AN: HAPPY NEW YEAR! Was hoping to get this posted last night but my laptop had other ideas!

Zed.

I'd drowned my sorrows in a tavern that night after I'd heard Sky's sobs from the balcony spot she stood in. I'd tried to reach out to her, but my voice was blocked from her mind; her shields were up and I felt proud of her for that. She was not going to let them get inside her head. I'd watched her for a while, longing for her to notice that it was me, but I was merely a shadow in the dark, shadowed alley and soon she'd turned away inside, leaving her sobs drifting through the air as citizens of Silvania danced and rejoiced in the streets. The tavern I found myself in was packed with people already drunk and merry and they danced to the live music, some even getting up and dancing on the tables. I gulped down a goblet of some kind of mead, one more flavoursome than those we had back home.

Silvania had a lot of good trading partners. I knew that from learning histories about the continent from a young age. As a result, they were shipped the best herbs and spices and many could be grown on their land too thanks to the warm, dry climate. Our food was good back home, as was our wine, but annoyingly Silvanian food and drink seemed to burst with more flavour, just like the history books had said.

'Hello, handsome,' A girl purred in a thick Silvanian accent as she sat across from me. She wore a crop that showed off her naval, as was the fashion amongst most girls in this city, with matching cuffed trousers. Her thick, black hair was tied back in a braid as she fluttered her eyelashes at me, revealing deep purple eyes. A year ago, I may have found her beautiful and been incredibly enthusiastic about the encounter but now…

'Hello,' I replied. I realised from her embroidered fabric and jewels that she had to be of some kind of nobility. 'My Lady,' I added.

She twirled a loose strand of hair around her finger, 'You shouldn't be drinking alone on a night like this.'

'And I'm sure, My Lady, that you would have received an invitation to the palace?'

She sighed, 'I'd rather not be in the palace with all of them.'

'Them?' I raised an eyebrow as I took another sip of wine.

'It's far more fun out here where I can do whatever I want, talk with whoever I want and dance however I want,' A slow, sly grin spread across her face. 'Away from judging eyes.'

'Ah,' I nodded and she continued speaking.

'If I were in there,' A hand gesture towards the palace, 'Then my Father would be trying to pawn me off to some Lord in the hope I might marry someone important, just like he has tried many times with my brother.'

'And you do not want to marry a Lord?'

'Doesn't anyone believe in love anymore?!' She sighed dramatically. 'I just want to marry someone for love. Do you understand that?'

'I do,' More than she knew. I gave a small nod, keeping my face straight.

'That poor Princess is probably going to be pawned off to the highest bidder,' She sighed and my blood ran cold as I gripped the bronze goblet tighter. 'I've heard she's already engaged to a Prince of Scandia.'

'I've heard that too.' My voice came out quiet and I was surprised she had heard me. She looked at me with sad, lost eyes.

'Elaina!' A voice hissed and I turned my head just as she gulped across from me. A man strode in dressed in a fine golden tunic and matching trousers. With his dark hair and wary eyes, I remembered who he was. The man sat in the podium for nobility. The one that had quickly masked his expression. He'd been just as uncomfortable as I had about the whole parade, but had hidden it, probably better than I had. 'What are you doing here?'

'Having a good time,' She smiled across at me and I resisted the urge to wince.

'If father finds out you've been here-'

I didn't miss the panic in her eyes or her voice, 'Please, Az, please don't tell him.' Then a sly smile crept onto her face. 'And I won't tell him you've been sneaking around town with the princess.'

This time he was the one that looked uncomfortable as my hands clenched at my sides and I held back the growl that threatened to be released, 'Elaina, we both know that wouldn't end well.'

'You're wasting your time with her.' She said. 'She's already betrothed.'

'I know,' He folded his arms, an unreadable expression on his face as he glanced at me. 'Who are you?'

'This is my friend… er…' She started and she looked at me for assistance. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

'Theo,' I said, taking a guard's name.

'You're not from around here.' Azriel said. He didn't offer me his hand.

'My family are from Libernan,' I replied, giving the most Northern city on the island I could think of. 'They've set me to the capital to find work.'

He took in my clothing and gave a sharp nod, 'Say goodbye, Elaina, we're going home.'

