'Will you wait until I'm asleep tonight?' I asked Chloe and Abby after the long, hot bath they'd drawn for me. They'd sat and combed through my hair and whispered their reassurances as I had poured out my heart to them. I felt stupid and I wanted to feel numb. Thunder roared and lightning flashed across the sky outside and the thoughts of facing another nightmare made me feel weak and afraid.

'Of course,' Chloe whispered as I took my position on my window seat. 'We will stay as long as you need.'

A knock at the door made my heart sink and I shook my head. I wasn't ready to see Zed. I walked over to my bed and climbed inside the sheets, ready to pretend I was asleep if need be. Abby turned off the lights, only leaving a lamp on, and then got back to stitching the dress she had been adjusting for me.

'Your highness.' Chloe whispered, dropping into a curtsy as she opened the door. 'Lady Sky is fast asleep.'

'Oh,' his voice sounded disappointed. 'I was hoping to see her before bed this evening. It is rather early, is she unwell?'

'She has a temperature,' Chloe replied, 'has been feeling unwell since dinner.'

'I hope it is not food poisoning, should I send for a doctor?'

'I think some rest will be fine,' she said. 'Goodnight your highness.'

'Goodnight Miss Chloe.' Zed said, sounding disheartened, 'tell her I dropped by.'

Chloe murmured what sounded like a reply and then closed the door. After a few moments, she moved to perch on my bed, 'you can't avoid him forever.'

'She's right,' Abby nodded in agreement, 'the Selection ends in a week.'

'I'm not avoiding him forever,' I replied. 'I just need some time to think.'

And I did. After they headed to bed, I sat in my own as I wrote down lyrics into the notebook that was filled with music. It was strangely calming. And as I wrote, I thought of Zed and knew I had two options; ignore the comment Zoe had made or ask him what had happened. The latter made me feel nauseous but I couldn't give myself to somebody if I knew they didn't feel how I did and I had to be certain- I was wearing my heart on my sleeve now and that meant I was walking in dangerous territory.

Despite their best efforts, Abby and Chloe were unable to get me to go to breakfast the following morning. Instead, I lounged around in my comfortable work-out clothing, claiming my tiredness was down to the flu or something. I avoided lunch too and was feeling pretty shattered when I excused Abby and Chloe for their lunchbreak so that I could have a nap in piece. I curled back under my freshly-changed silk covers and drifted off into a sleep.

A knock came some point after and I panicked. Abby and Chloe weren't there to answer the door and dismiss anyone. I kept quiet, hoping the visitor would go away but they didn't. Instead, they walked right in and my heart sank; Zed. He walked in carrying a plate of food resembling avocado and poached eggs on toast and he smiled when he saw me.

'I thought you might be hungry,' he said softly. I didn't move. I stayed laid down in my bed, hoping that perhaps I was dreaming. I didn't want to deal with this right now. Just looking at him felt as if a hole was being torn in my chest. How could he tell me it had always been me but still kiss other girls?

'I'm not really feeling hungry today,' I told him as he sat down on the edge of my bed.

'You have to eat something, my love,' he replied, holding the food out to me. 'The avocados are delicious.'

'I can't,' I turned away from him and he sighed, moving to stroke my cheek.

'I was thinking that we could go to the beach next week,' he said, 'there is something I have been dying to show you and we will miss it if we leave it much longer.'

'Isn't it too cold for the beach?'

'We do not have to stay long…' His voice trailed off and he moved his hand away from my cheek, 'what have I done?' I sucked in a deep breath. 'What did I do to hurt you, my darling? You are giving me the cold shoulder.'

I bit my lip but kept my back to him, 'did you kiss Zoe the night before the ball?'

'Who told you that?' His voice sounded angry, irritated even.

'Zoe,' I said weakly.

'I suppose she did not tell you that I pushed her away the moment her lips were on mine? That I told her I could not betray the girl I love?'

Had I heard him correctly? I turned to face him, 'what?'

'Did you really think I would kiss someone when I had such strong feelings for you?' His face looked hurt and his voice was pained. 'I am not that person anymore, Sky.'

'But before the ball… you didn't know I was your soulfinder.'

'Perhaps not, but I was still trying to find a way to choose you. The other girls are lovely and yes they are pretty but none of them compare to you and never would.' He turned away from me and looked down at his feet. 'I cannot believe you still think so little of me, even after all of this time.'

