I was running through the woods, desperately trying to get away from him.

'You won't get very far, princess!' The man's voice called out but my legs disagreed. I kept on sprinting, weaving in and out of the trees as my breath quickened. I felt nauseous, ready to puke but now was not the time. I couldn't stop.

I didn't see the root in the ground, the one that sent me flying. My ankle cracked as I fell to the ground and I winced as I tried to push myself up.

Too slow.

The man reached me and flipped me over, his scarred face barely visible under his hood. His long, silver hair poked out of the black hooded cloak and his sky-blue eyes looked into mine. 'It's time you came home.'

I sat up in bed with a start, resisting the scream that threatened to come out of me. The man's face was becoming all too familiar and it filled me with dread. I shrugged the silky sheets off of me, peeling them off of my sweat-drenched skin. A glance at the clock told me it was too early, but sleep was not going to return to me now. I took myself into the bathroom and ran myself a bath as I fought the nausea burning my throat.

'Good morning and welcome this special edition of The Royal Report.' Jacob said the following morning. We were sat in the conservatory, Zed's choice, and there was no live audience with us, only the famous presenter and the TV crew, which I was grateful to Zed for. The two of us were sat on a sofa together, with the view of the Autumnal garden behind us, whilst Jacob sat in a comfortable armchair. It would have been a relaxed interview if it had not been for Zed's velvet jacket and shirt or the fancy navy, strapless dress I was wearing that made my ring stand out against the dark fabric. 'Today I am joined by His Royal Highness Prince Zed and his fiancée, Lady Sky Bright and I will be asking all of the questions you are longing to know about this engagement.' He turned away from the camera to look at us. 'Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules today to speak to me.'

'You are welcome, Jacob.' Zed smiled. He seemed more relaxed today and I wondered if that was because there were fewer faces watching us.

'I think the first question everyone is dying to know is how you proposed, your Highness.'

A small blush crept onto Zed's cheeks and it made me smile. Nonetheless, he kept composed and answered the question, 'Lady Sky loves the ocean so I took her to our family's beach house.'

'Like your second date?'

'Exactly,' Zed smiled. 'At this time of year, you also stand a chance of seeing loggerhead turtles hatching and often there are nests near our property down South, so I took her to see a nest hatching.'

'It was incredible,' I replied. 'I had never seen turtles before and to see baby ones smaller than your hand hatching and making their way to the sea for the first time was just wonderful.'

Zed squeezed my hand before continuing. 'It was a great sight and after we had watched the nest hatch, we walked back towards the beach house and I proposed on the sand in front of the ocean.' He smiled at me as our eyes met and this time it was my cheeks that blushed. 'And thankfully, she said yes.'

Jacob laughed softly at that, 'Tell us about the ring.'

The camera zoomed in on my hand and I moved it to get a better angle.

'Prince Zed designed it himself,' I replied with a smile.

'Sapphire, aquamarine and white gold.' Zed added. 'It was a risk having it designed from scratch but thankfully the designers were all very helpful and are very talented.'

'So why not a family heirloom?' Jacob asked and I glanced at Zed. I'd not thought about that until now.

'I considered my great grandmother's ring but I wanted something that represented us,' he replied with confidence.

'Prince Zed is romantic after all.' Jacob grinned and looked down at his question cards. 'Your highness, how did you know that Lady Sky was the one?'

Because she's gorgeous and speaks to me telepathically, Zed teased in my head. He sat up straighter before answering aloud, 'I always thought Sky was beautiful, even from our first meeting, and then I found out she was brave too. She stood up to me and I realised then that she was very different to other girls I had met. I am not sure of the exact moment I realised she was the one but her kindness, compassion and ability to see beauty in things that others do not are all things that made me fall in love with her and when she was injured fighting at the Harvest Ball, and I was afraid I had lost her, I realised then that I could not live without her.'

I swallowed to stop the tears in my eyes from escaping and Zed pressed his lips to my temple in a short but affectionate gesture.

'Lady Sky, when did you realise you were in love with the Prince?'

I bit my lip as I thought for a moment. 'When all of the love songs suddenly were about him.'

A few of the camera crew smiled at me and I glanced at Zed; pink aura surrounded him, glowing brilliantly- Love, I realised. That had been the same pink as when I had woken up after the Harvest Ball, when he'd been sat beside my bed, afraid of losing me. And as his deep blue eyes met mine, I finally realised what everyone had been saying to me all along.

All of those 'wow' moments when I'd walked into the room and the intense stares he gave me.

He looks at you like the moon and stars are shining out of your eyes.

Like a man truly in love. He nodded at me and I realised then that he was picking thoughts from my head again. I quickly swept them under a rug and he held back a laugh as he looked back at the interviewer.

'Well Ed Sheeran has agreed to play at your engagement party and we have a DJ booked to as requested,' Clarissa said. We were sat in the library, confirming details for the engagement party. 'Which flowers would you like?'

Zed glanced over at me, seeking my opinion, but I knew nothing about flowers. 'Erm… blue ones?' I offered and she smiled.

'Freesias? Cornflowers? Anemones? Lilies?' She asked and I bit my lip, nervously. I was no good with this. She passed me some blue flower arrangements and I looked through them.

'These are nice,' I said, holding out a picture. 'They remind me of the wildflowers back home.'

'Okay, I can source these. They'll look good as centrepieces and wrapped around the bannisters on the staircase.' She scribbled something down on her clipboard. 'The invites have been sent out by special delivery today and some designers will be coming in to see you tomorrow with dress choices, Lady Sky.'

