As Lucy and I predicted, we were in the papers the following day, under similar headlines to 'Princess spends Seven Minutes in Heaven' and other various headings that made me cringe. They didn't accuse me of anything, though. They said simply that I'd attended the concert with my friend Lucy, who was the girlfriend of Nate from the band. Although there was speculation that, after my Instagram post (thanks Lucy), Seb and I had broken up. Those papers were right of course.

'What happened?!' Tina cried out when Lucy and I returned to the dorm late that Sunday evening. Curfew was approaching quickly but that didn't bother us in the slightest.

'He found someone else.' Lucy wrinkled her nose, filling in the blanks, as I continued to unpack my suitcase. My friend reached up and grabbed the photo of Seb and I from my noticeboard and pulled it down, tucking it away with the other belongings I had of his in the room. I gave her a grateful smile as I hung up the last of my clothes in my wardrobe.

'What?!' Tina and Zoe gasped in unison. Tina reached out and squeezed my shoulder as she added, 'what a douchebag.'

'It happens.' I replied with a sigh.

'But it shouldn't.' Zoe frowned. 'He seemed like such a nice guy.'

'He was, which is probably why he wasn't right for me.' I swallowed as my eyes watered. 'It was too perfect. He was too perfect.'

My friends were silent for a moment as I closed my empty suitcase and slid it under my bed. I glanced up to see them all looking at me, concerned expressions on their faces.

'So what's everyone choosing for P.E this half-term?' I asked. Every year, the final P.E module was always self-chosen, but you had to apply quick because there were only limited places. You could choose from kayaking, horse-riding, rock-climbing, street dance, rugby, contemporary dance or water polo. I already knew that horse-riding was going to be my option. I wasn't sporty at all, but I was pretty good at riding and I'd actually enjoy it.

'Horse-riding alongside you.' Lucy smiled at me.

'Street dance.' Tina replied. 'Did you decide yet Zo?'

'I'm going to do contemporary dance.' She smiled. 'It's far more my thing.'

Sign-up started from 7am the next day and we handed our forms in, with our 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices on them, as soon as the shutter opened before heading to breakfast. It felt weird being back in my school uniform after spending so many days wearing jeans or leggings and baggy tops. But now I was back wearing my plaid skirt, a summer blouse, a tie and over-the-knee-socks with my black ballet pumps, as it was too warm to be wearing tights. I brushed down my skirt, aware that perhaps I had grown because it was a tiny bit shorter than it had been previously. I grabbed a tray and grabbed some orange juice, a teapot of tea for our table and some cereal, before returning to the table I always shared with my friends.

'Sky, you're back!' Nelson said, joyfully as he sat down opposite me. 'How's it going?'

'Alright thanks.' I smiled back at him as I poured myself a cup of tea. 'How are you?'

'Good.' He smiled. 'Six more weeks until summer vay-cay!'

Tina cringed. 'Did you just say vay-cay?'

'He did.' Yves confirmed, joining us at our table. He smiled across at me. 'You look well, Sky.'

'Thanks.' I replied. I sipped my orange juice and tensed when I saw Zed approaching us. 'So six weeks left until you finish school Yves, huh?' I said, trying to stop my heart from doing the fluttery thing it often did when I saw Zed.

'Yeah and then off to Oxford for college.' He smiled, proudly. I wasn't surprised he'd got into Oxford. Zed often referred to Yves, the second-youngest Benedict brother, as a nerd and I knew he was bright. He was top in his year group at our school and was in all the top Core Subject groups, which weren't mixed year classes like the foundation subjects.

'You'll be wearing a robe like Harry Potter.' Nate chuckled from beside Lucy as he spread butter across his third slice of toast.

'Well he does look like him.' Zed said, sitting down across from me. He gave me a friendly smile, one that made his eyes twinkle, as if saying hello. 'Welcome back, Princess.'

