The heat rose to 29 degrees celsius on Monday and my first lesson at school, English Literature, was almost unbearable. Everyone had shiny faces and we fanned ourselves, wishing we had aircon as the teacher, Ms Jones, spoke about Midsummer Night's Dream, possibly one of Shakespeare's strangest plays. She sat down, fanning herself, and sighed.

'Miss, I feel faint.' A girl called out from behind me. Ms Jones' eyes flickered with concern as she moved past me, crouching down beside my classmate. A knock at the door took all of us by surprise and we all looked up as our deputy headteacher, Mr Smith, walked in through the door.

'Ms Jones, we've decided to cancel lessons for the rest of the day. It is far too hot to teach without airconditionning as I'm sure you'll agree.'

The class cheered, but some were quieter than others, feeling unwell in the warm room. I felt dizzy as I stood up and I took a swig of water as Lucy pulled me out of the room. Back at the dorm, I had a cold shower, enjoying the cooling sensation on my skin, and I changed into a bikini, pulling a pair of shorts and a loose-fitting vest top over the top. When I returned to the room, Tina, Zoe and Lucy were sat in front of the fan, wearing summer clothes, bikinis included and fanning themselves too.

Lucy glanced up from her phone and smiled when she saw me. 'We're all heading out. Have you got your bikini?'

'Yeah.' I raised an eyebrow. 'Where are we going?'

'Only down to the other side of the lake. There's a swimming bay.'

'Okay.' I replied with a small smile. I'd go, but I wasn't going swimming. No one was going to see my stomach.

'We'll go to the dining hall and grab some lunch to takeaway first.' Tina said, grabbing her beach bag. 'We can have a picnic.'

I thought back to my picnic with Zed and smiled, although I doubted our afternoon was going to be that perfect.

'The Swimming hole', as my classmates called it, was on the far side of the lake, far from the buildings and a good twenty minute trek along the dirt track through the woodlands I'd spent time with in wintertime with Zed, before everything had become complicated. I'd rode there on horseback before, but I'd never stopped; there had been no appeal. But here, on a sweltering hot Monday lunchtime, it was busy. The grass was busy with our peers, picnicking together, some probably drinking more than just water in their clear-water bottles, whilst a few were in giant rubber rings, floating in the lake and some were swimming. There was a tyre attached to a tree near the water and I watched as some of my classmates swung from it, landing in the water.

'My gorgeous women, over here!' Nelson hollered and we rolled our eyes, walking over to where he was spread out on the ground in a tank top and shorts, Yves, Nate, Zack and Zed behind him.

'Sweet baby Jesus.' Tina said from behind me and I knew why. The boys of Seven Minutes in Heaven were all topless, displaying their muscular chests. Zed's was the most muscular, carved by Gods, and it was sunkissed too. My mouth felt dry and he smirked. He was reading my thoughts. Damn him. I felt embarassed. Mortified. I blushed as Lucy moved first, spreading her towel out on the ground next to Nate and slipping off her tank top, so that she was just sat in her denim shorts and a bikini top. She kissed him in greeting, where he lay on the ground, and he smiled as she laid out beside him. Tina and Zoe were just as confident, stripping into their bikinis like the other girls around us and then sitting down on their towels, basking in the sunlight.

'There's a space next to me, Sky.' Zed said with a friendly smile, patting the grass beside him. My friends watched the exchange, Tina asking for a slap when she wiggled her eyebrows, and I sat myself down beside Zed on my towel. But I kept myself fully clothed. I pulled out a bottle of water and took a gulp, distracting myself from Zed's chest. 'You alright?' He asked, his eyes meeting mine.

'Yeah.' I smiled. 'You?'

'Yeah. Glad to be out of the classroom. Our maths room this morning was crazy hot.'

'So was English Lit.' I replied, fiddling with my braid. 'This heat is unbearable.'

'I love it like this when we're in Italy.' He said, thoughtfully. 'But then we have a lake right by the house and that makes a difference.'

'A house in Morzine and one in Italy too?' My eyebrows shot up in surprise. The Benedicts had a lot more money than I thought.

'Mum's family are Italian.' He said. 'Hence our colouring.' The Benedict olive skin and dark hair. I supposed it made sense. They did look Italian. 'We have a house over in Lazise on Lake Garda so we can visit her side of the family as my Nonna and Nonno still live there.'

'Nonna and Nonna?'

'Grandma and grandpa.' He smiled. 'I'm guessing you don't speak Italian.' I thought to the weekend, when he'd told me about grandparents living near Arundel. His eyes turned sad and he looked down. 'My dad's parents. We lost my grandpa a few years back and grandma when I was ten.'

'I'm sorry.' I apologised. I thought of my grandfather, the only one I'd ever known, and a lump formed in my throat. I knew he was reading my thoughts because Zed reached out for my hand, holding it and squeezing it. But he didn't let go like I expected. He simply held it there and he pulled me so that I laid down beside him, our fingers intertwined.

