A Court of Crowns and Stars

by WorldsApartx

Ascot is the capital of the country of Scandia in the continent of Illeria and it is home to the Royal family. Prince Zed has been caught out on his inappropriate behaviour and now has to choose a princess, bride and lady to rule his court from just twenty girls in a competition where everyone will be watching, including his parents and older brothers.

11. Chapter 11

'ELLEN!' I squealed, rushing towards my best friend. She was barely recognisable in a black cap sleeve dress with styled, pin-straight hair and a full face of make-up. But her eyes gave her away. I smothered her in a hug and she squealed too, holding me tight. Then I spotted two more people I'd been missing and I moved to embrace Sally and Simon.

'Hello sweetheart.' Simon said as he kissed the top of my head.

'You look fantastic.' Sally said, squeezing my hand. She suddenly blushed and released me, having spotted Prince Zed behind me. 'Your highness.' She murmured as Simon bowed and she and Ellen curtsied perfectly.

'Thank you for the dinner invitation.' Simon added.

'You are very welcome.' Zed replied, shaking my adoptive father's hand. 'I wanted to make sure this day was special for Sky.'

And it certainly was. I'd had a lovely time on our boat date and now my three favourite people were here to share it with me. My eyes teared up.

'Your highness, it's so nice to meet you.' Ellen held out her hand and Zed moved to shake it.

'And you, Miss Ellen.' He said with a smile. I suddenly imagined that she had been chosen instead of me and wondered if this was what it would be like.

'Thank you so much for the invite and the make-overs… Sally and I both had a brilliant time in the salon today.'

'I'm sure you did.' Zed laughed softly and Ellen beamed. Of course he'd organised for them to go to the salon and he'd clearly sorted new outfits out too. Sally's usually wavy hair was in pincurls and I was sure the dress she was wearing was designer. She looked better than I'd ever seen her and Simon looked smart too in his trousers, red tunic and loose, white undershirt. 'Can I get you anything to drink?'

Dinner was perfect. We tucked into our salmon feast and Zed chatted away to my parents as if he'd known them forever. Ellen caught me up with what she was doing now and the work she'd been doing at the library whilst I updated her on the makeover at the children's home. The evening could not have been more special. After dinner, we returned to the sofas and Ellen and I disappeared to the front of the ship with our glasses of champagne.

'This is all incredible.' Ellen said, brushing her long hair away from her face. 'Your life has changed so much.'

'It has.' I nodded. 'But I do really miss home.'

'You look so well,' she squeezed my arm. 'You're a healthier shape and size, your skin is glowing, your face and hair look healthy… and you look happy.'

'I am happy.'

'But…'

'But?' I raised an eyebrow.

'There's a but coming.' She replied, knowing me too well.

'Things are difficult... I'm not the only one fighting for his heart and only one of us is going to win.'

'We all think he really likes you,' she murmured, 'if not, then why would he invite us to celebrate your birthday? He didn't do that for any of the other girls.'

'He knows I've been homesick.'

'Exactly. He clearly cares about you and there's something about the way he looks at you when you speak or when you're not paying attention.'

'What do you mean?'

'Fitzgerald would say that he looks at you in a way that every girl wants to be looked at.' She sighed and I took a sip of champagne.

'He kissed Lucie on his birthday.'

Ellen wrinkled her nose. 'I know, it was in the papers last week. Has he kissed you?'

I nodded, 'yes, but he kissed her the next day so now I'm doubting it.'

'He's in a difficult situation.' Ellen stood up straighter and turned to face me. 'He's not just looking for a girlfriend… the aim of this process is to find a wife and a leader and that can't be easy. He needs to find someone that's princess material and someone that the public actually like, as well as someone he has feelings for.'

'I still think you'd be better at this than me.'

'I don't think so… I think you're doing all the right things.' She said. 'And if it was me in your shoes then I don't think he'd be looking at me quite the same way.'

They left shortly after that as they had a two hour carriage ride back home and we had a good two hours on a boat plus half an hour in our own carriage. The ship set sail almost immediately and I found myself sat at the front of the boat with Zed, watching the sunset burning the sky. His hand held mine and our arms were touching, sending electricity shooting through my skin.

'Happy birthday,' Zed whispered, breaking the silence between us. 'Welcome to the eighteen club, my love.'

I laughed softly and shook my head, 'you make it sound like you've been eighteen ages.'

'A little longer than you, darling.' He grinned, his blue eyes almost looking amber in the setting sun. 'Have you had a good day?'

