyes flicked up to meet mine, his expression intense. I swallowed and glanced away as he spoke. 'I suppose you're right.'

'But yeah,' I changed back the subject, 'you should totally play that song.'

He gave a small smile as I looked back at him. 'Are you coming to our London concert next Saturday?'

I'd not even thought about it since Lucy had invited me weeks ago. She had two passes for the front row and backstage. Much to the annoyance of the band's manager, who still didn't like the fact that Nate had a girlfriend. 'I don't know.' I replied, honestly and he looked disappointed.

'Really? I'd like you there.'

I glanced down at my hands in my lap, at my nails that desperately needed a manicure before the ball on Saturday. 'I'll let you know.'

Dear Sky,

Words cannot describe how much I miss you right now and how awful I feel that I cannot be beside you to watch you recover. I wish I was attending your family's Summer Ball too and that I was there beside you, to dance with you and hold you close.

I feel sometimes that I am holding you back, stopping you from being with a suitor who is not so far away, one who is able to join you for events and hold you close when you cry. I'm sorry for that. The guilt is consuming but I'm simply too selfish to let you go. You mean too much to me and I couldn't let you go, not like Zed did.

I hope the next four months hurry up so I can see your beautiful face,

Seb xxx

I put the letter down after reading it for the third time. My heart ached and tears brimmed in my eyes as Clara and Hannah moved around my bedroom, tidying it. They were fussing. They'd been fussing all week because a reporter was coming in to talk to me before my first public 'outing' as such at the ball that evening. I'd been tucked away, hidden, since my grandfather had died and a lot had happened since then. Nina would be sat with me the whole time, passing any questions that weren't suitable, but I still felt nervous. I knew they'd ask what happened with Ezra. It had gone to the press that he'd attacked me and it had also gone to press that Zed Benedict, lead singer of Seven Minutes in Heaven, had jumped in front of a gun for me. It wasn't quite true, but the palace had confirmed that he had bravely saved me. My father was still considering making him a 'sir', which was a change of heart.

'Your highness, thank you so much for allowing me to see you today.' The young female reporter from Cosmo Girl magazine greeted me with a handshake. She looked only a few years older than me and looked stylish in a dress I recognised from the Zara catalogue. She followed Nina's direction, seating herself in the sofa across from me. It was weird having a reporter in my room, but the palace was buzzing in preparation for the ball, so most of the other rooms were in use or at least being cleaned and tidied. Hannah and Clara curtsied and excused themselves as Nina explained the ground rules for the interview. I subtly wiped my clammy hands on my black knee-length skirt.

'I want you not to worry.' Anna, the reporter, said with a friendly smile. 'We're all friends here and if you're not comfortable with any questions then just say 'pass.'' She pulled out a dictaphone and sipped at the tea Nina had poured her as I crossed my ankles, the ladylike way to sit that I had been taught by Lady Clarence many months ago.

'Okay.' I smiled, hoping my nervousness didn't show. The sooner the interview was over, the sooner I could help the Queen prepare the ballroom and then Lucy would arrive and we could get ready for the ball together.

'How are you settling into life as a princess? You seem to be more confident now then you were back in September.'

'I am. I know what's expected and I'm confident with my role now and I'm starting to realise that I can make a difference.' I replied.

She nodded, sitting up in her seat. 'And what sort of things are you expected to do as a Princess? I'm guessing it's not like a Disney film.'

'If only.' I laughed. 'Singing to animals to help tidy your room would be great, but in real life princesses plan events, fundraise, work alongside charities, attend public events and openings and we have to support the King and Queen of course.'

'What's your favourite part about being a princess?'

'I know it sounds cliche, but it's helping people and trying to make a difference. Also, you meet a lot of incredible and inspirational people, which is fantastic.'

'What's your favourite outfit you've ever worn?'

The interview continued with easy questions and I felt relaxed, but I should have known that it wouldn't last. The mood soon changed and I had to really think about what I was saying.

'You've had a tough time recently after the loss of your grandfather. What have you learnt from him?'

I bit my lip before replying. 'I learnt that it's important to be yourself. That as long as you are true to yourself, you are beautiful inside and out and you can achieve anything. Even before I learnt to be a princess, he gave me a chance. He took his time to get to know me and never tried to change that.'

