Dear Ellen,

I am so sorry that I didn't tell you I'd applied for the Royal Selection. I knew I should have told you, but I was certain that you were far more likely to be chosen than me. After all, we both know you are the cleverest out of the two of us and you're far more charitable and beautiful. I wasn't going to apply, but like you said, the thought of being able to get Sally and Simon out of debt was too good an opportunity to miss.

I wish you could see this place, though I'm sure you will on the television. I have a blue bedroom designed for a princess and the silk sheets are divine. The food is incredible too and I know you would love the desserts. If I can find a way to get some cheesecake delivered to you, I will send some.

I met the Royal Family yesterday and they seem nice. Some of the girls and I were watching Romeo and Juliet (not as good as Shakespeare though) and Queen Karla came and watched it with us! She's a fan of the play too!

The last forty-eight hours have been emotionally exhausting and I wish you were here to talk to. You'd know what to say or do.

Please forgive me,

Sky

I sealed the letter in the envelope and handed it to Chloe before slipping out of my room and into the palace with my guitar slung over my shoulder. It was still very quiet considering there were twenty girls staying there. The women's room was empty, which surprised me for a Sunday afternoon when we had free time, and I found myself heading outside into the warm summer's afternoon.

The scent of flowers hit my nostrils as I walked through the French doors and the sun beamed down, warming my uncovered arms. I walked past the fountain, resisting the urge to take a dip to cool my warm heel-clad feet, and walked along the paved ground, passing beautiful roses and tulips and flowers I couldn't name. I passed a gardener, who bowed in greeting, and walked until I found myself by a lake with a fountain in the middle. I sat myself down on the grassy bank and turned my head to look back at the palace. It was huge and so were the grounds. I turned back to the lake and could just about make out the wall beyond it, marking off the palace from the rest of the city.

'At some point I might just wake up from this bizarre dream.' I whispered to myself. I pulled my old guitar onto my lap and tuned it carefully, humming the notes to assist myself. When I was pleased with the old strings, I strummed them and my body relaxed in response to the music.

'And I don't want the world to see me
'Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's meant to be broken
I just want you to know who I am.'

'Not hiding in the music room today then?' The voice caught me off-guard and I turned my head to see Prince Zed in leather-looking trousers and a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves. His hair was messy, as if he'd been running his hands through it, and his eyes looked a brighter shade of blue in the sunlight.

'It's far too nice to be stuck indoors, your highness.' I replied, placing my guitar down beside me.

'Yet you are the only girl out here, making the most of the weather.' I turned my head to look back at the lake as he sat down beside me, propped up on his arms with his legs stretched out in front of him. 'My mother said she joined some of you for a movie night last night.'

'Yes.'

'I think she is going to enjoy having some more female company.' I could tell without looking that there was a smile on his lips. 'Where were the other girls?'

'They were invited.' I replied, my fingers tracing the floral patterns that wrapped around the waistline of my long dress. 'But they decided to return to their rooms.'

'Hmmm.' He was quiet for a moment, almost thoughtful, and then he reached for my guitar. 'May I?' I hesitated and he tensed. 'Afraid I will break it?'

'No,' I replied and I passed it to him.

He took the guitar and placed it across his lap, running his fingers over the small dents and marks on it. 'A bit battered, isn't it?'

'It's all I could afford.' I replied.

He strummed at the strings and I tried not to show any sign of surprise, despite feeling just that; since when could Prince Zed play guitar? And he was pretty good at it too. He hummed along to the tune I recognised as Livin' on a Prayer and then he stopped playing all too soon and he stood up abruptly as his eyes clouded over. 'I have to go.' He said simply and then he was gone.

'Okay and smile!' The photographer said at the Garden Party the following day. I was stood with the other candidates in our ballgowns we'd been instructed to wear, all with a different shade of blue on us. Tina's was an electric blue with glitter detailing on the bodice, whereas Zoe's was closer to a turquoise and was a plain, off-shoulder number. Mine was a light blue number with a long silky skirt, and a tight lace, strapless bodice with a few embroidered flowers around the waist. We all had flower crowns in our hair, matching our dresses, although most of the girls had their hair up in elegant updos, whereas mine, Zoe and Tina's was down and in curls.

'Why did they have to dress us the same?' Jessica whispered from beside me, irritation clear in her voice. 'I want to stand out and I don't want to be associated with someone from Whitebridge or Lowscroft.'