'Right that's it, I can't take this heat, I'm going for a swim.' Nate said just over an hour later. He sat up quickly as Lucy rubbed in her suntan lotion. She threw the bottle to me and, surprisingly, I caught it. 'Any of you losers joining me?'

'Says the biggest loser.' Zed said from beside me. He removed his sunglasses, looking over at me with a lopsided smile.

'I'll come.' Lucy said as Nate pulled her to her feet. 'I'm boiling.' She pulled her hair back into a ponytail.

'We'll all go.' Nelson replied and my friends all got up around us. I looked over at the lake, where our classmates were swimming about and relaxing on inflatables. The water was busier so the banks were quieter, and a game of volleyball had started down on the sand.

'Sky? Zed? You coming?' Nate asked as he reached out for his girlfriend's hand.

'I'm good.' I replied with a small smile, sitting up and self-consciously wrapping my hand across my covered belly. Lucy gave a sympathetic smile beside him, knowing my ongoing battle with the scar on my stomach. I turned to Zed. 'But you can go.'

'I'll wait here.' He said, his fingers gently on my back.

'Suit yourself.' Nate shrugged and my friends headed off for the tyre swing. We watched as they walked off, chatting and talking and laughing in the hot early July sunshine.

'So how come you're not swimming?' Zed asked as I laid back down beside him. He laid down too, rolling onto his side so he was facing me. I bit my lip as my eyes flicked down to his abs and then back up to his face.

'I don't want to.' I replied, my voice small.

'Hmm.' He didn't look convinced. His eyes spotted my hand around my waist and he moved it away. 'You're afraid of people seeing your stomach.'

He'd caught me. I broke eye contact and looked down as his fingers curled around mine. I thought of the scar beneath my t-shirt and I winced. It was healing, sure, but it was still there. The 4cm pink line on my lower stomach.

'Baby, no one cares about that stuff.' I looked up in response to the pet name he'd used. Baby. It surprised me, coming from Zed Benedict of all people.

'I care.' I replied and his expression softened.

'But it's part of you and you are beautiful, Sky Bright. You're beautiful and cute and strong and caring and your scar is part of that.' His eyes met mine with that intense gaze he often used, the one that seemed to draw me towards him like a magnet. I often wondered if that was a soulfinder thing. Perhaps it was. I looked away, my cheeks reddening. 'What, you don't like compliments? You always get embarassed when I give you one.'

'It's not that I don't like them.' I replied, biting my lip again. 'It's that I don't know what to do with them.'

'Just say, thanks Zed, that was awfully kind of you.' He grinned and his eyes ran over my lips. 'And please stop biting your lip.'

'Sorry.'

He reached out, brushing his fingers against my cheek and I swallowed. 'Sky, you're so full of fear and you needn't be.' But I was. I was afraid Ezra's men would come back for me. I was afraid of going to Norway that weekend and facing Seb. I was afraid of my past returning to haunt me. I was afraid that Zed was going to break my heart and I was afraid of my father, The King, and these expectations set out in front of me. I wanted to be strong, I desperately did, but how could I be when my world had fallen apart so many times? A tear rolled down my cheek and Zed caught it. 'Baby, you have nothing to be afraid of.' He whispered, his thumb caressing my cheek gently. 'You're not getting away from me. Never again.'

School was cancelled the rest of the week, due to the heat, but it didn't make much of a difference. Exams and assignments were over for the year so I had no idea why we were still in school. Two weeks remained, ten days, when Friday rolled around and I knew that after that ten days there would be prom, the American-adopted tradition, and then it would be summer. Friday afternoon, I grabbed my handbag and headed out to the car, where Wilfred was sat, waiting to take me to the airport.

'Sky! Wait up!' I turned at the sound of Zed's voice as he jogged towards me, in a vest and shorts, the air still hot but set to cool over the weekend. I adjusted the bag on my shoulder, the strap making my shoulder sweaty. 'I wanted to say goodbye.' He said, simply, a playful smile on his face.

'You have one minute, your highness.' Wilfred said, moving around to the other side of the car to give me some room.

'I thought you were heading to the city for a photoshoot.' I replied. Their album was being released in two weeks and they still needed the promotional photos and the merchandise to run alongside it.

'In a bit, yeah.' He shrugged, taking a step towards me. 'I wanted to see you before you went to Norway.' He looked nervous, if not a little sad.

'I don't want to go. If it helps.' I told him and he gave a small smile and a nod.

'I know you don't. I just worry.'

'Prince Sebastien is still in service. I'm sure he won't be attending.' I replied, shrugging it off, even though my stomach still worried that he would. 'And I'll be back Sunday. If it helps, I probably won't even like my dress. I've not even see it.'

'You'll look beautiful.' He said with a small smile, taking my hands in his. 'You always do.'

'Zed.' I blushed and his small smile widened into a grin.

'Sorry.' His thumbs gently stroked the backs of my hands. 'I really want to kiss you goodbye, but I suppose it's not appropriate.' He glanced around at the whispering classmates that passed us. 'I want to be able to call you my girlfriend.'

