On Friday, I decided to reveal a new me. I'd ditched the pastel, with advice from Diamond, and my wardrobe had been re-filled with deep reds and deeper blue shades like teal and navy. Colours and styles that were far more me than the frills and extra petticoats and dresses that were more fitted, giving me womanly curves thanks to the help of a corset. Diamond had instructed my maids to pull my hair up into an elegant bun, so they had, and my make-up was more natural than usual. On my feet I wore the white court shoes I'd practised walking in and I wore a royal blue dress with lace neckline and lace cap sleeves by the tight, embroidered bodice with a silk-looking skirt that cascaded to the floor. I wore a corset underneath, giving me an hourglass figure but more importantly preventing me from hunching over. And from a glance in the mirror, I decided I looked confident and older, instead of a cutesy, young wannabe princess.

'Woah.' Tina gasped as I met her and Zoe in the hallway en-route to breakfast. I made sure I pushed my shoulders back as we all walked with purpose along the hallway, our heels echoing as they hit the marble floors. 'I thought you only had pastel princessy dresses in your wardrobe?'

'My maids updated it.' I replied with a smile. Diamond and I had decided not to tell the other girls about our secret lessons, as she was afraid some girls would argue that it was an unfair advantage. I'd agreed, not wanting an uproar among the contestants, especially when it was only one week into the competition and two more girls would be leaving this weekend.

'Well you look like a girl on a mission for sure.'

I grinned at my friends as I smoothed over my dress outside the dining room. 'That's because I am.'

I didn't miss the nervous glances my friends shared as they looked down at their feet before plastering on the brave smile I'd become used to seeing over the last week. The smile was different this time though; it faltered and it reminded me that we were indeed in a competition. How long would we be able to stay friends before competition got in the way?

'Au revoir, Madame.' I said to Lady Evelyn that afternoon when our final lesson for the week was over. We'd spent the day learning French as well as recapping basic etiquette. It didn't mean our hard work for the week was over though; tomorrow we were being split into groups and sent into the city, where we would be assigned a volunteering project to work on over the next few weeks. And then that evening two girls were being sent home, right before Diamond's family came to stay on Sunday. There was going to be a reception for them on Sunday afternoon and then we were all expected to attend afternoon tea on the Monday afternoon with the female members of her family.

'Lady Sky, a moment please.' Lady Evelyn said, her eyes looking at me warily. Tina and Zoe walked off quickly, leaving me alone with our teacher. I swallowed, my palms feeling sweaty. 'You seemed to have changed your attitude.' I wanted to make some sarcastic comment about how she'd not changed hers but Diamond's voice swam through my mind, reminding me to always be polite, even if you disliked somebody.

'You were right, Lady Evelyn.' I replied. 'I was not acting ladylike and I have been doing extra homework to make sure I am worthy of my place here.'

Her lips tilted up in the corners as she tried to hide her pleased smile. My sucking-up had clearly worked. 'I am very pleased you're taking this seriously.' She said. 'Your posture is noticeably better and your concentration has improved too. I must say I also like your outfit choices. Far more grown-up yet still ladylike.'

'Thank you, Lady Evelyn.' I bowed my head in thanks and she nodded back at me.

'Make sure this positive attitude is sustained at your volunteering project tomorrow. I will be there on and off throughout the day and I will be feeding back to Prince Zed. Understood?'

'I understand.' I replied.

'You are excused, Lady Sky.'

I didn't hesitate to hurry out of the room as quickly as I could.

'So what film is on the cards this evening?' Zoe asked as we sank into the sofa in the Women's room, wearing our nightgowns and robes.

'What about this?' Tina beamed, holding up a reel for a film I didn't recognise. I squinted at the title.

'Moulin Rouge? What's it about?' I asked.

'You've never seen it? It's a classic from the last century!' Tina gawped. 'It's a love story about a courtesan and a writer and the lead actor is blooming gorgeous.'