'Thanks.' I wondered if he'd seen my change in relationship status, as I'd hidden it to stop the sympathetic comments, and if so, what he thought. I swatted myself mentally for caring what Zed Benedict thought. I scooped some cereal onto my spoon and ate it, knowing I would have preferred some more of Lucy's pancakes. Or the bacon sandwiches we'd cooked the previous morning. Or even the fresh pastries brought to me daily in the palace from the local French bakers, the ones given to me with a side of fruit. Eating soggy cornflakes wasn't the same.

Being back at school was a shock to the system, that was for sure, and it was embarassing when every teacher welcomed me back publicly, praising me for my excellent assignments that had put me in the top 3 in the class. The last class finished and I felt thankful as I picked up my satchel, planning on going to the library.

'Hey, Sky, wait up!' Zed's voice slowed me down and I turned my head as he appeared beside me, his tie loose and his shirt untucked. 'Good first day?' He asked, running his hand through his hair.

'Yeah, it was alright.' I shrugged. 'Just a bit embarassing getting told over and over that you're in the top three in the class.' I wrinkled my nose.

'All the hard work pays off.' He smiled as we reached the front of the buildings. 'Fancy grabbing some food or something?'

I squinted and spotted my Mini Cooper on the gravel and Marcus stood beside it, his arms folded and he leaned against my car. He waved and I sighed. 'Actually, it looks like I have plans.'

Zed looked over at Marcus and his smile vanished. 'What's he doing here?'

'Taking me for a driving lesson so it would seem.' I replied. I turned to Zed. 'We'll do something soon though, okay? I promise.'

The week seemed painful as it went by and with every passing day, I worried more and more about the court hearing that weekend. I hardly slept and, as a result, I caught a cold and felt really rough when Saturday rolled around. Dressed in a cream pencil dress, black cardigan and black court shoes, nude-coloured tights on my legs, I walked past the paparazzi, sunglasses on my eyes, with my guards, the family lawyer and Zed, another witness. I didn't go in straight away, but soon I was called to the witness stand and I felt sick as I walked out into the courtroom. Ezra's smile was slimey as he looked at me and I felt sick. I felt more sick when Seb's lawyer came in, supporting him whilst he was away. It all seemed a blur as I sat it the witness stand, answering questions and sharing my side of the story, and it took everything I had in me to stop myself from crying as I shared everything I remembered about my time in Capri; the information about the house, the 'party', how Ezra had wanted to marry me, how Seb and I had escaped. But not a single flicker of guilt crossed Ezra's face. Not even once.

'Your highness, can you explain what happened that morning in St Brides?' My lawyer asked and I bit my lip so hard that it bled.

'I... I was just stepping out of the house for some fresh air because I didn't feel well and then... he was there.'

'Who was there?'

Stupid question, surely? 'Ezra was there.' I sucked in a deep breath as my eyes watered. 'I was going to go with him because I was worried he would hurt my friends.'

'What did he say to you?'

'That if I screamed, he would shoot me.' My voice sounded croaky and I hated myself for it. I didn't want him to know that he haunted me. That he'd shattered my confidence. 'And then he said... he said that if I called security he'd hurt my friends.' My eyes flicked to my kidnapper and he smiled, a wicked and cruel smile. 'And then Zed... Mr Benedict... he was there and he tried to tell him to let go of me... he really tried but then... he wouldn't and then... Mr Benedict lunged towards him and that's when he got shot.'

'And your security?'

'They came out as Zed... Mr Benedict... tried to restrain him.' I looked down and bit my lip. 'I didn't want anyone to get hurt because of me.'

'Thank you, your highness.' My lawyer gave a small smile. 'You may leave the stand.'

It didn't last long after that. Zed gave his statement from St Brides and then Seb's lawyer shared his statement too, as I sat there feeling numb. And then the jury went to discuss the verdict. Of course, they decided he was guilty. And he was sentenced for life. But what was a life sentence when he could be released after 18 years for good behaviour? As I watched Ezra be dragged away, I couldn't help but think that one day he'd be back and he'd come for me.

