AN: So I think I've decided that after re-reading Finding Sky this week, I picture her more like AnnaSophia Robb. Zed I think maybe more like Jeremy Irvine in my head when I read it. What do you all think? Who would be in your casting if they made it into a movie?

We didn't stay long the following day. We had breakfast with Karla, Saul and Yves, whilst Zed hid wherever he was, and then we left. Zoe and Tina had asked what was wrong, they'd tried to find out, but I just didn't know what to tell them. They didn't know that Zed and I had history. So I just kept quiet as we were driven back to school and when we got there, I headed straight to the library.

'Sky, what happened?' Lucy asked when I returned to the room late that evening, having skipped dinner. I put down my books carefully and sank onto my bed. And then I poured out everything as my friend held me, soothing me as I told her all about Zed and what had happened at the party.

'Was I out of order?' I asked, my voice hoarse, when I finished the story.

'Not at all.' She told me, smoothing my hair. 'You were honest and he did hurt you.' Her phone buzzed and she glanced at it before looking back at me.

'You're supposed to meet Nate, aren't you?'

'He can wait til tomorrow.' She gave me a small smile but I shook my head.

'No, go. I don't want to ruin your evening. Besides, I think being by myself might do me some good.'

Her eyes flicked to the window and then back at me as she fought between what to do. 'Are you sure?'

I gave her a weak smile. 'Of course. Besides, I need to catch up on Reign and I think seeing Francis and Bash will lift my spirits.'

'Okay.' She gave me a quick hug and then snuck out, climbing out of the window as I'd done many times before. I tucked my legs into my duvet and pulled it up, over myself, shielding myself as I cried.

Zed.

Sky's words just seemed to circle around and around my head. She was scared of me. You might have saved my life, Zed, but you broke it too. It was haunting and it was heartbreaking. The thought of her being afraid of me filled me with pain. I never wanted that, I loved her. I blinked, sitting up in bed as the realisation dawned on me. 'I love her.'

Nate looked at me in surprise as Lucy climbed through our window. He helped her down from the ledge and eyeballed me. 'What did you just say?'

'I love her.' I repeated. 'I love Sky.'

'Oh thank god.' Nate sighed. 'It's taken you long enough to realise it.' Lucy gave me a small smile.

'How bad have I messed up?' I asked her.

'I'm not sure you want to hear the answer.' She replied and I winced. 'She's distraught and I think she actually feels guilty for what she said.'

'She shouldn't. She was right.' I frowned and ran a hand through my hair. I felt sick. And angry with myself. 'I'm such an idiot.'

'I'm sorry but I have to agree there.' Lucy said and Nate laughed. 'So what are you going to do?'

I looked up at my roommate's girlfriend. 'What do you mean?'

'I mean, what are you going to do to win over Sky?' She gave me a sly smile and Nate shrugged from beside her.

'You think I can win her over?'

'I don't know, she's pretty stubborn, but if you give up these easily then she'll never know you love her, right?'

Sky.

I didn't sleep well that night and at some point Lucy had shaken me awake to tell me I was talking in my sleep. About the forest and being followed. It had made me shudder. I'd not even remembered the dream but it was clear what it was about. When I got back to the dorm room after dinner and after a long library study session, a single rose and a note were waiting for me. Lucy raised her eyebrows in surprise as I bent down to retrieve them, taking them into our room.

'Who's it from?' She asked and I simply shrugged. I didn't recognise the handwriting. I carefully opened the note and sat down on my bed as I read it.

Sky,

Everything you said was right. I broke your heart and I'm so sorry for that, but you must know that I saved you that morning because you mean a lot to me. You're my whole world Sky and I don't want to live in a world where you don't care about me. I hoped we were finally getting ourselves back on track. We were having fun and talking like old friends. Please don't throw that all away, Sky. You have no idea how much you mean to me. I know you'll probably throw this away but just know I'm not giving up.

Zed.

I frowned, screwing up the paper and throwing it in the bin. I threw the rose at my roommate. 'You have it.'

'Who's it from?'

'Zed.'

She looked thoughtful for a moment and picked up her guitar, strumming the chords to a familiar Taylor Swift song.

'Another Youtube cover?' I asked. She'd taken to learning a new cover a week and then uploading them to Youtube. She'd got a lot of views and likes so far, but I knew she was worried because she thought it was mainly because of her dad tweeting her videos.

She stopped strumming and paused. 'I wish you'd do a cover with me.'

'I'm not sure I'm good enough.'

