AN: Sorry about the delay with this chapter. I'm a cosplayer now and MCM Comic Con is in London this weekend so had last minute outfit prep to do! Should be updating regularly again now!

I woke up the next morning wrapped in Zed's arms and it was the perfect way to start the day. His hand was on my waist and his chest was pressed against my back as his breath tickled my neck. The clock on my bedside table showed that it was almost ten but I wasn't surprised. We'd had a late night and knew we wouldn't be the only people sleeping in. I turned in Zed's arms and was surprised to see that his eyes were open. He gave me a sleepy smile and then pressed his lips to my forehead.

'Good morning, my love.' He whispered. He intertwined our fingers and then brought my left hand to his lips, kissing it on the ring finger as was becoming a habit of his.

'Good morning,' I replied and I pressed my lips to his. He smiled, pulling me in closer and wrapping his arms around my waist as we kissed, his fingers touching the bare skin between the straps of my nightgown. I moved so that I was sat on top of him and he reached up to my face, caressing my cheek gently and then tucking my hair behind my ear. 'How did you sleep?' I asked him.

'The best sleep I have had in a long time.' He replied as his eyes twinkled. 'And you?'

'Perfectly.' I replied, catching his hand before it fell from my face and pressing a kiss to the palm. There was a knock at the door and my eyes moved to it. 'Yes?'

Caught off guard, Zed flipped us round so that he was on top of me and he began pressing his lips to my neck, completely distracting me. My breath and pulse quickened and I felt my skin heating up, much how it had the previous night.

'Lady Sky, are you decent?' Abby called out as Zed leaned over to me, kissing me firmly on my lips before getting up and disappearing into my bathroom.

'Yes.' I said, trying to catch my breath. I sat up as the door opened and Abby walked in. She grinned at me and then looked at the closed bathroom door.

'Is the Prince hiding in the bathroom?' She offered and I blushed, biting my lip. 'It's just as well I brought plenty of breakfast and oh look, two teacups.' She said as she placed a tray down on the small table next to the chaise longue.

'How did you-' I started to ask but then Zed came out of the bathroom.

'Oh lovely, breakfast.' He grinned, sitting down in the armchair as Abby smirked at me from across the room. 'Are you hungry, darling?'

I grabbed my robe and walked over to the chaise longue, perching myself on it as I tied the strap up. Abby was still smiling at me as she turned around and disappeared into my dressing room.

Sally, Simon and Ellen left for their homes that afternoon and I spent that time packing for Aldheim as we were leaving very early the next morning. Abby didn't mention any more about finding Zed in my room that morning and I was grateful as I was not sure my cheeks could take much more blushing. She and Chloe helped me choose outfits for different occasions to take and we packed a mixture of casual and formal clothes, as well as plenty of warm ones to keep me cosy in the snow. When I was all packed and my outfit laid out for the next day that evening, the bags were sent off and I found myself sat at the baby grand piano I'd not yet had time to play.

I opened the lid carefully and ran my fingers over the clean, untouched keys before I pressed them down and found them playing a song I had written just over a month ago, back when things between Zed and I had been quite complicated.

'I walked across an empty land

I knew the pathway like the back of my hand

I felt the earth beneath my feet

Sat by the river and it made me complete.

Oh simple thing, where have you gone?

I'm getting old and I need something to rely on.'

Two arms wrapped around my waist and I stopped playing as I leaned back in the familiar embrace.

'Do not stop playing,' he whispered, 'I like listening to you.'

'It's not a very good song,' I replied, 'I could play something different?'

He moved a chair to sit beside me, 'I like it, may I hear the rest?' I bit my lip nervously and he gently pressed his lips to mine before he whispered, 'please?'

I played the chords and took a deep breath as I continued to sing, 'I came across a fallen tree, I felt the branches of it looking at me

Is this the place we used to love?

Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?

Oh simple thing, where have you gone?

I'm getting old and I need something to rely on

So tell me when you're gonna let me in

I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin.'

I took a deep breath at the key change and then continued to sing, 'And if you have a minute why don't we go

Talk about it somewhere only we know

This could be the end of everything

So why don't we go

Somewhere only we know.'

I stopped playing and looked over at Zed. 'It's terrible.'

'Not at all,' he shook his head, 'when did you write it?'

