Aisling

'You know Aisling, you are far better at this than I thought you were going to be,' Michael told me as we were going through a simple book, one I'm sure was designed for children. We were in his room and I had noticed when he brought me here after breakfast that it was nothing like Adam's. His was filled with books. Every surface had an opened, half finished book. As if every time he sat down he would begin another, forgetting he had already started the one before.

We had started with the alphabet which I realised I knew more than I thought. We quickly moved on to reading an actual book and whilst it was frustrating seeing the letters pushed together to form words that I didn't know how to say I was eager to learn. It was slow and tedious but Michael was patient and kind, never getting frustrated with my slow progress. We worked through lunch and Michael had one of the butlers bring something up for us to eat. He tried to tell me I couldn't learn to read in a day but I was determined. I wanted to know what the words were saying. I wanted to know the stories they were trying to tell.

'I know a little I guess but all those words were so big and confusing yesterday. I was terrified and ashamed because everyone else seemed to know what was happening and I didn't,' I answered quietly, flipping another page in the book.

'So no one ever taught you to read?' He asked curiously and I shook my head focusing on the words, trying to understand what they meant. I sounded out the letters under my breath until the word started to form and then I moved onto the next one. Eventually, I could read the entire sentence and understand the meanings behind the sounds.

'You never went to school?' He questioned.

'No, the best I could do was read magazine titles and try and match them to the sounds others would make when saying them.'

'How did you write that message on Adam's wall?' He asked and slowly I reach into the hidden pocket of my dress and pull out the message Marinda had written for me to copy. Before she disappeared that day I asked her to write out the message. I envied her perfect looping writing.

'Marinda wrote what I wanted to say and then I copied it onto his wall.' I explained. I had kept the note because it was the first thing I had ever written other than my name.

'You know he left it on his wall?'

'Why would he do that?' I questioned, a little excited that the first words I had ever written were still on Adam's wall.

'He likes you Aisling. A lot.'

'Doesn't matter,' I mumbled returning my attention to the book. Michael sat beside me quietly watching and listening as I stumbled through. Eventually, he took the book from me, looking down at his watch.

'We have to go,' he announced setting the book aside.

'What, where?' I asked, dumbfounded. I wanted to keep reading, I wanted to know everything.

'Adam organised that gathering in the garden for this afternoon and I think we might already be late.'

'What gathering? Do I have to go?' I complained.

'You're one of the selected, I think you're obligated to attend anything he organises,' he chuckled helping me to my feet. I was less than cooperative in his efforts to drag me from his room.

'What will they do if I don't go?' I whined as he finally got me out to the corridor.

'Maybe he'll send you home?' He said and I felt a smile spread across my face.

'Really?' I asked hopefully as I dug my heels into the floor, but unfortunately there was little traction on marble floors and Michael was successful in dragging me down the corridor to the stairs.

'Maybe in your case he'll force you to spend more time with him,' he laughed as I trudged grudgingly down the stairs beside him.

'Wonderful,' I grumbled.

'Come on it might be fun. I heard he has all kinds of things planned,' He tried to convince me but I was dreading being around all those girls. Especially if Adam decided to single me out again.

Adam

I had organised for all the selected to attend a party of sorts out in the gardens today, taking some of my sister's advice. Not that it was rare for me to do. I wanted to get their thoughts away from what happened yesterday and I needed the distraction as well.

After Aisling showed me the tree, the guards quickly came to find us. One of them, a woman named Jordan, quickly ushered us both away as the others started to investigate the tree. Aisling was quickly escorted back to her rooms and my parents were called. When my mother saw the tree and the note that was left behind she went pale and my father was quickly at her side pulling her close trying to reassure her. I watched everything with unseeing eyes. All I saw were the words playing out across my vision, over and over again.

I returned to my room that night but I didn't sleep. All I could do was stare blankly above me as I lay on my back, watching the moon's progression through the night's sky play out across my ceiling. A million questions kept running through my head, keeping my mind from giving into sleep.

How were they going to do it? Would I be poisoned, like they suspected the tree had been? Would they attack at night as the palace slept or would they do it during the day for everyone to see? My greatest fear was when? If they could get close enough to poison the tree in my mother's garden how long would it take for the to reach me? How many innocent people would perish in their pursuit of my death?

I needed a distraction from my dangerous thoughts so I planned this garden party, or I told Anne my idea and she planned it.

My parents and my sisters were sitting in the shade of the trees, my father with his camera taking snaps here and there like he usually did at any gathering. All of the girls had already arrived and were milling around by the tables, chatting and laughing as if yesterday was simply a bad dream. However, I noticed there was one girl missing and I wasn't really surprised.

However, when she did arrive I was more than stunned, I was angry. What was she doing with Michael again? Not only was she with Michael but she looked like she was enjoying his company and it only made me angrier.

'Your highness,' a musical voice chimed beside me and slowly I wiped my face clear of anger and turned to face her. My eyes quickly flitted across her golden name tag before settling on her eyes.