She tutted. 'Sky you're better than me. And your voice is incredible. Let people here it.' I hummed the tune she'd been playing and she sighed. 'Just one video? Please? And then I'll quit bugging you. Plus, this song kinda relates to you right now. It would be quite kick-ass.'

I sighed. 'One song and you'll stop harassing me?'

'Sure.' She smiled. 'Now come here and let's sort out some harmonies.'

We headed to the music room the following day, the one where she always recorded her Youtube videos with help from Nelson, who had a decent video camera and was good at the editing side of things. He glanced at me surprise when I walked in alongside Lucy and he grabbed me an extra stool and a microphone when I explained that Lucy had talked me into it.

'She's good at that.' He laughed. 'I'm still waiting for payment for this.'

'You like the experience and the Youtube mention in the credits.' She tutted and he shot her a familiar-Nelson playful smile.

Nelson tapped my microphone and then Lucy's as I sat down. 'So how's this going to work ladies?'

'We've got the arrangement perfect.' Lucy beamed. 'I guess if I introduce Sky and then we go straight into it maybe? And if it doesn't work out then we'll do another take.'

'Okay.' Nelson nodded and fiddled with his camera, moving it back a little. He looked through the lens and smiled. 'Well done for not wearing stripes either of you.'

'Thin stripes make it look like you have a moving t-shirt.' Lucy explained. 'Like you've got millions of ants crawling over you.'

'Nice.' I wrinkled my nose and smoothed down my curly hair and pulled up the front of my pale pink lace dress, making sure cleavage wasn't on show. I'd paired it with some converse and a denim shirt, going for cool but casual.

'Okay guys, we're rolling.' Nelson announced and I sat up straighter, knowing to do so from singing lessons. It was important to expand your diaphragm.

'Hi everyone, welcome back to my channel and if you're new then thanks for joining us! I'm going to cover All too Well by Taylor Swift today,' she adjusted her guitar, 'but I called in a little favour with my best friend Sky so please listen and let me know what you think.' She looked nervous to me, but probably not to people that didn't know her. I knew her well enough to know that the smile wasn't there and I could see the gentle shake of her hands. She counted herself in and started to play the opening chords and then she started to sing, 'I walked through the door with you, the air was cold,

But something 'bout it felt like home somehow.

And I left my scarf there at your sister's house,

And you've still got it in your drawer even now.

Oh, your sweet disposition and my wide-eyed gaze.

We're singing in the car, getting lost Upstate.

Autumn leaves falling down like pieces into place,

And I can picture it after all these days.

And I know it's long gone,

And that magic's not here no more,

And I might be okay,

But I'm not fine at all.'

I took a deep breath as I joined her for the chorus, singing the harmonies we'd rehearsed the previous night and earlier on in the day, ''Cause there we are again on that little town street.

You almost ran the red 'cause you were looking over at me.

Wind in my hair, I was there, I remember it all too well.'

She smiled over at me, reassuringly, as I started to sing my part. 'Photo album on the counter, your cheeks were turning red.

You used to be a little kid with glasses in a twin sized bed

And your mother's telling stories about you on a tee ball team

You taught me 'bout your past, thinking your future was me.

And I know it's long gone

And there was nothing else I could do

And I forget about you long enough

To forget why I needed to...'

We sang the chorus again, our harmonies perfect, and I knew Lucy had relaxed but I was nervous still, my heart hammering against my chest and the butterflies in my stomach fluttering around. ''Cause there we are again in the middle of the night.

We're dancing around the kitchen in the refrigerator light

Down the stairs, I was there, I remember it all too well, yeah.'

And then it was my part again, the dramatic part, and I put every single bit of emotion I'd tried to hide into it, singing it well and truly from the heart. 'Well, maybe we got lost in translation, maybe I asked for too much,

But maybe this thing was a masterpiece 'til you tore it all up.

Running scared, I was there, I remember it all too well.

Hey, you call me up again just to break me like a promise.

So casually cruel in the name of being honest.

I'm a crumpled up piece of paper lying here

'Cause I remember it all, all, all... too well.'

I relaxed a little, the harder bit over and I was relieved that it was Lucy's solo again, the pressure off of me. 'Time won't fly, it's like I'm paralyzed by it

I'd like to be my old self again, but I'm still trying to find it

After plaid shirt days and nights when you made me your own

Now you mail back my things and I walk home alone

But you keep my old scarf from that very first week

'Cause it reminds you of innocence and it smells like me

You can't get rid of it 'cause you remember it all too well, yeah.'