She nodded and gave a small smile of understanding. 'And then unfortunately your kidnapper came and attacked you when you were staying with friends in Wales at the beginning of the month. That must have been terrifying.'

I sucked in a deep breath. 'It was, but all I wanted was to protect my family and my friends. I would risk my life for them if I needed to.'

'But Seven Minutes in Heaven singer Zed Benedict did just that for you. Risked his life and was shot protecting you.'

'Zed is a fantastic friend and I'll forever be in his debt.' I replied.

'But you're just friends?'

'Of course.' I gave a small smile. 'Zed's very much single and of course I'm spoken for with my own prince charming.' My smile widened when I thought of Seb.

I didn't like the look that Anna gave me at that point, because I really wasn't sure that she believed me.

The ballroom was busy with people carrying flowers, food, tables and chairs ready for the ball. Musicians carried their instruments as chandeliers were cleaned and I spotted Roseanna talking to a group of people in suits, a clipboard in her hand. She waved and smiled when she saw me and I walked over, curtsying as we were in public.

'Sorry I'm late, your majesty.' I apologised.

'It's okay. How was your interview?' She asked as some of the flowers I had ordered were carried past us in a vase.

'It was okay.' I replied, trying not to shrug as I would have done if we were in private. 'What can I do to help?'

'To be honest Sky, everything is sorted really.' She signalled around as table cloths were sorted and centerpieces were put in the middle of them. 'Unless you'd like to check that there were no last minute RSVPs?'

'Sure.'

I spent the afternoon distracting myself with small details that needed sorting, even helping decorate the banisters of the grand entrance staircase with flowers, and soon the ballroom looked perfect, ready for summer. Queen Roseanna left to get ready and I did the same, finding my best friend already in my room when I got there. Despite the fact she was having a facial, I pulled her into a hug. 'I've missed you!'

'And I've missed you!' She replied with a laugh. 'Even if it's only been a few days.'

'I'm used to seeing you everyday though.' I reminded her. 'I cannot wait to come back to school after half-term.'

'Did your dad okay it?'

'He had to.' I replied as I was ushered to my seat and my hair was tied back. 'Ezra's locked up.' I shuddered. 'I should be safe now.'

She gave a sympathetic smile. 'When's the court hearing?'

'Two weeks today.' I swallowed the bile rising in my throat. 'I'm dreading facing him again.'

'But then it will all be over.'

I sighed. 'I hope so.'

Even though I'd been given my 'princess' makeover many times now, for various events, I still found it relaxing. We were given facials and all blotchiness and skin imperfections magically seemed to vanish. Manicures and pedicures were given and then there was the less-comfortable waxing of legs and eyebrows. Either way, it always felt like I was being transformed into Princess Sky, not just the Sky Bright that had been wearing jeans an awful lot whilst recovering from an appendix operation. My make-up was applied the same as always and the front sections of my hair was pinned back into a half-updo, before being coated with enough hairspray to hold it in place. Then we had some food and I put on the dress, making me want to change my answer for the reporter; this was quite possibly my new favourite outfit. My light pink dress was off-the-shoulder with lace cap-sleeves and a tight lace bodice, which was done up like a corset at the back. It fell out in a long light pink tulle skirt at the waist, applying to the "White Tie" dresscode, which also meant I would have to wear a tiara. I put on the family jewels and my silver strappy heels before leaving the bathroom.

'Wow Sky!' Lucy gasped, adjusting the cap sleeves on her mint-coloured dress, which had silver embroidered detail on it across the bodice and the princess-style tulle skirt.

At that moment, before I could even compliment my friend, the Queen walked in, looking ever the leader in a black sparkly ballgown. She looked perfect, especially with her diamond necklace and earrings and her crown atop her head.

'Your majesty.' Lucy said and we both curtsied.

'You both look lovely girls.' Roseanna smiled her familiar, warm smile. She turned to face me. 'Sky, that dress is perfect on you.'

'Thank you.' I blushed, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks. I decided not to mention that I'd placed a dressing and a bandage around my stomach, worried that the material was going to rub against my scar and make it sore.

Roseanna walked over to me, a box in her hand. 'I brought you a gift.'

I looked at the shape of it. 'Another tiara? I just assumed I was going to wear the Princess' Tiara.'