'Okay.' I nodded with a smile. I thought back to the last time designers had come in with racks of clothes- Zed's birthday. It had been great fun trying on the dresses with the other girls. I made a mental note to invite Abby and Chloe to my trying on session as they knew my style better than I knew myself. Then I had an idea. 'Can I add two more guests to the party list?' Zed glanced at me in surprise.

'Of course, Lady Sky.' Clarissa replied. 'I can send out two extra invitations.'

'For Abby and Chloe, my maids.'

She looked surprised, almost taken aback by the request but Zed simply just smiled. 'I am not sure…'

'I do not think that will be a problem, do you?' Zed asked and she swallowed. 'Lady Sky and her maids are very close friends and it would be lovely to have them celebrate our engagement with us.'

'Of course, your highness.' Clarissa nodded. 'I will have their invitations ready to be sent to their rooms.'

'I would quite like to deliver them myself if that is okay?' I asked and she nodded.

'Yes, my lady.' She glanced down at her clipboard, 'Have you considered hiring yourself a Lady in Waiting?'

'A what?' I asked and she raised her eyebrows at my informality.

'A Lady in Waiting… to help organise your social events and activities.'

Someone else working for me and organising my life? I frowned at the thought. 'Do I need one?'

'It may make things easier. Both Lady Diamond and Lady Phoenix have one and the Queen has two.' She smiled.

'I'll consider it,' I replied and she wrote something down as she gave me a small smile.

I returned to my room after lunch that afternoon and found Abby cleaning and tidying the already-spotless suite, whilst Chloe seemed to be filling my walk-in wardrobe with new clothes.

'Are those… leggings and… tunics?' I asked hopefully as I hovered in the doorway.

'They are indeed.' Chloe grinned. 'I have leggings, embroidered tunics and jackets, and boots and winter cloaks here for you.'

'When are we leaving for the North?'

'I'm not sure yet,' Chloe replied, 'but I guess from this that it's soon.'

I walked over and picked up a pair of jeans, running my fingers over the denim. They were clearly designer with their thick material and perfect stitching, but I hugged them to myself anyway. 'Oh I have missed jeans.' I placed them back in the cupboard and she laughed. 'I thought princesses didn't wear jeans?'

'Only on days off, I suppose.' Chloe smiled. 'I have never been to the North but maybe it's too cold for dresses?'

'Nonsense, there are dresses for the snow too.' Abby said as she walked in to join us with a handful of what looked like photo frames. 'These arrived for you this morning.' I took the white photo frames from her carefully and sat down on the sofa in the middle of my dressing room. The first photograph was of Zed on one knee in the sand, the carved heart in the powdery sand clear in the picture. The second was of him lifting me in the air and kissing me after I had said yes. The third of him kissing my forehead and then the fourth was from our official engagement photoshoot, one of the photographs that had been released with the statement.

'They are lovely, aren't they?' Chloe said with a smile.

'Perfect.' I smiled too as my heart flipped. 'Could you hang them on my wall?'

'Of course.' Abby turned, taking them from my hand.

'Not right now, though.' I patted the sofa either side of me. 'I need to give you something and you may need to sit down.' They both sat down with puzzled expressions as I took out the invitations I had hidden behind my back. I passed each of them their named invitation and watched as their eyes widened.

'Servants aren't invited to parties,' Chloe said as her eyes met mine.

'Perhaps, but my friends are.' I replied and they both smiled at me.

'Are you sure you want us there?' Abby asked.

'Of course I do.' I squeezed each of their hands. 'I need you there to celebrate with Zed and I.'

'But we have nothing to wear.'

'Then I suggest you get to work with making something.' I replied but they both still looked uncertain. 'I am giving you two the rest of the day off to make a head start.'

'But-'

'If anyone is unhappy about that then send them to me.' I said, giving them a stern expression. 'Now go and get started.'

Despite their uncertainty, they both exchanged smiles with each other before leaving the room.

'Sweetheart!' Simon and Sally ran to embrace me as they walked into my bedroom that evening.

'Hello,' I hugged them back tightly and stood back to admire the smart clothing they were wearing. 'You both look great.'

'A whole new wardrobe arrived yesterday evening,' Simon murmured. 'Apparently when our daughter is a future princess, we have to start dressing a little more formally.'

'He's complaining, I'm not.' Sally winked and then her eyes took in our surroundings. 'Is this your new room?'

'Room? It's practically an apartment!' Simon said as he started looking around.

'A princess suite, apparently.' I laughed softly. 'It's a bit excessive, isn't it? Especially when we won't be living here most of the time.'

'Not for our princess.' Sally smiled. 'Is that a wardrobe…?' I opened the door and she gasped, walking inside. 'You could almost fit our living room and kitchen in here!'

'When do you move?' I asked Simon as Sally opened up the cupboards and gawped at my clothing.

'Tomorrow.' Simon replied, 'it's been a busy few days for us but I'm sure it has for you too.'

'Very,' I agreed as his eyes moved to the photo frames a handyman had hung on my wall for me that afternoon.

'You look happy, sweetheart.' Simon said with a smile.

I turned back to face him and smiled, 'I am, dad.'

His eyes widened and softened as I'd never called him that before. I wasn't sure why I'd suddenly called him that, but it felt right and he squeezed my hand, before lifting it and inspecting my finger. 'So this is the ring?'