Although Lucy took the lead for the end of the song, I joined her for the rehearsed harmonies, singing at a different pitch as she continued to play on her guitar. ''Cause there we are again, when I loved you so

Back before you lost the one real thing you've ever known

It was rare, I was there, I remember it all too well

Wind in my hair, you were there, you remember it all

Down the stairs, you were there, you remember it all

It was rare, I was there, I remember it all too well.'

We both smiled, having successfully completed the song, and Nelson gave a thumbs up as Lucy relaxed her arms. 'Thank you all for listening. Subscribe if you like and please leave a comment below with any other requests.' Nelson pressed the off button on his camera and applauded.

'Nice work ladies, that was awesome!' He beamed and we both blushed at the compliment. 'Come here, let's watch it back and then I'll get it edited and uploaded for tonight.'

It made headlines in gossip papers the next day and it was all over the internet; Emotional Song by Princess. Princess sings of heartbreak as Prince spotted with new girl. It was true. Someone had captured photos of Seb and the girl I assumed to be Angelika, the beautiful Norwegian with white blonde hair, long legs and bigger boobs. She looked older, but then to be his soulfinder I knew she had to be very close in age to him. And, despite Phillip's best efforts to cheer me up, and Lolly's too, she was beautiful. She looked like a model, even in jeans and a hoodie. Every article confirmed that my song was heartfelt and incredible with the emotion I'd put in. They were right, though, I was pouring out my heart and that much was true, even when you watched the clip posted on my Instagram, which seemed to help with Lucy's likes and number of subscribers.

I read through the comments of the video, unable to help myself, when I got in from volunteering at the Riding Centre.

What?! Skeb is over? I loved Skeb!

How could he dump her, she's so pretty!

Her voice is amazing and that performance almost made me cry!

I hate this girl. She can do everything.

OMG her outfit it amazing.

I tried to ignore the negative comments, but they still hurt. They still ached. There was a knock at the door and Lucy jumped up, answering it. She picked up something off of the floor and turned around to face me, a huge bouquet of flowers in her hand. I squinted as I looked at them. What were they? Purple Iris' with white Gardenias and some Jasmine I realised as she got closer. 'They're nice.' I commented with a smile, closing my laptop.

'They are and they're for you.' She passed them over to me and I recognised the handwriting this time.

'Zed.' I told her.

'So? Read what he has to say.' She sat down on her bed and smiled across at me, a smile that suggested she wasn't quite as surprised as I was.

I carefully opened the envelope and unfolded the piece of paper.

I can't promise you

that dark clouds

will never hover

over our lives

or that the future

will bring us many rainbows.

I can't promise you

that tomorrow

will be perfect

or that life will be easy.

I can promise you

my everlasting devotion,

my loyalty,

my respect,

and my unconditional

love for a lifetime.

I can promise that

I'll always

be there for you,

to listen

and to hold your hand,

and I'll always do

my best to make you happy,

and make you feel loved.

The words might be from Bhal but I saw them and I thought of you. I mean every word- Zed.

I let out the breath I didn't realise I'd been holding and I swallowed, trying to get rid of the butterflies and the emotion it made me feel. Lucy glanced across at me. 'What did he say?' I simply passed her the note and she skim-read it, smiling. 'That's really cute!' She said and I frowned. 'What?'

'He borrowed someone else's words.'

'So you want him to write you his own love letter?'

'I want him to stop sending me flowers. They're beautiful but it doesn't change anything.' I grabbed the bin but she caught my hands, stopping me.

'No, Sky. Come on, they'll brighten up the room. Let's just put them in a vase! They'll make the room smell divine.'

'Fine.'

Lady Clarence turned up on Friday with Nina and Marcus and I wondered what on earth was going on. I didn't like their prescence at the best of times and I definitely didn't want them hanging around when I was planning on crashing the library to study for next week's exams. 'To what pleasure do I owe this?' I asked, hoping they didn't notice my sarcasm. Marcus' smirk told me that he had.

'We've just come to update your etiquette training.' Lady Clarence replied, smoothly. She looked at my socks and shoes, which were muddy thanks to the wet weather, and frowned. 'Need I remind you that there's a state dinner next Saturday and it's very important.'