I flinched at the insult and resisted the urge to react or make some snide comment about people from Goldlyn. After all, there were more people from Goldlyn in the competition than from anywhere else and that just highlighted superiority.

'Great, thanks ladies!' The photographer said with a bow and some of the girls hurried away, excusing themselves.

'This whole thing is crazy.' Tina whispered to Zoe and I as we grabbed some glasses of wine from a passing waiter.

'It is.' I agreed. The beautifully landscaped gardens had been given a makeover. Candles and lanterns hung around us, although they weren't yet lit, and even more flowers had been added in arches and wound around trees. Dining tables had been brought outside and were arranged in a giant horseshoe shape. White tablecloths covered them and they were decorated with extravagant flowers with ribbons tied to the chairs. A few people played a game of croquet a few feet away from us whilst others stood around chatting and laughing as the band played on in the background. I spotted a few of the other girls talking to Prince Yves and Prince Xavier, but Prince Zed was nowhere in sight.

'Whenever I planned birthday parties, this is the scale I imagined it would be on.' Zoe said.

'I agree.' Amelie replied. 'Some of mine were pretty close too.' She smiled proudly. 'I'm off to mingle. Don't forget to do the same ladies.' And then she was gone, another glass of wine in her hand.

'It's my birthday next week.' Zoe sighed. 'I wonder if Prince Zed will throw me a party.'

'If he's throwing you a party then I must be next.' Tina added with a playful grin.

'When's your birthday?' I asked, knowing mine was a month away.

'Mine is Tuesday so the 24th and Tina's is July 31st.' Zoe replied. 'And Prince Zed's birthday is August 5th.' How strange that some of us had birthdays so close together. Mine was on August 18th.

'Good afternoon ladies.' Prince Zed appeared at our side and we all dropped into a curtsy as we greeted him with a chorus of 'Your Highness' in response. 'You are all looking lovely.' He replied, his blue eyes scanning our outfit choices. It suddenly made me feel self-conscious and it took everything in me not to fold my arms; that wasn't proper etiquette.

'Thank you, your Highness.' Tina said on our behalf. She reached for a curl and twiddled it around her finger in a girly, flirtatious gesture.

'Are you enjoying the party so far?' He asked and this time his eyes fell on me. 'Is the music to your taste?'

Anyone else listening to the question would not have batted an eyelid at the harmless comment, but mischief was in his eyes. 'It's pleasant.' I replied, deciding not to mention that it was not my taste in my slightest.

'Only pleasant?' The song changed and I blushed as I recognised it as the song I'd been singing by the water the previous day. He smiled and I knew he was enjoying teasing me. 'I do love the Goo Goo Dolls, do you?'

'I can't say I've heard them before.' Zoe replied, looking puzzled. I felt my cheeks warming up, the blood running to them.

'Lady Tina, I wondered if you would take a walk with me?' Prince Zed asked and she swallowed before nodding.

'Of course, Your Highness.' He held his arm out for her and she took it, glancing over her shoulder with an excited expression before they disappeared off into the flowers.

'Tina's the third girl to be asked on a date by Prince Zed.' Zoe sighed, disappointment written all over her face.

'Third?' When had he taken any of the others?

'He invited Amelie to watch a movie with him yesterday morning.' She replied. 'Apparently he has this huge room he calls a cinema in the North Wing! And then Gabrielle went riding with him yesterday afternoon.' Perhaps that explained the laid-back outfit he'd been in when I had seen him? And the messy hair? 'And now Tina has gone on a date with him.'

'Does a walk count as a date?' I asked.

'Well it's one-to-one time.' She sighed, sitting down on the bench we were stood next to. I sat down beside her. 'I wonder who he'll ask next.'

'I'm sure he'll ask to spend some time with you at some point.' I replied.

'I don't know… he might decide he really likes Tina or Amelie or Gabrielle and then we'll all be sent home.'

I swallowed. I hoped that wasn't the case. I couldn't afford to be sent home so soon.

'But then maybe we'll find suitors when we leave here anyway. In other countries where they have held Selections, the candidates who have left have quickly been snapped up and most were engaged or married just a few months later to eligible bachelors.' She gave me a small smile. 'That's why my mother signed me up, because I might become a princess or at least be a Lady with a wealthy husband.'

I tried to imagine Sally signing me up for the Selection but I knew she never would have done that. She wasn't a pushy parent and she believed too much in freewill.