'It's lovely,' Sally cooed, suddenly at my side too. 'Perfect for you.'

Dinner was served at the usual time, except this time it was on a smaller scale. Only the King, Queen, my parents, Zed and I were in attendance and we sat together at one end of the long dining room table, surprisingly nobody sat at the table's head.

'Thank you for joining us for dinner, Simon and Sally.' The King said with a smile. The dresscode was still formal, even if the setting wasn't, and I fiddled with the navy chiffon of my fabric of my strapless ballgown, feeling nervous. This was the first proper meeting they'd had without anyone else and part of me was waiting to wake up from the wonderful dream I was having.

It's not a dream, Zed said into my head, his voice like velvet. I blushed at him picking thoughts from my head again but decided not to comment.

'Thank you for the invitation, your Majesty.' Simon replied, sat up straighter than I'd ever seen him. He was nervous too, that much was evident.

'There is no need for that when we are in private,' Saul said with a warm smile, 'You may call us Saul and Karla, especially as we are going to be family.'

'Thank you for your kindness,' Sally said. She was the opposite of Simon. I would practically feel the excitement radiating off of her and it was clear from the twitching of the corners of her mouth that she was hiding a grin.

Karla lived up her champagne glass and smiled warmly as she looked across the table at my parents, 'To our children and their futures together.'

'To the engagement of our children.'

Things were calmer the following day and I was grateful that, apart from choosing a dress to wear for the engagement party, I was able to put my feet up. I spent most of the day sat in the observatory with Zed, as snow threatened to fall outside and the early November storms were fighting in the sky with great ferocity.

'Don't you just love that sound?' I asked Zed, my voice barely above a whisper. We were lying on the sofa together, my head on his chest as he played with my hair.

'What sound?' He murmured back.

'The sound of wind swirling around the tower.' I replied. The fire crackled and roared from the lit fireplace a few metres away and Zed's heart thudded in his chest below my ear.

'I suppose there is something relaxing about it,' he agreed, his fingers moving through my strands of hair.

'Can we just hide up here? And ignore everything else going on?'

'You have no idea how tempting that sounds,' he replied and he placed a kiss on the top of my head. 'Perhaps we could escape away for a weekend when we are in Aldheim. Just you and I.'

'What's it like in Aldheim?' I asked, turning my head so that I could see him.

'The town looks like something out of a fairy-tale, especially when the snow has fallen,' he replied. 'December is our time for being away from titles and as such, but most of the locals there treat me like a normal person anyway. I suppose it is the only time really when we are a normal family, minus the abilities of course.' He pulled me so that I was on top of him and held me against him so that I was nestled in his warmth. 'You and I will be able to spend as much time together as we want and away from cameras and clipboards.'

'No schedules?'

'No schedules.' He promised. 'At least for a few weeks.'

'When do we go?'

'You and I will head there on Monday,' he replied. 'Only five days until we get a break from this madness.' He looked at me from under his thick eyelashes. 'You look exhausted, my love.'

'I am,' I agreed.

'Is something the matter?' He looked uncertain as his eyes met mine. 'You have been quiet all day.'

'I'm okay,' I replied.

'Are you sure? You have not changed your mind?' Although he kept his face calm and composed, an element of panic was still there. Panic and worry that I had decided I didn't want to marry him after all. I ran my fingers along the palm of his hand but he did not relax.

'Of course not!' I told him. 'It's just been so busy.'

His brows furrowed and I wondered if maybe he didn't believe the lie. Whether he believed it or not, he didn't push and we sank back into comfortable silence as he played with my blonde curls.

Madness was definitely a good word to describe the next few days. The three days leading up to our engagement party were extremely busy. Whilst planning our engagement party, we attended magazine interviews and photoshoots, as well as charity events in the city, and that was in between trying to spend some time alone together. We spent most of our free time in the observatory or playing music together in the music room, away from prying eyes and cameras. I had known things were going to be tough and that there would be plenty of obstacles, but it somehow seemed harder than I thought and it was even harder when my sleep pattern was messed up. Whenever we left the palace, the press hounded us, as did people trying to get a glimpse or a photograph of us. It was like we were celebrities and I supposed we were; billboards in town showed our official engagement photographs and signs read congratulations. But not everyone was happy. More protests started in Whitebridge and the other poorer provinces and I was glad that Sally and Simon were safely in their new house in Goldlyn, along with Ms Creedy. I worried about Ellen but she kept me updated with messages so that I knew she was safe and then, on Saturday, she turned up at the palace, ready for my engagement party.

'Show me that ring!' She beamed as she walked through the doors, palace staff trailing behind her with her scruffy-looking suitcase. I held it up and she squealed as she inspected it. 'It looks even better in person!'

I laughed and walked over to her, pulling her into a tight embrace. 'How are you?'

'I am fine like I keep telling you,' she replied. 'I can look after myself.'

'I don't doubt that.' I said. 'But I still worry.' I looped my arm through hers as we walked towards the Royal wing. 'What have you been up to?'

'Well I've applied for university,' she replied, 'I'm not sure if I'll get the scholarship but I'm hoping so. I'll be closer to you if I get in.'

'Aldheim University?' I asked and she nodded. 'Wow that would be brilliant.'

'It would,' she agreed. 'I should find out soon as the course starts in January.'

'I'm proud of you,' I told her, sincerely.

'Be proud if I get in.'

