I had an hour until Zed was collecting me and I was still walking around in a robe. He'd not given me any clues as to what we were doing and it was driving me crazy. The other girls had known what they were doing and so had dressed accordingly. I'd had an early dinner sent to my room so I knew food wasn't involved and I was being collected at seven, but that was no help. My maids had so far done my make-up in a subtle way but with a little added sparkle to bring out my eyes and they'd styled my hair so that it was pinned back on one side and the curls were smoother and glossier. But what was I supposed to wear?

I frowned at myself in the mirror. How had I become this girl? Did I really care what he thought or was I just thinking about the money? I realised it certainly wasn't the latter that was making me feel nauseous as my heart thudded in a strange vision. Oh, if Ellen could see me now… I winced at the pain in my chest brought on by my best friend, who I still was yet to hear from. Would she ever speak to me again?

'Do you think you're going outside? Because it's quite a cool evening so you'll need a cloak if you're having drinks in the gardens.' Abby said.

'Maybe you're having dessert. You didn't have any dessert this evening, did you?' Chloe suggested.

'I think I should wear red.' Was all I said in response. They both shot me puzzled looks. 'Prince Zed told me yesterday that he liked me in red… when we were dancing together.'

'Maybe he's taking you out dancing?' Abby offered as Chloe started rummaging around in my wardrobe. She pulled out all of the red dresses I owned and she hung them on the rail on the wall.

'Whatever shoes you decide to put me in, please nothing that's going to hurt. I need a bubble bath as it is.'

'Whatever workout regime you've started doing is mad.' Abby told me with a fierce look. 'You're wearing yourself down… I have no idea what you're doing, Sky, but if you're worried about your weight then you're crazy.'

'I'm not worried about my weight.' I replied, truthfully. I had started to put on a little bit of weight thanks to regular eating and I was glad for it. 'I just want to get fitter that's all.' Lie.

'This would be nice with those heels you find comfy.' Chloe held up a red dress with cap sleeves. There was gold embroidery across the bodice and the tight lace-up bodice fell into a silky skirt to the floor.

'Okay let's go with that.' I decided. 'And those heels.'

Prince Zed surprised me by being right on time for our date, but more than that his outfit choice surprised me; his embroidered black tunic was more casual than the ones he usually wore, not of a velvet but something perhaps cheaper and he wore black boots with his dark trousers tucked into them. He looked casual. Almost like a regular guy going for a regular date, or so I imagined. He held out his arm for me and we walked along the corridor as the other girls made their way for dinner, some of them shooting daggers my way. He surprised me even more when he led me to the front of the house where a horse was waiting for us. Not a carriage, but a horse. I swallowed.

'Are we leaving the palace?' I asked him in surprise as I adjusted the cloak I'd thrown over my dress.

'That okay with you?' He asked. 'My guards will ride alongside us.'

I resisted the urge to comment that he'd not taken anyone else out of the palace and nodded as he helped me onto the horse. He climbed up in front of me, grasping the reigns and with a tug, we set off, with me clinging to his waist before I could fall off the back of the horse. As we rode along the streets, I watched the glowing lights in the windows of restaurants, taverns and clubs as people dressed in designer attire walked along the pavements, some on dates, some with family and some with friends. It was a fascinating atmosphere, one I wasn't used to, and I almost choked on a breath when I passed a large sign advertising The Selection; a picture of all twenty with Zed edited into the middle.

'Do you often come out into the city?' I asked Zed, looking away from the giant advertisement in disbelief.

'Not so much these days.' He replied. 'But I used to… a lot, maybe even too much.'

Back when he was in the tabloids stumbling out of taverns and clubs drunk and underage, I realised was what he meant. Our herd of horses turned off of the main strip and we passed through a more cosmopolitan area, with expensive and swanky-looking venues, some marked as Private Clubs. Then I looked up ahead at the stone opera house in all its modern glory with columns reaching into the sky and spotlights shining beams where there should have been stars. We were heading right for it. Who was playing?

We pulled into a secret underground stables and Zed rode the horse inside before stopping it. He climbed off the horse with ease and helped me down before tying the reins to a wooden post as the guards, all dressed in armour, marked with the Royal Crest and armed with swords, did the same. A few more security guards walked out of a door to join us in the stables and I relaxed, knowing we were perfectly safe with so many people around us. I adjusted my dress and cloak, checking it was still intact as I'd not ridden side-saddle (as I probably should have).