'Your father and I thought it was time you had your own tiara.' She replied and she laughed at the shocked expression on my face. 'It's lovely to have heirlooms, Sky, but every member of the royal family has their own jewels too.' She opened the box and I gasped. The tiara was silver and made up of perfect diamond flowers and leaves intertwined. It was like nothing I'd ever seen before.

'It's beautiful.' I whispered as I looked at it in awe.

She smiled and placed the box down on my dresser, carefully removing the tiara. 'It should be. It's worth millions.'

I swallowed. 'Yet you want me to have it?'

'Princess Sky, it was made for you. Exclusively.' She laughed and she carefully placed it on my head, careful not to mess up my hair. It felt surprisingly light considering how much it was worth. 'Much better.'

I turned my head to look in the mirror at the extravagant headwear. It suited me and it really did look lovely. The diamonds sparkled, reflecting the light in the room as Lucy smiled proudly behind me. 'Thank you.'

'You're very welcome.' Roseanna smiled. 'Now are you girls nearly ready? The guests have started to arrive and you'll need to head down there soon Lucy.'

'Okay.' My friend nodded with an excited smile.

'I'll see you in a minute.' Roseanna kissed my cheek and then she was gone, leaving me still in awe of the tiara on my head.

'I hope that thing's insured.' Lucy joked from behind me. 'Hey, maybe it'll end up in the Tower of London.'

I simply just blinked, hoping that my clumsiness wasn't going to cause anything to happen to the most expensive thing I'd ever owned. Or that anyone had probably owned.

'Looking good sis.' Phillip greeted me at the top of the stairs as we were announced and I tried not to roll my eyes as he shot me a cheeky smile.

'Brushing up well yourself.' I replied as I took his arm and he led me down the stairs, something we'd done many times before.

'I don't think I'm the only one who thinks so.' He teased and I blushed as I released a lot of young men were watching me, some whispering and some simply just staring.

'Maybe I have something in my teeth?'

'Maybe it's the fancy new jewels.' He led me to the side where we waited as the King and Queen were announced. They walked down the stairs, my father looking smart in his service uniform and sash, matching my brother, and the Queen looking glamorous in her black dress. They greeted each of us with a kiss on the cheek after we curtsied/bowed as protocal and then the music started.

'The tiara suits you perfectly, darling.' My father told me, holding his hand out for me. 'Will you do your father the honor of the first dance?' The string orchestra made me feel nervous and instantly reminded me of my time in Capri. But everyone was looking our way and I couldn't turn down a dance from my father, the King could I?

'Of course.' I said, formally, and he led me to the middle of the crowd as my brother did the same to his mother. I didn't recognise the song but it was slow and it was simple as my father moved me around the floor in a simple waltz, with me counting in my head because I was terribly out of practice.

Thankfully, the song soon ended and with a curtsy from me and I bow from my father, we headed off in different directions to enjoy the Summer ball. My friends were easy to spot. Nate stood with his arm around Lucy, whispering something to her that was making her laugh and Zed was already looking my way, a lopsided smile on his face. I walked over to them and held back a laugh when they bowed/curtsied at me, formal protocal in place.

'Your highness.' Lucy said, stifling a laugh and I bit my lip to hold back a laugh too.

'I must say your highness, you are looking as beautiful as ever.' Zed said, his voice even and smooth.

I swallowed as my cheeks flushed. 'Thank you.' I wanted to tell him he looked good too, but I decided it wasn't appropriate. Even if he did look sexy in a white shirt, white waistcoat, white bow tie and tailcoats (standard White Tie). Like a young James Bond but hotter. And I was definitely feeling shaken, not stirred. I mentally slapped myself and thought of Seb when he'd dressed for White Tie events before. He'd looked damn good too.

Nate and Lucy raised their eyebrows, but didn't say anything.

'Champagne?' A waitress approached us and I was thankful to take a glass of champagne, as did my friends.

'So do you have to mingle this evening?' Lucy asked, her eyes flicking around the room.

I nodded. 'I'm thinking maybe if I do it now and get it over with then we can all have some fun?'

'Sounds like a good idea.'

'Your highness, looking radiant this evening.' Marcus' voice caught me by surprise and he bowed beside me as Zed gave him an irritated once-over.