'Are you guys coming to my birthday party Saturday?' Yves asked at school the following week and I looked at him in confusion. 'Nice one guys on not telling Sky about my party.'

'I completely forgot.' Lucy said, looking embarassed. 'But yeah, I'll be there.'

'Me too mate.' Nate nodded.

'Where do you live again?' Zed asked and Yves rolled his eyes at his brother.

'Sky?' Yves asked.

'Sure, why not.'

I spent the week either visiting the Riding Centre, catching up on my work there and celebrating the fact that I was going to be riding for my P.E module, or studying in the library and this time my friends joined me, desperate to get their work done before the weekend. The girls stayed at mine on Friday night and then on Saturday morning, my security turned up with the blacked out people carrier and we bundled into it, armed with our weekend bags and birthday presents for Yves (and two security guards).

'Have a great time and I'll see you next weekend.' Phillip had said as we'd got ready to leave. 'And let your hair down Sky.'

'I'll try.' I'd said with a small smile, playing with the french plait I'd done when I'd got dressed that morning.

'Good, because you're seventeen. You should be having fun.'

My brother's words echoed in my mind on the hour and a half journey to Chelmsford, where the Benedicts were currently living. I knew they'd moved around a lot, I'd heard that from Yves and Zed, but this seemed like the more permanent home they were after. We pulled up at the house and onto the large driveway, where three other cars (all of which weren't cheap) were already parked. The house was like the others on the street; a red brick property with three floors and white pillars outlining the door. The car was parked and we climbed out carefully, with help from my security guards. Then I followed Lucy, who knew the Benedicts the best, up to the door, my weekend bag slung over my shoulder.

'Hello girls.' Karla Benedict greeted us joyfully as she opened the door. She kissed us each on the cheek and ushered us inside, politely greeting my security team too.

'We'll keep out of the way m'aam, we're just here for protocal.' The security team said. 'We're actually staying at the hotel just up the road this evening so we'll head up there in a minute, but it's important you have our contact details incase there's any problem.'

'Of course.' Karla smiled. 'Why don't you go into the kitchen and discuss the details with my husband.' They nodded and went in the direction she pointed.

I sighed, feeling embarassed. 'I'm sorry Mrs Benedict.'

'It's not a problem at all, Sky.' She reassured me. 'We all want you safe. And remember to call me Karla, please.'

I gave a shy smile, wishing the redness in my cheeks would disappear. 'Okay.'

'Now girls, Yves and Zed have gone to pick up some food and drink for later. I'll get Saul to put the kettle on and I can show you your rooms?' The door turned in the lock and Karla glanced over my shoulder, smiling. I stepped out of the way as she went to greet a guy that looked like an older version of Yves and Zed. Tina licked her lip beside me and I elbowed her in the ribcage before anyone could see. 'Xav, it's great to see you!' Karla kissed her son on the cheek. 'Yves will be pleased!'

'I wasn't going to miss a game of Laser Tag, was I?' He grinned and she laughed. His eyes met mine and he looked at me in recognition.

'Xavier, these are Yves and Zed's friends from school. Tina, Zoe, Lucy and Sky.' Karla introduced us and Xav nodded in greeting.

'I've heard a lot about you.' He said. 'More so about Sky but that's another story.'

Lucy laughed beside me and Karla widened her eyes, swatting her son in warning as I swallowed, feeling my cheeks blushing. 'Come on girls, I'll show you to your rooms.'

We were staying in two of the back guest rooms, each a twin room with a lovely view of the garden. Tina and Zoe, inseperable as ever, bagsied the room with the ensuite so Lucy and I opted for the other, placing down our bags and belongings before heading downstairs to join Karla, Saul and Xav for tea. We sat in the conservatory, which overlooked the garden, the garden that looked lovely in the sunlight that didn't often make an appearance in early June. It was getting noticeably warmer and the forecasters were predicting a heatwave the following week, which wasn't ideal when there were exams going on at school over the next couple of weeks.

