I was exhausted. Mentally and physically. Zed had told me that we'd have time to relax and enjoy ourselves when we were in Aldheim and it seemed like the moment had been and gone. The next two and a half weeks were filled with meetings with the party planner, caterers, florists and decorators, plus meetings with our court, our army and with those who worked for the Royal household. In amongst that, I kept up my training sessions with Rowan, determined to become better with a sword, and then I spent time with Diamond, Phoenix and of course, Zed, whenever I had a moment or two to breathe. Not to mention the dance rehearsals I'd been having daily, learning a dance with my court to perform to the other guests at the beginning of the party.

With four days until Winter Solstice, I found myself lying on the sofa in the observatory, staring up at the painted stars on the ceiling as my eyes threatened to close. Zed was having his suit fitted for the special day, Amelie was meeting with another suitor and everyone else was… who knew where? My only saving grace was that I had no meetings now, just pointing and directing staff on the big day and between now and then the pampering would start; facials, haircuts, pedicures, manicures, massages… my muscles groaned in delight at the thought.

'There you are!' I tensed at Diamond's voice, wondering who needed me now. I glanced over at her and she frowned, 'You look exhausted.'

'I feel it.' I murmured as she and Phoenix walked into the observatory. They sat in armchairs across from me, frowns etched onto both of their faces.

'Has Zed seen you like this?' Phoenix raised an eyebrow.

'Zed's in a suit fitting,' I replied, 'And I don't want him to see me like this. I've been plastering on a smile all week just fine but now… I just don't have the energy.' I glanced over at Diamond. 'What's the secret? Keeping alive in the Royal Family?'

I was probably being over-dramatic but Diamond didn't react. 'It's bloody hard.' She said, her ladylike behaviour gone. I managed a small smile at that. 'But you learn that it's just part of the job.' She said. 'It's about keeping yourself healthy and making sure you still get me time. It's been a busy few weeks for you, but that's only because Winter Solstice is so important here. After that, you'll catch a break.'

'I don't envy you,' I said to her, 'as future Queen… I can hardly handle being a future princess!'

'Queen is going to be a challenge, yes,' Diamond said, 'But if it means ruling at Trace's side and having a loving family around me then I'm in… besides, you all rule your own court and that makes it somewhat easier.' She nudged me with her foot and then pulled out a bottle of wine I hadn't realised she was holding. 'On a lighter note, there's an important matter I need to discuss with both of you.' Her eyes glanced at Phoenix and then back at me.

'That sounds… terrifying.' Phoenix said as we both looked at each other with wide, expectant eyes.

Diamond flashed a grin at the two of us, 'Well it could potentially be terrifying I suppose…' She paused dramatically and I sat up on the sofa. 'Will the two of you be my bridesmaids?'

I let out a squeal-or-shriek sound in unison with Phoenix and we both moved to hug her. 'Are you serious?'

'Absolutely!' She beamed. 'I need my two future sister-in-laws at my side!'

'What about the rest of your family?' Phoenix asked.

'Crystal will be my Maid of Honor,' She announced, 'But I'd like you two to be my other bridesmaids.'

'We'd love to!' I grinned and Diamond smiled back.

'Even if it's tiring being a princess?' She teased.

'Well I guess there are some perks,' I said and Phoenix laughed beside me.

'Like unlimited wine?' Diamond popped open the cork and poured each of us a glass. 'To being future royalty.' She said when we each had a glass in our hand.

'To being future royalty.'

I woke up early the following day despite not actually needing to. And after rolling back and forth in the bed I shared with Zed for over an hour, I decided I would get up before I disturbed his lie-in. My body ached as I made my way downstairs and into our swimming pool tucked at the back of the castle. The steam rose from the water as I stepped in, one step at a time, feeling the water seeping through my skin and reaching my aching muscles. I sighed as I sank into the liquid, ducking my hair under the water and completely submerging myself. I held my breath for a while, concentrating my energy and then I broke the surface again, feeling my body relax.

'You're not trying to drown yourself, are you?' The voice caught me off-guard and I looked over at Rowan, where he stood in the doorway, a towel in his hand and swimshorts on.

'What are you doing?' I asked him as colour ran to my cheeks.

'I came for my morning swim like I do most days,' He replied, drily. 'I wasn't expecting to see you here.'

'It's my house!'

'It might be your castle but I've been coming for a 6am swim three times weekly for at least two years now.'

'That fits into your busy captain schedule?'