'Why do you think I have it?' Our heads turned at the sound of Diamond's voice as she walked into the room. 'Mind if I join you girls?'

'Not at all, Lady Diamond.' Zoe said, formally. She sat up straighter and I noticed that a few of the other girls did the same.

'Good, because I brought ice cream.' She held out the bag she'd been hiding behind her back and started passing out spoons and the tubs. I knew I wouldn't just be wearing a corset to straighten my posture the following day.

'I think I'll pop to the ladies first.' Amelie said, standing up and adjusting her silky nightgown.

'Good shout.' I stood up and we walked to the nearest bathroom together.

'I wanted to check I didn't look a complete mess before spending time with our future Queen.' Amelie admitted with a blush as we both washed her hands. She checked her pinstraight black hair and ran her fingers through it, but she needn't have worried; her hair looked shiny, soft and knot-free. My hair, on the other hand, was starting to fall out of the perfect braided bun I'd tied it into early that morning.

'I bet she's down-to-earth.' I replied, knowing full well that she was lovely. I looked over at Amelie and her nervous expression and blinked. A yellow colour was shimmering around her. Was she glowing? Was I hallucinating?

'You're probably right.' She gave me a small smile. 'At least it will give us a chance to get to know her. The other girls won't be happy when they find out they've missed out again.'

'Their loss.' I replied with a shrug. 'We invited them just like last time.'

She pushed back her hair and glanced in the mirror. 'You've not been on a date with Prince Zed yet, have you?'

'No.' I shook my head.

'Did he invite you on the group date tomorrow?'

'Group date?' I raised an eyebrow and her emerald green eyes widened.

'A few of the other girls are going on a group date.' She replied. 'I assumed you were.'

'Because they were the remaining girls to go on a date with him?' My stomach twisted as she gave me a sympathetic smile, her head nodding slightly. 'I guess I'm going home tomorrow then.'

Amelie let out a dramatic sigh. 'Sometimes it's easy to forget that this is a competition and only one of us is going to win.' I nodded and she pushed open the door. 'We should get back before we miss the movie.'

I followed her out the door and we both froze on the spot at what we saw; three people dressed in black, faces covered and swords tucked into their belts. I flinched at the crossbow one was carrying, ready to kill. They turned the corner from us, completely oblivious, as my breath caught in my throat. Amelie opened her mouth to scream but I covered her mouth with my hand instantly, stopping her. She widened her eyes and I knew what she was silently asking- what were we going to do? I tried to think back to the hefty pack in our bedrooms as I pushed us back against the walls. They'd mentioned secret passages to the Royal Family safe room underneath the palace. But we weren't near any. We were near a dead end and at the other end they were armed people who definitely did not work in the palace.

I grabbed Amelie's clammy hand in mine.

'Slippers.' I mouthed and she nodded with a grim expression. We slipped off our slippers, trying to keep our steps quiet. I held her hand tightly as it shook and as we tiptoed along the corridor, careful not to make a sound. I ran my fingers along the wall as we moved, looking for a secret tunnel. If we couldn't find one then we'd be back in the bathroom, but that was hardly a secure place to be. I spotted a button on the wall and pressed it, relief filling me as a wallpaper-covered door opened. I quickly pulled Amelie into the cupboard it had revealed, one that was not much bigger than a storage cupboard. And then I firmly locked the door with the latch and pressed the security button, trying to ignore the print; This door can only be reopened by a member of security with the correct code.

'Oh my god.' Amelie whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks as her body shook. She was taller than me but now she only looked fragile. We slumped down on the floor together, next to emergency crates of food and water.

'This must be one of the places where the staff hide when there's an attack.' I murmured, looking around and thinking back to the welcome pack we'd been given. There were secret panels and tunnels everywhere, most leading the saferoom for the Royal family and their guests. This, however, was incredibly basic and more than anything it was cold and dark. I pulled off my silk robe and draped it around both of our shoulders as Amelie moved closer to me, sharing what was left of our body heat.