'When you get in.'

When we reached my room, I covered my ears and I was glad I had. Ellen squealed as she ran around the princess suite, admiring my expensive bath tub, my view and my wardrobe space and then she collapsed like a star fish on my four-poster bed.

'This is amazing!' She beamed. 'Did you choose the décor? It's very you.'

'Zed did.' I replied and she winked at me.

'Boy did good.'

'I did, didn't I?' We turned our heads as Zed walked in through his secret door. I was surprised he hadn't knocked like he normally did, but he smiled before explaining himself, 'I thought someone was being murdered in here from the squealing.' The sparkle in my eyes showed me that he had picked the thought from my mind and I blushed.

'Your highness.' Ellen curtsied as she clambered to her feet and he smiled before pulling her into a hug.

'How are you Ellen?' He asked.

'I'm good,' she replied when he released her. 'And yourself?'

'The happiest man on the planet.'

'Oh, I don't doubt that, Sky is pretty awesome.' Ellen grinned as the door opened and Abby and Chloe walked in carrying tea and some sandwiches.

'Oh, Prince Zed,' Chloe said as she closed the door, 'we weren't expecting you but I can fetch some tea.'

'I was just on my way out,' Zed replied with a smile, 'I just wanted to say hello to Ellen first. I will leave you girls to your afternoon and I will see you this evening.'

The afternoon was spent getting Ellen and I ready for mine and Zed's engagement party. We were both waxed, given facials, given manicures and pedicures and then Ellen's hair was styled was mine was cut, my highlights refreshed and then my hair was styled too. Our make-up was done last and then I revealed the dress I had picked for Ellen to wear. I unzipped the dress bag and waited for the squeal.

'Oh my goodness!' She gasped as she touched the fabric. I'd chosen a proper princess dress for her in her favourite colour, a silver. The dress was strapless with a sequinned bust and then it fell out in a tulle skirt. 'It's gorgeous!'

'I thought you would like it,' I smiled and she gave me a hug.

'I hope it fits.'

'It's a tie-up back so you'll be fine.' I assured her and she stripped to her underwear, putting on the dress straight away. Abby moved to help her do it up as Chloe assisted me with mine. She buttoned the few small buttons carefully and adjusted the small train, before standing back to inspect me.

'Wow, Sky.' Ellen whispered and I realised she was looking at my reflection, not hers.

The deep red dress I had chosen was a fishtail one and it hugged my figure from the sweetheart neckline down to my thighs before flaring out slightly. There were thin off-shoulder straps covered with tiny red embroidered flowers and the embroidery continued to swirl across the fabric right down to the floor. Tiny diamante sparkles were spread out across the dress and the low back made it a little sexy whilst still fitting Lady Evelyn's dress code.

'I was told you needed to wear this.' Chloe opened a black velvet box and inside was the most beautiful necklace I had ever seen; a silver diamond-encrusted necklace with diamonds around the whole neck and then a few added diamond droplets. She unfastened it and placed it carefully around my neck. It matched my shoes, not that you could see them under my train, and it was a perfect fit. Chloe added diamond droplet earrings too and then stood back with Abby and Ellen, who were still gawping at me.

'A perfect princess.' Ellen said, simply.

'There's more.' Abby said, picking up a bigger black velvet box. She opened it and I gasped as I looked inside; a simple silver tiara with diamonds and sapphires in it. She placed it carefully on my dress and I swallowed as I looked at my reflection.

'It's spectacular.' I whispered.

'Now you're a princess!' Abby beamed.

'Sweet lord,' Ellen shook her head with a grin. She ran over to hug me as Abby and Chloe excused themselves to get themselves ready.

The party started officially half an hour later and Ellen and I walked towards the ballroom together, taking our time as Zed and I weren't expected to arrive yet. Although I would be entering with Zed, I was grateful for the company on the way as I felt nervous. All eyes would be on us once again and this time I would be trying to impress more of Zed's family as well as his friends and other nobility who were important to the country. Although he had tried to keep the guest list small, there were at least one hundred guests in attendance and that terrified me.

'You look great, what are you worried for?' Ellen asked me as we walked along the marble-floored corridor.

'That I fall down the stairs or that people dislike me?' I suggested. 'Does this dress look okay?'

'It looks gorgeous.' Ellen reassured me. 'Kind of wish I could see Zed's face when he first sees you.' She grinned. 'I think his eyes might pop out of his head.'

'I'd rather they didn't, I like those eyes.'

She smiled and nudged me with her elbow, 'this is where I leave you. Unfortunately I don't get to take the grand entrance with you.'

'Maybe one day.'

'Maybe? I've been counting on being bridesmaid most of your life,' she teased, pulling me into a hug. 'See you down there.' And then she slipped away, picking up her dress as she headed off down the main staircase towards the ground floor entrance to the ballroom.

'You can do this,' I whispered to myself as I took a deep breath. 'You fought rebels with a sword and had no idea how to use one. This will be easy in comparison.' The guard stood by the door looked down at me and he nodded it, opening it to the small reception room on the first floor of the Royal wing, the room that led to the grand staircase where the Royal family made grand entrances to their balls and parties. Today, though, there was only one other person in the room.

Zed turned around to face me in his military uniform with a deep red tie. His usually-messy hair was styled and smoothed back slightly and his jawline was freshly shaven. His eyes scanned me and he seemed to suck a deep breath in as he whispered, 'wow.' I blushed and walked over to him and he took my hands in his. 'Are you sure you want to be my fiancée because I do not think my heart is the only one you will be stealing tonight?'

