'Left, right, left,' Amberle, the dance teacher, called the next day as I moved in time to the music. I twisted my arms as directed and stepped as rehearsed as the other girls danced around me. With my pale white skin and white-blonde hair, I stood out amongst them and that made me feel even more service. 'Your other left, Your Highness!' Amberle scolded and I winced as I spotted the whip in her belt. She wouldn't whip me, as a princess, but she could easily have punished the other girls on my behalf. I moved the right way, moving my hips in time to the flute as I moved in a circle. My throat was dry as the midday sun beamed down on us. I knew it wouldn't be long before my freckles made a reappearance. 'Better!' Amberle called as the girls moved around me. My braid swung as I moved in a circle and then side to side again and then the song ended. 'One more time from the top!'

We moved back to our starting positions and I called out the steps in my head as I moved, my eyes focussed on the whip at Amberle's side. I was so focussed that I wasn't even aware we had an audience until someone applauded at the end. Azriel clapped his hands together from the doorframe he was leaning against and Amberle and the girls curtsied to him in greeting.

'Wonderful, ladies! Simply wonderful!' He purred and Amberle's cheeks blushed as did a few of the other girls'. 'His Majesty and His Highness will certainly enjoy that performance tomorrow.'

'I am sure they will,' Amberle replied, 'Is there something I can help you with, my Lord?'

'I came to invite the princess for lunch,' He said. 'If your classes have finished, of course.'

'Yes, My Lord, they have.' She gave me a small smile and then a curtsy. 'Well done, Your Highness.'

'Thank you,' I said to Azriel as we walked out of the courtyard and into one with more shade. 'I'm not sure I could take much more of the routine.'

'You looked like you were having fun,' His smile was teasing and I rolled my eyes.

'I thought I was going to overheat. How do you people cope in this sun?'

'You get used to it,' He replied and I noticed his tunic was sleeveless today, showing the winding tattoos snaking up both of his tanned, muscular arms.

We passed a pool built into the courtyard and I groaned, 'I just want to dive in.'

'So do it.' He shrugged.

'It's not ladylike.'

'Is that what they teach you in Scandia? That it's not ladylike to jump into pools?' He snorted and I narrowed my eyes but, before I could stop him, I was thrown into the water. I shrieked at the coolness as I pushed my head back above the water, my wet clothes completely clinging to me and my wet hair wild and unruly.

'That wasn't very gentlemanly either!' I called out and then he started laughing uncontrollably. It was the first time in days I had heard someone laugh and it caught me so off-guard that I began laughing too, fully-clothed and soaking wet in a salt water swimming pool.

'Zed!' I cried out as I ran towards my fiancé and soulfinder. He was tied to the stocks in the city square, trapped and waiting for a punishment. But what was his punishment? That he was betrothed to me?

'Sky, you have to get out of here! It's not safe!' He pleaded with sad eyes. 'Run!'

'Not without you.'

I jolted up in bed, my breath so fast that I was almost having a panic attack. I put my head between my knees as I held in the bile in my throat. There was no going back to sleep now. I looked at the gap in the shutters and saw the light starting to bleed through; dawn. It was Christmas Day. I moved to the window and opened it, looking at the sunrise as it brought sun and colour over the buildings and with it, hope. Hope of a new day. But what would happen now that Prince Arkane was coming back and bringing the King with him? I would meet my grandfather. And today the country would know I was their heir, their second-in-line to the throne, the crown princess. There would be no going back.

Zed.

'Are you sure you're going to do this?' Xav asked. We were stood on the boat, far enough from Silvania not to be harassed but just close enough to see the land. Today I would get Sky back. I was sure of it. We'd spent two days sailing here and now all that I needed was for Rowan to teleport me onto the land. I'd ride the west of the way into the city. I could pass off as a traveller wanting to visit the capital on their day of celebration. No one would bat an eyelid, especially if I went alone.

'She's my soulfinder,' I replied. 'Of course I'm sure.'

'I want to travel to the city with you.' Rowan said, his forehead set into a frown.

'You'll be recognised,' I said, 'They know what happened with your father. It's not safe.'

'It's not safe for you either, Your Highness. Prince Arkane is dangerous.' He lowered his voice into a hiss and I squeezed his shoulder.

'He will pay for what he did to your father,' I told him, 'But first we must save Sky.' He bowed his head.

'Please get back my sister.'

I glanced toward the land again as my heart thudded in my chest, 'I will.'

Sky.

I found myself walking the halls of the palace. Despite still being reasonably early, the building was busy as servants dressed in black hurried around carrying lanterns, flowers, streamers and ribbons and festive decorations that were quite different to those I was used to seeing. The one thing that was the same though was the huge Christmas tree in the ballroom. It stood upon the patterned tiled floor, stretching up into the painted arched ceiling, decorated with miniature lanterns, stars and lights that made it glow in the early morning sunlight.

'Your Highness, can I get you some breakfast?' A woman dressed in black asked as she approached me. I'd not seen her before. In fact, I'd not seen most of the staff before, but they still greeted me with a bow or curtsy when I passed.