'So how are you enjoying being back at school, Sky?' Saul Benedict asked as he poured himself another tea after offering each of us another one.

'It's okay.' I said, feeling nervous for some weird reason. I could talk to primeministers and Royalty from other countries but I couldn't talk to Mr and Mrs Benedict, who were some of the most down-to-earth people I'd ever met. 'It's strange getting back into routine and having to wear a uniform again.'

They smiled. 'Well not long until summer.' Karla said. 'Do you girls have any plans?'

'My family are off to the villa in Spain again.' Lucy replied. 'I think Nate's coming this time so that will be nice.' Karla nodded.

'And our families always go to Croatia together.' Zoe said, signalling to Tina. 'So we'll probably be there for a few weeks.'

'And Sky?'

'I'm not really sure.' I replied, honestly. 'It would be nice to go away but I'm not sure it's that simple.'

'Of course.' Karla gave me a sympathetic smile.

'You could always come on our family holiday to Italy, Sky. I'm sure Zed would like your company.' Xav piped up, a mischievous look on his face. I bit my lip, feeling my cheeks redden.

'Xav.' Saul scolded and then we heard Yves call out. 'Oh good, they're back. I'll get lunch started.' He stood up and looked at his son. 'Xav, you can help me in the kitchen.'

'Spoilsport.' Xav said. He winked at me and then followed his father out as I tried to stop my reddening cheeks.

'I do apologise.' Karla said to us all. 'Unfortunately having lots of boys means that they like to wind each other up.'

No one said anything, but Lucy's raised eyebrows said enough.

We had a quick lunch together, blew up some balloons, hung up some banners and streamers and then it was time to get ready for laser tag, so we headed upstairs to get changed. I took my hair out of my braid, letting it fall into wild curls and the girls and I changed into our all-black outfits, as that was the dresscode for the party. I pulled on my tight leather-look leggings and a black off-the-shoulder top and I did my make-up; smokey-eyes as I had done a few days previously. Lucy looked cute in a black crop top and high-waisted jeans and then Zoe and Tina both wore black dresses with leggings. We looked quite kick-ass and I felt a bit like Katniss Everdeen or maybe even Tris Prior.

When we got downstairs, Nate, Nelson and Zack had arrived and they were stood around, chatting to Yves, Zed and Xav in their all-black get up. Zed's eyes flicked up to meet mine as I walked down the stairs and he looked at me, his eyes boring into mine before he gave my outfit a onceover. I blushed and swallowed, pretending I was listening to Tina and Zoe's conversation.

You look amazing. His voice filled my head, catching me by surprise. We didn't often talk that way anymore and when we did it felt different and kind of nice at the same time. But it also reminded me that Seb had dumped me so he could be with his soulfinder.

Thank you. I bit my lip as he looked at me, his mouth tugged up at the corners. Xav looked at his brother and then over at me and he gave a wicked smile. He wasn't stupid. I breaked eye contact and flicked my hair back off my bare shoulder, trying to suss out what my friends were talking about.

'Shall we go?' Yves spoke up, suddenly and I tried not to make my sigh of relief obvious.

'Yes.' Xav nodded. 'Lets.'

When we got to the venue, we were split into two teams of five. I was put on a team with Lucy, Yves, Nelson and, surprisingly, Zed, and we were given our equipment and sent off to the 'green team' entrance door. We stood in the waiting room, our vests on and our guns at the ready and Yves looked at us with a serious expression as he adjusted his glasses.

'We need to all split up.' He told us. 'Each take a different route in there and if you can, don't leave your back exposed.'

'What about if we stuck together? And had each other's backs?' Zed suggested.

'And then we all lose lives together. We need to be quiet and we need to be sneaky!'