'I've never been so sure of anything,' I said and he dipped his head so that our lips met in a soft and gentle kiss.

'When I said I did not want anyone to see you in that silver dress, I was wrong. This is a dress I want to keep you to myself in.'

'Embarrassed of me?'

'No,' his voice was firm, 'quite the opposite.' He took my left hand and kissed it gently just below the engagement ring he had so carefully designed. 'This evening I get to walk you into that ballroom and show you off to everyone. My beautiful fiancée, my soulfinder.'

'I should have practiced dancing in this dress,' I murmured as I shuffled anxiously. 'What if I trip over?'

'You won't.'

'Have you had a vision?'

A twinkle in his eye suggested that perhaps he had and I relaxed slightly as he leaned down and kissed my forehead. There was a knock at the door but Zed kept me close as it opened and Clarissa walked in again, holding the clipboard I wanted to burn.

'Are you ready your highness, my lady?' She asked, her face expressionless as usual.

'Yes.' Zed nodded. 'We are.'

'All good to go,' she said into her mouthpiece and Zed walked me over to the double doors at the other side of the room as two guards walked over to it too. My fiancé held out his right arm for me and I took it as my heart started to thud.

I love you, Zed's voice said into my head and I relaxed slightly.

I love you too.

He smiled at me as the double doors opened and I sucked in a deep breath as our entrance was announced. Zed and I walked down the stairs carefully. As we almost reached the bottom, Ed Sheeran's voice filled the room and I spotted him on the stage, surprisingly with a band, as he started to sing.

'I found a love for me,

Darling just dive right in, follow my lead.'

We reached the bottom of the staircase and walked to the cleared area, ready for our dance.

'I found a girl, beautiful and sweet.'

I curtsied a curtsy that Lady Evelyn would be proud of as Zed bowed to me.

'I never knew you were the someone waiting for me.'

Zed placed a hand on my waist and one in my hand and we started to waltz as Ed reached the chorus. 'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love, not knowing what it was,

I will not give you up this time,

Darling just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own,

And in your eyes you're holding mine…'

Zed twirled me around in our rehearsed routine, 'baby I'm dancing in the dark.'

He spun me back in towards him so that his arms were wrapped around me and my chest against his back, 'with you between my arms, barefoot on the grass, listening to our favourite song.'

He turned me back to face him and we waltzed together, 'when you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath but you heard it.'

Zed moved his mouth to my ear as he sang along softly, 'darling you look perfect tonight.'

Somehow I got through the routine without any mistakes, even when Zed lifted me towards the end of the dance. Just like he had said, everything was fine. He kissed me softly in the dip-kiss the song ended in and then straightened both of us up as the mischievous twinkle appeared in his eyes.

Ready to shock the guests? He asked. Nobody knew what we were going to do next and I smiled at him as Ed's band moved into the intro of Galway Girl. We stepped apart from each other, giving each other room as he started to sing.

'She played the fiddle in an Irish band but she fell in love with an English man,

Kissed her on the neck and then I took her by the hand, said baby I just wanna dance.'

Everyone laughed and cheered as we started to dance in the choreographed routine we'd been taught with kicks and steps that were not easy in my dress. Nonetheless, we managed to pull off the Irish dance and even Ed Sheeran was cheering and whooping onstage when the song was over and Zed and I were both laughing as he kissed my forehead.

'That's something I've never seen before.' Ed said into the microphone with a laugh. 'An Irish dancing prince and princess.'

'I think our moves have come a long way since our first date,' Zed laughed as the crowd dispersed. He passed me a glass of water and I sipped it happily as the attention was away from us and everyone else started to dance as Ed Sheeran started to sing Shape of You.

'Your Irish jig has definitely improved.' I told him. 'But please no more wild dancing in this dress. I was afraid it was going to rip.'

'That would be an awful shame,' he said into my ear. 'I think this is my favourite of all of the dresses I have seen you in.'

'Really?'

'Really,' he smiled. 'You looked beautiful at the Harvest Ball but tonight you look so spectacular that I am not sure there are even words for it.' I finished my drink and placed the cup on the tray of a passing waiter. 'Now come, I have some people for you to meet.'

We walked over to a seated area where Karla and Saul were sat, sipping champagne and speaking to three men I had never seen before. As they turned their heads, I realised who they were; the three princes I was yet to meet. They got to their feet and bowed to us and I curtsied as Zed bowed, formalities needing to be there as we were in public. And then Zed broke the formalities by walking over and hugging each of his brothers in turn. One seemed less reluctant and I knew from photographs in the papers that he was Prince Victor.

'So you hug now, do you?' One brother I recognised as Prince Will teased.

'He's gone all soft,' Prince Uriel grinned and then his eyes met mine. 'Thank you for returning our soppy brother, Lady Sky.'

I smiled and then he pulled me into a hug, as did Prince Will. Prince Victor kept his walls up, not hugging me but nodding my way in acknowledgement.

'Never thought we'd come back from duty to find you engaged, little bro.' Prince Will said. 'Yves maybe, but you.'

'Things change.' Zed replied with a shrug and then he lowered his voice as his eyes moved to mine, 'especially when you find your soulfinder.'

All three pairs of military eyes trailed across to me and I blushed as they looked at me in surprise. Prince Victor turned to his parents, 'You kept that part quiet.'