'So who's performing?' I asked Zed as he held out his arm for me. I looped my fingers carefully around his muscle as he smiled down at me and tapped his nose. 'We're here and you won't even tell me?'

'I am worried you will end up screaming hysterically and you will deafen me.' He smirked. 'Oh wait, that is just when girls see me.' I rolled my eyes at his arrogance.

'Seriously?' I raised an eyebrow, unable to believe he had actually said that.

'Your Highness, Lady Sky, I'll take you through to your private box now.' One of the security guards said. I didn't miss the large blade that was tucked safely into its holster in his belt nor the other guards stood behind him with equally sharp weapons. We followed him through a few locked doors and then along a corridor. A few concert-goers stood at either end, being held at either end by guards as we were guided safely towards our 'box.'

'It's Prince Zed!' A few of the girls cried out in excited squeals.

'Told you so.' Zed whispered with a wink and I rolled my eyes as he waved at some of the concert-goers.

'And he's with Lady Sky!'

'Oh my god!'

'Lucky girl!'

Thankfully we kept walking and were led past security guards through a door and curtains and into a box on a balcony over-looking the venue. Our view of the stage was perfect and my eyes widened when I saw the backdrop.

'Ed Sheeran!' I gasped. 'You've brought me to see Ed Sheeran!'

'You will get excited over him but not over me?' He mocked with a smirk, shrugging off his cloak. He reached for mine and the breath caught in my throat as he untied it and hung it on a hook beside his. He grabbed the bottles of drink that had been left for us and poured some into a silver cup before passing it over to me.

'I love Ed Sheeran.' I said, still in disbelief.

'Some guys would be offended by that being said on their first date, you know.' He held his hand over his chest in mock-hurt.

'And these seats are incredible!' I continued, ignoring his comment.

'Perks of being a Prince.' He grinned. 'Tickets to sold-out events and private boxes. Plus unlimited drink and food.'

The other girls were going to be green with envy I realised. No one had yet been taken out of the palace, let alone to an Ed Sheeran concert. And then there were the photographs that were going to emerge in the papers thanks to Ed's fans spotting us on our way to our private box. I knew some probably could see us from where we were sat too but I decided not to mention that. It was as private as it could be. And we were at an Ed Sheeran concert about to see one of my favourite singers live in an opera house that was hundreds of years old! I looked up at the golden painted ceiling and then at the engraved stone with angels carved into it, bordering our Royal Box.

I sipped my drink and spotted three guards hovering by the curtain and then I caught Zed watching me.

'What?' I asked and he smiled.

'I hope Lady Evelyn never hears you addressing a Prince the way you do.' He teased. The support act walked out onto the stage and started playing as people cheered and sang along in the crowds below and above us in the ridiculously large arena. 'I was actually looking at you and thinking that my comment yesterday was very true: red really suits you.'

I blushed and turned back to look at the scene unravelling below. The ticket holders on the floor were standing and dancing to the melodious music. And then something struck me- there was no one from Whitebridge or Lowscroft in this venue but me as the prices of tickets would have been out of reach.

'I didn't know you were an Ed Sheeran fan.' I said to him and he moved closer to me so he could hear above the noise.

'His music is great and he has been to a few parties at the palace too. Nice guy.' Zed smiled. 'You appreciate music, who do you listen to?'

'Oh definitely Ed Sheeran, he has a good range from love songs to raps to other cultures.' I replied. 'But I also like Nathan Sykes, John Legend, Zara Larrson.'

'Good choices.' He nodded and smiled. 'Is this your first concert?'

'If you don't count the talent shows at school then yes.' I smiled and he laughed in response. I decided I liked hearing his laugh. It was a warm sound and it made his eyes crinkle, something I noticed he'd inherited from King Saul. 'Which instruments do you play?'

'Guitar and drums.' He replied. 'We are quite a musical family really. Mum sings and plays piano and Yves plays the clarinet… Trace can play guitar too but he would totally deny it. He is more athletically-inclined now like Xav is. And you play piano and guitar?'