'I agree with Yves.' Lucy piped up. 'On Call of Duty it's always better to spread out.' I looked at her in surprise and she smiled. 'What? It's kind of a de-stresser.'

'Sky, you take the furthest left, then Zed, then Nelson, then Lucy and then me, right? It's like a maze in there and there's plenty of places to hide.' Yves said and then the countdown started. 'Ready team?'

'I guess so.' I replied.

The door started opening, moving upwards and we stood in formation ready. Yves crouched and moved out of the door first as we split off in our directions. I walked slowly and carefully, finding a part of the wall to hide behind. Laser sounds came out and I heard someone swear. Someone had already been caught. I spotted a red creeping in front of me and I fired at them, ducking when they fired back. I held my breath and moved around the wall, jumping when I crashed into someone. I relaxed when I saw it was Zed stood behind me.

'Jumpy, are we?' He whispered, teasing me.

'I thought you were a red.' I replied, honestly.

'Nah you're safe.' His breath tickled my ear and sent goosebumps across my arms. 'Have you hit anyone?'

'I think so but I couldn't be sure.'

'Shit!' Zed cursed, reaching out and firing around the corner. A red appeared, running around it and I ran, hiding myself inside the maze.

'Got you.' Xav grinned, shooting me and I groaned, trying to shoot him back before he disappeared round the corner. 'Shouldn't hang out with my brother, he's bad news!' He called.

'Hey!' Zed called from somewhere and I laughed, creeping forwards.

I found the stairs leading to a balcony and I crept up in, ducking in the hope that no one could see me. I crouched as I moved across the floor and I perched where I could see everyone. Sure enough, there were some reds running around and I watched as a red hit a green that I was sure was Lucy, but I wasn't sure until I realised she was kissing our opponents. Rolling my eyes, I fired at Nate and he gasped, turning around and looking, but he couldn't see me.

The game lasted twenty minutes and the lights came on at the end of it and we headed out into the waiting area, where the scores rolled in. Greens had won and, somehow, I'd scored the highest. Probably because I had hidden on the balcony.

'Okay next round is Capture the Flag.' Yves told us. 'So we'll switch up the teams.'

'Girls versus boys?' Xav suggested.

'There's only four girls.'

'But they have Sky and she's kick-ass!' Zed smiled and I couldn't help but smile back, although my smile was kind of sly.

'Yves, you go on the girl's team. Even it up. You can be a girl sometimes anyway.' Xav said and Yves frowned.

'Erm, thanks?' He said. 'I won't complain though, Sky's a good shooter. Could come in handy.'

'Forgive me for saying this, but how do we play?' Tina asked, tightening her ponytail.

We had to capture the enemy's flag without being shot and everytime you were shot, your vest lit up and you had to go back to the start. Thankfully, my team had won once again, mainly because I'd filled them in on my sneaking tactics and we'd had someone stationned up on the balcony, firing at any enemies that passed.

'Good game guys.' Yves said as we all shook hands. 'Now let's go back, get some food and the real fun can begin.'

The real fun was the house party Yves had planned with permission from his parents; after all, it was his eighteenth so it was expected to be big. The party was laid out in the conservatory and a gazebo in the garden, which was attached to the main house. Karla had slaved away cooking enough food for the party. The house smelt great when we got back and we all headed up to our rooms to get changed, with only an hour until the party.

'I don't know what to wear.' I frowned, pulling out the two outfits I'd packed. There was a sequin top to go with the leggings I was wearing or a dress.

'The dress.' My friends all voted and I sighed.

'Isn't it a little short?' Buying it the previous weekend had been a risk and hadn't been like me at all. Princess Sky always wore dresses that were knee-length or longer. This one fell mid-thigh.

'It's hot.' Lucy smiled.

