He had said a few weeks previously that he was going to choose me, but nothing had prepared me for that moment. The moment where he was on one knee in front of me, asking me to spend my life with him. To become his wife. To become his princess.

A tear rolled down my cheek at the man on one knee in front of me, the man I never had expected to fall in love with. With his messy, brunette hair and deep blue eyes and muscular frame he was drop-dead gorgeous, but he'd been a bad boy in the past. And now he had changed. Because of me, his mother had once said, as had his best friend Nelson. And now I loved him and he loved me too.

'Yes,' I whispered as the tears escaped and he beamed up at me, his eyes lit up like a child's eyes on Christmas morning and his smile perfect. He slipped the ring out of its velvet box- the ring in white gold with beautiful sapphires and aquamarines intertwined together, looking like both of our eyes- and slipped it onto my empty ring finger. The perfect fit. And then as I smiled up at him, tears in my eyes and in his too, he lifted me up, arms tucked under my behind, as he held me above him and pressed his lips to mine. He kissed me eagerly for a moment, setting off the usual fireworks between us, and then laughed and smiled, spinning me around in the air as we both grinned at each other with watery eyes. When he finally put me back in the sand he pressed his lips against mine once more and then leaned his forehead against mine.

'You have just made me the happiest man in the world.' He whispered, his lit-up eyes looking into mine. 'Thank you.' My heart fluttered in my chest as I moved my left hand, admiring the ring. 'Do you like it?' He asked, nervously.

'I love it.' I replied. 'It's you and I.'

'That is what I thought when I was designing it,' he said, placing a gentle kiss on my nose.

I thought back to what Emmica had told my maids about a ring being specially designed by the prince and my heart fluttered again. 'You designed an engagement ring for me,' I murmured, 'I think I love you even more.'

He smiled and brought my left hand to his lips, kissing my finger next to the ring. 'You could not possibly love me as much as I love you.'

'Champagne!' I turned my head at the familiar voice, as did Zed, and we both looked at Lord Nelson as he walked across the sand in a formal tunic of deep purple, carrying a bottle of champagne and two glasses, an expensive-looking photography camera around his neck.

'Always know how to kill a moment.' Zed murmured and I smiled as I pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, making him relax again.

'You know me, mate.' Nelson grinned and passed Zed the bottle of champagne. 'You should do the honours.'

Zed took the champagne and held it between us. He placed his thumb on the cork and then instructed me to do the same. The cork popped out and champagne sprayed the air, partly on Nelson but he didn't complain as we laughed. Zed poured each of us a glass and then returned the bottle to Nelson.

'To us,' Zed whispered as we clinked our glasses together. The champagne fizzed as it travelled down my throat, but it tasted good.

'Let's get another photo of the happy couple,' Nelson said, adjusting his camera.

'Another?' I raised my eyebrow and Zed wrapped his arm around my waist.

'Someone had to capture the proposal.' Nelson winked. 'These pictures are just for you two though, and whoever you want to see them.'

'I wouldn't let the cameras come with us today because I wanted it just to be you and I.' Zed murmured in my ear as he tucked my hair out of the way. Goosebumps covered my skin and not because I was cold or because Zed had wanted the proposal to be just between us.

'Come on you two, pose and then I will disappear.' Nelson whined and we did as he asked so we could have the rest of the evening to ourselves.

After dinner in the house and after a second glass of champagne for us, we were back on Zed's horse and riding towards the city once more. As I watched the streetlights moving over Zed's face, I noticed that his smile did not leave his face as he hummed a song I didn't recognise, drumming his hand against the horse's saddle. I placed my hand on top of his and his smile widened as he turned off of the road and towards Goldlyn.

'This is near where your parents will be living.' Zed said as he turned off onto a street with huge shops and apartments. 'They are a little bit out of the hustle and bustle but not too far from the galleries.'