'So I've heard.' I sighed. My father had been going on about it for months and I was dreading it. The Summer Ball seemed to have marked the start of event season and my weekends were getting booked up pretty quick. The thing I was dreading, though, was the dinner at the start of July. In Norway. Lolly was excited about seeing me and I wanted to see her too, but part of me still dreaded going somewhere that reminded me of Sebastien and then there was facing his parents again.

'It's even more important now that you're available again.' She added and I winced. Marcus frowned at his mother, sensing my discomfort. 'Which is why Marcus is with me. You have a new dance to learn and in your dress it won't be easy.'

'In my dress?' I raised my eyebrows. 'You've seen my dress?' I hadn't even seen it yet. I had a fitting on Monday after school. That much I knew. I was taking Lucy along for moral support.

'Yes.' She smiled and I did everything I could to remain calm.

'You won't be needed, dear.' Clarence said, dismissing Lucy, who was hovering behind me. I spotted Zed and he waved with his free hand, flowers in the other.

'Oh, Lord.' I cursed and Lucy squeezed my arm.

'I'll tell him it's not a good time.' She said as Clarence tutted at me, following my eyes.

'Language.' She scolded. 'Lovely flowers though, I wonder who they're for.'

I watched as Lucy went over and spoke to Zed, his face looking disappointed. Marcus let out a deep breath. 'I have a feeling they're for Sky, mother.' I blushed as Marcus looked at me, a flicker of hurt in his eyes, reflected by the aura around him.

'Isn't that that singer boy? The one that has a bit of a reputation?' Clarence gave me a disapproving look.

'Zed Benedict, my lady.' Nina said with a small smile. 'He's the boy that saved the princess' life.'

'I see.' She looked at my rosy cheeks and shook her head. 'You can do much better, your highness. He'd be quite a few steps down from a prince.' Now she was starting to sound like my father. I frowned as she walked past me. 'Come on, we have work to do!'

'I'm sorry about my mother.' Marcus said as we danced together, Lady Clarence making an important phonecall about my shoes, suggesting that I wear smaller heels to reduce the chances of stumbling.

'I know you'll have to take up the dress, but she can't fall over and make a fool of herself!' Lady Clarence was saying as Nina scribbled something down onto her clipboard.

I winced. 'It's okay, it's her job, right?'

Marcus didn't look convinced. He simply furrowed his brows. 'So Zed Benedict, hmm? Does he often send you flowers?'

'Apparently this week, yes.' I sighed.

His smile was playful. 'I thought you liked flowers.'

'Not when a guy thinks that's all it takes to win a girl over. I'm not most girls.'

He sighed. 'And don't I know it.' He twirled me around, as rehearsed, and we moved back into the traditional waltz. 'I don't know why mother wanted to come here. Your waltz is excellent these days.'

'I have a few ideas.' My eyes flicked to his mother, who was watching us with a gleeful expression. She frowned at what was said on the phone and looked away. 'Have you seen my dress?'

'Sorry but yes.' He gave a small smile. 'It's lovely. Very princessy though.'

'Very princessy?' I winced. 'What does that even mean?'

'Well it's not a fitted number. Big skirt.' He wrinkled his nose. 'I don't know much about dresses, but it's nice.'

'Colour?'

'I'm not sure I'm allowed to tell you.'

'Please.' I pleaded. 'I hate not knowing what I'm wearing. Why can't I choose a dress?'

'Because it has to be a certain length and have certain sleeves and certain gloves and what not according to mother. Queen Roseanna did have a lot of input though and I'm sure she wouldn't let you wear something awful.'

He was right. She wouldn't. She was lovely and she knew my taste pretty well. 'I guess you're right.' He turned me again. 'Will you be at this state dinner?'

'Of course. Mother wouldn't miss it. Lord knows who I'm sat with, though. Hopefully not the Queen of Sweden. She's getting on these days and her granddaughter is... well a little bizarre looking.'

I laughed, picturing the young princess in my head. 'I don't think she's that bad. No worse than me.'

'Your highness, you are definitely the pick of the princesses in Europe.' He gave a small smile. 'You have it all and you are terribly modest.'

I blushed and glanced down. I spotted Zed at the window and he gave a small smile as he watched, flowers still in hands. 'He's not giving up.' I sighed, shaking my head.

'And so he shouldn't.' Marcus' eyes met mine as I glanced back to face him. 'He'd be pretty stupid to let you go.'

Zed didn't go away. He stood out in the cold, patiently, for the next half an hour, when I was finally allowed to go, after correctly naming which cutlery to use for each course and quickly reciting information about each visitor coming to the dinner. I'd missed my own dinner and my stomach growled at me in disgust as I pulled on my coat and walked out into the rain, escaping from Lady Clarence before she could suggest Marcus and I had dinner together somewhere.