'Completely.' Tina nodded in agreement. She put a belt around the waist of her black maxi-dress, which had a slit up the thigh. She looked great. In fact, all my friends did. Lucy wore a black mini dress with lace detailing around the waist, her legs looking longer because of her heels, and Zoe wore aztec patterned shorts and a top with sparkly detailing around the bust.

'Wear the dress.' Zoe pushed. 'It's really nice.' Music started downstairs and it was clear the party was starting. I looked at my reflection; my make-up was en-pointe, as was my hair, wild, and curly and loose.

'Okay I'll wear the dress.' I disappeared into the bathroom, changing out of my tight leggings and baggy top into the figure-hugging dress. It was a cream strapless dress with black lace over the top and covered my bum, but still made me nervous. I was glad I'd opted for wearing hold in knickers; I wasn't fat, but they made me feel better in a tight dress. I slipped out of the bathroom and almost walked into Karla.

'You look lovely Sky.' She said with a warm smile.

'Thank you.' I said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

'It's a shame your Prince couldn't be here.'

I glanced down to the floor, awkwardly. 'Actually, we broke up.'

'I'm sorry to hear that.' She said, her voice sympathetic.

I looked back up at her. 'Things happen and things change.' I said with a small smile. She nodded, returning the smile and then she disappeared down the corridor. I returned to my friends and they squealed, clapping their hands together.

'Definitely smokin'!' Zoe grinned as she passed me my heels. I slipped them on carefully and fastened the strap.

'Does it really look okay?' I asked, self-consciously.

'I think maybe you need to ask Zed.' Tina smirked and Lucy high-fived her.

'Thanks guys.' I frowned.

'Oh come on, we're teasing. Nothing has to happen but he's definitely a self-esteem booster for you, right? You're single. Talk to cute guys, dance with them and have fun.' I faked a smile and Tina tutted. 'And show everyone that lovely real smile.' She grabbed my phone. 'Now let's get some pictures before we go downstairs.'

I felt nervous as we walked downstairs and my heart was thudding against my chest as I held my dress down, hoping it wasn't going to rise up. Lucy and I followed Tina and Zoe, who led the way confidently, chatting and singing when they recognised the song that was playing. Lucy spotted Nate and she hurried over, pressing her lips to his. I sighed and bit my lip before grabbing a drink from the side. It wasn't alcoholic.

'This hit

That ice cold

Michelle Pfeiffer

That white gold.'

Lucy appeared in front of me again, grabbing my hand and pulling me into the crowded conservatory.

'Stylin', while in

Livin' it up in the city

Got Chucks on with Saint Laurent

Got kiss myself I'm so pretty.'

We danced together and sang the chorus loudly as Tina and Zoe appeared beside us and then Nelson joined us too with Nate and I was surprised they were pretty good dancers. We cheered and clapped them as they moved and they both did this weird dance with their feet that looked pretty cool.

'I'm too hot

Called a police and a fireman

I'm too hot

Make a dragon wanna retire man.' I sang and I turned, bumping straight into Zed's chest. I glanced up at him, shyly, and gave him a small smile as his eyes burned into mine.

'You look... wow... incredible.' He said into my ear and I blushed as his breath tickled me, sending goosebumps across my body.

'Not so bad yourself.' I said with a smile, looking at his black skinny jeans and rolled-up sleeve plaid shirt. He gave me a lopsided smile as a girl in a tinier dress came over to us.

'Daisy, hey.' He greeted her with a hug and she kissed his cheek. My stomach churned as I turned back to my friends. Why did it bother me what Zed was doing?

'I come baring booze!' Yves appeared with a tray of bottles of beer and we each grabbed one. 'Wow guys, desperate much?'

'Your mum's punch is nice and all but I really needed a beer.' Nate laughed and he took a swig, as did I. I was going to need one. Or maybe more to get through the party.

'She looks like a slut.' Zoe said into my ear and I giggled, giving my friend a smile and I mouthed a 'thank you' her way.