'It was incredible.' I replied. 'I don't think it could have been better.'

'Oh?' He raised an eyebrow as if it was a challenge and then pulled me to my feet as the song pouring out of the speakers changed to Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran. My heart fluttered in my chest as he placed a hand on the small of my back and the other took my hand in his. He led me in a slow waltz and I found myself falling into his eyes.

'You look so wonderful in your dress
I love your hair like that.' He twirled me around once and pulled me back in for a waltz.

'The way it falls on the side of your neck
Down your shoulders and back.' He dipped me down and then moved back into the waltz.

'We are surrounded by all of these lies
And people who talk too much
You've got that kind of look in your eyes
As if no one knows anything but us.'

The routine could have almost been choreographed as we moved through dips, spins, waltzes and different movements in time to the music. All the while, Zed kept his eyes focussed on mine and he sang to me in his warm, velvety voice that sent goosebumps across my skin.

The song ended and I felt like I could just melt into a puddle on the floor as Zed looked at me with an intense expression.

'Darling, you are perfect.' He whispered as his hand released mine and moved to cup my cheek. I swallowed. Our bodies were so closer together that, despite the breeze, I could feel the warmth radiating off of his skin. And then he gave me the faintest whisper of a kiss, closing the gap between us. Something about the tenderness and carefulness of it made me believe that I was perfect. It made me believe that I was a Lady with the potential to be a princess. And I didn't want that feeling to end.

It was late when we got back to the palace and I had no awareness of just how late because I'd fallen asleep in the carriage and Zed had carried me back to my room, placing me on the bed and then placing a kiss on my forehead. At least that's what my maids had told me.

August was swiftly coming to an end and I was back to training with Zed, which I was more than happy to do.

'You will be the death of me one day.' Zed murmured as I swiftly tackled him to the ground.

'Really?' I purred and his gaze became more intense as it drifted from my eyes to my lips.

'Kiss me,' he whispered as his eyes fixed back on mine once more.

'Is that an order, your highness?' I teased and his deep blue eyes darkened slightly.

'It is treason if you do not obey.' He said with all seriousness. If I had not known he was mischievous and a complete tease then I would have fallen for it.

'Will I be locked in a tower?' I moved my head towards his and felt his heart rate quicken under the palm of my hand.

'You will most definitely be punished,' his voice was barely above a whisper and it sent goosebumps across my skin. His hand moved to my cheek and he tugged me towards him, closing the gap between our lips. I ended the kiss, wanting to tease, and I climbed off of him and moved away. He moved behind me and wrapped his arms around me but I didn't resist. 'You are letting your guard down.'

'Only for you.' I said and he turned me in his arms so that I was looking up at him from under my long, thick eyelashes.

His gaze softened and he smiled down at me. 'Come, I want to show you something.'

My heart thudded in my chest, 'and what could that be?'

He led me down the corridor towards a part of the palace that I knew were off-limits to contestants, at least without the permission of a Royal. We came to a coded door and a scanner scanned his fingerprint before the solid door opened, letting us in. His fingers intertwined with mine and he pulled me inside before the door sealed behind us. We seemed to be in a room filled with storage, although I noticed a target and a dummy on the far side of the room, which puzzled me slightly. Zed moved to another panel, scanning his fingerprint again. Three of the cupboards opened and I widened my eyes at the sight. Weapons. Bows with quivers filled with arrows were in one cupboard. One held swords, some of which looked like they had been in the family for generations, and the third carried daggers, knives and smaller weapons.

'James Bond?' I asked and he smiled.

'Well I do look good in a tux.' He walked over to the swords and carefully pulled one out. I moved to his side and ran my fingers over the intricate patterns around the handle.

'This is nice.'

'It was my great grandfather's,' Zed replied, 'he always liked a well-decorated hilt.'

'Was it for slaying dragons?'

'Something like that,' Zed murmured. 'Have you heard of The Great Battle?'

'Of course,' I nodded. It was a battle that had taken place nearly 150 years ago and it was what had led to the provinces. Before then, everyone had lived together in the kingdom but there had been food shortages and job shortages all round. Somehow that had led to fights and the nobles and Royals had built a system based on the talents of people at the time. Artists in one part, doctors and healers in another. And that had somehow led to more inequality.

'He used this sword in the battle,' Zed replied.

'Does that battle bother you?' I asked Zed and he looked caught off guard. 'I know your great grandfather led the battle and he is your family, but it led to so much more suffering.'