He raised an eyebrow. 'It's part of my training. Swimming is great for upper-body strength, in-case you weren't aware.' I turned as he ripped his shirt over his head and dived into the water, soaking me. I flinched away from the splash and moved to the side of the pool, contemplating getting out but then realising that meant walking about in my bikini. I folded my arms and leaned against the water's edge. 'Zed not awake yet?'

'He's sleeping in.' I said.

'And you couldn't sleep?'

I wasn't about to admit to him that my aching muscles had woken me up and that I was using the swimming pool as an oversized bath to soothe them. 'I decided I'd get up.'

'No Lady Diamond or Lady Phoenix or Lady… Amelie?'

'After better company?' I raised an eyebrow.

'Not at all, Your Highness.' He bowed his head and then moved into swift strokes, swimming the length of the pool with enough speed to send waves my way. My relaxing soak in the pool suddenly seemed like a stupid idea.

'Well I'll see you later for training.' I said, making my way to the stairs.

'Not with me today, I'm afraid. My mother arrives this afternoon.'

'Your mother?' I turned back to face him and this time he raised an eyebrow.

'Is that so hard to believe?' A cocky, lopsided grin. 'That my mother wants to visit me.'

'Of course not.' Red blood swam to my cheeks.

'She's here for Winter Solstice.' He told me. 'I wouldn't want her to be alone especially in the festive season.'

I nodded, completely understanding that. It was why Sally, Simon and Ms Creedy had been invited up to stay with us for a few days. They were staying until the day after Christmas and then they would be heading home again once the festivities were over. Rowan ducked under the water and I took that as my cue to leave.

Quiet. Lonely. Tense. Different emotions sparked through me as my horse rode over the brim of the mountain. My damp hair flew loose in the wind, out of its usual braid, and my cloak flew out behind me too as I rode along with my guards flanking me. It was still early and Zed had still been asleep when I had left with my security in tow. We'd ridden up the mountain that backed onto my home and now my grey speckled horse, Arobyn, trotted through the snow, the white stuff crunching under his feet as I held the reins tightly in my hands. Horse-riding was becoming second-nature, although I knew I'd never be able to ride side-saddle so wearing dresses atop a horse was a no-go.

'Woah,' I pulled the reins, slowing Arobyn as another horse appeared ahead. It was bent over, drinking from the stream I had planned to visit, as its cloaked owner stood nearby. I tensed but trotted onwards nonetheless, knowing that Arobyn needed a drink as did I. Besides, my guards were with me and we were all armed with more than one weapon. We reached the stream and the traveller looked up at me as Arobyn paused by the stream. He closed one of the bags hung over his sleek, black horse and removed his hood as he bowed his head.

'My Lady,' He said and I caught an unfamiliar accent as he spoke. He certainly was not from Aldheim or anywhere else in our country, despite the velvet tunic and cloak he was wearing. His skin was tanned, his hair darker than night and his eyes a shade of violet that I'd not seen before.

'Sir,' I nodded as I got off of my horse.

'A fine day for a ride.' The man commented as he put his flask back into one of the bags on his horse.

'It is,' I agreed. 'You seem a long way from home.'

'Quite,' He flashed a grin as he pulled some lint from his cloak. 'I am here for the winter festivities. I believe they are a sight to see.'

'So I've heard.' I gave a small smile and bent down to the stream, filling my flask with water fresh from the glacier. When it was full, I put it to my lips and drank some of the cool, refreshing liquid.

'My Lady, we should be getting back to the castle,' Theo said, breaking the silence.

The eyebrows of the traveller shot up, as if he'd not noticed who I was before and my cheeks reddened as he bowed deeper this time.

'Your Highness.' He said in his thick accent, his head low.

'You were right the first time,' I told him with a small smile, 'It's My Lady, for now at least.'

He kept his head bowed as his violet eyes met mine, 'You have always been a Princess, Your Highness.'

I tried not to smile at the absurd remark and I climbed back onto Arobyn, throwing my cloak behind me as I did so. The man straightened beside me, his eyes now wide and I swallowed the uncomfortable feeling rising in my throat. 'Enjoy the Winter Solstice.'

'And you, Your Highness.' He called as I rode away, my guards either side of me.

The King and Queen arrived the next day and Zed and I greeted them in the foyer with Trace, Yves, Diamond and Phoenix at our sides. And with the Royal Family arriving came a bigger surprise; Sally and Simon. I embraced my parents without hesitation as I took in their new attire- a smart, long, embroidered dress for Sally and a tunic, shirt and trousers for Simon. They looked noble and I supposed that villagers had thought that about them too when they had travelled up to Aldheim with the King and the Queen.