'It was not our news to share.' Saul replied calmly. As Prince Victor turned back to us, I could see his colours slightly shifting to green and I wondered if that was jealousy. Jealous that his youngest brother had found his soulfinder?

Zed placed his arm around my waist protectively, sensing a shift in his brother's mood and then kissed the side of my head.

'So when is the date?' Prince Will asked. 'I will need to book off some more leave.'

'You are not staying?' Zed asked as he tried to mask the disappointment on his face.

'Only until Christmas.' Prince Will replied, 'and then we will be back for Trace's wedding of course.'

'Well we have not set a date yet,' Zed squeezed my waist, affectionately. 'One thing at a time.'

Prince Victor was still looking at me with uncertainty and it was making me nervous. His eyes spotted the scar on my arm and I automatically moved my hand to cover it. 'You are the girl that fought the rebels.' He said and his other brothers looked at me with curiosity.

'Yes,' I nodded.

'Weapon of choice?'

'I… erm… I didn't have one.' I replied. 'I had to use a sword in the end.'

'She is very good with a bow and arrow, so I have heard.' Prince Trace said as he walked over to join our conversation. Diamond stood at her side, looking every bit the diamond in her sparkling silver gown. 'And she can tackle our brother to the ground easily. I have seen that with my own eyes.'

Prince Will and Prince Uriel laughed at that.

'Really? Have you become weak, brother?' Prince Uriel mocked and I smiled.

'He is quite easy to take down really.' I said with a playful smile.

Prince Will roared with laughter, 'Sky, I like you already! I think we will get along well.'

Zed leaned his head down to my ear as he murmured with less enthusiasm, 'that is what worries me.'

The song changed to Sing and Diamond grabbed my hand, 'Let's find Ellen, Tina and Amelie and dance!'

My eyes widened, 'Tina and Amelie actually came?'

'Of course they did,' Diamond smiled and then she turned to Zed. 'I am stealing your fiancée.'

'Look after her,' Zed said in warning and Diamond flashed a smile before pulling me through the crowd. Ellen, Tina, Amelie and Phoenix were naturally right in the front row, dancing excitedly as Ed Sheeran sang his way through his number.

Tina and Amelie pulled me in for a hug and Amelie said in my ear, 'What do you know, we got to see Ed Sheeran after all!'

'Zoe is here somewhere.' Tina said to me. 'Probably dancing with her new man.'

'New man?' I raised an eyebrow.

'He's Lord of somewhere or another.' She replied. 'He got in contact with her when she left the palace and now they're inseparable.'

'Each to their own,' Amelie said with a shrug and then twirled me around. 'Gorgeous dress, I bet Zed can't take his eyes off of you.'

'He's catching up with his brothers.' I smiled.

'Doesn't mean he's not looking this way.' She nudged her head to the side and I turned to see him watching me, the pink aura surrounding him. 'Completely smitten.'

'I am just too loveable.' I grinned and Ellen laughed.

'Oh, yes, darling, you always have been.' She fluttered her eyelashes at me and beamed.

I spotted Ellen and Abby over her shoulder and waved frantically. They walked over to join us and I hugged each of them. 'You two look fantastic!' And they did. For once, they were out of their maid uniforms and fit in easily with the party in their handmade ballgowns. Abby wore a beautiful yellow, sparkly number and Ellen wore fitted black dress that reminded me of Audrey Hepburn.

'Thank you for the invite,' Abby smiled, 'we are having a great time.'

'And so you should!' I grabbed one of each of their hands, 'Come on, let's dance!'

Zed, Yves, Trace, Nelson and some of Zed's other close friends joined us towards the end of Ed's set and I spotted that my parents were now sat with Karla and Saul, drinking champagne with them. A deadly combination.

They are fine, Zed said into my head as he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind me. A bit giggly, sure, but they get on well with my parents. We can check on them in a bit.

The introduction to Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls started up and Ed Sheeran winked at Zed as he began to sing.

'Did you…?' I turned myself in his arms so I could see him and a familiar twinkle was in his eyes.

'Would you do me the honour of-'

'Yes,' I cut him off and he laughed.

'I think I am going to spend our whole lives pardoning you, Lady Sky.' He said as he pulled me into his embrace and began to dance with me, my cheeks flooding with colour as he did so. I saw Diamond and Trace and Yves and Phoenix move to dance near us and I smiled at Zed but he was nodding to his friends.

'What are you…' I stopped when I saw that Nelson was now dancing with Tina and two other guys were dancing with Ellen and with Amelie as two men I did not recognise stood and spoke to Ellen and Abby.

Playing cupid? I asked as he twirled me and pulled me back in toward him.

Nelson has liked Tina for a while. He replied, and I think he was glad when I told him I did not plan on choosing her as my wife.

They make a good couple, I said as I looked over at them.

They do, he agreed and dipped his head to kiss me gently on the lips. As do we.

So who do you have my other friends dancing with?

Ellen is dancing with Nathan. He went to school with Nelson and I and although he is not a Lord, his family are pretty well-known with nobility. Zed replied. And Amelie is dancing with Dean, Nathan's older brother. And your maids seem to be talking to two of my guards.

Your guards?

Thought it would make sense to invite them if you were inviting your maids, he smiled. It is wonderful to see them fitting in though, is it not?

Nobody knows they are any different. I murmured and he placed a kiss to my forehead as he twirled me around again.