'Zed, I-'

'I will see you later,' he said, standing up once again. 'Eat your toast before you waste away.'

He slammed the door behind him.

Zed was not at dinner this evening but no one mentioned it. The atmosphere was quiet, yet tense, and I spent more time pushing the food around my plate than actually eating it. When we were all excused, I hurried away without hesitation, but Amelie followed me.

'What's going on?' She asked. 'Where is Prince Zed?'

'I don't want to talk about it,' I murmured as I walked into my bedroom. She followed me through the door, closing it firmly behind us and startling my maids, who were busy sewing a beautiful embellished white dress.

'You missed breakfast and lunch today,' Amelie said to me in an irritated voice. 'That was because of what Zoe said, wasn't it?'

'I said I don't want to talk about it,' I frowned, turning away from her, 'why are you even here?'

'Because, believe it or not Sky, I actually care and if anyone deserves to win this bloody contest it's you!' She snapped. 'Zoe was trying to cause trouble and trying to put a rift between you and Prince Zed because that's all she can do… it's clear you will win unless she pushes you apart.'

'They did kiss,' I said, turning back to face her, 'I saw him this afternoon.'

'And what did he say? Because I bet it's not what it sounds like at all. We have all seen the way he looks at you, hell that man loves you Sky.'

'He pushed her away,' I looked down at my feet, 'and now I've messed everything up by not trusting him.'

'You've not messed up everything, he just needs to cool off and you need to stop being so dramatic.' Amelie's eyes softened. 'Sky, Prince Zed has been crazy for you for a long time, anyone could see that and one little fight won't change that. Bumps in the road always happen and get used to it. You're going to be a princess and that means more bumps than the average couple.'

'What am I going to do?' I asked, my heart aching.

'Zed practices his archery at four o'clock most days,' Amelie said with a sly smile.

'How do you know this?'

'I know a lot,' she replied. 'I know that Lady Diamond, Lady Phoenix and Queen Karla often have afternoon tea in the conservatory and that Prince Trace and Prince Xavier use the gym most evenings before dinner.' I widened my eyes. 'Sky, I originally came into this competition to win and that meant knowing as much as I could about the Royal Family. So I paid off a few guards and flirted with a few more. It helped me learn a lot about the family and it's allowed me to keep tabs on the other candidates too.' She smiled again. 'How is your archery?'

'I've only had one lesson.'

'Well you're a fast learner. For this to work, we need the wow factor.' She turned to my maids. 'Ladies, do what you must but first find us a bow, some arrows and a target and meet us outside in an hour. Things are about to get interesting.'

I was sure that Amelie was completely insane. I'd had very little sleep, thanks to our late-night archery session in a secluded part of the garden and then we'd continued again just after breakfast. She was a hard-worker, not satisfied until I was achieving consistent bullseyes. We finished just before lunch and my arms were aching, as were my eyes from concentrating so hard. The plan was that my maids would dress me in my dinner clothes early, but that we would make more effort than usual. My best dress was pulled out of the cupboard and they made every part of me perfect, from freshly waxed skin (not that my legs were visible under the ballgown) to the smooth curls in my completely-down hair and the make-up that highlighted my eyes. And then, dressed in a silver silk ballgown with off-shoulder sleeves, a tight bodice and a flared skirt, I headed out to the archery field, holding my bow and my arrow-filled quiver tucked over my shoulder.

Zed was just where Amelie had said he would be. He stood in the archery range, firing arrows with ease at the target. I watched as he sent his last arrow flying, narrowly missing the target, and he huffed as a guard collected his arrows for him and returned them to Zed's quiver.

'You seem distracted, your highness.' The guard said and Zed frowned.

'You could say that.' He murmured. He placed another arrow against the string and pulled it back, holding it longer this time. I took that as my cue. Quicker than he, I launched one of my arrows towards the target and hit it spot on. Zed released his arrow and it missed the board altogether as he swung his head round to look at me.

'That was just showing off,' he said. His eyes were tired and he looked sad and distracted, just as the guard had said. 'Cornelius, would you give us a moment?' He asked the guard. Cornelius nodded and walked away, leaving us to it. I placed my quiver down and the bow beside it, before smoothing out the fabric of my ballgown. With Zed in trousers and a fitted shirt, I felt very over-dressed. 'You seem to look more and more lovely every time I see you.' He said as his eyes scanned my dress and then met my own.