'Hello, Ladies… Lady Zoe and Lady Sky, isn't it?' Prince Xavier had appeared in front of us and we both clambered to our feet, clumsily, curtsying for the other Prince. He pushed his long hair away from his face and smiled a warm and friendly smile.

'Yes, Your Highness.' I replied, aware that Zoe seemed to be uncharacteristically lost for words.

'Would you Ladies care for a game of croquet?' He asked. 'My brother and I were just talking about starting up a game,' he leaned towards us and lowered his voice to a whisper. 'And between you and me, you two look far more approachable than some of the other girls.'

'Croquet sounds good.' I replied with a smile. 'Although I'm afraid I've never played before.'

'That's something easily fixed.'

I actually turned out to be pretty good at croquet and what's more, I enjoyed playing it. Zoe and I joked and laughed with Prince Yves and Prince Xavier and I found myself relaxing, despite being up half of the night worrying about the party. Once I had loosened up, it became easier to mingle and Zoe and I finished our game with a shake of the hands before circling the party guests, putting our etiquette lessons to practice when we spoke to Royalty from all over the world as well as Dukes, Duchesses and the occasional celebrity.

We didn't see Tina until dinner, when she finally emerged and took her space opposite us and next to Amelie, who was gushing about the date she'd had the previous day. I wondered how I'd missed that at dinner the previous night but I also wondered why it bothered me. Because he'd shown no interest at all? Or because he was serial-dating? But then wasn't that what this contest was about? It seemed somewhat ironic when he was always photographed in the paper with a different model every week and now he was going on two dates in a day. I looked down the table and spotted Prince Yves laughing along with Phoenix and some of the other girls. Prince Xavier was on the other side of us and the King and Queen were sat with Prince Zed at the far end. Royals from different countries were spread out and mixed in with us and it made the nerves settle back in my stomach.

I didn't speak much at the dinner table and neither did Tina or Zoe. Tina was grinning like a love-sick fool and Zoe looked almost envious. I, however, kept quiet and focussed on eating in a ladylike fashion, terrified I would spill food over myself with the Prince of France sat just two seats away. He spoke enthusiastically to Amelie and I let her do the hard work as I ate small bites of food.

The expensive wine came round after dinner as guests moved to the dancefloor, dancing in time to the band with any partner they could find. It wasn't long before Tina was whisked off by Prince Xavier, not his brother- much to her disappointment. And then Prince Zed showed up himself.

'Lady Zoe, would you do me the honour of dancing with me?' He asked with a formal bow.

She grinned, suddenly forgetting the envy she'd felt all evening and she was quick to accept, leaving me stood alone. I decided that perhaps it was time to slip off into the candle-lit garden. I picked up the skirt of my dress and walked along the paved floor, trying to ignore the sore feeling in the balls of my feet. Was I ever going to get used to wearing heels? I walked through a flower arch and froze as I turned the corner; Phoenix stood in her beautiful teal-coloured ballgown, kissing Prince Yves. My eyes widened. It was completely against the rules of the competition to be dating, flirting or even kissing other men. Especially the other princes. It could have her thrown out of the country. I turned and walked quickly, knowing I couldn't turn her in but wishing at the same time that my head would forget what it had just seen.

My heart thudded in my chest as I walked back through the gardens and towards the lake. I moved away from the candlelight and soon the moonlight was guiding me as I made my way down towards the water. I was expected to report anything I'd seen, but Phoenix was from Lowscroft. She was "lower class" than me and that meant her punishment could be more severe than being thrown out of the country. Where would she go? Would she be able to start again? No, that moment was between her and Prince Yves and it was up to them to own up.

I sat down in the cool, green grass next to the lake and looked out at the reflection of the moon on the water.

'Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day.' I sang softly, smiling to myself as I slipped my heels off of my feet and dipped my toes into the cool water. My body relaxed in response.
'Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way.'

'Audrey Hepburn.' I turned my head at the sound of an unfamiliar voice and she stepped out into the moonlight, smiling at me. Diamond, Prince Trace's fiancé and future Queen, with her dark hair and dark eyes, looking every bit the Egyptian princess. 'Now that sure is a blast from the past… at least one hundred years ago, yes?'

'Oh,' I moved to stood up but she shook her head.