'I can play saxophone too but I don't own one sadly.' I said. 'Instruments aren't cheap so I was lucky enough when Simon picked me up a guitar in a charity shop.'

'Simon?'

I suddenly realised that I missed an important part of my life out; that I had been adopted and had no idea who my birth parents were. I fiddled him the hem of my dress. 'Simon is my adoptive father and Sally my adoptive mother. They've had me since I was a baby. We don't actually know who my parents were… I was abandoned and Sally found me one day luckily.' I bit my lip and then I felt a hand close around mine, which completely caught me off-guard. It was a nice gesture, not one I had expected from a player.

'I am sorry to hear that.' Zed replied, his voice sincere. I glanced up at him and saw that his eyes had softened. 'Tell me about your family.'

And so I did. I told him about Sally and Simon and their careers. I told them about our neighbour Ms Creedy and about Ellen. I told him about school, my exam results and how I hoped that one day I could teach music to disadvantaged children. I realised after I'd said it that I'd probably said too much or waffled on, which we were always told not to do in etiquette class.

'Sorry.' I apologised, aware that I'd been talking the whole way through the support act, who was now leaving the stage.

'What for?' He asked, his hand still holding mine. 'I like learning more about you.' He tilted his head to the side as if looking at me in a different way. 'I feel like I have been underestimating you this whole time.'

'What do you mean?'

Zed sat forwards slightly, leaning towards me but keeping my hand clutched in his. 'You have been through so much in your life and look at you; you are ambitious and strong and you have not let your background hold you back. And then there is me. Everything in my life has been simply handed to me because of the bloodline I was born into.' He shook his head and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He finally was seeing himself the way I had always seen him. 'You are a far better, far more courageous person than I will ever be.'

I wanted to agree but I found myself paraphrasing slightly, 'you are trying to change, aren't you?'

He nodded. 'But it is not just me that needs to change. I have seen the riots out there, people fighting for equality and what have I done? Nothing? I even tried to stop you from training because I do not see your gender that way but you were right, Sky, I was wrong and out of line. Girls can be warriors too.' He paused for a moment. 'I guess I just needed somebody to stand up to me…your life should not have been that hard, Sky. You should not have had to fight for an education.' His brows furrowed. 'This is exactly what Yves and Phoenix were talking about the other day. Change needs to happen.'

'Phoenix left the competition for your brother didn't she?'

He let go of my hand and I instantly wished I'd kept quiet. 'Phoenix was never meant for me, she was meant for Yves and I am happy he has found his soul…mate.'

His use of 'soulmate' surprised me but I didn't comment. 'Do you think you'll find yours in this contest?'

'There are millions of people in the world,' he sighed, 'she could be anywhere. I would like to think she is in this competition though, and that I have not let her go home.' He gave a small smile and then reached for his drink, finishing it.

'Be the change you want to see in the world.' I said quietly and Zed's mouth tilted up at the corners into a smile.

'Gandhi.' He said, simply.

'A wise man.' I replied. 'He spoke so much truth.'

It was hard to keep my cool when Ed Sheeran walked out onto the stage. I got to my feet and cheered and applauded with the other three thousand fans as the lights went down everywhere but the performance space itself. I was somewhat surprised when Zed stood up too, joining me as Ed, one of my idols, opened with Sing, warming the crowd up nicely. I sang along and danced and soon enough, Zed was dancing and joking around with me as we both attempted Irish dancing in Galway Girl and Nancy Mulligan. We stood still and I sang along softly as Ed belted out Give me Love, a one-man band with just a guitar for company.

I glanced over at Zed, who seemed to be regaining his composure, 'need a tissue?' I joked as he wiped a tear from his cheek.

'Your dancing is terrible.' He replied with a chuckle.

'My dancing? Did you see your Irish jig?'

'Oh come on, at least I was in time and I almost had it!'

'I've never had dance training,' I told him, 'unlike you. You've been waltzing since you were a baby I'm guessing?'

'Pretty much.' He smiled. 'Maybe dancing is something we need to incorporate into your training.'

I took a sip of my grape juice and tried not to think about how nice it was when his arms were around my waist. I risked a glance at him and was relieved he wasn't looking my way, but instead he watched the performance below with a smile on his face as his lips moved in time to the words. I could just about hear his soft, velvety voice as he sang, sounding rich and comforting. It made goosebumps prickle across my skin. My traitorous heart was striking once again. Don't fall for it, my head was telling me as the butterflies danced in my stomach.