'It's late in the evening

Glass on the side

I've been sat with you

For most of the night

Ignoring everybody here

We wish they would disappear

So maybe we could get down now

I don't wanna know

If you're getting ahead of the program

I want you to be mine, lady

To hold your body close

Take another step into the no-man's land

For the longest time lady.' My friends cheered and my rapping and I took a mock bow, laughing. This was one beer in. And apparently it meant I was confident enough to rap along to a bit of Ed Sheeran. The next verse came up and I rapped it two, but this time Nelson tried to join in. He stumbled and I booed him and we all laughed as Zed came back over, having disappeared for half an hour. Probably with the pretty brunette, Daisy, who definitely had bigger boobs than me. I frowned at myself. What was wrong with me? Why was I so jealous?

Soon, the music started to get a bit more dancey and it got to the point where Tina was dancing with Zack (which really shocked me), Zoe with Nelson (didn't shock me) and Lucy was dancing with Nate. Yves and I stood side-by-side, dancing awkwardly as Nobody to love ironically blared through the speakers.

'We're definitely the gooseberries right now.' I said to him and he nodded in agreement.

'Mum said about you and Sebastien. I'm sorry, Sky.' He looked sympathetic.

'Thanks.' I gave him a small smile. 'I guess this song a bit ironic right now, huh?'

'I think it is.' He nodded in agreement as Xav appeared, a beer in his hand.

'Nice party bro!' Xav said. He clinked his beer bottle against mine and I finished my drink, putting the empty bottle on the window sill. 'Woah, Sky's a party animal!' I smiled, shyly, hoping that now I'd had two beers my confidence might sort itself out. 'I'm out of here, that girl's totally looking at me.'

Yves rolled his eyes as he walked off. 'Do you want another drink?' He asked, grabbing my empty bottle. 'Because I'm going to grab one.'

'I'm okay.' I replied and he paused, looking at the dancing couples. I gave him a nod and he gave me a sympathetic smile before heading back off through the crowd. I leaned against the window sill and sighed, watching the dancers all having a great time.

'That guy keeps looking at you.' Zed's voice made me jump as he appeared beside me. He nodded across the room, where a tall, slim brunette guy was watching me. His lips curled up into a smile when he realised I was looking at him and I looked down at my feet, blushing. 'So why are you here by yourself?'

'Because everyone else had a dance partner.' I signalled to where our friends are.

'Zack and Tina? Wow.' He looked just as surprised as I was. 'I thought it was always going to be Nelson and Tina.'

'Me too.' I said and I laughed. 'Although I think Nelson is happy with any female attention he's getting.'

'I think you're right.'

'You're the same.' I teased and he frowned.

'I hope you don't really think that.' He looked hurt.

'Sorry. It's just with Savannah and then Daisy and...'

'And all the papers.' He paused. 'Yeah they make things look pretty bad, don't they? But I think we established that Savannah was a huge mistake and Daisy... well Xav has fancied Daisy for like five years. She's a family friend.' My mouth formed an 'o' shape and he gave a small smile. 'It's okay, lots of people think I'm a player. I guess I was in the past, maybe, but I'm not like that now.' His eyes softened. 'I'd rather have one incredible girl in my life then lots of girls who are average.' He squeezed my knee. 'So why do you look so sad?'

'I'm not.'

'Liar.'

The song changed and I laughed as Justin Bieber's Sorry started playing. 'Well this is somewhat ironic.' I commented. The whole night seemed to just be filled with irony.

'It is.' Zed stood up and held out his hand. 'And it would be rude not to dance to it, wouldn't it?'

'You gotta go and get angry at all of my honesty

You know I try but I don't do too well with apologies.'

I hesitated but then took his hand, letting him lead me through the crowd.

'I hope I don't run out of time. Could someone call a referee?

'Cause I just need one more shot at forgiveness.'

He placed his arms on my hips and I placed mine on his shoulders, my heart hammering against my chest with nerves but also excitement.