'No need to curtsy, I'm not even a Princess yet.' She laughed softly as I blushed. Her eyes moved to my toes. 'That seems like a wonderful idea.' She slipped her shoes off and held up the hem of her ballgown, dipping her feet in as she sat down on the grass beside me. 'I'm so sorry, forgive me, but you are…'

'Lady Sky.' I replied, biting my lip. The future Queen was sat beside me, dipping her feet in a lake. We were both breaking etiquette but she didn't seem to mind.

'Lovely to meet you, Lady Sky.' She shook my hand with a smile. 'You can just call me Diamond.'

'Then it's just Sky,' I said. 'I don't think I'm quite Lady material.'

'Why so?'

'Because I'm sure that Nobility don't dip their feet in lake water when it's too warm.'

She smiled and she laughed and I felt envious that even her laugh sounded beautiful, like a melody. 'I am not sure. I think even when I am Queen I will not be rising above cooling off in a fountain or lake.' She ran a hand through her pin-straight hair and looked across at me. 'Now why are you hiding from the party? You seemed to be enjoying playing croquet earlier.'

'I'm not used to big events… I'm from Whitebridge so even just having a friend over is a rare occasion.' I replied. 'Plus everyone was dancing and I was starting to feel a little homesick…' White lie, I decided, was the best bet. And I was truthfully missing Sally and Simon and even Mrs Creedy.

'I cannot believe that nobody asked you to dance.' She shook her head. 'That dress is divine.'

'Thank you.' I blushed. 'But it's probably for the best… I've never really been a dancer.'

'And you're living in the palace? Well that won't do. There is plenty of time to learn and dancing is wonderful. You're a musician, yes?' I nodded. 'Then you'll be able to count the steps easily.' She smiled.

'Diamond, sweetheart?' A voice I recognised as Prince Trace's called out and my eyes widened as I glanced down at our feet, still in the water.

'I'm over here.' She called out in response, completely relaxed. He walked out from the shadows and spotted the two of us sat by the lake, but he didn't bat an eyelid and he held his hand up, stopping me from standing to greet him.

'The fireworks will be starting soon.' He said, simply. 'Sorry to interrupt.'

Diamond got to her feet and surprised me by holding out her hand, pulling me up. 'Darling, this is Lady Sky.' She said, introducing me. 'We were having a lovely chat about music and dancing… she has a wonderful voice.'

'I hope that perhaps we get to hear it sometime then.' He said with a warm smile, which met his eyes. He reminded me of his mother and he did look a lot like Prince Zed.

'I'm not usually one for an audience.' I replied with a blush as I slipped my shoes back on. 'I'm sorry for my unladylike behaviour.'

'Nonsense, you're not on show.' Prince Trace shook his head. 'And the heat today has been unbearable. Dinner jackets and ballgowns are not well-suited to summer in this part of our country.'

'I couldn't agree more.' Diamond said as she held her fiance's arm, flashing her engagement ring as she did so. 'We should get back.'

'We'll walk you back, Lady Sky. You shouldn't be out here by yourself.' Prince Trace said and I followed them back in silence.

Despite everything, I found myself unable to tear away from my first ever firework display I'd had the pleasure of seeing in person. I held my hands in front of me, caressing my palms with my fingers as I pretended I was back home in my meadow, watching the fireworks with Ellen. It seemed somewhat ironic that exploding rockets could make someone feel just so relaxed.

Everyone was quiet at breakfast the following morning and it took me a few minutes to realise why; Phoenix was not there. My eyes widened as I looked across the table at Tina and Zoe but they simply just shrugged at me in response. This was a competition, they were expecting people to leave the process. But the images of Phoenix and Prince Yves the previous night filled my mind with dread and my stomach twisted; what if they'd been caught? Had she been banished? Or imprisoned for treason? My palms felt sweaty as I forced myself to eat some breakfast like the other girls were doing.

Suddenly, the door opened abruptly and we all clambered to our feet and into a curtsy as Prince Zed walked in. His eyes looked strained and tired and confirmed my fears; something had happened to Phoenix.

'Good morning, ladies.' He said formally. 'This week I will be trying to get to know as many of you as possible.' His eyes scanned us. 'As you can see, Lady Phoenix has left the process and two more ladies will be gone by the end of the week.' I swallowed, wiping my clammy hands on the lace of my long, floaty summer dress. 'Lady Isabella, you and I will be leaving shortly.' He said and the brunette beamed excitedly. 'Lady Zoe, I will collect you from your quarters at 2pm and then Lady Anita, you and I will be going out for dinner this evening.'