'I think he did not realise at the time what would happen,' Zed said. 'He thought it would solve the problem and for a short time, I suppose it did, but it seems to have caused more conflict over the years. It is the reason why there is so much rebellion in our country now.'

'My life would have been very different if it had not been for that battle.' I said and his eyes grew sad.

'I am sorry, my love.' He whispered. 'I wish I could have changed things.'

'Could have? Things could still change.'

He looked thoughtful for a moment, but then changed the subject, 'you cannot tell anyone about this room, do you understand? Not even my family can know you were in here.'

'It's really off-limits?'

'We rarely use this room, only for training.' He placed the sword back in its cabinet. 'And on the odd occasion when we need the weapons of course.' I shuddered as I thought of Zed holding the sword and swinging it at his enemies. I could not imagine it. 'We should get going or we will be late for breakfast,' He said and with that we left the room, the door sealing behind us.

The final weeks of the month were spent training and stealing kisses from Zed and completing the makeover of the children's home. On the last day of August, Amelie and I arrived to cut the ribbon, opening the children's home.

'Lady Sky!' Eliza and Katarina ran towards me and hugged me as I crouched to their level after the opening ceremony had taken place.

'Hello girls!' I said with a smile, 'How are you both?'

'Very well,' Eliza said, formally and she curtsied, 'I've been practising.'

'So I can see.' I laughed softly. 'How do you like your new room?'

'It's perfect!' Eliza beamed and she and Katarina grabbed a hand each and pulled me inside, away from the prying eyes of the camera. As we passed along the corridor, something made me pause. The door to the office was partially open and Maggie was inside, talking to Lady Evelyn of all people.

'I assure you, my Lady, we have no records of any baby in any of our centres around that time, but I will continue you to look into it for you.' Maggie said and my eyes widened.

'I… I would just like to find her and tell her I am sorry.' Lady Evelyn's voice was sad and hoarse. She moved to turn and I continued up the corridor, hurrying after the two young girls.

Two months into the contest, we were cut down to just five girls; Tina, Zoe, Amelie, Lucie and I. And it was clear that the competition was getting tougher. Dresses became more extravagant and with our paired projects over, the princess training became more intense. Our weekdays became about budget meetings, attending discussions in parliament, attending charity events and learning about history and laws. Not to mention dance lessons, which, thanks to the Prince, I didn't do too badly in. It was now about being a princess and a leader. We were quizzed on Aldheim, the court we would be in charge of running, and we learnt its history and geography and about its locals.

Aldheim Court had been around for just over one hundred and fifty years but the towns and villages there had been around for a lot longer. It was the most Northern Court so it had particularly cold winters and, even in summer, there was snow on the Luna Mountain Range. The Royal Family often spent Christmas there because of the snow and the annual meteor shower that took place on Winter Solstice. The castle itself was the smallest castle belonging to the Royal Family, but I quite liked that and I'd imagined it was particularly cosy in the winter.

'I still think you're his favourite.' Chloe said to me one morning in mid-September as she helped me into my fitness clothing ready for my training session with Zed.

'The press think otherwise.' I murmured, signalling to the paper next to my untouched bowl of fruit. On the front page was a picture of Zed kissing Lucie on their date the previous day. They'd been to a baseball game together and had been spotted sharing a kiss in the Royal box. It was enough to put me off of my food and make me question training. I tightened my ponytail as Chloe and Abby watched me with glum expressions.

'I'll see you later.' I said to them and I stalked out of the room, my security guard closely behind me, before they could reply.

With summer over and autumn rolling in, the windows were no longer open in the gym and Zed's shirt sleeves were no longer rolled up, which I was glad about. I was upset over the picture of his kiss with Lucie and the picture of him cuddling Tina and the picture of him dancing with Amelie. He also seemed to have 'upped' his game over the last few weeks, becoming more intimate with the remaining girls. And it felt like a dagger to the chest. Which was why I didn't need to be distracted by his muscles.

'Good morning, sweetheart.' Zed said cheerily.

'Good morning,' I replied politely but not with as much enthusiasm.

'Now that you're here we can get going.' He grinned.

'Going? Where?'

To the palace gardens apparently. An archery target was set up and bows and arrows were laid out several metres away. Apparently I was training to be an archer now. I was surprised he was actually letting me use a weapon, especially when I wasn't in the best mood.

'I thought we'd shake things up a little, my darling.' He smiled. 'Use some weapons for training.'