'How do you think they got in unnoticed?' She whispered. She flinched as shouts and screams sounded.

'I hope the others are safe.'

'There's a passage in the Women's Room. They'll be deep underground by now.' She was quiet for a moment as the tears rolled down her cheeks, along with her makeup. 'What if they don't know we're in here?'

'They will.' I whispered back to her, but I realised I was trying to reassure myself as much as her.

We were in there all night, I was sure of it, and eventually Amelie fell asleep, slouched against me with my gown to keep her warm. I tried my best not to shiver, but I was cold and the shock was kicking in. Someone could have easily turned around and attacked us. And how had they got in past the guards? My stomach twisted and I swallowed back the bile as I heard footsteps and voices in the corridor beyond our door. I tensed and Amelie sat back up with a jolt.

'Is it safe?' She whispered.

'I'm not sure.' I whispered back in reply. 'But only the guards and the Royals know the code to let us out.'

'We hope.' Her mouth was a grim, straight line and she looked at me with bloodshot eyes. I knew I couldn't look much better. I'd been in a cold sweat and I was sure my make-up was smudged just as hers was. But at least we were alive. I hoped the same could be said for everyone else.

The door clicked and we both tensed as it opened. Amelie clung onto me tightly and my breath caught in my throat. Prince Xavier, dressed in armour marked with the Royal Crest and a sword in his belt, and two guards were stood there, looking just as exhausted as we felt. I let out a sigh of relief as Amelie whimpered and hurried to clutch the prince. He held her as she sobbed in his arms and his eyes met mine; pain was evident and also anger.

'Are you both well, my ladies?' He asked formally and I gave a small nod as a guard helped me up.

'Yes, your highness.' I replied, keeping my voice as strong as I could. 'We're both fine.'

I managed to hold it together until I reached my room and then I came apart. I broke down into tears and the shaking was more violent as my maids stripped me down and put me in a bubble bath. They washed my hair and cleaned my skin as we awaited any news. And then, after the lunch and the dinner that I turned away when it was delivered to my room, we were summoned to one of the reception rooms. Abby had dressed me in a long black velvet dress with gold around the hem and tight bodice, with matching heels, and Chloe had pinned my curls into an elegant updo before working her magic with makeup until I looked strong again. It was a shame that my insides felt like they would crumble as I walked along the corridor to the reception room, a guard following me the whole way.

I was one of the first girls there and found myself being pulled into a hug by Tina, Zoe and even Amelie.

'Thank you for saving me,' she whispered as she squeezed me tightly.

'I hardly saved you.' I gave a small smile as she released me and straightened up her navy dress in the process.

'You did.' She gave me a stern look. 'I would have frozen if it wasn't for you and then I'd have ended up dead.' Tears brimmed in her eyes and I squeezed her hand.

'Did everyone else make it to the shelter?' I asked Tina and Zoe.

'Yes.' Tina nodded.

'You two caused quite a panic.' Zoe added. 'Prince Zed was panicking and blaming himself and the Royals were desperately trying to keep cool about it but you could tell they were worried for you. Lady Diamond was particularly concerned and ordered everyone to split up and search the palace for you two this morning.'

Which had explained why Prince Xavier had found us this morning. I felt relieved that everyone had made it to the safe room and, with a glance around, it was clear the girls were relieved too. They hugged each other and consoled one another and soon all of the girls were in the reception room. We moved into our line, as instructed, and my heart flipped as we all joined hands in a symbolism of unity and support for one another. The Royal family didn't miss this gesture and, although sadness filled Karla's eyes, a sense of pride filled them too as a yellow aura danced around her. I kept my expression from faltering as Prince Zed came into view, glowing red surrounding him; he was angry or even beyond that. He was after revenge.