'Hello Marcus.' I smiled.

'How are you?' It was sympathetic-sounding and I didn't like it, but I had a feeling I was going to experience a lot of that that evening.

'I'm fine thank you.' I replied, trying to be calm.

'I'll have to get back to your driving lessons now you're better.' He smiled and I simply just nodded as Lady Clarence appeared. She curtsied and I groaned, inwardly.

'Your highness, you look lovely this evening.' She told me, formally and I faked a smile.

'As do you, Lady Clarence.' I replied. 'Do you remember my friends, Lucy, Nate and Zed?'

'Of course.'

Thankfully, I mingled enough in the first hour to keep away from any nobles, Royals and wealthy men and women for a while, which was a relief. I looked around for my friends and smiled when I saw Nate and Lucy dancing together, happiness etched on their faces. I sighed, feeling a little envious.

'They're sickeningly adorable aren't they?' Zed's voice caught me by surprise and I looked at him, stood beside me.

'They are.' I agreed. 'But I'm very happy for them.'

'Me too.' He nodded. 'How did mingling go?'

'Ah, you know, polite formalities.' I wrinkled my nose. 'You have to remember so much about people that it makes your head hurt. The Primeminister's dog has recovered from his broken leg you'll be happy to know.'

He let out a soft chuckle. 'I was wondering how Bertie was getting on.'

'You mean Bruno.' I corrected and he laughed again. 'Have you been keeping busy?'

He nodded. 'There's a few girls here who recognised Nate and I because they're fans so they wanted me to pose for selfies with them.' He smirked and I elbowed him, unladylike. 'And then there are the people that wanted to praise my bravery and thank me for saving you.' He gave a small smile and he fiddled with his bow tie. 'Bloody hell it's hot in here.'

'Language.' I said as an elderly woman passed us, her eyebrows raised. 'You're stood with the princess.'

'Can't forget it with that crown on your head.' He teased.

I caught one of the security guards as he passed. 'Malcolm, could you please have the air con turned up in here? It's getting rather hot.'

'Of course your highness.' He smiled and he bowed before disappearing through the guests.

'Thanks.' Zed nodded. He grabbed two champagne flutes from a passing waitress and passed one to me.

'Are you trying to get me drunk, Mr Benedict? Because I'm pretty sure that's treason.' I smirked and he grinned back, clinking his glass against mine. 'Don't let Lady Clarence see you do that. She has a strict no-clinking policy.'

He wrinkled his nose. 'Being royalty sounds so boring.'

'It has its perks sometimes.' I signalled to the dress and the tiara and smiled. 'Endless supply of fabulous clothes.'

'They're nice and all but I still like it when you're in a sundress and converse.' He sipped at his drink as his eyes bored into mine and the song changed. I sucked in a deep breath as I recognised the tune to See you again and I bit my lip as tears started to brim. 'Hey.' Zed reached out and gave my arm a gentle squeeze as I took a sip of my drink, before putting it down. I had a funny taste in my mouth.

'Sorry.' I apologised, looking downwards as Zed's fingers gently caressed the bare skin of my arm, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

'It's okay to be upset.' He gave me a small smile as I looked back up at him. 'It's a song that means a lot to you.'

'Am I going to feel like this everytime the song comes on?'

He looked thoughtful for a moment. 'I don't think so.' He paused and held out his hand. 'Dance with me.'

'Zed I-'

'It's not a question.' He gave me a lopsided smile and I rolled my eyes.

'Still using that one, huh?'

'Still works, huh?' He pulled me gently onto the dancefloor and held my hand gently as he placed his free hand on my waist. I moved my free hand to his shoulder and we gently moved in time to the music as my eyes watered, the lyrics filling my mind even though it was an instrumental. Zed twirled me around and I bit my lip, realising I was going to have to concentrate if I wasn't going to fall flat on my face. 'Is this so bad?' Zed whispered as we moved together, our bodies thankfully not pressed against each other.

'I suppose not.' I replied, wishing that my heart wasn't fluttering at the thought of how close he was. I was sure it was because I just missed Seb and longed for closeness. He twirled me around, this time pulling me in closer and my breath caught as I looked up at him. His eyes were looking into mine and I wanted to melt there and then in his arms.