I looked out of the window and found it hard to imagine Sally and Simon living there in their scruffy clothes. But then I realised they never needed to wear scruffy clothes again. My mind drifted to my horse-riding session with Ellen and Diamond, when we had seen Simon and Zed talking. 'What did you talk to Simon about when he was here last week?' I asked. 'When the two of you were in the gardens together.'

He briefly glanced my way, a sparkle in his eyes, before turning his attention back to the road. 'I asked for his permission.'

'His permission?'

'To marry you,' his smile widened and my heart fluttered at the sight. 'I wanted to make sure he was accepting of us, especially as I know he is very protective of you.'

'And he said yes?'

'On one condition… that he gets to kill me himself if I hurt you.' He paused for a moment, 'but I would never hurt you so I think I am safe.'

'You spoke to the other parents that day too,' I said, furrowing my brow in confusion.

'I was trying not to look suspicious,' he replied. 'But believe me, the conversations were very different to mine with Simon.' His eyes glanced over to me and then back at the road as we reached the capital. 'I think today is probably one of the best days of my life.'

'One of?' I raised an eyebrow. I was pretty sure the day was the best day of my life.

'Well your birthday was pretty wonderful and the romantic way you called me an idiot when you said you loved me for the first time.' He grinned a teasing smile and I blushed. 'And then last night when you ran and leapt into my arms because you were so happy to see me.' We passed a billboard advertising The Selection, which showed the three finalists with Zed and he laughed softly. 'I guess that is going to end up with just you and I up there now.' He glanced across at me to read my expression and then back at the road. 'Does that scare you?'

'A little.' I admitted and his hand moved from the reins to squeeze my knee.

'The public already love you and will love you even more when our engagement is announced.' He reassured me. 'It will take time to get used to but we will be going through it together.'

I looked ahead at my fiancé as the billboards and taverns and designer shops passed by in the background and I smiled. Just like in the fairytale, another Cinderella had fallen in love with a Prince and somehow she had won his heart. And it made her happier than she had ever been before.

Zed led me to one of the Reception Rooms when we were back at the palace and his family were sat there waiting for our return; Queen Karla, King Saul, Prince Trace, Diamond, Prince Xavier, Prince Yves and Phoenix were all sat by the fire and their heads turned when we walked into room. And then, just like that, they grinned and cheered and got to their feet. Zed laughed and kissed the side of my temple as his family enveloped him in hugs and then moved over to me.

'Welcome to the family, Sky.' King Saul said as he hugged me, catching me off-guard.

'Thank you, your majesty.' I said as he released me.

'No need for that, my dear, you are family now.' He said as Queen Karla moved in to hug me and kiss my cheek. 'Now you may call us Saul and Karla.'

I nodded and smiled as Diamond gave me huge hug and a squeal. 'Told you that you're princess material.' She whispered before releasing me.

More champagne was opened and then Karla ushered us all over to the seating area. Before I could take a seat beside him, Zed pulled me onto his lap and wrapped an arm around my waist. He smiled across at me, a smile meeting his eyes and I relaxed into his embrace. I had never seen the Royal Family quite like this and I knew I would be relieved to get used to it; Diamond was sat with her legs across Trace's lap, Karla and Saul held hands from their armchairs sat beside each other and Yves had his arm around Phoenix's shoulders. Even Xavier, without his soulfinder, was sat relaxed in his armchair, one leg crossed over the other and his posture slouched. Like this, they were a normal family and it made me feel even more at home.

It was late when Zed finally walked me up to my room and I was feeling a little giddy from the champagne. We were quiet as we passed Tina and Amelie's rooms, not wanting to wake them, and then we reached my room, where a guard was already stationed for the night. Zed opened the door for me and followed me inside, closing the door behind me. 'Do the other girls know?' I asked him and he nodded.

'I told them of my intentions this morning.' He replied. 'And they both took it very well and were pleased for us.'

I felt a little bit of relief as the guilt drained away. The door opened and Zed moved in front of me, protectively, but it was only Abby and Chloe so he stood back, relaxing and wrapping an arm around my waist.