'Thank you all for coming here after such a terrible ordeal.' King Saul said as his family took their places beside him. 'I know you are all very exhausted and I do not intend to keep you long. Last night we lost eight of our guards. It could have been far worse but thankfully these men died protecting us all. These rebels have been caught and arrested and a full investigation into how they got into the palace will be taking place. We have increased security measures in the palace and you will no longer be unattended at any time. You will each have two guards assigned to you and they will work in shifts, so that one follows you wherever you may go.' He looked over at Zed and nodded.

Zed's clenched fists relaxed and he tried to regain his composure. 'I will not be keeping anyone here who would prefer to leave. If you want to return home to your family, I completely understand and your families will still receive money until the end of the month as planned.' A few girls glanced around at this and I knew it was something that some of them were considering. 'The safety of all of you is important and that is why I assure you that any girls who choose to remain in this process will be heavily guarded.'

'Do you ladies have any questions?' King Saul asked and most girls shook their heads in response, whilst others kept quiet. 'Okay, goodnight ladies, you're all dismissed.'

Six girls stayed behind to say their goodbyes. Six couldn't continue and it was something I had considered. But then I remembered my family and how this would change their lives for the better. It was more risky than ever, but I needed to do this. Seven girls down, only thirteen of us left. I only needed to stay a little longer.

I wasn't tired and I knew my dreams would be haunted with nightmares, so I found myself sat on the bench by my window, playing guitar and looking out at the night sky. You could see some of the stars but the lights from the city surrounding the palace made the sky glow amber and that made it harder to see. I'd loved watching the stars at home. I'd spent the summer nights lying on my back and spotting the constellations I'd read about in the library. And now the memory seemed more distant than it ever had before.

'Moon river, wider than a mile.' I sang softly as my fingers brushed against the strings. Chloe and Abby were sewing a dress in the corner of the room and, despite my protests, they were refusing to leave until I was asleep. A knock at the door caused us all to look up and Abby moved to answer it swiftly.

'Your highness.' She bent into a curtsy and I sat up straighter, kicking my bare legs off of the window seat and covering them with my black dress. Abby stepped aside and Zed walked in, looking irritatingly good-looking in a white shirt, black embroidered tunic and the black leather trousers he'd been wearing in the reception room just over an hour or so ago.

'Lady Sky.' He bowed his head. 'Forgive me for interrupting your evening.' I put my guitar down promptly and stood up, moving to curtsy. 'No need.' He held up a hand. 'We are not in public, are we?' A lopsided smile played on his lips as I stood awkwardly, my hands clasped in front of me and my back as straight as it could be without a secret corset underneath.

'We'll fetch some tea.' Abby said, grabbing Chloe and ushering her out of the door. It clicked behind them.

'To what pleasure do I owe this visit?' I asked formally and he smiled, this time allowing it to meet his eyes.

'You have changed.' He said as his eyes scanned my outfit.

'I wore this outfit this evening, your highness.'

'You know very well what I mean.' He replied, his deep blue eyes meeting mine once more. 'You are not quite the girl I thought you were.'

I raised my eyebrows. 'And who was that?'

'Puffy, frilly dresses and flowers in her hair.' He gave a small smile. 'Not that there is anything wrong with that…'

'I didn't choose my looks. The stylists chose for me.' I resisted the urge to fold my arms, remembering that I needed to stay until the final ten, which meant not being rude to the prince I needed to impress.

'It is not just your outfits that have changed though.' He paused for a moment as he walked across the room and sat in an armchair across from me. He signalled to the chaise-longue and I sat down, resisting the urge to lounge across it as I often did. 'You seem more confident and I hear you are really excelling in your etiquette and language lessons, which surprises me.'

'Because I am from Whitebridge?' I raised an eyebrow. 'I have been working hard to earn my place.'

'And then Amelie finds me today, accompanied by my brother, Xav, and they tell me this interesting story.' He crossed his right leg across his left, his eyes locked on mine. 'About how you bravely pulled her to safety despite the terrorists only being a few metres away last night. And how you comforted her and kept her calm whilst waiting for news.'