As the time grew later, the party became more of a disco and the cameras packed up and left. The main lights went off and the disco lights went on as a DJ took over. Canapes and champagne became cocktails and beer as those our age stayed on the dancefloor but older generations escaped the party altogether, saying their goodbyes to us before they headed off towards bed. I took the opportunity to check up on my parents, who I knew were staying at the palace that night so did not need to worry about getting home after the amount of champagne they had obviously consumed.

'Sweetheart!' Sally said a little too enthusiastically as I sat down in front of her and Simon.

'Mum, dad, are you… drunk?' I asked them. I had never seen them drunk before so I couldn't be certain. Alcohol was a very unlikely treat for them when I had been growing up and I hadn't tasted a single drop until I'd moved into the palace.

'It's so lovely to hear you call us that,' Simon said with a grin as I took the champagne from him. I glanced over at Saul and Karla and saw that Karla seemed just as merry.

'I am sorry, Sky, but I am a terrible influence on your parents.' My future mother-in-law grinned at me and I laughed.

'It's fine, I like seeing them so happy.' I laughed.

'We're happy for you.' Sally smiled. 'Oh look, there's prince charming!'

'I'm sorry,' I said, turning my head to look at Zed as he sat down beside me, 'she's been on the champagne.'

'Mother, am I right that you are to blame?' Zed asked his mum with a teasing smile.

'We have not had that much, just enough to be a little merry.' The Queen replied.

'Sally isn't used to drinking,' I told him, 'so it probably isn't that much at all.'

'I think that maybe it is time us oldies went to bed.' Simon said with a stretch. 'It's getting late.'

'Are you sure?' I asked and Sally nodded.

'He's right, sweetie, we're not in our twenties anymore.' She said, pulling me in for a hug. 'Goodnight Sky and we'll see you at breakfast.'

I hugged them both and they excused themselves, shortly followed by Karla and Saul.

'I think it's safe to say my parents will probably have headaches tomorrow.' I said as Zed pulled me back to my feet. We had each had a glass of champagne and a single cocktail, but other than that we had kept sober. 'Zed, do you not drink because of before?'

'Enough bad experiences with waking up and not remembering things or being violently ill,' he murmured. 'That is why I limit myself so much these days.' He turned my head to the dancefloor where a guy I did not recognise danced idiotically. 'Another reason not to drink a lot.' He laughed, softly. 'But oh dear, Will and Xavier dancing is never a good shout either.' I turned to where he was watching and laughed and two of the princes at their attempt to do the Cupid Shuffle.

'I thought you had all been dancing since you could walk?' I said.

'It does not mean we are all good dancers.' He murmured and he pulled me back to the dancefloor.

'Coming out of my cage and I've been doing just fine

Gotta, gotta be down because I want it all

Started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?

It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss!'

There was something fun and entertaining about listening to about fifty remaining party-goers singing Mr Brightside at the top of their voices as bottles of beer and cocktails were held in the air.

'Now I'm falling asleep and she's calling a cab!' Ellen shouted as she draped her arm over my shoulders. 'Oh my god, is this what a nightclub is like because I'm having a blast!' I glanced over at Zed and Nelson who were reeling off the lyrics together and I smiled.

'I've never been to one before but I'd imagine it's something like this.' I replied with a laugh as Ellen danced around me frantically and then dragged me so that I was dancing with her too. We shook our hair around as we jumped up and down together, singing the lyrics and soon Amelie and Tina were there too, joining in. The cheesey music continued for another fifteen or so minutes and then, when half-past midnight came, it turned into club remixes and I knew the ballroom of the palace had become a nightclub.

'Yellow diamonds in the light

And we're standing side by side.'

Two hands were placed on my hips and I tensed until I heard Zed's voice in my head. It is just me, my love. His voice moved to a whisper in my ear, 'I could not keep away, especially when you were dancing like that.' Goosebumps scattered across my skin and I swallowed. The girls and I had been dancing around together, shaking our hips in time to the music.

'It's the way I'm feeling I just can't deny, but I've gotta let it go.' I could see other girls dancing with guys in time to the music, their hands draped around the guys neck and their bodies pressed together. Was that how people danced in clubs? I turned in Zed's arms and placed my hands on his shoulders. His hands tightened on my hips as he looked at me with his usual intense expression and then I started to sway my hips, moving side-by-side in time to the music.

'We found love in a hopeless place

We found love in a hopeless place.'

The party finished just after one, when the lights went on and the Princes started moving around, kicking people out who wouldn't budge. Zed and I stood by the door, saying our goodbyes to each guest, even though all I needed was some fresh air or a cold shower. I was boiling hot, thanks to dancing with Zed and wearing a very tight-fitting dress that did not allow for ventilation.

'Bye!' Tina and Amelie chorused as they each pulled me in for a hug.

'We'll visit soon.' Amelie promised and then they each hugged Zed before heading off, which left the remaining members of the royal family. Prince Victor stood, watching the DJ packing away, as Prince Trace and Prince Uriel helped the caterers collect the remaining bottles and glasses. When the work was done, we all said our goodnights and headed to our separate rooms in the Royal Wing.

'Did you have a fun evening?' Zed asked when we reached my room. He walked me in, past the guards stationed outside our rooms and closed the door carefully behind him.

'I did,' I nodded as I opened a window, letting some cold air in. 'Did you?'