My stomach growled in response before I could reply. 'Yes please.'

'Would you like it in the dining hall or your private courtyard?'

My private courtyard? 'My private courtyard sounds wonderful.' And it was.

Several minutes later, I found myself in a hidden, enclosed courtyard surrounded by jasmine flowers and lanterns and a pond that I would have dipped my feet into if it weren't for the fish swimming below the lily-pads. I sank onto the red chaise longue and sipped at the lemon water that had been poured for me as I glanced up at the clear, blue sky. All I could hear was the birds singing and it was almost enough to make me forget where I was. Almost. A servant brought out a tray of pastries and fruits a few moments later and I thanked her as she poured me a cup of spiced tea before disappearing back through a wooden floor, leaving me alone. I tucked into a pastry, pulling it apart carefully before placing it in my mouth and making my tastebuds dance.

'Too good,' I murmured.

'Why thank you,' The voice made me jump and I raised an eyebrow at Azriel as he closed a wooden door behind him. 'Merry Christmas, Your Highness.'

'Merry Christmas, My Lord.' I replied with less enthusiasm.

He gave me a crooked grin as he sat himself on a cushion on the other side of the table. 'Big day ahead.'

'Don't remind me.'

'Are you nervous?'

'Dreading it more like it.' I picked up a grape and threw it, catching it in my mouth. Azriel didn't seem to notice.

'Which part? Meeting the King, meeting your country or-'

'Or being handed a responsibility I don't want?' I finished for him. 'All of it.'

'Well on the bright side…' He pulled out a package from behind him. 'I got you a Christmas gift.'

I frowned, 'Why?'

'Because I wanted to?' He raised an eyebrow and passed the box to me. 'Here.' I stared at the wooden box on my hand, unsure whether or not to open it. I'd contemplated passing it back and just telling him to return whatever it was but he watched me with soft, hopeful, violet eyes and that bothered me. It was like a puppy begging for more food. Reluctantly, I opened the box and my breath caught in my throat.

Sat between tissue paper was a pair of golden pumps with stars embroidered onto them in a sparkly thread. The shoes I had been admiring yesterday. The ones which had reminded me of home. Aldheim. Zed…

'You… you shouldn't have.' I stumbled, biting back the tears that threatened to make an appearance.

'But I wanted to.' He said. 'I saw you looking at them in the market yesterday.'

'They reminded me of home,' I said as I traced the embroidered stars with my thumb.

'Because of the meteor shower and the clear skies?'

I gave a nod, 'Aldheim is the court of stars…'

'Your Highness, your father requests your presence.' A servant said as she appeared in the courtyard. I groaned. Even my courtyard wasn't safe from reality.

'Thank you,' I said to Azriel as I stood up. He gave a small smile but said nothing as I reluctantly dragged my feet, following the servant closely.

Zed.

I scanned the desert in front of me as I wiped my sweat-coated brow. I knew the city was somewhere ahead, possibly another hour or two, maybe longer on the horse I was riding; the brown mare was ridiculously slow and didn't seem used to the desert terrain at all. Nothing like the stallion I had back home. She practically dragged her feet through the sand as we passed over the dunes and I groaned as I kept myself upright and ready for anything. I hadn't brought my sword as I'd wanted to look every bit the traveller when I arrived in the city. Instead, I was armed with daggers under my clothing, tucked out of sight. My bags were strapped to the pathetic horse and all I carried were clothes similar to the ones I was already wearing; embroidered tunics and matching trousers in colours I knew were popular in this country. I'd sent Abby and Chloe out to fetch some suitable fabric and they'd worked hard to stitch me several outfits in a Silvanian style so that I would fit right in. With my naturally olive skin and dark hair it was possible and I knew some of the old tongue too.

I squinted at the trees I saw ahead. Oasis or real? I'd already drank my water and was beginning to feel parched. No doubt the horse was too. But every step through the desert, however tough was worth it. I was going to find Sky and I was going to bring her home.

Sky.

Prince Arkane was waiting for me in what must have been the throne room. I made that assumption because most of the tiled room was empty, apart from the large stained glass window and the three thrones that sat on a raised platform. Each throne was wooden and carved with patterns and details, all similar to each other but the one in the centre was the tallest and the largest by far. I swallowed. In the one to the left sat Prince Arkane and he was in a hushed conversation with an important-looking man when I entered. When he turned his head, I saw familiar purple eyes and dark hair and knew he had to be Azriel's father. He bowed deeply to me but my father did not move. Instead his eyes watch me with caution. The look made me feel even more nervous.

'If you'll excuse me, Your Highnesses,' Azriel's father bowed and excused himself from the room as I stood up straight, trying to hide my uncomfortableness.

'Hello sweetheart,' He said and I tried my best not to wince at the nickname that Simon often used for me. Not this man. 'Did you miss me?'

'I've been busy.' I replied.

'I've been told that your dancing has improved quickly.' He said, 'But that you missed your history lesson.'