'Thank you, your highness.'

'I think our formalities stopped a long time ago, don't you?' He reached for my hand and led me to a bench. The air was cold but I didn't flinch. I sat up straight, feeling on edge.

'I'm sorry,' I apologised, 'I should have trusted you above Zoe and now I have ruined everything.'

'That is a little dramatic, my love,' he sighed and his eyes met mine. 'How can you possibly have ruined everything when we are worth so much more than that?'

'I upset you and offended you and I was stupid.'

'We are both going to say stupid things sometimes,' Zed said, 'we are only human. Fighting is normal. My mother and father argue, as do Trace and Diamond.'

'Are they soulfinders?' I asked, fiddling with the hem of my dress.

'Yes they are,' there seemed to be a smile in his voice, just from his tone, 'as are Yves and Phoenix. It is the reason why I could not banish her from the country for running off with my brother. I suppose I should have known when I saw her date of birth that she was a possibility but I was too self-consumed.' I looked at his face and, sure enough, there was a smile playing on his lips. 'Mind you, perhaps I could banish Phoenix and then Yves will go with her… it would serve him right for winding me up over the last few weeks.'

'You look tired,' I told him.

'As do you,' he replied. 'Tired but still beautiful.'

'I seem to be getting good at losing sleep over you,' he quirked his eyebrow at my comment and a smirk crept across his face, making me blush. 'I think about you too much and when it comes to you, I may overthink things.' I added.

'I have been losing sleep over you too.' His eyes softened as they searched mine.

I took a deep breath as my heart thudded against my chest, 'I don't need any more time, Zed,' I told him. 'If you still want me, I'm in. I'm all in.'

His smile became mischievous, 'you are all in, are you?'

'Yes, of course,' I blushed, 'I love you, you idiot.'

This time he laughed and pulled me into his arms before pressing his lips firmly against mine. The kiss was over quickly but it was enough to make my knees feel weak and I was grateful for the bench we were sat on, 'Only you would call a prince an idiot when you tell him you love him.' He whispered with a smile that reached his eyes, 'And for the record, I love you too. I was hoping to say it first but you have never been one to follow the rules have you, Lady Sky?'

'No I haven't.' I admitted with a blush. I looked down at the silky fabric of my dress where it fell into my lap and Zed pressed his lips to my forehead.

'Shall we have dinner alone this evening?' Zed asked, his fingers intertwining with mine, 'I am selfish and I am not sure I want anyone else to see you dressed like that.'

'The observatory?' I asked, hopefully.

'Of course,' he smiled, 'there is not a place I would rather be.'

So we had dinner together that evening in the observatory with no cameras or no prying eyes to watch us. And when dinner had been eaten, we sat in front of the fire together, Zed's arms wrapped around mine as I imagined just how the rest of our life would go. We listened to the gentle patter of rain on the roof and the crackling fire as he held me close, his heart thudding against my back.

'You've gone quiet,' I said to him, my voice soft and relaxed.

'I am enjoying the moment,' he murmured, pressing a kiss to the side of my neck, where the skin started to show at the top of my gown. 'Is there something you would like to talk about?'

'I don't think so,' I replied and he laughed softly, kissing me again.

'I was silent because I was content,' he said, 'With you, I do not feel the need to talk all the time… I am comfortable.'

'Me too.' I agreed, leaning back against him. 'If you told me a few months ago that I would be sat in an observatory by a fire, wrapped in the arms of Prince Zed I would have laughed.'

'Would you have now?' His breath tickled my ear, sending goosebumps across my skin.

'Don't tell me you saw yourself curled up by the fire with a girl from Whitebridge.'

'I did not see myself curled up with anyone,' he said, simply. 'I was sure that this Selection was going to be a complete waste of time and would make me look stupid.'

'So why do it?' I turned my head slightly to look at him and our eyes met; the sky and the deep, blue ocean.

'Because I was in a bad place and I was hurting my family and… if I did not do something then my court was going to be taken away from me and Aldheim… I could not risk someone else ruling it, some Lord I know very little about.' His face was strained and I led the news sink in; he'd agreed to potentially sacrifice his own image and happiness to protect his court and family. My heart swelled at the thought.

'You're so selfless,' I told him, reaching to caress his cheek with my right hand. He held my hand against his stubbled cheek as he smiled down at me.

'I am not sure that is true.'

I raised my eyebrows, 'But it is. You care a lot about your court and your family and you gave me your blood when I was attacked.'