'I know you know that I made those mistakes maybe once or twice

And by once or twice I mean maybe a couple of hundred times.'

His eyes looked into mine as we danced, my hips moving in time to the music.

'So let me, oh, let me redeem, oh, redeem, oh, myself tonight

'Cause I just need one more shot, second chances.'

And then he was pulling me in closer, singing me the lyrics like it was our own private concert.

'Is it too late now to say sorry?

'Cause I'm missing more than just your body, oh

Is it too late now to say sorry?

Yeah, I know-oh-oh, that I let you down

Is it too late to say I'm sorry now?'

With every word my knees were getting weaker and weaker and by the end of the song, our bodies were pressed together and my arms were looped around his neck, trying to keep myself up. Zed's eyes hadn't left mine as he'd sang, his husky voice being carried over Bieber's. And then the song ended and we both stopped moving. And then, Zed was crouching down, moving his face towards mine. I panicked. And I ran. I didn't know where to go so I fled out through the gazebo and into the garden.

'Are you okay, your highness?' My security guards asked as they followed me outside.

'I'm fine.' I replied, my voice cracking. But they didn't question it. It wasn't in their job description. Instead, they moved away, giving me space by standing at opposite ends of the garden. I sank down into a bench and fought back the tears that were building up in my eyes.

'I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that.' Zed's voice was pained as he appeared in front of me, running a hand through his dark hair. 'I know you're with Sebastien.'

'No.' I whispered, my eyes meeting his.

'No?' He looked confused and he looked awkward too.

'We broke up.' I looked at my finger nails, my perfect french manicure, as he sank into the bench beside me.

'When?'

'Last week.' I swallowed, the emotions rising. Why did being a teenage girl have to be so emotional?

'You didn't tell me.' His voice sounded hurt but I didn't look at him.

'It's kinda embarassing really. He met someone else.'

'Sky, I'm sorry. He seemed so...'

'Perfect.' I looked up to meet his eyes. 'But too perfect. He met his soulfinder.'

He looked surprised and then his eyes softened. 'Want me to kick his ass?'

'You'll have to get in line. I think my brother wants first dibs.' A tear rolled down my cheek and Zed's hand moved out to catch it. He caressed my damp cheek gently and my breath caught in my throat.

'He's not worth your tears.' He told me. 'No guy is worth your tears.'

I looked down and moved away from his hand. 'You made me cry, you know? When you called and broke things off because of Savannah.'

He didn't say anything for a moment. He was quiet. Completely silent. The song changed inside to Shake if Off by Taylor Swift and the party guests cheered. 'And it was the biggest mistake I ever made. I should never have let you go.' I looked up at him and this time his eyes looked teary, full of emotion. It took me by surprise. 'Being without you ripped me to shreds.' His voice was hoarse and I knew that he meant it.

'So why do it?'

'Because I didn't want to keep things a secret. I wanted a girlfriend I could go for walks with, a girlfriend I could take out for dinner and then... and then Sebastien came on the scene and I suppose I got jealous because he could do everything for you that I couldn't and he was a Prince, a future King, someone your father actually approved of.'

'I didn't care that Sebastien was a Prince or a future King. I liked him because he kept me safe and... well at some point I suppose he cared about me.' I bit my lip as another tear fell. 'And now... and now I'm back in the place that you put me in Zed. The place where I can't trust anybody and I feel weak and unattractive and unworthy of love.'

He flinched, his face hurt. 'I'm sorry for doing that to you. I'll never forgive myself.'

'I've never been in love before, but I guess it must be horrible. Because being in love makes you vulnerable. It opens up your chest and your heart and it means that someone can get inside and break it into a thousand pieces. What's worth that?' I stood up, feeling upset and feeling angry. 'I'm scared Zed. Not of love, but of not being loved back. And you know what's worse? I'm scared of you. Hurting me again. You might have saved my life, Zed, but you broke it too.'

'