'Your home is beautiful,' Simon said as Zed and I led my adoptive parents around the grounds. The snow was thicker as more had fallen the previous night, but the paths had been swept clear and the ground had been salted to make it less slippery. Sally brushed her fingers against the ice on the fountain and smiled despite the cool sensation.

'Thank you,' Zed replied, 'it really is.' He squeezed my hand and glanced my way, his deep blue eyes meeting mine, 'it is good to be home, especially home with Sky.'

'I'm really looking forward to the meteor shower.' Sally piped up. 'We've never seen anything like it.'

'It is spectacular.' Zed grinned, 'It will be a night to remember.'

'So what do you do here? How do you spend your days?' Simon asked and he and Zed walked off, a few feet ahead.

'Are you happy?' Sally asked me as her eyes met mine.

'I am,' I told her with a smile, pushing all thoughts of the scarred Prince to the back of my mind. 'Aldheim is a wonderful place to live.'

'Simon said we should get a property up here so we can spend more time here,' She said.

'Nonsense,' I shook my head, 'you're both welcome to stay here with us as much as you would like.'

'Maybe now but what about when you're married and have children running around?' She laughed as I brought my hands to my cheeks to attempt to hide my blush.

'I live in a castle, I hardly think it'll be cramped.' I glanced up to see Zed looking at me with a familiar sparkle in his eyes.

'Any idea of when the wedding will take place?'

'We don't have a date yet but it's still early days… we're eighteen, we have our whole lives ahead of us.'

'Oh I know that,' Sally smiled, 'But I promised Ms Creedy I'd ask. She was afraid she'd be dead before the big day.' She raised an eyebrow. 'I told her she was being morbid.'

'She is!' I rolled my eyes as Sally linked arms with me and we continued along the path. 'Do you have a gown for the Winter Solstice?'

'Of course,' Sally smiled, 'The Queen sent designers to our house last week and they've been working nonstop to make me something fabulous. I'm a little worried it doesn't suit me to be honest.'

'You'll look beautiful.' I assured her. 'If I can fit in to all of this,' I signalled around me, 'then so can you.'

'Huh,' Sally scoffed, 'that's funny because you look like you were born into Royalty.'

My mind drifted to the violet-eyed stranger from the previous day. 'You're not the first person to say that recently.'

The morning of the ball came around quick and I groaned at the knock on our bedroom door as Zed pulled me in closer to him, keeping me hostage. 'We are not getting up.' He whispered into my ear, sending goosebumps shooting across my body.

'Then how will the ballroom and courtyard be ready for tonight?' I replied and Zed groaned, wrapping his arms tighter around my waist.

'Why do we have to have responsibilities?' He asked.

'Perhaps because you're a prince?' I offered, 'And Aldheim is your land?'

'Aldheim is our land,' he corrected, placing a gentle kiss behind my ear. 'It is our responsibility to share now.'

'Then I guess we'd both better get up.' I said as there was another knock at the door. 'I'm being held hostage!' I called out and Abby and Chloe let themselves in, rolling their eyes as they passed us and opened the curtains, letting the blinding sunlight through the windows. Zed groaned. 'There was a time where I was teased for not being a morning person.'

'You are a terrible morning person,' Abby said, 'But I'm afraid, Your Highness isn't much better.' She smiled to herself as she walked into the bathroom, running a bath for me.

'Rise and shine Prince and Princess,' Chloe said as she placed the tray of tea and breakfast on our coffee table. 'We have a lot to get done before lunchtime.'

Chloe wasn't kidding. Zed and I were split up and sent in different directions to prepare the castle for the Winter Solstice. Trees were spread around the castle, decorated with fairylights and twinkling decorations in navy blue and silver. Wreaths were spread about and silver vines decorated staircases with the flowers we had chosen too. The ballroom had circular tables spread around the dancefloor, all with floral centrepieces and stars and lanterns hanging from the ceiling in Aldheim colours. The bar was stocked and ribbons were tied to the back of chairs. In the courtyard itself, snow was cleared to make an outdoor dancefloor, a stage was put up and fairylights and lanterns were hung around the outside of the dancefloor between the many heaters and torches that would keep guests warm whilst they danced. Outside of the castle walls there were market stalls set up along with food vendors and the smell of hot chocolate and doughnuts hung in the air, making my stomach growl.

After I'd eaten a healthy late lunch, unfortunately no doughnuts or hot chocolate in sight, I was back in my bedroom with Amelie and Sally. The three of us were being pampered by the maids, our feet soaking in some special ointment as our hands soaked in something else and face masks were on too, making us look slightly alien.