'When you wanted to end the selection but told me you couldn't.' Pain crossed his face and I leaned towards him, placing a hand on his cheek. 'I do understand, you know. I know why you couldn't end it then.'

'I wish I had not caused you pain,' he whispered.

'But we're here now, aren't we?' I whispered and then I pressed my lips to his. 'Will you stay here again tonight?'

'Are you sure?' He asked as his eyes searched mine.

'I sleep better in your arms.' I told him truthfully. His mouth tilted up at the corners. 'And I'm afraid I might not sleep at all otherwise.'

'What are you nervous about, my love?' He asked as his hand caressed my cheek.

'I have never been so far away before.'

'It will be an easy journey,' he assured me, 'and we'll stay in a reputable tavern for tomorrow night and the night after.'

'That still seems like a long time.'

His eyes softened as he pressed his lips to my forehead, 'I will hold your hand for every step of the way.'

The 4am wake-up call as the alarm on Zed's phone sounded was not welcome the following morning. I had slept incredibly well and I was perfectly comfortable wrapped in Zed's embrace.

'Blasted thing.' I groaned and Zed laughed softly as he reached over me to turn the alarm off.

'Good morning to you too.' He laughed, placing a kiss on my shoulder.

'Five more minutes?' I asked but he laughed again.

'We are leaving in thirty minutes, remember?'

There was a knock at the door and then it opened. 'Rise and shine sunshine!' Abby's voice called out as the bedroom light came on. She spotted Zed and grinned at him. 'Or sunshines even.'

'I had no idea she was not a morning person.' Zed said with an amused grin as he placed a kiss on my nose and sat up in the bed.

'Oh Sky is anything but,' Chloe said, walking into my dressing room. 'Even when you were having your early morning training sessions.'

Zed got out of bed, still with an amused expression on his face, and disappeared next door.

'You're going to have to warn us if you're planning on having regular sleepovers.' Abby said as she placed down my cup of tea. I groaned and attempted to hide under my pillow. 'Come on princess, get up or I get the bucket of ice, your choice.'

With a look of pure irritation, I dragged myself out of bed and into the bathroom.

The carriages were laid out like a procession. Three bland-looking carriages carried guards and my maids and our belongings, whilst the grander of them was for carrying us. We climbed into the navy-curtained carriage with assistance from the footman and I wrapped my cloak tighter around myself as Zed draped a blanket of fur over us. And then, as the guards on horses surrounded our carriage, we headed North.

That first night, we stopped in a small village in a tavern his family often stayed in. It was very different to the taverns I had occasionally worked at in Whitesbridge. Like that run-down tavern, there were wooden benches and tables filled with locals, but this one had sectioned booths with curtains, hiding us away from public. Zed and I sat in one, just the two of us, drinking wine and eating pie and vegetables. It was not the same cuisine I'd grown accustomed to but after spending the day eating bread and fruit and cheese in a carriage, it was nice to be eating something warm. I fiddled with the embroidery on my long-sleeved dress and looked around at my fiancé as he finished the last of his meal. Even sat here, with his cloak draped across the bench beside him, his sword was on show, ready to defend should he need to. I had a weapon of my own, a small jewel-encrusted dagger tucked into a holster on my thigh, under my dress. Even ladies should be armed on the open road, Zed had told me that morning.

'Are you okay, my love?' Zed asked, his deep blue eyes meeting mine in the candlelit booth. Outside of the booth, someone was singing and playing the harp and the villagers were laughing. The guards would be out there too, armed and ready to protect us should they need to.

'Glad to be off that carriage for a while,' I replied and he nodded. I'd started to feel nauseous.

'Only another day and we'll almost be ready to arrive.' He reached for my hand and squeezed it. 'It'll be worth it when you see our home, I promise.'

Our home. I smiled at the thought of the castle at the top of the mountains that would be where we lived for most of the year. Where we would look after towns and villages in our care and help King Saul and Queen Karla with their reign before their crowns were passed onto Prince Trace and Diamond.

'Can we watch the stars?' I asked as I recalled the clear skies above the court that would be in our care.

'Every night if you desire.' He replied. 'I promise.'

We did not share a room that night, simply because we knew the locals would not be accepting of us sharing a bed before we were married. Thus, my sleep was restless and haunted and, the next day, I slept on and off as our carriage moved through the countryside, further North. After another night in a tavern, one not as nice as the first, we continued our journey as Zed me in his arms whilst I slept.