'Do people honestly still fight with bows and arrows?' I raised an eyebrow.

'Not usually, no, they're more for hunting, but there are plenty of them in the palace so I suppose they are useful if you happen to need one at the time.' He laughed. He picked up a bow and grabbed an arrow. He fixed it onto the string and stood sideways. With one eye closed, Zed pulled back the string and released. The arrow swam through the air, hitting the gold part of the target. Was there anything he wasn't good at?

'You make it look so easy.' I murmured.

'Practice makes perfect.' He replied, handing me a bow. He moved me so that I was stood correctly and I held the bow as directed. 'Now lift your elbow. Keep the string close to your cheek and line it up with the target.' I tried to ignore how close his chest was to my back. 'Tilt your elbow, that's it.' I released the string and the arrow hit the edge of the board.

'Great,' I mumbled.

'At least you hit the board. I am not so sure I did on my first go.'

I grabbed another arrow and tried again, this time getting a little closer. This time I smiled, glad to be on the colours. I turned around and saw Zed watching me with an intense look. 'What?'

'You are beautiful even when you are concentrating.' He whispered, leaning towards me, but I took a step back, holding the bow between us. 'What is wrong, my darling?'

'I saw the pictures of you and Lucie… front page news.' I replied.

Zed smirked slightly, the old prince making a slight reappearance, 'and you are jealous.'

'Of course,' I frowned at him, 'this is hardly a normal relationship is it? You have five girlfriends.'

'It is a contest, it was never going to be normal.' He murmured, smirk gone as he broke eye contact with me. 'I am trying to find a…'

'Soulmate?' I raised an eyebrow. 'So you keep saying, but how long will that take.'

'I need to be certain, need to ensure my choice is correct.'

'How much longer, Zed?' I asked him. 'Because sharing you hurts and I'm not sure how much more I can take of it.'

'I do not like it either.' His eyes moved back to meet mine. 'I hate the cameras, I hate the public watching every move I make and above all, I hate hurting you.'

'So stop hurting me.' My voice came out small, barely above a whisper.

He ran a hand through his hair as his eyes softened, 'if I could have then I would have chosen you a while ago.'

My heart flipped as hope filled me. 'So why haven't you?'

'Because it is far more complicated than that.'

'I'm not princess material.' I murmured, putting down the bow.

'You are princess material,' he reached for my hands, holding them in his. 'As I have said before, you are kind, compassionate, hardworking, talented and you see me for me… not just for the crown and the title. You would make a wonderful princess.'

'So why is it so complicated?' I could feel tears brimming in my eyes.

'I… I cannot tell you.'

I shook my hands out of his and walked away, my ponytail swinging behind me as Zed called out my name, the pain evident in his voice.

My training sessions returned to early morning running sessions around the grounds with Diamond and I was grateful when she didn't pry. In fact, none of the girls did. My maids would look at me with looks of pity and Amelie and Tina would look at me with sad eyes. The Selection was tearing us all apart. Zed kept going on his dates with the other girls and I tried hard not to feel bothered by it but doubt filled me- what if he'd said the same thing to everyone? What could make things that complicated? I spent my evenings moping around in my bedroom, sat on the windowseat with my guitar and trying to ignore the twinge in my chest every time I heard Zed's voice in the hallway or saw him with another girl, walking through the grounds. It hurt. And that was what he said he hated, wasn't it? Hurting me? So why was he?

'There will be a harvest ball next weekend.' Lady Evelyn announced on the first day of October. We had been learning about certain traditions in the country and their origins, the harvest ball included. 'Royalty and nobility from countries all over the world will be in attendance and as you know, this is a very important event for our country.' I put down my notebook to stop myself doodling and looked up at her. 'Your stylists and maids will be making you wonderful ballgowns, probably the best gowns you have worn yet and you will be out to impress.' She stopped a file on the table in front of me. 'You will need to learn the names of the guests so that you can greet them properly using your best etiquette. You are representing the palace. Are there any questions?'

'Do we need to learn all of the guests' names?' Lucie asked, eyeing her file.

'Yes.' Lady Evelyn said, simply. 'This is your time to shine ladies. I'll excuse you now as you each have a dress-designing session. Remember class ladies.' She excused us and as the other girls started to file out of the door, I hung back slightly.

'Lady Evelyn, Maggie has sent you a letter.' A guard said as he passed an envelope to our tutor. Her eyes met mine, as if expecting me to question the letter, but I kept it to myself. Instead I walked out of the room, following the other girls, even if the questions swam around in my head.