'I decided to go out into the city and see history for myself.'

'You decided?' He raised an eyebrow. 'Your tutor is the best in the city.'

'I visited the tombs and the church.' I told him. 'I saw the market and the barracks and I'm sure I can answer any questions about them that you send my way.'

'You were not alone.' He said, his eyes looking into mine.

'Azriel gave me a tour.'

Both of his eyebrows shot up in surprise and then a slow smile crept across his face, 'I am glad you are getting on well with people in our court. It will be useful for you to have our council on side.' So that I could continue his schemes after he had died? I shuddered at the though. 'Sit. Your grandfather, the King, is on his way.'

I looked over at the empty throne to the right of the central one and the hairs on my neck stood up. I had never sat on a throne. And the thought terrified me, especially because it was a throne I did not want to be a part of. Arkane narrowed his eyes at me, daring me to step out of line and I spotted a guard tightening his grip on his sword. Would they? I didn't want to test out the theory. I took my place and sat up straight, just as the King strode in.

King Caspian looked a lot like his only son; tanned skin and hair silver with age and eyes a light shade of blue much like my own. He wore a golden embroidered tunic with cream trousers and a robe made of a light fabric. A golden crown sat atop his head, similar to the ruby circlet on mine and the ruby-encrusted crown on my father's. His eyes met mine as Arkane stood and I found myself doing the same. My father bowed as I curtsied but the King did not take his seat. He continued to stare at me, his eyes scanning me as if trying to decide if I was related or an actor.

'Your… Your Majesty.' I stuttered and his eyes immediately flicked up to meet mine before he turned to face Arkane.

'She looks like you.' The King murmured.

'She looks like her mother.' Arkane replied smoothly.

'Well there is no doubting she is yours then,' He said. 'What of the mother?'

'Evelyn remains in her country.' I expected sadness in his voice but he kept it even.

The King turned back to look at me, 'And what of her fiancé?'

'He remains in his country too.'

'He is your soulfinder, is he not, child?' I tried not to look surprised that he was speaking to me.

'He is,' I confirmed.

The King let out a sigh, 'Then he will come looking for her. He will want to take her back to his court.' Hope bubbled deep down inside me and I tried to hide it from my face but the King frowned at me. 'You do not want to be here, do you child?'

'I-'

He cut me off, 'I assure you, my country is worth far more than his country.' He waved his hand dismissively. 'You are not his princess, Sky, you are your own Queen.'

'I… I'm not supposed to be a Queen.'

'You were born into my bloodline so I can assure you, you were very much supposed to be a Queen. And one day you will be Queen of Silvania.' He cracked his knuckles. 'You have two options; embrace our culture and lifestyle and be free to roam within our country until your time comes to rule or you can be held hostage here, an imprisoned princess. But, either way, I assure you, sweet child, that you, as my granddaughter, will rule this country when I am gone and when your father is gone.' His words were bitter and the look in his eyes made me want to bring up the breakfast I had eaten. I swallowed and gave a small nod and he plastered on a smile. 'Sit, we have visitors.'

Arkane and I both took our seats and the King sat between us as several guards and the people I assumed were the Royal Council walked in. The Royal Council, all in tunics and trousers, took a place at one side of the room and guards on the other. Azriel made eye contact with me and gave a small smile as they all bowed to us in unison. Not a single woman insight as a guard or a member of the council. I bit my tongue.

'Your Majesty,' A guard said, stepping forward, 'We have found the thief the guards have spent days looking for.'

The King gave a satisfied nod, 'Bring him in.'

I watched as a man in black was dragged in by his arms, a guard holding each one, and throne down in front of the platform. I winced at the sound of his knees banging against the tiles.

'You have been accused of stealing food and refusing to pay the correct taxes for the last two months,' The King said in a hollow voice. 'How do you plead?'

'I had to look after my family,' The man in black said, his voice hoarse. Although clearly young from the grey-free hair on his dark head, he looked aged with stress, worry and perhaps fear. Creases were on his forehead and large bags were under his eyes. And he looked filthy. My heart ached for the man who was fending for his family, as Sally and Simon had done for me.

'How do you plead?' The King sounded irritated and I resisted the hiss that almost escaped from between my teeth.

'Guilty.' He choked out as tears streamed down his face. 'Guilty, but please have mercy, Your Majesty.'

'Thirty lashings.' The King boomed and my blood ran cold. 'And then throw him back to the gutter where he belongs.'

The guards who had brought him in stood with their hands on the hilts of their swords, ready in case he tried to escape, I realised, as another guard walked behind him with a whip in his hand. Bile rose in my throat as the man's shirt was removed and then it started. The sound of the whip slicing through the air was more than enough but the sound of tearing skin when it hit and the cries the man let out broke me. I let out a small sound of horror and eyes of councilmen turned my way as I tried to stand, tried to escape the nightmare. But I couldn't. I was frozen in my place. Invisible restraints held me at my wrists and ankles, stopping me from leaving the throne room. I let out a low hiss and didn't care who heard me this time.