I blushed and bit my lip, breaking eye contact with him and looking at my hands. 'It was hardly brave. I did what anyone would have done.'

'It looks brave on the camera footage.'

My eyes widened; there was video evidence? I cringed slightly. 'I just knew we had to get to safety, that's all.'

'You showed great courage, Sky, even my father has said so, and we will be informing the public of your bravery.'

'They could have attacked us.' I said, looking up to meet his eyes. 'I'm not sure I would have been quite so brave then.'

'I think you would have still handled the situation just like a Queen would.' He smiled as my eyes widened. 'My mother's words.'

'Are you trained?' I asked as an idea swam around my head.

'To deal with situations like that? Sure. My family and I all have training in negotiating and getting people to safety.'

'I more meant fighting and self-defence.' I replied, biting my lip.

'Yes.' He broke eye contact and his arms tensed. 'We are all military trained in case we ever need to fight for our country.'

'Train me.' He smirked but I frowned. 'Your Highness, I assure you that I'm very much serious.'

'You have busy schedules as it is with language and etiquette lessons.'

'You've already said I'm excelling in them, so surely I can put some of my free-time into learning to fight.'

'Need I remind you, Lady Sky, that you are training to be a princess.'

I folded my arms now, all positive and polite body language gone as my forehead creased into a frown. 'And who says that princesses can't fight and look after themselves? In case you've not realised, I'm not really the damsel in distress type.'

'Got that bloody right.' He murmured, slipping out of his formality. 'The other girls would see it as an unfair advantage, spending one-on-one time with me. Are you trying to cause a riot?'

'So ask one of your brothers to do it or even your guards.' I wasn't giving in anytime soon and I sat back in my seat like a businesswoman trying to negotiate a deal. In ways I supposed I was.

'A Lady fighting would cause an uproar.' He tried again. 'Ladies are for organising parties and attending charity events and-'

'For looking pretty? For being draped across your arm, your highness?' I guessed and he narrowed his eyes at me.

'You cannot speak to me like that, I am a prince.'

'I know perfectly well that you're a prince,' I murmured, meeting his eyes. 'I have seen the news, seen the papers and from what I've seen, girls are just an accessory or a fashion statement, aren't they?' He opened his mouth to say something but I cut in. 'You will be finding a wife in this competition, my Prince, and the wife you choose may not want to be sent off to charity events and paraded around like the latest fashion. She might want to be treated equally despite her gender and she may even want to learn to defend herself should there be another attack on the palace.'

'There will not be another attack.' He growled.

'We can hope, but you can't promise that.' I said, sitting up straighter.

'You really want to learn to fight?' He asked, 'it is not some ploy to seduce me?'

'Because getting all red-faced and sweaty would work so well?' I countered.

He looked exasperated as he ran a hand through his hair. 'You are something else, Lady Sky.'

'I've never been the Damsel in Distress type,' I replied, my eyes looking straight into his.

He sighed. 'Fine, I will do it, but we will keep it between the two of us, okay?'

'Agreed. It's not something I want to parade around anyway.' I held out my hand for him to shake and he laughed, a sound like rich honey, as he glanced at my hand. 'Just making sure you're not about to back out.' I told him.

He shook my hand and smiled at me, his eyes sparkling in the light from the chandelier. '6am tomorrow morning.' He told me and he stood up. 'Oh and I am taking you out Monday evening.'

'I thought you didn't want to give me any unfair advantages?'

'Monday is a date.' He told me. 'You will wear a dress but I suggest you do not wear one tomorrow morning.' He headed towards the door but paused before he got there. 'Goodnight,Lady Sky.'

Zed was gone before my maids could return for tea, much to their disappointment when they returned. I took a sip, adding extra sugar to make up for the lack of food I'd been able to stomach that day, and then I returned to my guitar.

'There is freedom within, there is freedom without
Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup
There's a battle ahead, many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're traveling with me

Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won't win.'