'Oh sorry, your highness.' Chloe said as they dropped into a curtsy. Her eyes moved between the two of us.

'There is no need for curtsying and titles when we are in private,' Zed said to them, shaking his head. 'Besides, we are going to be seeing a lot more of each other ladies.'

Abby gawped as she looked at me, 'did you…'

I held up my left hand in response and they both squealed, running to hug me as I laughed. Zed stood back, smiling and laughing too and Chloe spoke first, when she had finally stopped squealing.

'Congratulations.' She said and Abby nodded in agreement. 'To both of you.' And then she turned to me. 'I can't think of a better person to be a princess.'

'Neither can I.' Zed said, looking across at me with an intense expression that made my knees weak. 'It is getting late and I had better let you sleep.' He said, softly, wrapping his arms around my waist as my maids moved to busy themselves. 'Sleep well, my fiancée.' He dipped his lips to mine in a kiss that made my head spin. 'I love you.'

'And I love you.'

When the door closed, my maids turned around to me and returned to the squealing they had stopped for the prince's benefit.

'YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED!'

I slept incredibly well that night, despite getting to bed a little later than usual. A mixture of champagne, happiness and elatedness had sent me deep into sleep and I woke up feeling refreshed and happy. I showered quickly and then Abby and Chloe dressed me and styled my hair whilst I called my parents.

'It's good to hear from you sweetheart,' Sally said into the mouthpiece of the phone I had sent her home with the previous week so that it was easier to keep in contact. 'Simon and I have just had our breakfast.'

'It's good to hear your voice too,' I replied. Abby caught my eye in the mirror and smiled as she ran lotion through my curls, smoothing them. 'Is Simon there? Can you bring him to the phone?'

'Of course.'

'Yes I can hear you too, sweetheart.' Simon said in the background. 'Everything okay?'

I stretched my left hand out in front of me and looked at the aquamarine and sapphire ring in its intertwined pattern on the white gold band. It really was beautiful. 'I wanted to tell you that Zed proposed last night and I said yes.'

There was a squeal on the other end of the line from Sally and it was Simon who spoke, 'that's wonderful news, sweetheart. Are you pleased?'

'Very.' I smiled and Chloe and Abby smiled at me in the mirror.

'He was very nervous about it,' Simon said, 'when he asked my permission I was worried he was going to pass out.'

I laughed softly, 'I think he was nervous yesterday too.'

'How did he propose?' Sally's voice asked and I could tell she was tearful from how we spoke. 'Was it wonderful?'

'We were on the beach,' I told her. 'And it was perfect. We'd been watching baby turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean.'

'It sounds perfect.' She sniffled.

'Zed's friend took some photographs so I will send them to you when I've seen them,' I promised her. 'And I'm sure I can see you soon now the selection is over?'

'I am sure it won't be long until we see you at all, sweetheart.' Simon said.

'We are so proud of you,' Sally said and I fought back the tears that were fighting to burst out of my eyes. 'So proud.'

'Thank you.' I whispered. 'Will you get Ellen to ring me if you see her later? I want her to know before the public announcement.'

'I will pop round after we have done some packing for our new house.' Sally replied. 'Goodbye sweetheart and give Zed a hug from us.'

'Goodbye.'

Dressed in a sapphire blue off-the-shoulder, floor-length dress, with a tight lace bodice and an A-line skirt, I headed off to breakfast, resisting the urge to skip up the corridor. When I got the dining hall, Zed was stood outside and he grabbed me, pulling me in for a quick kiss.

'Good morning fiancée.' He murmured against my lips.

'Good morning.' I replied, returning the smile on his lips. 'I have just spoken to Sally and Simon.'

'Oh?' He looked nervous at the thought.

'They're very happy for us. Sally in particular, squealed and then cried.'

He laughed softly and then kissed my forehead. 'We will have them over for dinner in the next few days. I will make sure it is scheduled in.'

'Scheduled?'