Three dates in one day? I blinked as he turned on the heels of his feet and strode back out of the room. Then why was I surprised? Wasn't he known for serial dating? Isabella brushed down her dress and squealed excitedly before leaving the dining room. As the other girls chattered away about the news, I couldn't take my mind off of Phoenix and whether she was safe or not.

'Lady Sky, your posture is terrible!' Lady Evelyn tutted as the other girls stood up perfectly straight, books balanced atop their heads. Was my head unusually round? Because I was struggling to keep it still. 'Are you even concentrating?'

'Yes, my Lady.' I lied, snapping myself back to reality. It was Wednesday afternoon and we were in our daily etiquette class. This time Tina was present, having been whisked off on a date like Zoe had the previous day. She'd spent the evening gushing about it in the women's room whilst we watched Anastasia, a cartoon about a Russian orphan girl who turned out to be heir to the Russian throne. It was some strange kind of fairy tale, but the music in it had been catchy and I'd been humming one of the songs as the maids dressed me that morning.

Lady Evelyn reached for my shoulders and gently held them back. 'Straighten your spine, Lady Sky, you're a Lady now.' I did as she asked as she held my shoulders. She placed the book back on my head and walked in front of me. 'Now glide.'

Glide? Ah yes, because ladies glide. They don't walk. What was I thinking?

'Class, you are excused.' Lady Evelyn said and I let out the breath I was holding as the other girls headed out the door. 'Lady Sky, not you.'

I paused and turned around, trying to push my shoulders back and keep my spine straight. Easier said than done when I'd spent a lot of time curled up with books in the library or leaning over a guitar.

'I feel like you are having difficulties with my classes.' She said, giving me a stern look. 'And I feel like you are not trying your absolute hardest.' She frowned. 'It must be difficult, considering your background. You were not born into any nobility and so it is not a part of you.' I resisted the urge to clench my fist at my side as she paced. 'You need to remember that you are in a competition, Lady Sky, and if you want to stay then I suggest you work harder. I am to report back to Prince Zed on Friday on progress and currently you are not making any.' I swallowed. 'I will see you for your classes tomorrow at 10am sharp and I expect to see an increase in effort, do I make myself clear?'

'Yes, Lady Evelyn.' I swallowed and the tears escaped as I hurried up the corridor.

'Sky?' A voice startled me and I sniffed, attempting to wipe away the tears without smudging my makeup. I looked up to see Diamond stood in the corridor, two books in her arms. Even in her deep red pencil skirt and white blouse, she looked every bit the future Queen. She walked over to me and placed an arm across my shoulder, leading me into the music room I was stood outside. When we were inside, she closed the door and handed me a tissue as we sat down on a sofa together. 'Whatever is the matter?'

'I can't be ladylike.' I told her. 'Lady Evelyn is going to tell Prince Zed on Friday that I am not cut out for all this. I can't even get my posture right.'

'You've only been here five days, she cannot expect you to be a Lady overnight.'

'You tell Lady Evelyn that.' I grumbled.

'She's always had a stick up her behind.' Diamond rolled her eyes and I resisted the urge to smile or laugh at the comment. 'But unfortunately, even with that stick, she's important to the Royal Family so you're going to need her onside.' She sighed and looked at the books in her hand. 'I have a short meeting and I need to return these books, but I'll head by your room in an hour?'

'Why?' I found myself asking the future Queen.

She smiled, her kind and Egyptian-like eyes sparkling. 'Because I like you, Lady Sky, and I think you deserve to be here.'

Diamond was true to her word and turned up at my door an hour later. She sent my maids to make us some tea and then she closed the door behind them, and we got straight to work. She gave me tips about my posture, even suggesting I wore a corset underneath my fitted dresses to keep my back straight until I was at least able to do so on my own, and taught me correct sitting positions. After tea, she disappeared to get ready for dinner, but not before promising to return at 8am the following day, an hour before breakfast, for my next lesson.

She'd even left me some handwritten rules as a reminder:

Smile- it helps people warm to you.

Always cross your legs or sit with them together, leaned to the side.

Chew like you have a secret.

No trash-talking or gossiping.

Keep your head, heels and standards high.

Love your body, it's the only one you've got.

Proper grammar will get you far.

Watch how much you drink.

Confidence is your best accessory- never leave your home without it.

Make-up is for enhancing beauty, not covering it.