Zed held out the flowers, his face lighting up when he saw me. 'Hey.' He smiled, the smile making his eyes sparkle.

'Hello.' I replied, trying to keep my heart calm. I wanted to accept the flowers, but I was too proud for that and too stubborn. Giving me three lots of flowers in a week wasn't going to win my heart. Was it? I mentally slapped myself; no Sky, you're harder, tougher than that.

'Lucy said you didn't want any more flowers but I saw these sunflowers and well... I thought they might brighten your day.' His smile was crooked as he said the line that would make most girls swoon. I tried to resist.

'Thank you, but I haven't got any idea where I could put them.' Because of the other oversized bouquet sat on the window ledge that had to be moved everytime Lucy snuck out.

Zed's eyes flicked behind me as Marcus came outside, carrying a book I'd forgotten. The boys looked at each other, standoffish, giving each other the once over and I tensed, feeling uncomfortable. 'Marcus.' Zed said, smoothly.

'Zed. Lovely to see you again.' Marcus said, his voice bitter. He passed me my book and smiled at me, a smile that would make Tina flutter her eyelashes. 'Here you are, Sky. I'll see you next Saturday? You'll look lovely in that dress.'

I frowned. He was doing that on purpose. 'Yeah, sure, thanks.'

He bowed and he was gone, Zed burning holes into the back of Marcus' head as he walked away. 'I never liked that guy.' Zed said, his voice reflecting what he was saying.

My stomach growled. 'I know.'

'We've missed dinner.' Zed told me and I nodded. 'We could order a takeaway?'

My stomach growled in agreement and, although I wasn't sure, I gave in. 'Okay.'

'Lucy's with Nate so maybe we can order a pizza and eat in your room? It's not really the weather for a picnic.' I looked overhead at the grey sky as thunder rumbled, hiding the growl of my stomach.

'Sounds like a good idea.'

Zed and I ordered a Dominos and he snuck into my room, where we sat on the rug on the floor, tucking in as we spoke about school and our upcoming exams. And, surprisingly, it was actually pretty nice. He didn't try to cross the friend boundry once. We sat opposite each other, tucking in, and then Lucy came back and he made himself scarce, taking the empty pizza box evidence with him.

'So did you have a nice evening?' Lucy asked with a playful smile as we got into bed that night.

'It started off rubbish but I guess it brightened up.'

'Mmmm.' She grinned and turned off the lights. 'Just no more flowers, okay? This place is turning into a flower shop.'

I wasn't sure why Lady Clarence had to take me to my dress fitting on Monday, but she tutted when she saw that Lucy and I were still in our school uniform. I'd cleaned my shoes though and surely that was progress? She fussed over the messy fishtail plait in my hair as we walked into the designer dress shop after being buzzed in. Then she chatted away in her overly-British accent, enunciating every single syllable as she spoke to the designer. Lucy rolled her eyes behind Lady Clarence's bag and I had to stifle a giggle as I was ushered off to the dressing room.

I held my breath as I stripped to my underwear and slipped into the deep blue dress that had been made especially for me. I prayed that it would fit, that my measurements two weeks previously had been accurate. The designer buttoned the dress up at the back and I was surprised that it was a little loose. I looked in the mirror at the dress and I smiled. The bodice, a fabric I couldn't name, had cap sleeves a little off the shoulder, embroidered flowers across the neckline on the front and the back. It seemed to pull in my waist, making it look tiny, and the bodice fell in a v-shape, with a few more embroidered flowers before flowing out in a tulle skirt. It was princessy. Marcus had been right. In the light, some of the dress sparkled and the colour made my eyes pop too. The designer passed me some navy silk gloves and I slipped them on.

'I made it a little shorter as you now have these shoes instead of the higher ones.' The woman explained, holding up the little cream court shoes with the small heel. 'Lady Clarence said you were finding the dance a challenge, your highness, so I hope that these will do better.' I slipped my feet into the shoes, which were comfy because of their lessened height, and the curtain was pulled back.

'Oh my god!' Lucy cried out and Lady Clarence glared at her, making me smile, as I walked up onto the podium. Clarence walked over, circling me and inspecting me and I resisted the eye-rolling. It fitted. Was this really necessary? She pulled at some fabric on my waist and called over the designer.

'I think it needs taking in at the waist. Have you lost weight, your highness?' Lady Clarence asked.