'I am afraid it will be a busy few weeks for us, my love, but I am going to make sure there is plenty of time for just you and I.' He squeezed my hand. 'But first, breakfast. Everyone else is inside and waiting for us.'

'Amelie and Tina?'

He nodded. 'They will be going home as soon as our engagement is announced.'

My heart flipped as I realised this was it. The end of the selection. 'I want to see them off.'

'I think we will both do that.' He smiled and nodded towards the door. 'Shall we?'

The guard opened the door and we walked inside as everyone stood for us. Amelie and Tina smiled across at me with encouraging smiles as we walked passed them and I made my space to my seat beside Zed's. We all sat down for breakfast together.

'I want to show you something.' Zed whispered to me once breakfast was finished and people were excusing themselves.

'Does it fit into our schedule?' I teased and he smiled.

'Do not mock the schedule.' He murmured. 'We have a free hour before our photoshoot.'

'Photoshoot?'

He gave a nod, 'our engagement photoshoot… the photos for the public to go with the announcement.'

'Okay.' I kissed his cheek gently. 'So what did you want to show me?'

Zed led me to the wing of the palace that I had never been inside, as it was the Royal Quarters and was strictly off-limits. We walked up to the first floor and he led me along the long corridor, which was lined with paintings. Towards the end of the corridor he stopped and unlocked a wooden white door, before pushing it open. I walked into the room and took in my surroundings. A plush white carpet and white walls, one of which was decorated with a large painting of the ocean. A small alcove where the four-poster silver and blue bed sat was painted the same blue as the ocean in the painting and two bookshelves were built into the wall, one either side of the alcove. A grand chandelier hung from the ceiling and I turned away from the admiring the white bedside tables to see a blue chaise longue and a wonderful white baby grand piano tucked in the corner by the window seat and the French doors that led out to a large balcony over-looking the lake.

'Zed, what is this?' I whispered, looking around the room in awe.

'The Princess suite.' He replied with a smile. 'Well, your princess suite.'

'This is my room?'

'When we're staying here, yes it is.' He confirmed and I gasped as I walked over to the window. 'I had it decorated for you but if it is not to your taste I can ask it to be redecorated.'

'No, it's perfect.' I told him and he smiled with relief.

'This is not all of it.' He took my hand and led me to one of the doors. He opened it and inside was my ensuite bathroom. A shower in one corner and in another, a grand, vintage-looking bath on a pedestal next to taps that looked like real gold and a marble floor with matching tiles.

The door next to the bathroom led to something else that took my breath away; a dressing room with wardrobes and shelves for storing clothes, shoes and accessories. There was even a plush sofa in the middle and plenty of large mirrors to show every angle of a dress.

'And I thought my current room was glamorous.' I murmured and he smiled.

'Want to know the best bit?'

'You've not shown me the best bit yet?' I looked at him in disbelief and he led me back into the bedroom. There was another door I had not noticed and he turned the handle, leading me to another suite.

'This is my room.' He said. His room was a similar layout, with a guitar in the place of the piano in my room and it had a masculine feel with the deep greys and silvers of the more-modern four-poster bed and the light grey carpet. But what caught me off-guard the most was the large noticeboard covered with photographs. There were photos of Zed with his brothers and parents over the years, as well as some photographs of him with friends including Nelson. And then there were the photos of me; a headshot of me from a photoshoot, the photos of the two of us from our interview, a photograph of us dancing at the Harvest Ball that I'd never seen before and one of me on the yacht that Zed had clearly taken himself.

'Zed,' I whispered, turning to face him.

He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me against him, 'I am crazy about you, remember?'

I smiled and pressed my lips to his as he pulled me closer to him. I moved my hands to his shoulders and ran my fingers through the back of his hair as he kissed me eagerly. His hands moved up and down my waist and then he lifted me so I locked my legs around his waist. Our lips moved together and then his moved to my neck, trailing kisses along my bare skin and making me shiver. And then there was the sound of a knock at the door.