'I just need a bit more time.' I told him, my stomach doing flips.

'I understand. Do I get a hug at least?' He opened his arms and I ran into them, wrapping my arms around his waist. He wrapped his around my shoulders, kissing the top of my head and making me relax a little. 'I'll see you Sunday.'

'See you Sunday.' I said, pulling back, reluctantly.

'Your highness, we must go.' Wilfred brought me back to reality.

'Okay. Goodbye, Zed.'

'Goodbye, Sky.'

The two hour and fifteen minute plane ride to Oslo felt long and possibly longer because of my nerves. Phillip sat opposite me, chattering away about the lovely weather and how nice it must have been for me to have a week off of school because the school building was too warm. I also knew that he too sensed my nerves and wanted to keep me relaxed. Queen Roseanna and my father were sat on the other side of the aisle, talking business as usual, despite the fact that they were wearing relaxed summer clothes. I'd had to change into a light blue teadress and small heeled court shoes, my hair in a tidier braid than it had been before. It felt unusual not wearing shorts for the first time in days, but I knew I'd be fine when we landed for the temperature in Oslo was a mere eighteen degrees, ten degrees cooler than it had been in London when we left. The plane landed and we were greeted by Royal Guards on arrival, the press photographing us as we made our way into the car. And then, at eight o'clock Norwegian time, we headed to the palace.

'Relax.' Phillip whispered to me as we were driven towards the grand Royal Palace that had been home to me just a few months previously.

'Easier said than done.' I whispered back, smoothing down my dress.

'Just think, dear sis, in just over 36 hours we will be heading home again.' He squeezed my shoulder as I sucked in a deep breath as the gates to the palace driveway opened and we were driven inside. 'It's really not that long.'

'Well it seems like an age to me.'

The car parked in the courtyard where a blue carpet was rolled out, guards and the Royal household stood either side ready to greet us. And then there was The King, The Queen and Princess Laura stood awaiting our arrival too. The car door opened and we were announced as we climbed out of the car. Following protocal, my father went first with his wife and they greeted King Aleksander and Queen Elena with a bow and a curtsy. Phillip and I followed, doing the same, and then Lolly broke the protocol by pulling me into a hug. Her parents laughed, as did Roseanna, but my father's face stayed serious.

'I've missed you!' Lolly said to me, beaming. 'It's been too long!'

But had it been long enough?

The King and Queen of Norway had housed me in my old bedroom, saying it would make me feel comfortable, but I felt the opposite. As Lavine, my old handmaiden, unpacked my belongings, I sat in my spot on the window-sill as emotions overcame me. I thought of the times Seb had been in the room, comforting me in the middle of the night, always being there and I frowned. Not because I still cared but because I was angry. And I couldn't help but feel that this soulfinder business was painful. The Gods decided who you were to be with and that meant hurting people on the way. I didn't have a choice, did I? I was supposed to be with Zed, just like Seb was supposed to be with his soulfinder, Angelika. And if you weren't, you'd be off-balance. Angry, emotional. Never happy. What kind of sick world was this?

'Anything else miss?' Lavine asked. 'I can run you a bath?'

'I'm fine thank you.' I told her, turning so that she couldn't see the tears staining my cheeks. 'Goodnight Lavine.'

'Goodnight your highness. It's nice to have you back.'

My sleep was restless and I was woken by shaking. Opening my eyes confirmed my thoughts; Lolly. Ah yes, it was good to be back.

'Is there a fire?' I asked, pushing her away from me.

'Of course not, silly.' She tutted. 'But it is ten AM.'

'Nine in England.' I reminded her and she rolled her eyes.

'Come on, the sun is shining, don't you fancy a walk? Or we could go shopping?'

'Or I could go back to sleep?'

'You're still not a morning person.' She laughed. 'Isn't that what you say in England?'

'Yes and it's so true.' I pulled the covers over my head and she pulled them back.

'Come on, I'd like to do something before the Ball. We could go boy hunting.' I groaned and she laughed. 'Oh come on, it'll be fun. I'm single you're single... although apparently in England it's okay to sing to girls you find attractive and to crash Royal parties.' I buried my face and she completely pulled off the covers. 'No you don't! Tell me everything.'

'Nothing to tell.'

'Liar. I watch E! News.'

'The news isn't always true.'

'Mmmhmm.' She looked at me, unconvinced. 'Breakfast is on its way up. Get dressed and then we are going out.'

I'd loved to have worn jeans, but Nina hadn't approved them for my visit, so I was stuck wearing a watercolour-print skirt and a white blouse with nude coloured pumps. I pinned back my hair into a half-updo and joined Lolly for pancakes, listening to her talk about the primeminister's son, who she had been crushing on now that he was back from boarding school and looking virkelig attraktivt (really attractive).