'Because I care about you too,' He said, his eyes boring into mine. 'Because now you are my family.' I bit my lip and he smiled down at me. 'And one day, I hope we will have our own.' My cheeks flushed as I realised just what would have to happen for us to have children. My mind wandered to the thought of him shirtless and Zed's mouth became a crooked smile, 'I can show you now if you would like… settle that curiosity.'

I widened him eyes, sure that I was now a deep shade of crimson, 'how did you-'

He tapped his head as he flashed me a grin, 'You ought to use a shield, you know.'

'You can pick thoughts out of my head?' My breathing stopped.

'Only on occasion,' He replied with his crooked grin, 'And I know that is not the first time you have thought of me shirtless.'

I hissed and he threw back his head and laughed as heat swam through my body. I needed to learn how to shield, clearly.

I slept a lot better that night and I felt more refreshed when I woke up the following day, even with the sun just coming up. The air in my room felt cooler now with just a week and a half until November would be arriving. November back home meant the odd snow flurry, but it never stuck around. The palace, however, was warmer but I did wonder how long it was until the royal family made their annual move to the winter court for the cold season.

'You have a letter,' Chloe said when I came out of the shower, dressed in my first dress with long sleeves, ready for the cooler air.

'Oh?' She passed me the envelope I was expecting to be from my parents or Ellen but I was wrong. The Royal Crest sealed the envelope with red wax and I knew then that it had to be from Zed. I opened it carefully, afraid I would tear the thin paper.

My love,

Thank you for joining me for dinner last night. It was wonderful. My father, brothers and I were called away for urgent business early this morning so forgive me for not kissing you goodbye. I will be back late Friday night but I am hoping that you will join me at the beach on Saturday? There is something I would still like to show you.

I love you,

Your Zed x

I smiled and Chloe and Abby grinned from across the room.

'Have you and Prince Zed made up?' Abby asked.

'Yes,' I said with a blush.

'I hope plenty of kissing was involved.' She gave me a cheeky look.

'The King and Princes are out of the city for two days,' I said, standing up and smoothing my dress over once Chloe had finished braiding my hair. 'But I have a date with Zed on Friday so I'll need a nice but beach-worthy outfit to wear.'

'We can sort that,' Chloe grinned. 'We like a challenge.'

'And no bikinis this time.' I told them. 'It's getting cold.'

Zoe left the competition that morning. She didn't say goodbye to me but I knew she had visited Amelie and Tina before she had left. I felt somewhat guilty for her departure but I knew exactly why it had happened- she had tried to sabotage my relationship with Zed by gossiping and that was something neither of us wanted or needed. Zed didn't like rumours, whether they were being spread by the press or by 'housemates'.

'And then there were three,' Tina murmured at lunchtime. The Queen, Diamond and Phoenix weren't around so it was just the three of us, sat on an empty, long table.

'Only five days left.' Amelie said as she put down her half-empty glass of pink lemonade. 'I assume you two have made up now.'

'We have,' I nodded and Amelie and Tina both gave me a small smile.

'When all of this is done, I'm going to get myself an agent,' Amelie said, changing the subject. 'I've always wanted to follow my mum's footsteps and make it to cinema screens so now seems like the right time. Strike whilst the iron is hot.' She smiled at that. 'What about you, Tina?'

'I'd still like to find someone to settle down with but I'm sure that won't be a particularly difficult task now… but until that happens, I think I might do some modelling work. I have always been told I have quite distinguishing features.'

'Is that a good or bad thing?' Amelie teased and we all laughed.

'So what should we do this afternoon?' I asked when the laughter had died down.

'I have an idea,' Amelie sat up straighter with a smile on her face, 'why don't you teach us a few moves.'

'What?' I raised an eyebrow.

'Good idea,' Tina nodded, 'you can teach us how to fight!'

'I can teach you self-defence I suppose.' I paused for a moment. 'Is that really how you want to spend your afternoon?'

'Absolutely,' Amelie smiled, 'next time maybe we'll be the ones acting like knights in shining armour.'

So I led them to the gym and taught them the basic moves Zed had first taught me and then we tried them out on each other, tackling one another onto the mats until we were erupting into fits of giggles when Diamond, Phoenix and, surprisingly, Queen Karla, walked in.