'Who's that?' I asked, my voice breathless.

'We have a photoshoot to get ready for.' He said, his voice low, as he placed me back on the ground.

'What? Now?'

'Mmmmm.' He kissed my pouted lips gently. 'We have the rest of our lives for that.' He whispered in my ear, sending goosebumps across my skin.

'I suppose I'd better go and get ready then.' I frowned and he kissed the creases between my brows. I moved towards his door, heading for the corridor and he laughed. 'What?'

'Where are you going?'

'Back to my room?'

'My love, your room is next door now.' He said as he started to unbutton his shirt. I swallowed and tried not to gawp at his perfectly carved chest and the tattoo that was peeking out of his shirt. 'Your maids may already be in there.' He took his shirt off, leaving me to look at the tribal whorls and the stars across the top left of his chest, and I reluctantly took that as my cue to leave, slipping through the door adjoining our rooms.

Sure enough, Abby and Chloe were already there and were smoothing out a red one-shoulder ballgown. They dressed me in it quickly before making a few adjustments to my hair and makeup and then I slipped on my shoes and was out the door again, where Zed was already waiting for me in his military uniform. He held out his arm for me and I took it whilst my other hand held up my fairytale skirt so that I did not fall over it.

'Have you spoken to Ellen yet?' He asked as he led me back through the palace.

'Not yet,' I replied. 'She might be working or Sally might not have popped round there yet.'

'We will not release the statement until you have told her.' He said, firmly.

'Thank you.' I smiled and he kissed my cheek.

Clarissa and Lady Evelyn were stood holding clipboards when we reached the library. Two people I had not seen for a while.

'Oh good you're here.' Clarissa said before muttering something into the earpiece she was wearing. 'Congratulations, your highness and Lady Sky.'

'Thank you.' Zed said with a formal nod. His eyes moved to where a photographer was setting up. The furniture had been moved to the side of the room and cameras and lights were set up, ready to make us look our best. I swallowed, suddenly feeling nervous.

Zed raised my hand to his lips and kissed it softly. Relax.

There are a lot of people here. I scanned the room and looked at the other people around with clipboards and wearing formalwear.

But only two of us that matter, he reminded me, giving my hand a squeeze. Karla and Saul walked into the room and Zed bowed so I curtsied, a formal greeting for his parents in front of the royal staff.

'Your highness, my lady, are you ready for your photographs?' A photographer appeared at my side and my stomach twisted with nerves.

'Geoffrey, it is good to see you again.' Zed said, shaking the hand of the photographer.

'And I, you, your highness. I remember taking the family photographs on your first Christmas and now here we are, photographing your engagement.' Geoffrey the photographer smiled warmly at the prince and then turned to me. 'Lady Sky, Geoffrey Thomas. It is a delight to meet you and congratulations on your engagement.'

'Thank you.' I said as I shook his hand.

'Now, come, let's get these photographs taken.'

Engagement photographs took longer than I had expected they would. Zed and I were organised into different positions: standing beside each other with my hand on his chest and showing the ring, Zed stood behind me with his arms around me, Zed and I sat down and so on. We moved through different poses until I was sure the heat from the lights was going to set me on fire. And then, when we were finished, we were sat down whilst notes were made for the statement to go with the photographs.

'The statement will be written and then brought to you for your approval, your highness.' Clarissa said and Zed nodded. 'Lady Sky, here is your schedule for the next few days. We have scheduled your parents in for dinner with the King and Queen and yourselves tomorrow evening.'

'Thank you.' I said as I took the pack from her.

'Have we time for a cup of tea?' Zed asked Clarissa and her eyes scanned the schedule.

'Yes, your highness. I will send the maids with some tea to the conservatory for you both.'

'Thank you.'

I was grateful for the breather. Zed sat on the sofa beside me in the conservatory and together we looked out at the Autumnal grounds of the palace. For the last day of October, the weather was surprisingly good but the blue sky and sunshine was deceiving as the air was a lot cooler. I picked up the folder I had been given, which had the Royal crest on the front of it, and reluctantly opened it, reading my schedule.