The stylist, dress designer and my maids were waiting for me when I got back to my room. They'd already started sketching some designs and I peered over their shoulders as they worked.

'We would like to dress you in gold, my Lady.' Emmica, the stylist told me, signalling to the dresses she'd drawn up with large skirts, tight bodices and leaves wrapped around the fabric. 'Lady Lucie is wearing red, Lady Zoe is in purple, Lady Amelie in orange and Lady Tina in black.'

'Gold sounds good.' I replied with a nod. 'I'm not sure about the large skirts though.'

'What would you like, my Lady?'

I thought for a moment. 'Have you ever seen Lord of the Rings?'

'Yes, my Lady.'

'Well I'd quite like to look like an Elven Queen.' I smiled. 'We can keep the tight bodice and I'd like the skirt to flow but not in layers… just falling to my feet.' They sketched as I spoke. 'I'd like floaty short sleeves that almost fall off my shoulders… yes like that. The dress could be a cream with gold leaves and a little sparkle falling down my chest and then past my hips. Can we shape it like this?' I showed with my finger on the paper.

'Almost like an armour shape?' Emmica checked.

'Yes just like that,' I smiled. 'Only more feminine.'

'Of course,' Emmica nodded. 'I have just the idea.'

Five days later and three days before the ball, Emmica returned with her team, armed with a dress bag. I'd been excused from a history lesson for my dress fitting and I was glad; I'd already read through the textbook Lady Evelyn was teaching from so I knew exactly what she was teaching us already. I stripped into my underwear and Emmica put the dress on me. Even though it still needed final adjustments, it was gorgeous. In the mirror I could see the needle and thread handiwork where some of it had been done without a sewing machine- small golden leaves were sewn to the mesh-like fabric as were tiny gold beads and sequins. They were also over the short, delicate sleeves and they fell in a triangle shape across my bodice and past my waist, resembling golden armour against a cream, mesh tunic with an underskirt. It hugged my figure to my hips and then just fell loosely over it, making me look slim and womanly. Then there was the back. I turned around to see that something like a cape had been sewn to each shoulder and it fell into a short train, falling just past the rest of the dress. It was embroidered with golden leaves and beading and it looked incredible.

'It's perfect.' I whispered and Emmica smiled proudly.

'An elven queen is not ready without a headpiece.' She pulled out a box and opened it up, revealing a tiara made from golden leaves and pearls. She slipped it onto the back of my head and clipped it in place. The leaves moved around the back and side of my head, stopping just above my ears. 'I think a braid will really finish this off and help hold it in place.' Emmica said to Chloe, who nodded in agreement.

There was a knock at the door and Abby moved to answer it, 'Oh, your highness.' She said dropping into a curtsy.

I widened my eyes as I looked at Chloe and Emmica for help.

'Lady Sky is having a fitting, your highness.' Emmica sang out. 'I'm afraid it's not a suitable time for you to enter.' Thankfully he couldn't see me as I was around the corner, with a large bed and canopy in the way.

I mouthed her a 'thank you' and she nodded.

'Oh right…' His tone sounded almost disappointed. 'I was hoping perhaps she would join me for dinner this evening.'

'She would love to,' Abby said on my behalf and my stomach flipped, already feeling a little sick and nervous. He'd not taken me on a date since our argument at the training session. I didn't realise how tense I was until the door closed and my shoulders suddenly slouched again.

'I would love to?' I raised an eyebrow at Abby and she smiled.

'You've been moping around for days,' she replied. 'We know you care for him, so why are you avoiding him?'

'Because it hurts more than it should,' my voice cracked and I turned away, looking out of the window.

'I can't imagine how it feels, my lady, but I know this… Prince Zed deeply cares for you.' Emmica said softly. 'And we're all routing for you.'

'But he's not.' My eyes filled with tears and I took a deep breath, not letting them fall.

'But he is,' Emmica moved in front of me and squeezed my arms gently. 'You're here for a reason, you all are.'

When Zed came and knocked for me I'd just finished getting ready. I was wearing a red strapless dress and heels, dressed to impress, and my hair was in its normal curls. My fitting had taken longer than planned so I'd had to get ready in a rush, so I felt breathless and uptight when he walked into my room and it wasn't because of the corset- I was now used to wearing one and not being able to take deep breaths.

'Good evening,' he said as a smile spread across his face. I blushed as his eyes scanned my outfit and his grin widened, as if in approval.