'It looks like this is where all the fun is on a rainy afternoon.' Queen Karla said with a soft laugh. We all scrambled to our feet but she held out a hand. 'I think now is not a time to curtsy ladies,' she smiled.

'Sorry your majesty.' Amelie apologised on our behalves.

'Nonsense, it looks like you are having a wonderful time. I wondered if perhaps you ladies were free this evening?'

'We are, your majesty.' I replied and her face lit up.

'Fantastic, I thought we would have a fun evening together with the boys away, especially as the competition is nearly over,' her eyes met mine and they twinkled mischievously before she turned back to Diamond and Phoenix. 'I think we had better get everything set up for the fun evening we have ahead.' And with that, she was gone.

'Do you think we are doing something for Halloween?' Tina asked as we wiped our sweaty brows with face towels.

'I am not sure the Royal Family celebrate Halloween,' Amelie replied, 'as they do something for Harvest instead.'

'Then what could it be?'

When I got out of the shower, I found a red halterneck dress waiting for me and a pair of black stilettos. It looked somewhat Spanish, as did the black lace wrap that was also waiting for me, but when I questioned Abby and Chloe, they simply just shrugged in response. They pinned my hair up into a loose bun, did my makeup, and then I headed down to the women's room as instructed.

Amelie and Tina were already there, puzzled expressions on their face, but both also in ruffled dresses of black and of white. They simply shrugged in confusion when I asked what was happening but then Diamond, Phoenix and Queen Karla walked in, all in similarly-shaped dresses.

'Buena tardes, damas.' Queen Karla said in greeting and we each curtsied as we spoke in unison.

'Buenos noches.'

'You are probably wondering why I had outfits sent to your room,' she said with a warm smile, 'I thought perhaps tonight I could share with you some of my culture and get to know each of you better.'

A Spanish evening. That explained the outfits.

'I have organised for some Spanish tapas for dinner for us and then the fun will continue after,' she beamed. 'Follow me.'

We followed her along the corridor to the dining room. The tables and chairs had been moved so that one table, the one usually for the Royal family, stood alone in the room, laid for the six of us. In the corner of the room was a man on guitar in Spanish traditional dress and he plucked at the strings as the Queen hummed along. We took our seats and immediately the dishes came out; some with tomatoes and garlic, some with herbs and potatoes, shrimp and more.

'Are you enjoying the food, Lady Sky?' Queen Karla asked me from her space as head of the table, on the right of me. Diamond was sat on the opposite end of the table and the rest of us were sat randomly. Phoenix was opposite me with Amelie to my other side.

'It is delicious,' I replied, truthfully.

'The paella?'

'Incredible,' I smiled, 'I have never tasted anything quite like it.'

'Excellent, I prepared that myself.' She winked at me and I was glad I had said the right thing. 'Unfortunately Zed has not inherited the cooking gene from me.' Phoenix laughed across from me.

'I am glad I am with the right brother.' She grinned and Queen Karla smiled back at her as a soft laugh escaped her lips.

'How are your cooking skills, Lady Sky?'

'I can cook,' I replied with a smile, 'nothing fancy but a stew or spaghetti Bolognese.'

'Well that is more than my son,' she laughed, her eyes sparkling.

After dessert, we moved our chairs and sat and drank sangria as we chatted amongst ourselves as the guitarist played on in the background. My belly was completely stuffed on good food and the sangria made me feel a little merry as a giggling Diamond sat down beside me.

'Having fun?' She grinned, even more animated than usual.

'Is Queen Karla trying to get us drunk?' I asked with a smile, 'so that she knows all of our darkest secrets?'

'Only yours,' she winked, before lowering her voice, 'I am joking of course. She knows the competition is nearly over and wants to keep spirits high.'

'And keep us distracted?' I offered as Queen Karla let out a laugh from her space next to Amelie. 'Where have the King and Princes gone really?'

'I can't say here,' Diamond replied as her eyes scanned the room.

'Is it to do with the attack on the palace?'

She gave a grim nod and I tensed. 'They think they know who was behind the attack.'

'And they've gone after them?' I widened my eyes and sat up straight.

'You need to keep calm and not think about it.' Diamond whispered in warning. 'Everything will be fine and they'll be back tomorrow.' But her eyes were worried and so was the colour surrounding her- green and blues with a mixture of green.

'You're afraid,' I whispered.

'You can see my emotion,' Diamond said. 'Trace said that you could do that.'