8am- Breakfast.

10am- Engagement photoshoot

12pm- Engagement announcement draft review

1pm- Lunch

3pm- Live television broadcast/Engagement announcement published

4pm- Engagement party meeting with planner

7pm- Dinner

'I am going to sleep well this evening.' I murmured and Zed gave me a sympathetic look.

'Tomorrow is less frantic, I promise.' He said as two maids walked in with tea, biscuits and fruit for us. 'Thank you.'

'Your highness.' They both curtsied before leaving.

'I am sorry to interrupt,' Abby walked in and curtsied, 'but the phone keeps ringing Lady Sky.'

'That will be Ellen.' I said to Zed as Abby passed me my phone. 'Thank you.'

She excused herself as Zed sat up straighter, 'would you like some privacy?'

'Why don't we call her together?' I suggested. 'Her reaction will be hilarious.'

'Okay,' he laughed softly and kissed my forehead as I called Sally to speak to my best friend.

Ellen answered without hesitation. Zed kept quiet as I practically sang down the phone to her, 'good morning!'

'You're in a good mood!' She scoffed. 'But good morning to you too. I bet you're looking disgustingly beautiful whilst I'm sat in an old tunic and leggings.'

'My maids work wonders.' I replied and she laughed.

'Where can I get me some of those?' She teased. 'Where have you been anyway? I have been trying to call you for the last hour!'

'Sorry it's been pretty busy here today.' I apologised. 'Photoshoots and what not.'

'Oh to be a lady!' She sighed dramatically. 'So how are things?'

'Things are great!' I beamed.

'And how is the handsome prince charming?'

'Handsome as always.' Zed replied with a wink at me and I heard her surprised intake of breath.

'Oh ground, swallow me whole.' She murmured. 'You could have said he was sitting there!'

'Where was the fun in that?' I teased.

'I'm sorry, your highness.' Her voice was nervous, embarrassed.

'It is fine Ellen, I cannot help being handsome.' He teased and I nudged him with my elbow.

'So you are probably wondering why I called,' I said, changing the subject. 'We have some news.' I paused for effect. 'We're engaged!' I announced and she let out a higher-pitched squeal than I had heard from anyone else. So loud, in fact, that Zed covered his ears.

'Oh my goodness!' She squealed. 'This is AMAZING!'

'Erm, I think you deafened my fiancé,' I joked, looking over at Zed, who still had his ears covered.

'I told you he loved you and you didn't believe me!' Ellen said and I blushed making Zed smile and kiss my cheek. 'You two are so adorable and so good together.'

'We are.' Zed said in agreement and I smiled across at him.

'I need to see the ring! And I want to know exactly how it happened!'

His Majesty King Saul and Her Majesty Queen Karla are delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Zed to Lady Sky Bright. HRH Prince Zed proposed at the family's beach property yesterday. Prince Zed and Lady Sky have both informed their close family and Prince Zed sought the permission of Lady Sky's father.

My eyes scanned the brief statement and I nodded at the choice of photographs to be made public along with the announcement.

'All okay?' Zed asked me from my side.

'All okay.' I confirmed with a smile and he squeezed my hand.

'This will do nicely.' Zed said as he handed everything back to Clarissa. 'Well done for you and your team being so prompt.'

'Only our job, your highness.' She replied with a nod. 'Now this afternoon, you will announce your engagement live on television. There will be no press conference, but Jacob will be speaking to you both and interviewing you tomorrow morning. Are there any questions about this afternoon?'

Zed shook his head and then glanced over at me and I did the same.

She smiled and then excused herself, leaving us for lunch.

'Are you okay, my love?' Zed asked as we walked towards the dining room.

'My head just feels a little fuzzy,' I replied, honestly. So much was whirling around inside of it that it gave me a headache.