'Yes,' he replied. I turned around to see that his eyes were scanning my outfit again and I blushed as his eyes met mine. 'I am not sure you realise the effect you have on me.' He said, his voice hoarse and barely above a whisper as he slowly walked towards me. My heart thudded in my chest. 'You are so beautiful Sky and you are so god-damn sexy.' I swallowed as he reached me and his right hand moved to brush my hair behind my ear as the fingers on his left hand trailed up and down my bare back, sending goosebumps shooting across my skin. He pressed his lips to mine gently at first and then he tilted my head slightly, kissing me more intensely then he ever had before as he pushed my body against his. Fire soared through my body as we kissed and I hadn't realised we were moving until my back gently hit the closed door of my bathroom. As we kissed, his hands traced the curves of my waist and then my spine and every hair on my head stood on end as my soulfinder sent shocks through my body. His lips moved to my neck and I gasped for air as he trailed kisses along my collarbone before moving them back to my lips again.

A knock at the door interrupted us and Zed pulled back from me as we both struggled to catch our breath.

'Sky, do you need help getting ready for bed?' Abby's voice called out.

'I've got it covered, thanks.' I called back, blushing when I realised how out of breath I sounded. I hoped she couldn't hear it from the other side of the door.

'Okay, goodnight.'

'Goodnight.' My voice sounded somewhat strangled and I attempted to hide behind my hair as Zed kissed my forehead.

'I had better head to my own bed before I end up misbehaving,' Zed murmured and I swallowed.

But suddenly I wasn't sure if I wanted him to leave. 'Would you stay here tonight?'

His eyes were surprised as they met mine, 'Sky, I am trying to be a gentleman.'

'So be one,' I folded my arms across my chest, 'kiss me until we're both tired and then hold me in your arms all night.' I moved my hand to caress his cheek and he smiled down at me. 'Does that not sound tempting?'

'Very.' He murmured.

'Please?'

'You should not look at me like that,' he whispered, 'it is a look I would give up everything for.'

'Then give up your good morals for one night. I won't hog the duvet, I promise.'

He smiled and pressed his lips to my forehead, 'okay, my love. I will go and get myself sorted and then I will be back.'

'Promise?' I held out my pinky finger and he linked his with mine before leaving me in my room, shaking his head and laughing softly on the way through the door to his bedroom.

In the bathroom, I splashed some cold water on my face and carefully washed off my makeup. My cheeks were still flushed from our steamy make-out session and I sucked in a deep breath. I quickly brushed my teeth and walked to the dressing room, ready to put my silky nightgown on. Only, my dress had buttons at the back and I couldn't see them, nor could I reach them. I groaned. That was why my maids had come back; to help me get out of the skin-tight dress that I couldn't even shimmy out of. I considered calling Ellen but she was on the other side of the palace and due to the amount of alcohol she had consumed, I was certain she would be asleep by now.

Zed? I called out and the door between ours opened abruptly as Zed hurried in, dressed only in a pair of pyjama bottoms. I swallowed as my eyes wandered to his chest and the tattoo that seemed to snake across part of it. When did that get there anyway?

'Everything okay?' He asked as he walked into my dressing room.

'I can't get out of my dress.' I admitted with a blush. 'Can you please help me?'

His teeth grazed his lip and he nodded, walking round to the back. 'The buttons?'

'Yes please.'

His hands felt warm against my skin as he carefully unbuttoned my dress and I held the front so that it did not fall down. He reached the last button, just above my bum, and pressed a kiss to my bare spine. 'All done.' He said hoarsely, before leaving me in the dressing room, closing the door behind him. I swallowed, my mouth suddenly feeling very dry. My body trembled slightly at the body contact we'd just had and the feeling of Zed's lips on my bare back, like they were still there…

I carefully slipped out of my dress and hung it back in the wardrobe alongside the other ballgowns. I took off the diamond necklace and earrings, changed my underwear and then slipped on the silky nightgown, before heading back into the bedroom. Zed was already in there and I smiled at the sight; topless, he was lying on my bed and reading Lord of the Flies.

He moved the book down, somehow hearing me walk across the plush carpet, and he swallowed as his eyes scanned my silky nightgown. The blush crept up from my neck to my cheeks as he gazed at me with an intense look, his eyes wandering over my body. And then, as if his trance had been broken, he pulled back the duvet beside him and I slipped under the silk covers as he put down the book and turned off the light.

'Zed, when did you get your tattoo?' I asked him as I traced the pattern in the darkness. His breathing caught in his throat as my finger traced it and he caught my hand, stopping the movement.

'After the attack,' He told me, his voice hoarse. 'Each whorl for somebody I couldn't save.' His voice was pained as he tensed beside me, his deep blue eyes sad as the drifting moonlight caught them.

'They were not all yours to save,' I told him, caressing his cheek with my hand.

'I still dream of that night, do you?'

I swallowed. Gone were the dreams of the Harvest Ball but my dreams were still haunted, 'Not anymore.' I told him.

He nodded and pressed his lips to my forehead, 'Good.' He moved in closer to me and the heat increased between us. 'Perhaps I will sleep better by your side.'

'I hope so.' I whispered, looking into his eyes. 'It's beautiful, you know?'

'What?'

'Your tattoo.' I told him. 'I only wish you did not hold all that weight on your shoulders.'

He gave a nod and then changed the subject. 'Kiss you until you fall asleep?' He whispered, his face close to mine.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and smiled in the darkness, 'if you insist.'

I didn't have any nightmares that night.