We ended up in the Botanical Gardens, a short drive away, walking along the path and taking in the greenery, a haven in the middle of Oslo. The gardens were surprisingly quiet, only with a few families and people jogging by and, surprisingly, despite our entourage, no one batted an eyelid, although I wondered if that was because they were intimidated by the security team of both Norwegian and England guards. We paused by a lake with a small waterfall and sat down on a bench in the mild summer air.

'I'm sorry about my brother.' Lolly apologised and I shook my head.

'You have nothing to apologise for.'

'I do.' She replied. 'I encouraged it, told you to go for it. I guess I was a little biased and didn't think my brother was a complete idiot.'

'It's not his fault.'

'It is. He hardly even knows this girl, yet he's willing to give up so much for her. Dad's furious. He and mum really like you and thought you had a bright future together.'

'Teenage romances don't usually last.' I told her and she frowned beside me.

'But sometimes they do. And it could have lasted. He was completely in love with you.' I blinked in surprise.

'Don't be ridiculous.'

'Didn't he ever tell you that?' She looked surprised. 'He was always saying in his letters that he had never felt like that, that he'd do anything for you, that he was completely in love with you. Sheesh, he's an even bigger idiot that I thought.'

'Well sometimes things don't work out.' I shrugged. 'To be honest, I wasn't expecting it to. Happy endings are a load of bull.'

'Bull?'

'A load of rubbish.'

'Oh.' She was quiet for a moment. 'I like to think that they do exist, but then I suppose I've never had my heart broken.'

'You're lucky.' I told her. 'Because it sucks.'

'Hey, how are you?' Zed said when he rang that evening as my dress was fastened with the tight ribbons at the back. I gasped as they tied them tightly and I thought of Mary Queen of Scots on Reign; how had she coped wearing corsets? They were unbearable.

'I'm okay thank you. Yourself?'

'Missing you.' His voice sounded shy and I heard Nate mimick him in the background, but he simply ignored him. 'How's Norway?'

I shrugged, even though he couldn't see me. 'Alright I suppose. Lolly and I went for a walk and now I'm getting ready for the dinner and dance.'

'Your highness, your tiara.' The hairdresser said and I moved my phone away, allowing her to place it on top of my head, on my updo.

'And is your dress awful?'

Annoyingly, it wasn't. The dress was strapless with a tight bodice (thanks corset back) before it fell outwards into an A-line skirt. It was a cream colour with pink and red roses spread out on it. With my tiara it looked beautiful and very summery. 'I guess it's okay.' I said to him.

'Will you send me a picture before you head to dinner?' His voice sounded hopeful.

'Of course. I'm not sure about my hair, though.' It was in an updo, tendrils falling and framing my face. I liked my hair a lot better in a plait or even down, over my shoulders. My neck and shoulders felt too exposed with it in an updo.

'I'm sure you look beautiful.'

'Your highness, are you ready? It's time.' Lavine said and I nodded.

'I have to go.' I told him, suddenly longing for his touch. Why was he not there with me? I'd be more relaxed if he was.

'Okay. Have a great time and send me a picture.'

'Sure.' I hung up the phone and took a picture of my outfit in the full-length mirror, before sending it to Zed and plastering on a fake smile. I put my phone in the bedside table and took a deep breath before heading downstairs.

It felt weird being in the grand hall as a guest, greeting the royal family, as I was so used to it being the other way around. Weirder still, because I'd practically been a part of this royal family for a month too. But, nonetheless, I stood in the line of guests, some of which I recognised from other events and from the State Dinner in England the previous month, awaiting the entrance of King Aleksander, Queen Elena and Lolly. But instead of three entering, it was four, and my heart hammered against my chest as bile rised in my throat. What the heck was Seb doing there? He wore his military uniform, like his father, a sash across him, as he walked alongside Lolly in her princess-shaped lilac dress. Phillip's face fell across from mine and his mouth and eyebrows twitched as he fought with the urge to be angry, the red aura surrounding him. His eyes met mine and they softened, almost apologetic, as the Norwegian Royal family walked along, greeting their guests.

My eyes met Lolly's and she too looked apologetic and then Seb looked my way, his eyes sad as they met mine. I took a deep breath, curtsying as I greeted his parents and then him and Lolly, my poker-face on as the cameras captured the moment.

'Deres høyhet.' Your highness. I said in greeting as I rose to my feet again. I clasped my hands in front of me as Seb's mouth twitched, his expression unreadable, and then he carried on along the line, allowing me to breathe again. Sort of. My dress suddenly felt too tight.

The dinner started shortly after that and I was thankful to be seated near Lolly, but not near Seb, although he did glance my way every now and again as I wondered why on earth I had been once again put in Miguel's company. He chatted to me constantly, calling me a beautiful senorita and making me cringe. I just about stomached my food, deciding it would be rude not to eat it, poor etiquette, and I was thankful when we were excused from the dinner table, the guests moving into the other room.

'I'm sorry.' Lolly said, appearing at my side and apologising for the second time that day. 'I didn't know Seb was coming. Mum and dad didn't tell me that part.'

'It's okay.' I replied, although my stomach churned, begging to differ.