My body relaxed slightly and I resisted the urge to frown at her, 'is it the sangria relaxing us all or you?'

She gave me a small, knowing smile and glanced away, answering my question silently.

Suddenly, six men dressed in traditional Spanish outfits walked into the room and I laughed as Amelie and Tina cheered at the sight, completely oblivious as to why we were being distracted.

'I have another surprise for you ladies,' Queen Karla said, standing up and carefully placing her glass of sangria on the table. 'This evening we are going to learn to salsa, an important dance from my culture back home.'

'Can the Princes salsa?' Tina asked hopefully and the Queen smiled.

'Of course they can!' She beamed. 'Now stand up ladies and find a partner.'

My partner, Marino, was very untalkative but he was a good dancer. He moved with me in time to the music, talking through the steps but he was surprised to see how good I already was without his guidance.

'You have done this before, Lady Sky.' Queen Karla said as I took a quick break, my arm aching. I rubbed my fingers over it, willing the pain away, as she moved to stand beside me.

'Zed taught me,' I replied with a smile and hers widened at that.

'He kept that quiet,' she said with a soft laugh. 'That explains why you are the best out of the contestants.' I watched as Tina stepped on the toes of the dancer and I resisted the urge to laugh when he frowned at her. I'd been pretty bad at the dance myself to begin with. Any dances, actually. I'd been born with two left feet, at least I'd thought so until I had moved into the palace. 'I've always known that you were going to be a wonderful princess,' Queen Karla murmured before heading back to the dancefloor.

I spent the next day in the music room. Tina and Amelie had gone riding across the grounds but I had decided to keep warm and had found myself in the music room instead. I sank into the stool and lifted the piano lid, surprised to see a note with my name on it. I opened the envelope carefully, running my fingertips over the familiar handwriting.

It is so easy for me to love you that it frightens me.

I have never been good at anything, not when it comes to relationships.

But I have never wanted anything so much as I want to hold you every waking minute.

And every night while I sleep.

The question has ceased to be, "how do I love you?" and has become, "how would I ever stop?"

All my love,

Zed

I smiled and held the poetic message closer to me as I silently prayed that Zed would make it home safe.

My sleep was patchy that night and I spent a long time tossing and turning. In the end, before I could stop myself, I wrapped my robe around myself and crept out of room.

'Lady Sky, it's late.' My guard said but I ignored him and he huffed behind me as he followed me along the corridor, a hand on the hilt of his sword. I walked down the marble staircase and headed for the music room but paused when I spotted a familiar figure walking along the corridor.

'Zed!' I ran and embraced him before he could stop me and he lifted me, wrapping his arms around me too as I held him tight.

He laughed softly as he held me in the air as if I were lighter than a feather, 'Hello, My love.'

'Are you okay? Healthy? Not hurt?' I asked as he put me down, my slippers slapping against the marble floor.

'I am fine,' he laughed again, 'why would I not be okay?'

'You went looking for the rebels.' I met his eyes and his right hand moved to caress my cheek. 'Diamond told me.'

'We did not find them,' he murmured, 'and they seem to have covered their tracks. Diamond should not have told you that.'

'Why?'

'Because I never wanted you to worry,' he replied, softly.

'Too late for that,' I whispered and he pressed his lips to my forehead.

'Is that why you are still awake? You were worried about me?'

'Of course,' my cheeks flushed, 'I love you, remember?'

'And I love you too.' He leaned his forehead against mine and pulled my waist towards him, holding me in his embrace.

'Did you just get back?'

'I have been back a few hours,' he replied.

'So why are you not asleep?' I asked and he smiled, a familiar twinkle in his eyes. 'Are you worried because you didn't find them?'

'Partially, but I have other things on my mind right now.' He kissed my nose and my cheeks blushed in response. 'You need to get back to bed. You are out past curfew.'

'Won't you just pardon me?' I teased, moving my fingers to touch the bare bit of skin just below his neck.

'Always,' he murmured with a sigh, 'but we have a date today, remember?'

'To see the ocean?' I smiled.

'To see the ocean.' He pressed his lips to my forehead against. 'So get back to bed before I carry you there myself.'

'Is that a threat?'

'Yes,' he smiled and then picked me up, throwing me over his shoulder. I resisted a squeal as he carried me up the stairs in silence and back to my room. 'Now go to bed, Lady Sky.' He said firmly, although a smile still played on his lips.