'Today is the busiest,' Zed assured me. 'It will get easier.'

'And the lead up to the wedding?'

He chewed on his lip and his eyes drifted to the window, 'that will be busy too but Trace and Diamond's will be first and that will be a much bigger affair.'

'Does that mean ours can be more low-key?' I asked hopefully.

'As low-key as it can be for someone seventh-in-line to the throne.' He placed a kiss to my temple. 'Shall we go to lunch?'

'Could I perhaps have mine with Amelie and Tina? Before they go?'

He nodded and squeezed my hand, 'I will ask for your lunch to be sent to the conservatory, my love.'

I was in the conservatory before the other girls and it was nice just sitting there for a moment in complete silence. The rain was falling outside and it felt almost as if it were calling me, calling for me to walk or dance in it and to feel the cold raindrops on my face and head. I sighed as I thought of how refreshing that would be for my aching temple.

'Hello, future princess.' Amelie's voice tore my vision away from the outside as she and Tina walked into the conservatory. I noticed that they were dressed to go out in style- a beautiful blue ballgown for Amelie and a purple one for Tina.

I smiled and stood up, hugging each of them, 'I thought we could have one last meal together.'

'The last supper.' Amelie teased as we sat down at the table laid for three. Sandwiches, scones and cakes were laid out for us on a grand cake stand, teapots lined the table and there was a fruit platter too.

'Let's see the ring!' Tina said and I held out my left hand, letting them inspect it. She sighed, 'Oh, Sky, it's beautiful.'

'His eyes and yours.' Amelie murmured. 'It looks hand-designed.'

'He designed it himself.' I admitted with a blush and they both smiled at me with completely genuine smiles. I expected things to be awkward or to see their disappointment, but they were actually happy for Zed and I and that made me realise just how close we had become as friends. And how much I was going to miss them when they were gone.

'Surprisingly good taste for a man.' Amelie winked and I smiled.

'Will you two come and visit?'

'Of course we will,' Tina replied, 'try and keep me away from this place.'

'Try and keep us away from you,' Amelie grinned, 'we still have many more movie nights ahead of us.'

'Good,' I smiled slightly and then the familiar nerves I'd had all day made an appearance in my stomach, 'do you think I'm going to be good at this? Being a princess, I mean?'

'Lady Sky, we have every bit of faith in you.' Amelie said as she flicked her straight hair over her shoulder. 'You are strong, brave, kind and you want to help people. Just think, now you can set up your music charity for those disadvantaged children, or better yet, help find equality.'

'And you're pretty good at kicking the asses of bad guys too. I don't think you need a guard.' Tina said as her eyes drifted to the one assigned to me for the day.

I looked at the two girls in front of me that had become best friends of mine in the competition and I smiled. 'You two are wonderful and I'm sure you are going to snap up two gorgeous men.'

'Of course we are,' Amelie beamed. 'Have you seen us?'

Lunch went by far too quickly and then I was changed into a less-extravagant outfit for the live television broadcast; still red, my signature colour, but a dress with sleeves to the elbow and pretty embroidery around the bodice. It was embroidered along the sleeves and the corset underneath helped show off a womanly figure. I wore ridiculously high shoes with it but thankfully I did not have to walk very far in them.

Most members of staff in the palace piled into the audience area of the studio, including Lady Evelyn and Clarissa. Tina and Amelie were sat there too, ready to depart once the announcement had been made, and I was surprised to see Lord Nelson and a few of Zed's friends sat in the crowd too. On the stage, in their usual seats, were Zed's family. He sat there too in a velvet embroidered jacket with black leather-looking trousers and a smart, fitted white shirt and I watched as he walked over to the front of the stage to stand in front of the microphones.

In the wings, tucked aside, I fiddled with my engagement ring, making the light bounce off of the stones. My heart was beating too quickly and I was starting to regret the slice of chocolate cake I had eaten for lunch. I glanced over at Zed and he looked nervous too, especially with so many cameras pointing his way. Someone behind the camera gave a thumbs up, indicating that we were live and I stood up straighter, even though I was off-camera.