She gave me a sad expression and I gave her a small smile, 'It was nice meeting you, Theo. Maybe I'll see you around.'

And she would, I decided, because she was going to help me get into that palace. One way or another.

Sky.

The next three days dragged and my time was spent in history lessons about Silvania or in dance lessons or in the throne room, listening to people plead before they were whipped or thanking the people who had left me gifts in the throne room instead; clothes, cloths, flowers, fruit and more. With two days left of the year, I found myself drifting off into a nightmare I just couldn't wake up from.

'You've been very quiet these past few days,' Prince Arkane had said at dinner that day.

'I don't have anything to say,' I had replied, staring at the food on my plate. My stomach had growled in protest, wanting to eat the delicious food but I felt sick to the stomach. Still. Although my skin was tanned from a week of more sun than usual, bags hung under my eyes, hidden by excessive amounts of make-up and I knew I had lost some weight.

'We're going to have a very miserable life together,' He had sighed as he took a sip from his goblet. 'Tomorrow, we will be going to the desert.'

'A Royal trip?'

'Your grandfather will remain here… he does not do well with a lot of travelling with his age and other… health complications.' His mouth had been set in a thin line that almost looked like concern but it was gone in a moment, replaced by a smirk. 'As we are not hosting a party here at the palace for the New Year, I was invited to a party in the Adria Oasis and I've decided that you will join me.'

'What if I'd rather stay here?'

'If you are going to add like a stroppy teenager then I shall treat you like one,' He had said through narrowed eyes. 'I will bind you up and force you to come with me if you would prefer. Or I could punish your servants for not helping to keep you in line.' He waved his hand, calling an armed guard to the table as I left out a gasp of horror.

'No,' I'd shaken my head, 'Do not touch them.'

'Then, my darling, we leave at dawn. Make sure you are packed and ready to go.'

I now laid in bed, staring at the patterned canopies that decorated my ceiling, drenched with sweat as starlight shone through the window. I got up and walked over to the window, glancing out at the city. Some taverns were still in business, even though it was very late or very early, depending on how you looked at it and dawn was coming. I ran my own bath, not wanting to bother Jamila or Amina and I slid into the Lotus-filled pool, holding my breath as I ducked under the water. My mind drifted back to the hot spring in Aldheim and with my eyes closed, I was almost there, with Zed, wrapped in his arms and my lips pressed against his. Two hands grabbed my bare shoulders and pulled me up abruptly, causing me to choke on the bath water.

'Your Highness, you'll drown!' Jamila said as I coughed up the water that was making its way to my lungs.

'You should have sent word that you were already awake and we would have come sooner,' Amina said.

I looked at two of the girls who had been assigned to look after me, their princess and I realised just how much I missed Abby, Chloe and Amelie back home. My face must have given me away, because Jamila and Amina looked at me with worried expressions.

'Is something wrong, Your Highness?' Jamila asked.

'Do you like working here?' I asked and I watched as she bit her lip.

'Of course,' She replied but her facial expression gave her away.

'Are you happy working here?' I tried again, searching her eyes. 'You don't need to lie to me, your secret is safe.'

'Of course,' She repeated and I sighed.

'Could you please pass me towel?' I said, giving up, 'I suppose I'd better get myself ready for the desert.'

An hour and a half later and I'd eaten a quick meal and had been sent on my way, riding a large white horse across the desert sand faster than I'd ridden before. Prince Arkane had told me as I'd mounted by over-sized horse that this particular breed of Silvanian horse were some of the fastest in the world and now I believed him as my headscarf flew out behind me, rippling in the hot air. I bounced up and down in the saddle, trying to grip tighter as we climbed up a dune, sending sand flying through the air. The Prince was on his grey stallion to my right and he let out a cheer as he disappeared over the top. I glanced around, reminding myself that we were heavily guarded, even though we were in the middle of nowhere; guards rode horses nearby, as did some servants to keep us refreshed on the journey. That was when I spotted the view. As my horse slowed at the top of the dune, I could see for miles. Miles and miles of sand, contrasting with the cloudless blue sky. And it was spectacular. My horse took off again and the moment was gone as we continued running through the sand.