'Good evening.' I replied as he held out his arm for me. I took it and let him lead me through the palace. We weren't leaving the palace today. Instead, Zed led me up a long, winding spiral staircase I'd never ventured up before and I found myself in the most incredible room. With glass windows and a glass ceiling, it gave a perfect view of the city and of the evening sky as it began to darken.

'Wow.' I whispered, looking around. It looked like an observatory. There was a telescope, there were books about space spread around and there were comfy sofas, as well as a candlelit table for two. I walked over to it and Zed held out my chair, letting me sit down as I admired the room. The floor was painted to show the constellations. I quickly decided it was my favourite room in the palace.

'I come up here sometimes when I need to think,' Zed told me. 'Here and the gardens are my favourite places in the palace.'

'I can see why.' I replied as he poured me a glass of wine. He clinked our glasses together in a silent toast as my eyes continued to search the room.

'It reminds me of home,' he said softly.

'Aldheim?' I asked and he nodded. 'I've heard it's the perfect place to spend Winter Solstice.'

'It is,' he nodded. 'I hope that when all of this is over, I will be able to spend more time in my home with my…' He stopped talking before he could say the word fiancée and he looked sad. 'Is your dress for the ball ready now?'

'It is.' I nodded with a small smile.

'Can I have some hints as to what it looks like?' He flirted, leaning across the table towards me.

'Lord of the Rings.' I smiled. 'And Xena Warrior Princess.'

He raised an eyebrow, 'you baffle me.'

'Did you just say baffle?' I laughed.

'Would you prefer mystify or perhaps bewilder?' He said, laughing along with me. 'Are those formal enough for you, my love?'

'Baffle is fine.'

He was quiet for a moment, 'I'm glad you came this evening. I have been waiting all afternoon for you to cancel.' His tone turned back to sad and I looked down at my wine glass. 'You have been avoiding me.'

'I have.' I gave a small nod and looked up at him. His eyes were sad, all mischief wiped away from them. They looked dark in the dimly lit room, almost black or a dark shade of grey. A blue aura outlined his body and I blinked, trying to get rid of it. But it didn't budge.

'I am sorry I hurt you, Sky.' He said. 'That was never my intention. I wish things were simpler, I wish that this competition did not exist. My father thought it was a good idea but… well now I am not so sure.'

'If the selection didn't exist then you would never have met me.' I replied. 'Your family have never visited my province and I doubt they ever will.'

He looked pained, 'I am sure that one day we will.'

'Why would you? It's not safe there, Zed. It's dangerous. People are angry and starving. You'd all be torn apart.' He flinched and bowed his head with embarrassment.

'I hope that one day my family and I can change that.' His voice was soft and sincere and I knew he meant it.

We had dinner and then Zed led me out onto the balcony through the large glass doors. The air was cooler that evening and I was grateful when Zed moved behind me, wrapping his arms around me and keeping me warmer. Together we looked out at the view just like we had on the ship almost a month ago.

'Everything looks so small from up here.' I whispered, looking at the city lights. The skyscrapers and buildings looked so far away and the lights sparkled despite the fact that it was getting late. Just as we were admiring the view, however, the heavens opened and I squealed as rainwater hit our skin. But instead of fleeing inside, I simply just laughed.

'Did the wine go to your head?' Zed teased as I turned around in his arms.

'No,' I laughed, 'but I love the rain.'

'You never fail to surprise me.' He smiled, looking down at me. And then he pulled me into a waltz and twirled me around in the rain. We danced to the sound of the water hitting the roof of the observatory and I almost didn't want it to end when Zed picked me up and carried me inside. We were both dripping with water when he put me down and he moved to the fire instantly, lighting it and patting the space next to him. I sat down on the floor beside him and he wrapped his soaking wet arm across my shoulder.

'I need to show you something,' he said, his voice serious.

'Okay.' I nodded. I gave his hand a squeeze but his smile didn't return to his face. I followed the direction he was looking and suddenly the poker moved out of its place and onto the floor. I gasped. I'd not done that, had I? Zed's eyes met mine, searching them and then I realised it hadn't been me; Zed had moved it. Before I could comment, the alarm sounded. Despite being a prince, Zed cursed under his breath and pulled me to his feet.

'Time to go,' he said in an irritated voice, pulling me towards the stairs. I followed him down the passages with the guards following us until we were in the saferoom under the palace. Our conversation would have to wait until later.