'Good afternoon,' Zed said into the microphone. Despite the nervous colours dancing around him, he came across calm and suddenly I felt the same. I looked over at Diamond and she gave a small smile, indicating that her ability was in full swing. I was grateful for that. 'As you are all aware, a Selection has taken place in the palace over the last few months with the hope that I would find a confidante, a bride and a princess. My brother, Prince Trace, set the bar incredibly high when he chose Lady Diamond to be his bride a year and a half ago.' A few people laughed, Diamond and Trace included as he squeezed her hand. 'I was a little apprehensive about this process to begin with. I know that some of our fellow countries have used a Selection for years and for them it has been very successful, but I was still uncertain. Finding a bride is easy, but finding someone you love is a bigger challenge.' He took a deep breath. 'It has been a pleasure meeting each and every lady in this competition. I have learnt a lot more about the world, how to treat people with respect and about compassion and I feel that this will enable me to be a better Prince and a better ruler of my Court from this point onwards. Of course, every successful man needs a strong and courageous woman at his side,' more laughter. 'I am delighted to announce that last night I proposed marriage to Lady Sky Bright and she said yes.' He beamed and I walked on, trying my best not to trip in my ridiculously high heels. I stood beside Zed and flashes of cameras went off as he wrapped his arm around my waist and I placed my hand on his chest, showing the ring. 'I hope you will be as supportive of this marriage as my family have been,' Zed continued, 'and I hope you will join us in celebrating this happy news.' He kissed the side of my head and we both smiled at each other in a moment where it was only the two of us, no cameras allowed.

After dinner that evening, which felt strange without Tina and Amelie, I practically collapsed onto my bed. The engagement photographs had gone out, as had the live broadcast, and we'd started to plan the engagement party that was taking place in six days time, on the second Saturday of November and so far, Zed had got as far as requesting that Ed Sheeran played at it for us and an invitation list had been put together. He had insisted that it was kept as small a party as possible, which I was grateful for as I only had four guests from my side, but there were still people that had to be invited as it was a Royal engagement.

I stared up at the canopy above me on my new four poster bed, looking at the fairy lights that had been stitched into the fabric so that I was looking at a night sky. Was I dreaming? Had the whole proposal been a figment of my imagination? Was I about to wake up in my old bedroom, in the room across the hall from Tina? Or even in my old, cold bedroom back in Whitebridge?

'Busy day, huh?' Abby said as she walked into my room carrying two hot chocolates on a tray- one for each of us, as I had insisted.

'Exhausting.' I murmured and she laughed softly as she placed the drink on my bedside table.

'Need help getting out of that dress?'

'Please.' I stood up reluctantly and she unlaced the dress for me. I stepped out of it and slipped on my upgraded pyjamas; a navy silk and lace nightgown that fell just above my knees with no name embroidered into it. I had insisted on keeping my named robe, but Chloe had spent the day sewing the royal crest onto it, giving it an upgrade. I wrapped the robe around myself as Abby turned on the television. With my invitation, she sat on the bed beside me.

'Our top story tonight: His Royal Highness Prince Zed announces his engagement to Lady Sky Bright, ending the selection.' It showed Zed's speech and Abby sighed beside me.

'And what a speech that was.' She murmured as the speech ended and the engagement photographs of us were shown on the screen. 'I look forward to watching the interview tomorrow.'

I picked up my schedule and scanned it quickly.

8am- Breakfast

10-10.30am- Engagement interview with Jacob Freeman

10.30-1pm- Engagement party planning

1pm- Lunch

Free afternoon

7pm- Dinner with HM King Saul, HM Queen Karla, HRH Prince Zed & Mr and Mrs Bright

At least I had some free time the following day, if I managed to keep awake through the morning.

'You make an attractive couple,' Abby said as the news ended. I placed down my schedule. 'You are certainly going to look good on a postage stamp.'