It was late afternoon when we finally reached the oasis. I spotted it on the horizon from about a mile away; a scattering of tents that had been erected near a tree-surrounded pool. Rocks were scattered amongst the sand now and there seemed to be more of them the closer we rode to the oasis. When we finally reached it, I didn't hesitate to dismount my horse, beating the servants who tried to assist me.

'Well,' Prince Arkane said to me, 'Is it that bad, Princess?' He signalled to the beautiful lush trees and grass that surrounded the large pool filled with crystal-clear water. A small waterfall fell into the pool from one side, pouring over the edge of a rock and sand-covered cliff. It was the most beautiful thing I'd seen in this country and it was enough to take my breath away.

'No, it's not.' I admitted as I stroked the muzzle of my horse. It whinnied in response and I ignored my father's smile as I glanced towards the tents. 'Please tell me there's food and water waiting.'

'Of course.' He turned to the servants who were dismounting their own horses. 'You heard my daughter, let's get dinner sorted.'

We ate dinner as the sun set over the horizon and from my cushion, placed atop a patterned rug, I watched as the sun disappeared behind a sand dune and I spooned the last mouthful of couscous into my mouth. Even with the sun gone, it was still warm but not unpleasantly hot. I looked across the table and saw that the Prince was watching me again.

'You really do look like your mother did when she was your age,' He said, breaking the silence.

'Do you wish things had turned out differently?' I asked. 'That you'd not killed her husband?'

He tensed, 'I didn't want to kill him, need I remind you.' He said, his eyes darkening. 'He tried to kill me first and I can't imagine things would have ended well for you, had he still been alive.' I shuddered. 'I would have also not taken too kindly to someone killing my child.'

'Then you clearly can't recall what happened at the palace in Ascot.' I said. 'One of your rebels struck me with a poisoned blade.'

He flinched, 'Which was not part of the plan.' And from the expression crossing his face I knew he meant it. 'We were meant to bring you back here, Sky, and if one of those Princelings had not taken out the rebel who attacked you then I assure you, I would have.'

'Why the Harvest Ball?' I asked. 'And why kill all of those people?'

'I needed to get in unnoticed and with more guests than normal, it seemed like the best time. You have to understand, Sky, that I needed you back and I was afraid of what those Royals would do to you if they found out the truth.'

'They wouldn't hurt me,' I replied.

'Not when they found out that you were one of their son's soulfinders but before that… I couldn't guarantee it.'

'You didn't want to lose your heir.' I said, drily.

'I didn't want to lose my daughter.' The darkness seemed to disappear from his eyes and instead they returned to their shade of blue, with a silver slither of starlight in them. 'When I found out Evelyn was pregnant with our child, I was ecstatic.'

'You loved her.'

'I'll always love her.' He said sincerely and I understood that- she was his soulfinder and like Zed and I they were destined to be together. I glanced away from his face, sadly, looking instead at the stars that were becoming more visible with every moment. Here, away from light pollution, they lit up the sky like a dozen lights in a blanket… like the dress I'd worn for Winter Solstice.

'I would never stop you being with your soulfinder,' He said, his voice cutting through the silence. I looked back at him and frowned.

'Yet you took him away from me.'

'I took you away from that country.' He replied. 'Not from him. Say the word and I'll send someone for him and you'll be reunited to live here together.'

I looked across the table at my father and the sincere expression across his face. I wasn't sure I could trust it. What would happen to Zed, the prince of an enemy land if he were here? And would his family go to war to get him back? And Zed was happy with his court in Aldheim, happy leading his people away from physical punishment and slavery… I couldn't ask him to give up all of that for this. This place I struggled to understand with its old-fashioned laws and inequality and physical punishment for petty crimes.

'I'm going to bed,' I told him as I stood up. He frowned but he let me go. As I reached my tent, I heard him speak softly and quietly, as if pained.

'Goodnight, Sky.'

I woke up fairly late the following morning, partly because nobody bothered to wake me for once. I grabbed a change of clothes and made my way to the pool, where I found a sheltered spot to bathe in peace. I washed my body and hair with the jasmine-scented soap that had been left for me and then dressed in my usual attire of crop top and baggy pants, except this time I wore a gold and cream embroidered set. I braided my hair too, in the style I'd seen Jamila replicate many times, and then I headed for breakfast. But three people were already sat at the breakfast table, lounging on cushions around it; my father, Azriel and his father. The conversation stopped when they spotted me and I tensed as Prince Arkane gestured to me with his hand.