'If it helps, you look gorgeous and he keeps looking at you, hopefully realising what he's lost.' She looped her arm through mine, leading me into the other room.

'My beautiful senorita.' Miguel appeared in front of me, bowing and kissing my hand. I tried not to look as horrified as I felt, trying to fake a smile.

'Prince Miguel, hello again.' I said from behind my biggest fake smile.

'You are exquisite.' He said. 'A true beauty.'

'Uhm, thank you.' I replied, blushing from the embarassment and from the compliment at the same time.

'We must dance together later.' He said, a slimey smile appearing on his lips. I swallowed and took a step backwards. 'We are quite a pair.' And then he was gone.

Lolly looked taken aback. 'What. The. F-'

'Sky, what a lovely surprise.' Seb appeared in front of me, bowing, and I swallowed, trying to keep my dinner down. I wanted to turn and run as fast as I could, but where could I go? I was in Norway, in his palace.'You look lovely as always.'

'Thank you, your highness.' I replied, keeping it formal. He looked taken aback by the formality of the situation and his smile vanished. 'I hope you are well and enjoying your time in the navy.'

'Erm, yes.' He looked nervous now, running his hand through his messy blonde hair as he often did when he was uncomfortable. 'It's going okay.'

'Good.' I folded my arms across my chest, showing negative body language that Lady Clarence would have killed me for.

'I heard about Ezra's sentence.' I flinched and he reached out to touch me, but seemed to change his mind. 'He should be away for longer.'

I bit my lip and nodded, feeling tears in my eyes. 'But that's not the way the legal system works, unfortunately.'

'I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you.'

'It's okay.'

He looked awkward, as if trying to find the words to say. He looked over at Lolly, silently asking her to leave but she pouted and shook her head. She wasn't going anywhere and for that, I was grateful. 'Sky I'm sorry for everything I've put you through.' He said, his voice sad. 'I didn't want this to happen. I thought things would be different.'

'But they're not, are they?' I said, bitterly.

'You know the situation, surely you understand.' The look was pained. 'You'd do the same.'

'But I wouldn't.' I replied, feeling irritated. 'Because I met my soulfinder months ago yet I wanted to be with you and not him.'

'What?' He looked puzzled and then his eyes narrowed. 'Zed Benedict. I've seen the way he looks at you.' Lolly's eyebrows shot up in surprise beside me as she put the puzzle pieces together.

'It doesn't mean that we don't have a choice in this world, Sebastien.' He flinched at my use of his full name. 'There's always a choice whether it's how to rule your country or who to choose to love. The point is that I was never going to be a part of that choice and I suppose that it's better I found out sooner rather than later or I would have been even more hurt than I was.' I frowned at him. 'And just so you know, you said you didn't want to ruin our friendship. Well I'm afraid you did, the day you broke your promise and hurt me.' I turned on my heels and marched off, Lolly following me and my brother rushing over.

'Sky, are you okay?' My brother asked.

'Damn girl, you are totally kickass.' Lolly said in surprise, a smile playing on her lips. 'I had no idea you had it in you.'

'What happened?'

'Your sister just put my brother completely in his place.'

I sucked in a deep breath and the room spinned. I leaned against the wallframe, wincing. My dress was far too tight.

'Sky, are you okay?' My stepmother was there too, looking at me with a concerned expression.

'I... I can't... breathe.' I gasped, holding my waist. 'I think this dress is too tight.'

'Phillip, take your sister up to her room. I think she's feeling unwell.'

I was relieved to be excused from the party and, after assuring Phillip I was fine, I called Lavine to undo my dress and I took off my tiara, unpinned my hair and changed into the comfort of my pyjamas, climbing into my bed. I laid down, focussing on my breathing and Lavine commented that the colour was returning to my cheeks.

'Are you okay, miss?' She asked. 'Can I get you anything? Do you need a doctor?'

'How did women wear those things all the time?' I asked and she laughed.

'I suppose you get used to it.' She picked up my dress and hung it up carefully. 'It looks awfully small though, miss, perhaps it was the wrong size. You've lost weight but not that much. Did you have a fitting?'

'No I didn't.' I replied, pulling my phone out of my drawer. There was a text message from Zed.

Wow baby, you look gorgeous! That dress is more than alright. I wish I was there to keep you company xx

I sighed and sent a reply. Sebastien is here. I might have told him where to stick it. Dress too small, couldn't breathe so now lying in bed but kinda glad I got to be rude to the future King of Norway xx

'Your highness, I heard that Prince Sebastien is here.' Lavine said, tidying away the hair and beauty products on my dresser. 'I hope he was pleasant to you.'

'I think I'm the one that was unpleasant.' I replied. 'I probably wasn't very ladylike so I can't imagine he'll be pleased. This might be the last time I'm welcome at the palace.'

'I doubt it, miss.' Lavine replied. 'The King and Queen are very fond of you. They were very upset that things did not work out between you and the Prince.'

'I was too.' I said, honestly, adjusting myself on the cushions. 'But I suppose happy endings are just in fairytales, aren't they?'