When I finally stirred, I realised he was watching me with a smile on his lips. 'Sleep well, my love?' He asked.

'Sorry, I've been boring company over the last few days.' I blushed and he pressed his lips to my forehead.

'Nonsense, I have slept a lot of the time too.' He said, 'I seem to sleep better by your side.' He pulled back the curtains of the carriage, showing me the passing view. 'Not long now.'

I looked out of the window and watched as we passed through a grass-covered valley. Autumn leaves blew in the cold breeze as we drove along the rocky road and I glanced at the towering mountains and hills before turning my attention back to the road. As we reached mid-morning, the sun made an appearance from behind the clouds and lit up a building on top of the cliff. I squinted as I looked at it and then I realised what it was; Aldheim Chateau, Zed's home and the home of the most Northern court. Surrounded by a sheer drop apart from one side, the white building had two round towers at either end which towered into the sky. In the snow it would hardly be visible between the trees, a small building compared to the palace in the city, tucked behind stone walls. Our long line of carriages drove slowly up the winding road and I watched in awe as we passed Aldheim town. With beamed buildings and cobblestone streets, it looked like something right out of a fairy-tale, just as Zed had once said. The streets were practically empty at this time and only a few people were out getting breakfast or their morning paper.

The first carriage in our row reached the wooden gates and they opened. We drove past several guards, waiting with a salute and then along the gravel driveway until we stopped in front of the chateau. Zed jumped out quicker than the footman and helped me step out of the carriage like the perfect gentleman. My boots crunched in the gravel as I walked over to the steps where three maids, a housekeeper and plenty of guards were already waiting for us. They all curtsied or bowed on our approach and then we walked inside. A sweeping spiral staircase was in the hallway and I turned on my heels, taking in the ceiling painted with clouds.

'Do you like it?' Zed appeared at my side and I glanced back down again, moving my eyes to meet his.

'It's lovely,' I replied. I fiddled with my braid and glanced at the golden edging in the corners of the ceiling.

'Would you like a tour of our home, my love?' He asked.

'Yes,' I smiled and as I twirled to admire the décor, my dress flared outwards, 'I would.'

The chateau was made up of twisting corridors with wooden floors, painting ceilings, stone arches and wooden-panelled walls, unlike the marble flooring and straight lines in the large palace in the capital. There were two reception rooms, one more formal and one cosy and comfy with leather sofas and faux fur throws and large cushions, as well as a television, tucked in front of a giant fireplace. There was a large kitchen with stone worktops and stone flooring that had plenty of character and double-doors led through to a dining room with a table for sixteen. There was an indoor pool with sauna, a cosy library with an antique piano tucked in the corner, a games room and a gym. Upstairs there were nine bedrooms and Zed's was the furthest along the corridor and it made a nice change for no guard to be stood directly outside of the door. He twisted the handle and led me inside and I paused by the door, taking it all in.

The room was clearly the master room, as Zed ruled over this court. It was huge, a similar size to our suites back in the palace. The walls were a light shade of blue, allowing plenty of light into the room. Spotlights were pressed into the ceiling, which was painted to look like the night sky and the large windows framing the bedroom showed off an incredible view. The bed had a large leather grey headboard and the different shades of silver and navy sheets, blankets and cushions made it look cosy. A silver sofa and armchair were by the windows with a coffee table between them. I paused by the wall as I spotted photographs of us framed and making the room less like a show-home; our official engagement photos and the private proposal ones, our photoshoots from magazines and then a few empty frames.

'I am hoping we can fill those pretty soon.' Zed said from behind me and I smiled at the romantic gesture as I turned around. 'I hope you do not mind sharing a dressing room here, my love.' He led me into the dressing room that was about twice the size of the one in my suite. It had plenty of wardrobe space and I noticed our luggage already sat there, waiting to be unpacked.

'It's perfect,' I replied and then he showed me the luxury bathroom with its waterfall shower and antique-looking bath, which again overlooked the view through a large window.

'Would you like a nap?' Zed asked as he wrapped his arms around my waist. 'Or are you feeling more awake now?'

'Can we go out into the town?' I asked hopefully. 'I'd like to see Aldheim… your court.'