'My child, you're just in time for breakfast.' He said with a warm smile. He signalled to the space to his right, a space between him and Azriel, and I sat on the cushion carefully. I was with two members of the council, who were both savants. Now was not the time to be rude.

'Did you sleep well, Your Highness?' Azriel's father was speaking to me and I found myself blushing uncomfortably.

'Yes thank you,' I replied and he gave a nod, clearly looking as uncomfortable as I felt.

'And are you enjoying the oasis?'

'It's beautiful,' I hated small-talk I decided and I quickly sipped my newly-filled glass of orange juice as a distraction. Thankfully, the subject was changed and I tucked into my breakfast as the two fathers discussed politics of some kind. 'I didn't know you'd be here for the party,' I said to Azriel and he gave a nod.

'My whole family are coming. My sister and mother will arrive this evening for it. They dislike travelling at night.' He replied.

'I can understand that. I'm not sure I'd want to be riding through the desert at night either.'

'It has its pros,' He said, 'It's cooler for one thing and the view of the stars is pretty amazing.'

'Yeah,' I gave a small nod, 'Yes they are.'

More people started to arrive that afternoon and more tents were set up around the oasis as nobility made themselves at home. The lake became a swimming pool with wealthy people lounged around it and servants gave massages and special treatments to the nobles that lounged by the water. I kept myself tucked away in my tent and Jamila and Kamina joined me, getting me ready for the party with all kinds of unusual, and some uncomfortable, treatments, before waiting my hands and arms with intricate golden designs of flowers and, as I'd requested, stars.

When I was lathered in moisturising, sweet-smelling skin products and my hair was down in loose curls, with only a few bits pinned back, my make-up was done and then I was dressed in the royal colours; a one-shoulder deep red crop top with golden sequins and beads and embroidery woven in with a matching skirt that skimmed the floor. I wore golden heels and golden cuffs on my arms but this time there was no tiara. Instead, I was brought a mask made from delicately twined gold. It was tied onto my face, framing my eyes perfectly and it made me understand why they'd spent so long on my eye makeup. Attention was drawn to my eyes, which seemed even bluer than normal and looked as if a golden circle surrounded my pupils.

'Is everything to your liking, Your Highness?' Jamila asked.

'Yes thank you.' I nodded. I just wished that Zed were here to join me.

The party started at sunset and I left my tent, making my way towards all of the masked strangers. With everyone in their finery and not a single tiara or crown in sight, we all seemed to blend in, our identities hidden by our masks. Prince Arkane, however, was fairly easy to spot because of his silver hair and in a sea of people with dark hair, I was certain I was recognisable too. Even so, nobody bowed or curtsied, people just spoke to each other and laughed and danced as food and drink was passed around by servants dressed in their usual black. I grabbed a glass of wine and downed it as I watched the party-goers, not quite ready to approach anyone, and then I grabbed another glass.

But someone approached me.

Two someones in fact.

'Your dress is to die for!' Said the tallest girl.

'Where is it from?' Asked the shortest. From their grins, I knew exactly who they were and I had no doubt that they knew who I was too, thanks to my hair colour. Perhaps I should have asked for it to be dyed for the evening, like the tattoos covering my hands and wrists.

'Only the best tailors in the capital, or so I have been told.' I replied and the girls giggled.

'And we have the best tailors in the world,' Azriel said, appearing in a green tunic with a silver mask shielding his identity but not his voice.

'We do!' A familiar sigh from Kat but my attention was drawn away from them. A young woman dressed in a deep green was walking across the sand with a man dressed in a navy tunic and a silver mask on his face. There was something almost familiar about how he walked but I shook away the feeling quickly. Zed was hundreds of miles away and he did not have facial hair like this man or gelled-back hair and he certainly did not wear Silvanian clothing. Even from a few metres away, I noticed him look my way and I turned away quickly, taking a gulp of my wine and weaving my way through the crowds. I watched as my father danced with two masked ladies and I leaned against a large rock as I looked up at the now-dark night sky.

'Want to dance?' Azriel had followed me. Of course he had.