'Not at all.' She came and sat on the end of my bed. 'Fairytales are more than true. Not because they tell us dragons exist, but because they tell us that they can be beaten.' She gave a small smile. 'Perhaps, your highness, that the prince wasn't your prince charming.'

'I'm not sure Prince charming even exists.' I sighed. 'Because so far I've had no luck.'

'Don't rush into love, miss. Remember that in fairytales the happy endings don't take place until the very last page.' She stood up and gave me a reassuring smile. 'Can I get you anything else, your highness?'

'No thank you, Lavine.' I replied as my phone buzzed. 'I think I might get some sleep.

She curtsied. 'Goodnight, miss.'

'Goodnight.'

She left the room, closing the door behind her and I turned off the lamp on the bedside table, nestling under the warm duvet covers.

I guess it's good I wasn't there or I might have punched him and then your father would have disliked me even more. It's a shame it's too small, you looked lovely in it, but then I think you'd look beautiful in a hesian sack. See you tomorrow xx

Thankfully, after an awkward breakfast, we boarded our plane and headed back to England, much to my relief, and I relaxed when I saw Wilfred waiting for me at the terminal.

'A word.' My father said and I glanced at him in surprise as I followed him away from our security guards and away from the Queen and my brother.

'Yes father?'

'I don't believe that you were ill last night.' He said, simply.

'My chest hurt. From the dress.' I frowned.

'Or you're just too weak to be seen in front of Prince Sebastien.' His words were bitter and it took everything in me not to flinch. 'That's not the image I want of my family.' His eyes met mine and they looked cold. 'I want my family to be seen as strong and powerful, do you understand?'

'Of course.' My voice came out shakier than I wanted.

'Good.' He cracked his knuckles and I winced. 'Now put on a brave face and smile for the cameras, darling.'

Zed wanted to meet me when I got back to the boarding house, but I was far from the right mood. My father had upset me, so I'd simply changed into my pyjama shorts and a tank top and I'd gone to bed, ignoring the invite to hang out with the girls in Tina and Zoe's room.

The sunlight bled through our curtains the following morning and I realised that we hadn't closed the curtains properly. I opened my eyes with a squint, rolling over just as my alarm sounded, signalling that we needed to get up and get ready for school. Lucy groaned across the room from me as I grabbed my clean uniform and took it down to the showers with me. I stripped in my cubicle and relaxed at the feeling of the warm water on my body, trying not to think of my father's words and cold stare that had haunted my dreams.

'It's so hard finding a nice prom dress. Princess Sky is so lucky. Everyone is dying to make her a dress and she always has beautiful dresses.' A female voice I didn't recognise was saying.

'I know, I'd love her wardrobe!' Another girl was saying.

I blushed at the girls talking about me. It was kind of off-putting when I was showering. But at least they were saying nice things.

'Izzy, Margot, are you guys nearly ready for breakfast?' The door had been opened and there was another voice.

'Coming!'

And then I was alone again and the idea hit me; in my wardrobes hung beautiful ballgowns of different styles. And Nina had said I couldn't wear them again. I needed to be seen wearing new designs, new creations, new fashions. So why not sell them on? I could sell them and raise money for charity... I smiled to myself as I rinsed out my shampoo. That was one way to raise money and I knew just what I wanted to do with it.

I'd already raised enough for the riding centre to be upgraded and wealthy benefactors were keeping the funding going on a monthly basis too. But there were more people I wanted to help and I thought in particular of the girls at the children's home in Oslo. If Seb and I had still been together, I would have joined the cause, but it was no longer my place and it was his city. So, instead of tucking in at lunchtime, I headed to the library and did some research for myself. England didn't have orphanages, but they did have a lot of children's homes, a lot which needed funding and support. I nibbled on my sandwich as I sat at the back of the library, using google as my guide and opening websites of different children's homes that weren't too hard to get to. Most looked nice and updated, but then there was one that caught my eye and I knew I wanted to help. Oak Tree House was the only children's home in London that was for teenagers and perhaps that's why it pulled at my heart strings. It housed 10 children from ages 14 to 18 at a time with 3 single bedsits for older children and 7 individual bedrooms. As I looked at the pictures one thing went through my mind; if it wasn't for Sally and Simon, this would be me. Oak Tree House had recently been doing some fundraising, wanting to give the place a decorate inside so that it appeared 'cool' to the residents, but the Justgiving page wasn't looking great and I felt sad. Those teenagers deserved to feel at home, to feel safe, just like I'd been lucky enough to do. The school bell rang and I quickly scribbled down the phone number, promising that I'd get Nina (as all 'business' calls had to go through her) to make a phonecall that afternoon.

My phone rang as I left my final lesson and I didn't hesitate to answer it. 'Hello?'

'Your highness, I hope you have had a good day.' Nina.

'Yes thank you.'