'Our Court,' he pressed his lips to the side of my head and went into the dressing room. He came back out with a thick, black cloak with silver embroidery woven into it, matching the dress I was wearing and the velvet tailcoat jacket he was wearing. He tied it carefully around my neck as he said, 'let's go exploring.'

Zed opted for us walking down into the town and we walked along the empty road, hand-in-hand whilst plain-clothed guards followed us in an attempt to be less conspicuous. They were dressed like anyone in the town would be, but I knew they were armed under their many layers of clothing.

'What are your guard's names?' I asked, indicating to the two guys that had been with us on every date and followed Zed at the palace.

'Cornelius and Jace,' he replied. 'They've been my guards for about four years now and they're the same age as Xav.' He glanced over his shoulder to look at two of the men following us. They nodded and then their eyes continued to scan the area. 'And they're savants which always helps.'

'Are mine?' I asked as my eyes moved to the other two guards behind us. They were not the same guards I had had for the Selection, which was obvious as one was a girl, but I had seen them stationed outside my bedroom door in the palace, working on a rotation.

'Any that are assigned directly to members of the Royal Family are,' he said. 'Hence why you now have Theo and Jade.' I turned my attention back to the road we were walking along and he squeezed my hand.

What can they do? I asked, switching to telepathy as we got closer to the town.

Cornelius practically has impenetrable skin which makes him a pretty good human shield, he said, and a good archery target, he laughed at that. Jace and Jade are twins and they can both move incredibly fast and Theo can shoot lightning bolts.

It really is like the X-Men, I murmured and the corners of his mouth tilted up into a smile.

The town was a bit more awake by the time we reached it and people were up and about, walking around. The smell of freshly baked bread and cakes filled the air as did the smell of coffee, wafting from cafes offering breakfast. It suddenly made me feel hungry and my stomach growled in response. My body was used to eating plenty now and not going to bed starving at night.

'Want a second breakfast?' Zed offered with a teasing smile. I blushed. Had my stomach been that loud?

'Can we?' I asked and he nodded, as he adjusted his hood.

'Come on, I know just the place.'

We walked through the town square past an empty ice-rink and past a pretty church that looked hundreds of years old. We passed plenty of people, some locals and some tourists, but in our winter attire our identities were almost hidden, especially with our hooded cloaks on. Zed led me down a side-street with Cornelius and Jade in the front and Jace and Theo guarding our backs and then we reached a little café. We walked inside, the warmth almost overwhelming us, and Zed pulled his hood off. An old lady in a green velvet tunic and apron smiled at Zed and then looked at me, her smile widening.

'Come on in, your highness,' she said in a lowered voice, 'you can have your usual table.' She led us to a small alcove area, not far from the fire and tucked away from prying eyes. Zed held the chair out for me and we both shed our cloaks, making ourselves more comfortable.

'Thank you, Dot.' Zed said as he squeezed the old woman's hand.

'A pleasure as always. Have you grown again? You seem to be getting taller every time I see you,' Dot turned her head to look at me. 'Lady Sky, it's so lovely to meet you. Even more beautiful in person.'

'Thank you,' I blushed and she laughed, a warm sound as I held my hand out to shake hers. 'It is nice to meet you.'

'Oh aren't you a love?' She beamed. 'You picked the right girl, your highness. We were all routing for Sky.'

'As was I,' he squeezed my hand and the old lady's green eyes sparkled.

'When did you arrive?'

'Just over an hour ago,' Zed replied, 'Sky wanted to see the town and I thought breakfast was a good place to start.'

'I couldn't agree more,' Dot beamed. 'I will fetch you both some tea whilst you decide what you would like to eat.'

My eyes scanned the small alcove we were sat in, which was decorated with candles and stars were painted on the walls, like the ceiling of our bedroom back in the chateau. On the closest table to us, Cornelius and Jade were sat, each with a cup of tea. They were sat closely together, as if pretending to be on a date. They looked pretty good together, I decided, but I kept my mouth closed; with half of her head shaved and her piercings around her ear, Jade was pretty tough-looking and looked out of place in a wool dress.

Dot returned with a teapot and two tea cups sat on saucers. She served the tea, took our orders and then disappeared again.

'Dot is nice,' I said to Zed and he nodded.

'She has never judged me,' he replied, 'even through the ups and downs and she has treated me like everybody else. She is a good listener too and in ways I think her personality is quite similar to yours.'