The song ended and the crowd clapped the beat in time to the music as the next song started. Zed's hands drummed on the balcony like he was playing a set of drums and I smiled to myself as Ed went into a cover.

'Waiting for the time to pass you by, hope the winds of change will change your mind.' He sang and I sang along, tapping my foot to the beat. 'I could give a thousand reasons why and I know you, and you've got to.'

I bit my lip when I spotted Zed watching me.

'Do not stop singing.' He said softly. 'Your voice is lovely.'

'I don't normally have an audience,' I replied with a blush. 'Although you seem to have heard me singing a few times now.'

'You should not hide your voice away, people would love to hear it.'

'Well what about you,' I attempted to change the subject. 'I've not seen anything about your music in the press.'

'Unfortunately music is not exactly a career lined up for me.' He ran a hand through his hair and I realised this was something he did when he was nervous. He looked out at the stage where Ed Sheeran was entertaining the crowd and I got an insight into just what the real Zed was like; vulnerable and born into a role he didn't exactly want. And he'd been asked to go on a dating show broadcasted nationwide with thousands of people watching who he would choose as his future Princess. Did that mean that all of those years of partying were his way of acting up and trying to get back at his parents?

'What would you do… if you weren't a prince with a court to lead, I mean.' I found myself asking.

His eyes moved back to mine, sadness in them and a blue aura surrounded him, projecting his vulnerability. I blinked but the colour wouldn't shift. Perhaps it was the lighting?

'I would go to University and study music,' he said. 'Maybe start a band or something and go touring… my friends and I have joked about it many times before.' He pushed his fringe out of his face and leaned towards me. 'Sky, will you promise me something?'

'It depends what it is.' I replied, nervously.

'If you decide to leave the contest or life just gets in the way, will you promise me you will go to University to study music and then set up your music programme for those disadvantaged children?'

'It's unlikely I'll get a scholarship.' I shrugged.

'I will pay,' he said, his gaze intense. 'Or if you would rather, I will get you a scholarship… I just want one of us to have that chance, you know?'

My heart fluttered in my chest and I bit down on my tongue to fight back the tears that threatened to make an appearance. It was one of the kindest things someone had ever offered me and it caught me completely off-guard. Was the scary, wolfman from the press really the big friendly giant? 'You don't need to do that.'

'I want to,' he said, squeezing my hand as the audience applauded. 'Promise?'

I looked at the hopeful prince sat beside me and felt like his gaze was enough to make me melt into a puddle at his feet. I realised that perhaps he wanted to live vicariously through me. 'Okay, I promise.' Instead of holding out his hand like a business deal, he held out his pinky and I laughed as he hooked it around mine. Then he caught me off-guard and pulled me towards him. 'What are we doing?' I asked through giggles, all seriousness gone.

'I, my dear, am teaching you to dance.' He grinned and with his hand in mine and another on my waist, he waltzed together as Ed sang Perfect on our very much perfect date.

My alarm clock sounded early the next morning and I'd almost forgotten about the work-out session that had become a day-to-day routine. I reluctantly pulled myself up as my maids appeared with tea and a banana, enough to keep me going until breakfast time. I noticed Abby humming Ed Sheeran songs under her breath and I knew that the news was bound to be to blame. I grabbed the remote for my vision box and turned on the Entertainment News, feeling knocked back when I saw a video of Zed and I arriving at the concert the previous night.

'Prince Zed was spotted with Selection contestant Lady Sky Bright last night at Ed Sheeran's concert in the capital. The pair looked cosy as they laughed, sang and danced together…'

A few photographs of us laughing in the box and even one of us doing our Irish jig, not that you could tell as our legs weren't visible, were shown and I couldn't help but smile as I turned off the television.

'So it was a good date then?' Abby grinned as Chloe ran a brush through my matted curls. I chewed on the banana and took a sip of my orange juice as I tried to hide my smile.

'It was nice.' I replied.

'Only nice?' Chloe teased. 'It looked more than nice on the television.'