'Is that a command, your highness?' I teased and he bent down, pressing his lips to mine briefly.

'Goodnight, my love.' And he closed the door behind him on the way out.

My date wasn't until after lunch, so I spent the time between breakfast and then with Abby and Chloe. We played cards together, as Tina and Amelie seemed to have made plans of their own, and then they helped me to get ready for my date. The dress they had chosen for me was beautiful; a white long-sleeved dress that had flowers and beading embroidered into the tight bodice. They'd paired it with boots and a light blue cloak that reminded me of the ocean, which I was thankful to see now that the air was getting colder, and they'd put me in an underdress too, above my corset, for the extra bit of warmth. My hair was down and slightly tamed and I felt I was advertising some bohemian designer.

'Isn't it a bit much for the beach?' I asked as I twirled in front of the mirror, watching the light catch the sequins and beads and glisten like the twinkle often in Zed's eyes.

'Not at all.' Chloe smiled. 'It looks perfect. I almost want to add your leaf half-crown but I feel that would be too much.'

I wiggled my toes in my boots, 'Are these Lady Evelyn approved?'

'Queen Karla often wears boots in the winter.' Abby said, 'So I'm sure they are just fine.'

The knock at the door made my stomach twist with nerves, which surprised me. Why was I nervous? I was used to spending time with Zed now. He had seen me at my worst and probably my best too and somehow he still loved me.

'Hello, your highness.' Abby said as she and Chloe curtsied as they opened my door.

'Good afternoon ladies.' Zed said with a warm smile. He spotted me over their shoulders and his mouth made an 'o' shape before a smile returned to his face. 'Are you ready to go, my love?'

Abby let out a content sigh, 'have a lovely time.'

'We will.' I replied and then I followed Zed out of the door, my hand firmly in his.

Despite riding the same route as before, I found myself still mesmerised as we passed towns, fields, hills and finally the ocean on the route to the Oceanside house. Everything looked different with the Autumnal colours and even though it was cold, the colours made me feel warm inside. Zed was quiet and when I looked over at him I noticed his colours were a kaleidoscope of pink and turquoise. I thought of Diamond and saw that he was nervous; was it to do with whatever he wanted to show me? As he rode the black stallion, with several of his guards keeping us company (some in front and some behind), I placed my hand on his leg and squeezed it gently. His posture visibly relaxed and he gave a small smile as he glanced over his shoulder at me. And then he started to sing.

'My asylum is in your arms, when the world gives heavy burdens, I can bare a thousand tonnes…'

My eyes widened as a song I had written filled the air and I blushed. 'Where did you hear that?'

'I found a mix tape with my name on it in the bin in my music room,' he tilted his head to the side and gave me a teasing smile. 'Now how did it get there, I wonder?'

I felt myself shrinking in the chair, 'it was supposed to be your birthday present.'

'And why did it end up in the bin?'

'I was upset that you kissed Lucie at your party.' I bit my lip.

'I wish it had been you,' he said softly. 'That evening turned out to be one big mistake.'

'It did.' I nodded in agreement.

'I should have spent the evening dancing with you and kissing you instead.' He paused for a moment. 'You dislike your voice and your songs.' His eyes met mine briefly and then they moved back to the road as he turned left at a junction. 'I find your voice wonderful… it feels me with warmth.' He squeezed my knee and smiled back at me.

I blushed and turned to look at the ocean we were riding parallel to. 'And yours does the same for me.'

It was mid-afternoon when we arrived at the house and Zed led me outside to the beach first, which took me by surprise. Hand-in-hand, we walked along the sand-covered beach and I was thankful my boots had wedged heels so that I had not sank. We walked away from the house for about ten minutes and then Zed moved us to stand on the greenery, away from the sand as we continued to walk.

'Where are we going?' I asked him.

'Remember I wanted to show you something?' We walked another few metres and then he laid a blanket on the damp grass. I sat down on it beside him and he wrapped his arm across my cloak-clad shoulders. 'Watch the sand.' He whispered.

I looked at the sand just in front of us and watched as part of it seemed to move. 'Is it… breathing?'

'Sort of.' He smiled a lopsided smile. 'I am just glad we did not miss this one.'

The sand rippled in one spot and then another and I shot Zed a puzzled look but he simply just smiled and continued to watch the sand. It moved slightly and then the movements became bigger and it started to look like something was trying to crawl out. And then something did. A tiny little head poked out and then a pair of flippers.