I smiled at that and I reached for my tea. I cupped the warm teacup in my hand and sipped from it, enjoying the warm sensation.

The pastries we ate for breakfast, a local delicacy, were absolutely delicious and could not be faulted. My stomach stopped growling and was filled with pastry goodness and tea when we bid Dot farewell and headed back into the cold. The sky was now completely clear of clouds and despite the sun shining down on us, the temperature still felt bitter and the cold seemed to nibble at my cheeks.

'Tour of the town?' Zed offered as his fingers linked with mine. Cornelius and Jade appeared behind us and our entourage subtly joined us again.

'Sure.'

The town was a lot busier now and Zed explained that tourists often visited for day trips around this time as the town was getting set up for Christmas season and that, when the lights were on and the Christmas market, it would be a lot busier than this. Nonetheless, we blended in with the crowd and moved about as Zed took me on his own little tour.

The medieval city was a beautiful place to walk around. The town hall provided tourist information and was a great photo spot as the building was grand with beams built around the outside. Zed showed me the oldest tavern in Aldheim, which was supposed to be haunted. We passed the museums including the Winter museum, which he promised to take me to towards the festive period and then we walked around the town wall, a narrow passageway that was once used to guard the town from invaders. We paused at one point and looked out at the Royal Family's chateau. A group of tourists from Asia stood and photographed the view from the wall, chattering away about the King and Queen in their own language and Zed's lips quirked up into a smile before we went on our way, leaving them to admire the our home.

As we walked back through the town square, we passed market stalls and I glanced at what was being sold; candles that smelled divine, Christmas decorations, jewellery, food and spices, clothing and more. Townspeople mingled around the stalls, chatting animatedly and I smiled as a few glanced our way, smiling at us with heads bowed.

'That fabric…' I gasped as I spotted a fabric stall. There was a roll of very fine fabric, navy chiffon with silver glints that looked like stars. 'It's beautiful.'

'Would you like it?' Zed asked as he turned to face me. 'I bet your maids could make a lovely dress from it… a perfect dress for Winter Solstice.' He pulled out a pouch of gold from his belt.

'How much does it cost?'

'My love that is hardly a problem for us now.' He moved towards the stall and I followed at his side as he removed his hood. The stall owner's eyes widened and he moved into a bow.

'Your Highness,' the stall owner said in greeting. His eyes moved to look at me as I too removed my hood, revealing my white-blonde curls and light blue eyes that made me so recognisable. 'My lady.' He bowed to both of us. 'How can I be of service?'

'My Lady is interested in that fabric,' Zed pointed and the one I had been admiring. 'How much?'

'For you, Your Highness, no charge.'

'Nonsense, we must pay you for your fabric,' Zed shook his head.

'Will you take ten gold pieces?' I offered. It was a reasonably high amount but it was this gentleman's livelihood and we had more than enough money.

'Thank you, My Lady,' the stall owner bowed his head and Zed passed over the coins. One of the guards took the roll of fabric from him, strapping it to his back and then Zed took my hand again, intertwining our fingers and kissing the ring on my hand.

'Thank you,' I said to him with a smile.

'You are most welcome, my love.'

My cheeks were flushed by the time we were back at the chateau and I was grateful there was a fire waiting for us in the living room when we arrived back. Abby took our cloaks from us and Chloe set off to the kitchens to have tea and some lunch prepared for us. Zed sank into an armchair by the fire and pulled me onto his lap, wrapping his arms tightly around me.

'How do you like our court?' He purred and I smiled as he tucked my curls behind my ears so that he could press gentle kisses to my neck.

'It's beautiful.' I whispered and I felt his smile against my jawline.

'More so now that I have you to rule it at my side.' He replied. 'And is our home to your liking?'

I turned to look down at him and his dark eyes met mine. 'It is.'

'Good,' he placed a kiss to my cheek and I turned to rest my forehead against his, craving a kiss on my lips instead. 'maybe we can go swimming this afternoon?'

'I'd like that.'

When he'd said swimming, I had assumed he'd meant the lovely swimming pool on the ground floor of the chateau, the small pool with the large pillars and the steps that led into the water that topped the mosaic ground. Instead, I found myself wearing my bikini under a wool dress and winter cloak as we walked through the forest on the other side of the castle walls. Our armed guards walked with us, scanning the horizon as we passed through the towering trees and clambered over rocks.