'I don't know.' I replied, honestly. She was right, though, there was some extra fabric that didn't need to be there. The designer started pinning the dress carefully, my waist looking even smaller.

Clarence tutted, inspecting the rest of the design. 'You're going to waste away. You need to eat properly.' She looked at my feet and I lifted my dress. 'Not as lovely as the original shoes but I suppose it'll stop you falling over your feet.'

The designer looked flustered and I smiled at her. 'The dress and the shoes are lovely.'

'The gloves work well.' Clarence continued.

'And it will look lovely with your tiara and the jewels your grandfather left you for your birthday.' Lucy said with a reassuring smile.

Clarence straightened up. 'It'll do fine.'

'Erm, Lucy, what's going on?' I asked as Wilfred pulled up back at the school. Zed stood wearing his guitar, in front of a microphone, whilst Nelson stood by a portable amp with Nate and Yves. A few other people had crowded around, phones out and wondering what was going on. 'Is this a Seven minutes in heaven gig I don't know about?'

'Oh goodness.' Lady Clarence looked flustered as I climbed out of the car. 'I don't do concerts for modern music. Terrible stuff with all that twerking.'

Lucy and I burst out laughing as Wilfred closed the door.

'What's twerking, your highness?' Wilfred asked, smoothly, as he bowed.

'You don't want to know.' I told him and he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the sides.

'I'll pick you up on Saturday morning miss.'

'Thank you.' And then he climbed in the car and headed off. I turned back to Lucy, who had a pretty smug grin on her face. 'What?'

And then Zed started to play and I froze as he started to sing. 'Oh, her eyes, her eyes

Make the stars look like they're not shinin'

Her hair, her hair

Falls perfectly without her trying

She's so beautiful

And I tell her everyday

Yeah.'

His eyes locked on me and I tensed. 'This isn't-'

'For you?' Lucy smiled. 'Well I think it just might be.'

'I know, I know

When I compliment her she won't believe me

And it's so, it's so

Sad to think that she don't see what I see

But every time she asks me, "Do I look okay?"

I say,'

Tina and Zoe appeared at my side, carrying textbooks from the library. 'What's going on?' Tina asked.

'When I see your face

There's not a thing that I would change

'Cause you're amazing

Just the way you are

And when you smile

The whole world stops and stares for a while

'Cause, girl, you're amazing

Just the way you are

Yeah.'

'So Zed Benedict is totally serenading you!' Zoe squealed beside me and Tina and Lucy hushed her as I waited for the ground to swallow me up.

'Her lips, her lips

I could kiss them all day if she'd let me

Her laugh, her laugh

She hates but I think it's so sexy

She's so beautiful

And I tell her everyday,'

People were looking at me. The girls were watching out of their windows in our dorm. Why wasn't I wearing my hair down? I could hide if my hair was down.

'Oh you know, you know, you know

I'd never ask you to change

If perfect's what you're searching for

Then just stay the same

So don't even bother asking if you look okay

You know I'll say,'

Part of me wanted to run, there and then. Hide in my dorm room and never come out. But the teenage girl in me was transfixed, transfixed on the eyes looking into my soul, the voice singing just for me.

'When I see your face

There's not a thing that I would change

'Cause you're amazing

Just the way you are

And when you smile

The whole world stops and stares for a while

'Cause, girl, you're amazing

Just the way you are

Yeah

The way you are

The way you are

Girl, you're amazing

Just the way you are.' '

He smiled then as he sang and a few girls near me sighed. I nearly did the same.

'When I see your face

There's not a thing that I would change

'Cause you're amazing

Just the way you are

And when you smile

The whole world stops and stares for a while

'Cause, girl, you're amazing

Just the way you are

Yeah.'

The song ended and the crowd, now containing our year group and a few others, as well as some members of staff cheered. And then our headteacher came along, frowning and bringing the swooning girls and myself back to reality. 'Mr Benedict, just what do you think you are doing?'

'Crap, let's get out of here.' Lucy whispered, grabbing my hand and pulling me into the safety of the dorm. Girls whispered as we passed and I knew I was blushing. I also felt like I was going to cry, mixed emotions overwhelming me. Lucy pulled me up the stairs and into the safety of our room, Tina closing the door behind her.

'Zed Benedict just serenaded you!' Zoe squealed, repeating herself. She and Tina walked over to the window, looking out.

'I think he's going to be in trouble.' Tina said. 'He's getting pretty told off.'