But then the song ended and I pulled away.

I couldn't sleep that night. I tossed and turned in my bed as I cried, my minds drifting bad to my grandfather. I'd worn the jewellery he'd left me and it now sat in its box on my dresser, next to the box containing my tiara. My father had said in my speech that this was my grandfather's favourite event of the year. And I knew he would have loved it. That wasn't the only reason I couldn't sleep, though, I hated to admit. I missed Seb, but worst of all, I'd felt content in Zed's arms as he danced with me and for a minute I'd almost felt safe, relaxed, for the first time in weeks. For the first time since Seb had left. And then there was the way he made my heart flutter. At some point, I drifted off to sleep.

I was running through what looked like the palace gardens at first but then I was in a forest, a woodland. I was being chased. I could hear the footsteps behind me, but I didn't want to look back in case I fell. It was hard running in the big, white ballgown I wore, the one made up of lots of layers. I lifted it as I ran, having lost my shoes a while back, but every now and then I would stumble over the uneven ground, where there were roots of trees or rocks.

I turned my face and then I saw him, his familiar menacing eyes. And I fell.

I woke up startled and I knew I'd screamed because my guards had come inside to check I was okay. I simply nodded, told them it was a bad dream, and they returned to their posts as I ran a hand through my wild blonde curls, wishing my heart rate would slow. I felt sick and scared. Why did this dream constantly haunt me? It had filled my dreams for the last two months, on and off. There was a knock at the door and I tensed, but then I remembered my guards were outside and they wouldn't let just anyone knock.

'Yes?' My voice sounded strangled and I realised I was really thirsty.

The door opened and I saw it was Zed, his hair messy from sleep and in checked pyjama shorts and a black t-shirt. 'Sky? I heard you scream. What's wrong?' His voice was hoarse and I knew I'd woken him up.

'Sorry I woke you. It was just a stupid dream.' I replied. It was the reason why Lucy was in a guest room across the hall and not in my room; I'd not wanted to wake her if I had a nightmare again.

'Do you want to talk about it.' He crossed the room and perched on the end of my bed, giving me just enough distance.

I shook my head. 'It's silly. You should go back to bed.'

'It's not silly if it's shaken you up.' He looked sad and that was when I realised I was crying.

'Oh god, I'm so sorry.' I groaned, wiping away the tears. At least I'd taken off all of my make-up. Zed moved closer to me, so that he was sat beside me, and I held my breath as he reached out, catching a tear, his fingers leaving a burning sensation on my face.

'Sky, talk to me.' He whispered.

'It's nothing... I just keep having the same dream. I'm in a ballgown and I'm running, being chased through a forest and then I fall and that's when I wake up.' I bit my lip and broke eye contact.

'How long have you been having this dream?'

'About two months.'

He sighed and his hand met mine, his thumb stroking the back of my hand as he gently held it. My heart fluttered and I mentally slapped myself. 'Who is chasing you in your dream?'

'I don't know. I thought it was Ezra, but it can't be now, can it?' I bit my lip and frowned.

'No it can't. He's never going to hurt you again.' His voice was soft and somewhat calming. 'Lie down and try to get some sleep.'

'I'm not sure I can. I don't want that dream again.'

'Lie down.' He whispered again. 'I'll stay here until you're asleep.'

I did as he said, laying back down under the covers as he rested his head against the headboard beside me. I turned away from him, feeling stupid and then feeling guilty for waking him up. I let my chest gently rise and fall but a couple more tears escaped, rolling down my cheeks.

'It's just another night

And I'm staring at the moon

I saw a shooting star

And thought of you.' He sang softly, his voice not much above a whisper, but just enough for me to relax my shoulders. 'I sang a lullaby

By the waterside and knew

If you were here,

I'd sing to you.' I closed my eyes and focussed on my breathing as his voice, like liquid velvet, filled my ears. 'You're on the other side

As the skyline splits in two

I'm miles away from seeing you

But I can see the stars

From America

I wonder, do you see them, too?' We weren't touching but it felt like I was wrapped around in the words and I could feel myself drifting off. 'So open your eyes and see

The way our horizons meet

And all of the lights will lead

Into the night with me

And I know these scars will bleed

But both of our hearts believe

All of these stars will guide us home.'

I fell asleep.