'I've spoken to your father. He believes working for Oak Tree House would be good for your image.' I frowned. That wasn't why I was doing it. 'And I've spoken to them... they were very surprised but they'd like you to visit after school tomorrow if you're available. The owner, Josie, said that they're trying to undergo some changes and renovations so seeing you sooner might be more of a help.'

'Of course. I'm available.' I replied. We had very little homework being set anyway and the only day I had plans was Saturday; prom dress shopping.

'I'll call her and let her know and I'll come with Wilfred and the car for when you finish your Science lesson.'

'Sky!' Zed's voice caught me by surprise as I walked back towards the library, holding books in front of my chest. 'Hey.' He said as I stopped and turned towards him.

'Hey.' I replied with a small smile. 'You alright?'

'Yeah, you?'

'Yeah.'

'Studying?'

'I need to return these to the library.' I replied. 'Completely forgot they were in my room.'

'Allow me.' He held out his arms and I passed him one. 'I'm a gentleman. Hand them all over.' I wasn't going to complain. I passed him the books and he held them with ease, his muscles showing through the tight rolled-up sleeves of his school shirt, as we moved back into a slow walk towards the library.

'Thanks.' I said with a shy smile.

'You're welcome.' His smile was more courageous as he looked at me, his eyes meeting mine and almost drawing me towards him. 'Are you free tomorrow after school? I thought maybe we could hang out.'

'Sorry.' I apologised. 'I've got plans. Princess duties.'

'Oh?' He raised his eyebrows.

'I'm going to a children's home for teenagers just outside of Kensington... they need some fundraising and rennovations done and I want to help... now that riding centre is up and running.' I bit my lip. 'I wanted to help children at first but then I thought about the teenagers and well... I suppose if it hadn't been for Sally and Simon I would have been one of them.' I shuddered at the thought. 'Despite everything... I was very lucky.'

He nodded. 'You are. Sally and Simon are great.'

'Absolutely.' I smiled, my smile widening this time. 'They've done a lot for me and they've always been patient and supportive. I really need to make the effort to see them more.'

'I'm sure they'd like that.'

'I was thinking of going there to get ready for prom, you know? And inviting the girls over too to get ready with me. We'd have more room then in the boarding house and photos in the garden would look lovely.' We reached the library and Zed gave me a nervous smile as he allowed me to walk in first. I held the door for him and the books and he followed me inside. 'Zed, are you okay?'

'Sure.' He nodded, but I could tell something was on his mind.

Yves and Zed weren't in school the next day and he hadn't sent me his usual "good morning" text either or anything to be honest. It was weird not hearing from him, but I tried to ignore the fact as I changed out of my uniform quickly and into jeans and a plaid shirt that I knew Nina would hate; but I didn't want to dress in my designer clothes in front of the teenagers I was visiting. To me, that would be rude and rubbing my 'wealth' in their faces. I let my hair fall loose around my shoulders, slipped on my converse and applied some make-up and then it was time to go.

'Your highness... your outfit...' Nina said as I walked across the driveway towards the car. She curtsied but gave me a disapproving look.

'I can't rub my designer clothes in their faces.' I told her simply as Wilfred opened the door for me.

'Good afternoon your highness.' He smiled in greeting, ignoring Nina's remark. 'I personally think that blue plaid suits you.'

'Thank you Wilfred.' I smiled and looked over at Nina, who resisted rolling her eyes as she mumbled something about Lady Clarence.

'Well,' Nina said, 'I suppose we'd better get going if we're going to be back in time for your dinner.'

The drive to Oak Tree House didn't take long and I felt nervous when we pulled into the car park. As I got out of the car and looked up at the building, my two members of security moving to stand beside me and Nina too, I couldn't help but think of the potential. The building was modern with big windows so I knew inside would be light and homely. But then, inside was another story.

I was greeted by Josie, a carer and the 'manager'/owner of Oak Tree House and she walked out onto the patio to greet us, curtsying to me until I stopped her doing so.

'There's no need for that, honestly.' I told her with a smile. 'I can't stand the formalities.'

'Of course.' She gave a nervous smile, a reflection of me, as she tucked a stand of blonde and silver hair behind her ear. 'It's lovely to meet you though, your... highness.'

'Just call me Sky.' I said as I shook her hand. 'That's more than enough.'

'Sky.' She nodded.

'And this is Nina, my assistant.' I introduced my assistant, who looked formal in her skirt suit.

'We spoke on the phone.' Josie said, shaking her hand. Her eyes flicked to my security.

'Don't mind Martin and Joe.' I told her. 'They're going to wait out here.' Martin knew better than to argue. He simply nodded and they moved to the side of the door, almost guarding it.

'Well then I suppose you'd better come inside.' Josie said. I followed her into the lobby area and then she led me into the living room, where two teenage girls of about fourteen were sat watching the television. They glanced over at me, shy smiles on their faces, as I took in the living room. The antique rug was worn, the velvet sofas worn too and then the television was the modern highlight. Books were tucked into mismatched shelf-units and there was a computer tucked in the corner. 'This is the living room.' Josie explained. 'It's quite small, but the bedrooms were our priority here really. Girls, this is Sky. Remember I said she was coming?' The girls simply nodded. 'Sky, these are two of our residents, Evee and Lola.'