'It must be nice to know you have people on-hand to make you look fabulous all the time,' Sally sighed. Although she and Simon had been offered housekeepers and maids, they'd turned the idea away, refusing to have anyone working for them. And I understood that. If I hadn't been engaged to royalty then I probably would have done the same.

'Sky doesn't need much help looking fabulous.' Abby replied as she started to file my fingernails into perfect curves.

'True,' Sally laughed, 'she's always been beautiful. Her birth parents must have been lookers for sure.'

'You have no idea who they were?' Amelie asked my adoptive mother.

'They're Sally and Simon as far as I'm concerned.' I replied and Sally smiled across at me. 'Family isn't always the people you share blood with.'

'That's true.' Amelie said. 'If I could switch my father, I totally would.'

'You don't mean that.' Sally said.

'I do.' She sighed. 'He's still ignoring my letters.'

'He'll come round.' I replied and she frowned.

'You'll crack the mask.' Abby scolded her and Amelie rolled her eyes.

'My mother is thrilled I'm your Lady-in-Waiting.' She said. 'But my father will need some convincing.'

'He still loves you,' Sally said with a small smile, 'Even if he pushes you, you're still his daughter and that's powerful… parents will do anything for their children and in time he will realise that.'

I squeezed Sally's hand with my free one and she beamed across at me, that mother's pride of hers in her green eyes.

It took a long time for me to be ball-ready. Sally had returned to her room when her pampering was done to get changed, as had Amelie, and Abby and Chloe had dressed themselves whilst my curls set before returning to help me get into my dress.

The dress was the most beautiful dress I had worn yet and I wasn't surprised it had taken Abby and Chloe so long. They'd stitched it to perfection with the navy and silver-speckled fabric I had chosen in town so that there was a tight, strapless bodice with small cut-outs at the waist and then a long, flowing skirt. They'd even sewn a sheer cape to the back of the dress, which fell down to the floor. A dress made for a princess of the Night. I slipped into my shoes and fastened them just as there was a knock at the door and I turned my head, my half-up curls bouncing as I did so. Zed walked in looking ridiculously handsome, as he always did, in his navy suit with velvet tailcoat covered with silver embroidery, including the odd star. He had a silver waistcoat underneath and his outfit looked as if it had been made to match mine. His blue eyes scanned my outfit and then they met mine as his jaw dropped slightly.

'Wow.' He whispered softly and Abby and Chloe smiled before excusing themselves. Zed walked into our bedroom, his blue eyes sparkling as he carried two velvet boxes. 'You look absolutely breath-taking.'

I blushed and bit my lip, looking down, but he tilted my chin up to look at him and then pressed his lips gently to mine.

'Do not try to deny it.' He murmured as he pulled away, a smile lighting up his eyes that had once seemed so dark and cold. 'I have brought finishing touches.'

'So that's why Abby refused to let me put my own earrings in.'

He grinned, 'Our first ball in Aldheim requires family heirlooms.' He said and he opened one of the velvet boxes. Inside was a beautiful necklace of sapphires and diamonds with matching earrings. It was clearly vintage but was in perfect condition and it wasn't over-the-top. Just the right amount of sparkle. 'This was my great grandmother's.' He said. He moved behind me, carefully fastening the necklace around my neck as I put in my own earrings. A glance in the mirror showed me that it matched the dress perfectly and brought out the blue in my eyes. Zed smiled behind me as he gave the bare parts of my waist a gentle squeeze. 'The other is new and specially made for you…' He turned away and opened the larger of the velvet boxes and I gasped.

'Zed!' Inside was a beautiful silver tiara with diamonds, sapphires and aquamarines woven into it. It was a classic shape, other than the few stars that were added into the perfect design.

'Do you like it?' He asked, his eyes searching mine as he carefully lifted it.

'I love it.' I whispered. 'It matches my ring.'

'It matches you,' He gave me a sheepish smile.

'How much did it cost?'

'You do not want to know.' He laughed softly and moved behind me. Ever so slowly and carefully, he placed the tiara on my head and I watched in the reflection of the mirror as my eyes filled with tears. The gesture was heartwarming and made my knees feel weak, especially when Zed's mouth dropped in what looked like awe once again. His eyes met mine in the reflection as his hands dropped from the tiara and he grinned, his smile as wide as when I had agreed to marry him. 'My Princess.' He said softly, his eyes locked on mine.

I smiled as I realised his eyes were shimmering, also filled with tears. 'My Prince.'