'Is that a turtle?' I whispered as it wiggled in the sand, trying to get out of its nest.

'Loggerheads.' He replied with a whisper, wrapping his arms tighter around me as I gawped. The turtle escaped the sand's clutches and I gasped at the tiny little thing as it moved along the sand. And then, just like that, two more heads appeared in the same spot and started to crawl out of the sand too.

'They're so small.' I whispered in awe at their little bodies. I had never seen a turtle in captivity or in the wild before and it was an amazing sight. Two more appeared then three then four, tiny little animals crawling across the white sand. They turned and started heading towards the ocean, right in front of our eyes as more appeared from the sand. I leaned forwards, watching them intently as they headed towards their life. How strange that creatures that had just hatched had to find their way to the ocean. I watched as one struggled, going the wrong way and my heart broke for it. 'He's going the wrong way.' I whispered to Zed. 'He's going to die if he doesn't make it.'

Zed leaned forwards and scooped up the little turtle, turning it the right direction. It pushed its flippers against the sand, this time running in the right direction towards the ocean. 'Now he is going to be fine.' He said to me softly. He moved to sit behind me, one leg each side of me and then pulled me back against his chest as we watched the little creatures walk into the waves.

'Thank you for bringing me to watch this,' I whispered and he kissed the top of my head as his arms tightened around my waist.

'I knew you would like it.'

We must have watched for an hour, until all movement in the sand had stopped and every little turtle from the nest was in the ocean. And I almost felt sad when it was over and Zed was packing up the picnic blanket, ready for us to walk back to the house. Our feet trudged back along the grass and then the sand as we walked along the beach, empty apart from the guards who were protecting us from a distance.

'So tell me, what did you get up to when I was away?' Zed asked as he squeezed my hand with his.

'Well I taught Tina and Amelie some self-defence as they asked for some training,' I replied.

'And were they any good?'

'They were easily distracted.' I said and he laughed softly, pressing a kiss to the hand he was holding. 'And then your mother held a Spanish evening for us.'

'She did not mention that.' He said with a raised eyebrow.

'Her paella is delicious.'

'It is.' He nodded in agreement, licking his lips at the memory.

'But I've heard that you're a terrible cook.' I teased, nudging him playfully in the side.

'Not true one bit,' he pretended to look hurt and I smiled. 'I have only burnt a few pizzas.'

'You burn pizza? But pizza is supposed to be easy to cook!' I laughed and he smiled back at me.

'I guess it is good that I have plenty of cooks to help me woo you then.' He smiled down at me and we stopped walking.

'You think wooing me is that easy?' I teased and he ran a hand through his hair, nervously.

'Not at all, but I would like to try.' He took both of my hands in his and looked at me with an intense expression as he sucked in a deep breath. 'You know, sometimes I look at you and wonder out of all the girls in the world, how did I find the one that is so perfect for me?' His eyes searched mine and I felt my heart flutter in my chest. The teasing was over. Zed had a serious expression on his face and it made me feel a little nervous. 'When I started this competition, I was only doing it to make my parents happy. My life was a mess and I was an embarrassment to them and, despite not saying it, I felt bad about hurting them so I agreed to hold a selection as it has worked before in other countries. I never expected to fall in love and I certainly did not expect to find my soulfinder.' I smiled up at him and he smiled down at me as he squeezed my hand. 'That first night when we met, I knew there was something about you. You stood up for yourself and that was something that caught me by surprise. You continued to surprise me with your book choices and with wanting to learn to fight and your stubbornness when I tried to stop you.' He laughed softly at the memory. 'And before long, I knew I was falling and fast. Falling for your beautiful smile and your eyes, falling for your laughter and your ability to see the beauty in everything and then I nearly lost you and it made me realise that I cannot live without you, Sky.' He paused for a moment and swallowed. 'I want us to spend our weekends watching the sunset together and when it is cold, curled up under a blanket and holding you whilst we watch movies together. I want us to sit by the lake or on the mountains playing guitar and singing together like birds on a spring morning. I want to slow dance with you in the rain even when no music is playing. I want to have a home with you, children with you, a life with you.' I felt the tears welling up before he had even moved. He released my hands and moved onto the sand, to kneel on one knee. And suddenly I realised we were stood in a giant heart, carved into the sand. 'Sky Bright, my lady, my love, my soulfinder, will you marry me?'

END OF PART ONE.