'They'll call his parents.'

'Karla and Saul won't mind. They'll find it nice.' Lucy said with a small smile. She turned to face me. 'Now you can't say that that wasn't cute and romantic.' I bit my lip and she swatted me. 'Come on Sky, what girl doesn't want to be serenaded?'

'Everyone was looking.' I said, quietly. 'And people were filming.'

'So what? It's not like it's going to make the news.'

But it did. Someone had sent in the footage and every gossip column, Youtuber and blogger was talking about it. The same footage was being showed on the Entertainment news the following day and I cringed as Zed sang and then the camera panned around to my surprised face. It was mortifying. Then there were the whispers as I passed the corridor, the knocks on my dorm door from girls I hardly knew.

'Your highness, we weren't expecting you until the weekend.' Nina said as she greeted me in the courtyard of the palace. 'Did your exams not go well?'

'Oh I think so.' I replied. 'I just wanted to spend some time at home.' Away from the whispers, I added, silently.

'I'm not sure your room is ready for you.'

'Nonsense, I can do it myself.' I marched along the corridor and despite having longer legs than me, she hurried to keep up.

'And you have exams in the morning!'

'I'm aware, but Wilfred has already said he will drive me happily to my exams tomorrow and Thursday morning and then I have a study period Friday morning so I can almost have a lie-in.' I reached my room and she sighed, frustrated.

'I'll fetch Hannah and Clara.'

I walked into my room and closed the door, collapsing onto the chaise longe as I listened. To absolute silence. No door-knocking. No whispering. I relaxed and got out my textbook, doing some last minute studying for the exam the following day.

A knock on the door caught me by surprise after I had dismissed Hannah and Clara that night. I sat at my dressing table, brushing my hair carefully. 'Come in.' I glanced up, my eyes widening in surprise when I saw it was Queen Roseanna, dressed in a fancy-looking robe.

'Hello Sky.' She smiled sweetly, closing the door behind her. 'How are you?'

'Fine thank you.' I replied, politely, as she came up behind me.

'We've issued a press release.'

'Oh?' I bit my lip and my cheeks reddened with embarassment. I didn't like being the centre of attention. And Zed had made me just that. And naturally, the press were eating it up. She passed me a piece of paper and I scanned it quickly, reading it.

We can confirm that Her Royal Highness Princess Sky separated from Prince Sebastien some time ago and the Princess and Royal family ask for your kindness and support in this matter. Mr Zed Benedict's performance was a surprise to the Princess and this is something she wishes to deal with privately. We can confirm that Her Royal Highness will be attending Saturday's State Dinner as expected, after a week of thriving in her exams at school.

'Thriving?' I blinked.

'Your father's choice of words.' She gave a small smile.

'I see.' I gave her a small smile back and she sat down beside me.

'I called the school and asked them to remove any punishments they have given to Zed.'

'Why?' I turned to her, surprised.

'Because his heart was in the right place.' She reached out for my hairbrush. 'May I?' It was a gesture that surprised me, but, either way, I handed over the brush and she started to brush my hair, as a mother would do to a young daughter. It felt nice and strangely relaxing. 'So do you like Zed? As much as he likes you?'

'Sebastien and I haven't been separated that long.' I replied.

'Do you remember that night we spoke in Paris? When I said I was envious of how Zed looks at you?' She waited for me to nod. 'He still looks at you like that, Sky. I saw it every time he came to visit you after hospital. I saw it at the Ball a few weeks ago. He looks at you like you're his whole world. Like a young man in love.' I glanced down, blushing. 'There's nothing wrong with being embarassed or concerned. You're young, you've had your heart broken and it's been broken by Zed once before, I know that. I might be getting older but I'm not blind.'

A tear rolled down my cheek and she stopped brushing my hair. 'Why do boys do it? Break hearts?'

'Men do too.' She said, her voice sad. 'So I'm afraid it doesn't get any better, but I can tell you that what and if when put together are two powerful words that could haunt you the rest of your life.' She pulled my hair away from my face and looked at me in the mirror. 'Going after what you want is scary and possibly heartbreaking, but if you don't go for it you'll have nothing but regrets.'

I broke eye contact with her, looking down. 'I'm not sure I can face any more hurt. Not right now.'

'Then wait.' Her voice was calm, caring. 'I'm sure Zed will understand. I don't think he's going anywhere anytime soon.' She stood up. 'I'd better let you get some sleep. You have an exam tomorrow.' She walked over to the door.