'Okay it was incredible.' I said with a laugh. Not that I had much to compare it to; I'd never been on a date before. Dates required money and that was something the boys in my neighbourhood didn't have. Besides, they always fancied Ellen anyway.

'Imagine that, an Ed Sheeran concert with prince Zed.' Abby sighed and I smiled.

'It was my first concert and it didn't disappoint.' I said, not wanting to share the intimacies of our date. That was between us and only us.

'You're not one to gush, are you?' Chloe guessed and I nodded.

'The other girls bragged about their dates and shared almost every detail,' I replied. 'That's not something I intend on doing.'

And I didn't. I went to the work-out session, showered and got ready for the day and kept my mouth closed through breakfast and our etiquette classes that morning. I thought I was doing well until the afternoon, where my studying of languages was interrupted by Tina and Zoe, the birthday girl.

'Spill.' Was all Zoe said.

'There's nothing to spill.' I replied with my best poker-face on.

'We've seen the news. You looked cosy. Did you kiss?' Tina quizzed.

'And how come he took you out of the palace and not the rest of us? Does he like you best? Did he say anything like that?' Zoe questioned.

Our friendships were temporarily put on the back-burner and it made me feel uncomfortable and under attack. 'We had a good time and that's all you need to know.' I replied.

'Oh my god, you did kiss!' A few other heads turned our way as Zoe gasped.

'No we didn't!' I said, 'keep your voice down would you?'

'The other girls are already annoyed you got taken to a concert and Ed Sheeran of all people.' Zoe murmured. 'I'd better get a date today, especially as it's my birthday.'

Zed hadn't mentioned anything at training but then I realised he never mentioned the other girls at all. That was an off-limits area and I felt relieved about that. The door of the women's room opened and we all staggered to our feet at his highness' unexpected visit. Zed was dressed in a casual shirt with his usual well-fitted black trousers and he smiled at us but I noticed it didn't meet his eyes.

'Sorry to interrupt your afternoon ladies.' He said politely. 'I came to ask if you would like to have dinner with me this evening Lady Zoe.' He said to the Asian girl stood next to me. She let out a small squeal and he gave her a lopsided smile. 'Especially as it is your birthday.'

She didn't need asking twice. 'I would love to have dinner with you, Your Highness.' She drawled and I noticed Tina tense on the other side of her.

'Good.' He nodded. 'There is this lovely restaurant just outside of the castle walls that I am sure you will like. I will pick you up at seven?'

'Seven is wonderful!' She said, her voice travelling up a few octaves. As Zed headed out of the room and the whispers spread like wildfire, my stomach churned with an emotion that was becoming all too familiar to me; jealousy.

I was surprised to find Tina at my door that evening when I was relaxing on my window seat, strumming on my guitar. None of the girls had retired to the women's room after dinner since the attack and most had been keeping themselves safely tucked away in their rooms. But Tina was stood there with her maids and some chocolate, all comfy in her pyjamas and silk robe.

'I thought we could hang out.' She smiled. 'But only if we promise not to mention Prince Zed all evening.'

'Sounds perfect.' I smiled back at her and she walked in as her maids hovered awkwardly in the doorway. 'Would you like to come in?' I asked the girls who looked a similar age to us.

'We're not really supposed to get in the way, Miss.' One of the girls replied.

'Nonsense.' I tutted and shook my head. 'If we're having a girl's night then you're definitely invited.'

'Are you sure, Miss?' The other maid asked.

'Of course.' I nodded. 'And please stop calling me Miss.'

'Sky hates that.' Chloe laughed softly as she took the bottle of lemonade and chocolates from the maids.

'I do.' I replied, looking at the two girls. 'First names only.'

'Well then, I'm Kelly and this is Becca.' The brunette maid replied with a warm smile.

'They're completely bonkers so they fit in well with me.' Tina smirked and she turned to her maids. 'You can only stay if you eat chocolate and lemonade and no one mentions the Princes, deal?'

Becca laughed at Tina's bluntness. 'A no-boy zone then?'

'Oh no, I brought Ewan McGregor but he's the only boy allowed.' Tina waved the Moulin Rouge film reel, the film we'd never got round to watching, and I laughed. 'Now let's get this thing on and tuck into this chocolate. I've heard it's some of the best in the world.'