'You said to me once that you wanted adventure,' Zed said as he helped me to climb over a rock. 'Is this enough adventure for you?' He paused and I took in our surroundings. We were stood surrounded by woodland and rocks and in front of us sat a lake, just about big enough to swim in. The water was a turquoise colour and steam floated above it.

'A hot spring?' I asked and he nodded.

'My favourite place to swim,' he replied, placing a kiss to my temple. 'Shall we?'

I glanced around to look for our guards but they'd already moved, hiding themselves in the forest. When I turned back to Zed, he'd already shrugged his cloak off and was unbuttoning his shirt. I untied my cloak and followed suite, slipping off my boots and socks and then removing my wool dress. My teeth chattered as Zed splashed into the water, his hair instantly messed up as he grinned across at me. His eyes roamed my body and I swallowed as his eyes met mine again.

'It's freezing!' I shivered and he sat back in the water, placing his hands behind his head.

'So come on in,' he purred. I moved towards the stone, careful where I placed my bare feet, and then I dipped my foot in the water. Sure enough it was warm so I slipped inside and I let out a sigh as the warm water covered my body. Zed swam over to me and took my hands in his as he pulled me towards the stone ledge he had been sat on. He pulled me onto his lap so that I straddled him and he smiled up at me. 'Warmer?'

'Warmer,' I confirmed in a whisper and I pressed my lips to his. The kiss started off gentle but Zed deepened it as he wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me in closer, sending electricity firing through my veins. We kissed like that for a while, his hands brushing against my waist as my hands roamed over his bare skin.

Zed let out a groan and removed his lips from mine, his breathing quick, 'my love,' he whispered, 'I am not sure now is the time for getting carried away.' I blushed and he ran a hand through my wet hair, 'Once again you are making it difficult to be a gentleman.' I bit my lip and his thumb stroked the lip I'd just bitten. He glanced up at the darkening sky and sighed. 'We should be getting back, I would rather not be in the forest when it is dark.'

'Why?' I asked and his eyes darkened.

'Because I cannot guarantee your safety here at night.'

I swallowed as we both dressed in silence before heading back to our home.

Dinner was incredible. We sat at one end of the table together, neither of us at the head, and tucked into the roast chicken with vegetables and potatoes and spices that had been prepared for us that afternoon when we had been out in the woods. After dinner, Zed had led me to the tallest tower in the chateau and I smiled at the sight- the room was incredibly similar to the observatory back in the palace, with the star constellations painted on the ceiling and a compass painted on the stone floor. There was a fireplace and bookshelves, armchairs and sofas and a telescope. There were no walls, only windows overlooking the view and a small balcony.

'This was built before the palace observatory,' Zed said as I turned on my heels, looking at the constellations painted onto the ceiling. 'It was the inspiration behind it.'

'A court of stars,' I murmured and he smiled.

'I like that.' He replied, 'Aldheim- A Court of Stars.'

He led me out onto the balcony and I leaned against the stone railings as he stood behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pressing his chest against my back. Together we looked out at the view ahead of us. In the dark, the mountains surrounding us were hardly visible. The town past the castle walls glowed in the evening with just a few lights on, nothing compared the light of the city. And there, as promised, in the sky, was a sea of stars. Thousands of stars, more than I'd even seen in Whitebridge before.

'In a sky, in a sky full of stars, I think I saw you.' Zed sang softly in my ear and goosebumps prickled across my skin as my cheeks flushed.

'It's incredible,' I whispered.

'Look there,' Zed pointed North and just when things couldn't get more spectacular, they did. A few green ribbons of light stood above the mountains, barely moving but just enough to look like they were dancing.

'The Aurora Borealis.' I whispered, in disbelief. I'd read about the phenomenon in school before but I'd never dreamed of seeing it.

'I am surprised it graced us with its presence tonight,' Zed murmured, 'normally we do not see it until December at least.'

'Zed?' I said as I turned in his arms so that I faced him. I placed my hand on his cheek and he leaned into it as his eyes softened.

'Yes, my love?'

'I love you,' I whispered, 'and I love our home… our court.'

His hand moved to cup my cheek and he smiled down at me, 'I love you too, my princess.'