'Hello.' I said in greeting with a smile, hoping I didn't sound too posh or formal.

'Hello.' They chorused, their voices quiet and nervous. Their eyes flicked back to the television and I recognised the Vampire Diaries.

'I love this programme.' I told them. 'Team Damon or Team Stefan?'

They looked back at me in surprise. 'Team Damon.' The red head said.

'Team Stefan.' The brunette said. She gave me a half-smile. 'You?'

'Damon I'm afraid.' I laughed. 'But my friends like Stefan.'

'But Damon is such a bad boy.' Brunette girl, Lola, wrinkled her nose. 'Why do girls always go for bad boys?' It was a good question, but I realised I myself was kind of dating a bad boy.

'No idea.' I shrugged. 'He's got nice eyes though.'

'Yes.' Red head, Evee, sighed, dreamily.

We met a few other residents on the way around; two girls about my age and three boys aged between fourteen and seventeen, that were playing an intense table football game in the 'games den'. The house was large and spread out and I thought the same as Josie showed us the bedrooms and then the bedsits that were for the older teenagers. It had so much potential, but it looked tired and basic and everywhere had the same wooden floors and white walls that the house probably had been given when it was originally a showhome. Josie introduced me to the three other members of staff onsight at the time and they were all friendly, but each one highlighted the need for an update, a change to make the place feel more like home. We were sat in the dining room, discussing what needed doing when a girl walked into the dining room, her jeans ripped and her knees bloody.

'Phoenix, what happened?!' Josie gasped.

The girl looked a similar age to me, but she looked tired, bags under her eyes. Her hair was dark, in a jagged, uneven, long haircut and her deep blue eyes, slightly darker than mine, contrasting with her olive-coloured skin (AN: I imagine her to look like Chrissy Costanza, only with blue eyes and atm her hair is long and uneven). She wrapped her thin arms around herself, almost in protection. 'Nothing.' She said, simply. It was a lie. I knew that and I could feel it. Her eyes looked at me. 'Who are you?'

'Phoenix!' Josie said in a disapproving tone. 'This is Princess Sky. Remember, I said at dinner last night that she was coming.'

'Oh. Yeah.' She looked at me with an unreadable expression, but the aura around her showed she was tense. Uptight.

'Let me clean up your legs.' Josie stood up and gave me an apologetic look but I simply smiled. 'I'll get the first aid kit.' She dipped out of the room and Nina gave Phoenix disapproving looks from behind her.

'Nina?'

'Yes your highness?'

'Could you wait for me in the car please?' It was more a command than a question and, despite her frown, she understood perfectly. She nodded, curtsying before leaving the room.

Phoenix wrinkled her nose. 'Does she always do that?'

'Most people do.' I replied with a shrug.

'Sheesh. It's totally weird.' She rubbed her forehead as she sat down in the furthest chair away from me.

'I know.'

She looked a little surprised that I'd said that and she gave me almost a flicker of a smile as Josie returned with the first aid kit. She tried to fuss over Phoenix but she simply took the first aid kit from her carer and frowned. 'Josie, I can do it. I'm eighteen now, remember?'

'I'm trying to help.' Josie's voice was strained and I knew that her job wasn't easy. It couldn't be. She shot me another apologetic look. 'I'm sorry, you probably need to head off.'

'It's okay.' I said but my stomach growled and I blushed with embarassment.

Josie pushed the first-aid kit away from her. 'Where were you, Phoenix? I was starting to get worried. You can't just come and go as you please. This is your home.'

'It sure doesn't look like a home.' Was the response she got and my heart ached for her.

'I hope you didn't get into trouble again. I don't want the police banging on the door.'

'Well it's lucky you're kicking me out in a month then, isn't it?' Phoenix's voice was bitter and made me flinch.

'I'm going to find you somewhere to go. A bedsit somewhere. I promised you that, remember?'

'Right.' Phoenix stood up, hands on hips. 'I don't want dinner. See you later.' And she stormed out.

'I'm sorry, Sky.' Josie apologised, her brow furrowed. 'We have a lot of children from difficult backgrounds.'

'I understand.' And I did. 'I came from a tough place too.'

She gave a small smile. 'I'd understand if Phoenix's behaviour put you off. It holds back a lot of benefactors... you know, hearing about the trouble some of the kids get themselves into.'

'Not at all.' I said. 'If anything, it makes me want to help more. What can I do?'

'We've got some money to rennovate but I just haven't had the time to do it and then there's paying for decorators to come in... it's all going to be pretty costly.'

'Then I'll help.' I smiled at her from my place across the table. 'I have to go now but I could come back tomorrow and we could chat to everyone, see what they want and go from there?'

'Thank you. So much.'

'You're welcome.'

I knew I was doing the right thing, even though I caught Phoenix's glare through the window as I got into my car ready to head back to school.