'Not really.' I replied.

'Wallowing won't get you far, you know,' He said. 'You can mope about your whole life or you can make the most of what you've got and make change happen. It's your call, princess.' He pushed himself off of the rock and left me to, as he put it, wallow.

Two glasses of wine later and I found myself tapping my feet to the music that filled the empty desert and echoed off of the rocks. Most people were dancing now and a few were smoking from pipes, lounged on cushions whilst servants continued to keep the wine flowing. Midnight couldn't be far away and the moon and stars were watching us overhead.

A silhouette appeared in front of me, the glowing lights behind them and just lighting up their outline. I leaned back slightly and a hand was held out for me. An invitation. He tilted his head slightly and the lights of the lanterns reflected off of his silver mask and the silver thread woven into his navy tunic. Where was the girl in green he'd arrived with? I turned my head and saw her dancing happily with some other man, her head thrown back as she laughed. Had she abandoned her date? I looked back at the man who still held out his hand for me and I wasn't sure if it was the wine or Azriel's words that spurred me into action, but I took his hand. He smiled and wordlessly led me to the dancefloor.

The song playing was a fast one and I danced around him, neither of us touching each other as I danced the flawless moves I'd been taught just like the other partygoers. He seemed a little rusty with this type of dancing and instead of watching other men to see what he needed to do, his eyes did not leave me, which would have made me feel uncomfortable if it were not for the wine. The song ended and everyone applauded and then a new one started. The music started slow and then the rhythm changed and my breath caught in my throat.

'And I'd give up forever to touch you,

'Cause I know that you feel me somehow

You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be

And I don't want to go home right now.'

Couples around us moved to dance together but I was frozen as the tears filled my eyes.

'And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
And sooner or later it's over
I just don't wanna miss you tonight.' But then a hand took my left hand and I turned just as the stranger brought my left hand to his lips, kissing the spot just above where my engagement ring sat.

My heart thudded as I whispered for just us to hear, 'Zed?'

'Shh,' He said softly and he placed a hand on the small of my back, moving us into a slow waltz like those around us.

Goosebumps scattered across my body, sparking from where his hand touched my bare waist and I relaxed into his embrace as I held in the tears that threatened to fall. As we turned, his deep blue eyes caught the light and I saw that his were damp too. I had so much to say and so much to ask but we kept quiet as we danced together and he didn't say anything until the song was over, when he grabbed two cups of wine and pulled me away from the party. We ducked behind the rocks, away from prying eyes, and walked through the trees until we were in a spot by the water. And then, when I was certain no one could see, I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips to his. Zed pulled my body tightly against him as he kissed me back, his hands touching every possible part of me carefully like I wasn't real. He was first to pull away and he removed my mask as well as his lips.

'My love,' He whispered softly, his eyes shining with tears. His thumbs stroked my cheeks as he held me there, looking into my eyes. 'I'm so glad you're okay.'

'I've missed you.' I whispered and he pressed his lips to my forehead as I removed his mask. I traced his hair-covered jawline with my finger and he caught my hand, pressing a kiss to it.

'I've missed you.' He replied. 'I was so worried I'd never see you again.'

'How… how are you here?' I asked.

'Rowan and I boarded a ship as soon as we could,' He said, 'Lady Evelyn told me everything… I'm so sorry, my love.'

'It's been a lot to take in.' I turned away from him and he caught my hand, stopping me from escaping. 'And I'd understand if you didn't want to marry me anymore.'

'Why on earth would you say that?' He asked, the hurt evident in his voice.

'Because of who my father is… Zed, he's killed people and my ancestors have been at war with your people… they're enemies.'

'I don't care who your father is.' He replied. 'You are my soulfinder.'

'And I'm heir to the throne.' My voice was weak.

'We'll go back to Aldheim,' He said, 'Stuff his throne.'

A firework went off and then another, signalling the new year. I jumped at the sound and then Zed pulled me into his arms.

'Everything is such a mess, Zed,' I said as a tear finally escaped and rolled down my cheek. 'What are we going to do?'

Zed let out a low growl, pushing me behind him in defence and I turned my head as a shadow walked out of the forest with three shadows flanking him.

'Well, well, well,' The voice I feared said, 'What do we have here?'