'Roseanna?'

'Yes?'

'Thank you.' I said and she turned, smiled at me, and then she was gone.

Surprisingly, I slept okay that night, but Queen Roseanna's words filled my head the following morning as I sat in the car, Wilfred driving me to my exam after I'd had an incredibly early breakfast. I'd dressed differently today. I'd dressed for confidence. I wore skin-coloured tights, feeling a little cooler in those with the warm weather, and I tied my hair back in a bun, a sparkly hair piece from my jewellery box in my hair. And I'd done something even braver; around my wrist I wore the rose gold bracelet, the one with a single 'S' charm on it, the one Zed had bought me for my birthday. My biology exam was easier than I thought and then the English Literature one almost straight after wasn't too bad either, but maybe it was because I was doing well with my studies. Despite the whispers as I walked across the hallway afterwards, I left with my head held high as I walked over to meet Lucy, Tina and Zoe. And then I decided that I didn't want to hide; the old Sky might have, but not Princess Sky. I sent Wilfred and Nina a message, saying that I was going to stay at school.

'I'm glad you've decided to stay.' Lucy said as we sat down in the dining hall for dinner. A few girls walked past, stopping their conversation as they watched me before continuing as they walked away.

'What's their problem?' Tina frowned. 'A romantic gesture and suddenly everyone is giving Sky daggers.'

'They're jealous.' Nate said, sitting down across from us with Nelson. 'It's all the girls in class this afternoon was talking about. How they wish Zed had sang like that for them.'

'It's true.' Nelson nodded. 'And the fansite's for Seven Minutes in Heaven are saying exactly the same thing.'

I bit my lip and looked down, blushing, and Lucy spotted my bracelet. She eyeballed it and then looked up at me with a knowing smile. 'Nice bracelet.'

'Thanks.' I glanced down at my food, wishing it would cool down so I could eat it.

'How are you having your hair on Saturday for your state dinner?' Tina asked, changing the subject. 'It looks nice tied back. You look older.'

'I agree. Older and kickass.' Zoe smiled and I laughed. Then I saw him. Zed. He turned with his tray of food and he gave a shy smile when he saw me. A smile that told me that maybe he was a little embarassed and felt awkward too. He glanced around at the other tables, as if not sure whether to join us, and I realised a few girls turning his way, smiling and waving at him, flirtaciously. And then he walked over and sat down, not in the empty seat opposite me, but the next one along. Our table fell silent as our friends looked between the two of us, waiting for one of us to say something.

I decided to speak first. 'Hey.'

His eyes flicked up to meet mine; eyes filled with surprise. 'Hey.' He looked over at our friends, who suddenly started eating as if they hadn't been watching us, waiting for us to speak. I think we're today's dinnertime entertainment. Zed said into my head and I smiled as I scooped up some food.

I think you're right. I replied, taking a bite and pretending that I wasn't having a telepathic conversation with anyone. We kinda were yesterday though, too.

Sorry. His eyes softened from his space across from me and Yves sat down in the spare seat next to him. Zed's older brother watched us, warily, before joining in with the conversation the others were having. If it helps, I got in loads of trouble.

That doesn't help.

My detentions got cancelled this morning, though. He scooped up some food from his plate and ate it as he watched me.

The Queen is on your side. I gave him a small smile as I swallowed my food. She made a call.

He looked surprised again. Wow, she really is nice.

She is. I agreed. She's pretty good at advice too.

'Earth to Sky and Zed?' Nate said, his voice irritated. We both glanced over at him. 'You didn't hear anything I just said, did you?' I blushed as we shook our heads. 'I was asking if you were around July 2nd? I have a free house all weekend and we might be able to use the pool if this heatwave makes an appearance.'

'I'm in.' Zed nodded and I sighed.

'Sorry, I can't that weekend.'

'Got a better offer?' Nate teased and I bit my lip.

'Actually, I'm in Norway that weekend.'

The silence was deafening and deadly and the awkwardness was unbearable. Zed looked uncomfortable and maybe even a little hurt.

'So that exam this morning was tough.' Nelson said, changing the subject and sensing the tension.

I looked down at my food and then back at Zed, who was frowning. Are you going to Norway to see him? He sounded bitter and I didn't like it.

Of course not, it's over. I replied. But that doesn't mean I'm allowed to skip Royal functions. I have to go.

And there will be Royal Suitors, right? Zed Benedict didn't say anything else. He got up and left the room without a single word verbally or telepathically.