'Lady Melody,' I smiled, hoping it wasn't a grimace. She was one of the girls I had comforted yesterday. How could I have forgotten her name so quickly?

I was actively trying to keep my eyes away from Aisling but they drifted to her and I saw a girl wearing a miniature purple top hat on her head skip towards her with a wide smile on her face. What was her name?

'I was wondering if you wanted to play a game?' Melody asked nervously and I guiltily dragged my eyes back to her.

'Of course, that would be wonderful,' I agreed. If Aisling was going to spend time with my brother, fine. Let's see how she liked it when I spent time with the other girls.

Melody was beaming in front of me and I followed her over to where the mallets were. Anne had organised for an old fashioned garden party game to be set up. Apparently, it was once played all across England, especially by the nobility and elite of society. As far as I could tell it was just people hitting balls through miniature arches. It didn't seem so hard.

'Michael,' I called. Did he need to stand so close to her? 'Care for a round of Croquet?'

He lent over to Aisling and spoke to her and I felt something begin to boil in my veins. She answered with a shrug of her small shoulders and the two started moving over towards us. I realised the other girls were all watching us as well.

Anne came over and tried to explain the rules to us and it only made my head hurt. This apparently wasn't as easy as I thought it was going to be. It was decided Melody and I would go first. Melody took her shot then Michael followed. Anne tried to keep order but it was obvious none of us had any idea how to play this game.

I eyed my brother for most of the chaos some called croquet and I hated every time she would smile at him or they would laugh at something with their heads together.

'Adam?' Melody asked beside me and I shook myself trying not to watch as Aisling laughed at something Michael had said. 'It's your turn.'

'Right, sorry,' I apologised walking up and hitting my ball in the vague direction of one of the hoops. The other girls clapped politely, but I ignored them as Aisling moved up to take her own shot. She walked close by me and I couldn't keep my words to myself.

'What are you doing?' I asked harshly and she shot me a confused but furiously look.

'I'm playing the game,' she shot back.

'What game is that?' I asked as she stormed away from me to hit her ball. I watched as she lined herself up with a mallet that was far too big for her. She set herself and then took her swing.

I'm not sure how it happened but all of a sudden there was a shooting pain through my leg and I cried out reaching for it. When I looked down I realised the mallet she had been holding now lay at my feet. I looked up to see the shocked expression on her face as she stood with her arms still raised where she had released the mallet. The rest of the girls had gone silent as they waited for my reaction. Suddenly, out of the silence the girl in the top hat and cowboy boots stepped forward with a wide smile on her face, looking straight at Aisling.

'Off with her head,' she cried, raising her fist to the sky and Aisling looked over at her in confusion.

'I-I…' She stuttered looking between me and the girl.

'Oh prince Adam, are you all right?' Melody asked, rushing up to my side.

'I'm fine, it's nothing,' I grumbled rubbing the growing lump on my shin. I looked over at her with a smile that she eagerly returned, blushing slightly. The light pink colour made her dark eyes sparkle and I couldn't help but think she was a very beautiful young woman. However, immediately my attention was taken from her when I noticed Michael walking over to Aisling, an amused smile on his face.

Aisling looked up at him, a little alarmed by everything that had just happened but I noticed she relaxed slightly when he rested his hand on her shoulder reassuringly with a quiet chuckle. Out of nowhere, top hat girl bundled over and took Aisling's hand leading her away from the forgotten match, Michael following closely behind the two. Shaking his head and still laughing.

'Can I get you anything, prince Adam?' Melody asked in her musical voice.

'No its fine, I promise, why don't we let the other's have a turn and we can go and get something to eat together?' I smiled warmly and watched as her face changed into a looked of utter exuberance.

'Really?' She asked through her unmasked excitement.

'Of course,' I laughed. Had I really be so rude to all the other girls? I had been spending a lot of time with Aisling and she didn't even want me there.

Amberly

'Amberly, what are you doing?' Elliot asked barrelling into my room. I tried to turn so I could see him but the dress maker glared at me and huffed in annoyance so I remained facing the way I was, keeping my eyes focused on the blue sky outside my window. The little bundle of energy bounded in front of me, looking at me with wide eyes.

'I'm having my dress fitted for the ball on Friday Elliot,' I explained as he reached out to touch the beading along my waist.

'Did you steal the stars Amberly?' He whispered, so the dress maker couldn't hear.

'No, I borrowed some fireflies,' I answered, smiling at the little boy who thought it was completely acceptable to steal stars to put on a dress.

'It's very pretty,' he replied stepping back.

'Thank you Elliot,' I smiled running my hand along the pale blue fabric of my ball gown. 'Did you need me for something?'

'No, Anthony sent me to spy on you, but he told me not to tell you,' he replied, still staring at the captured fireflies at my waist.

'Why did he do that Elliot?'

'He wanted to know what you were doing,' he answered simply, looking up at me. 'Can we go play in the garden when you're done?'

'Of course, what are you planning on doing this time?' I laughed. The last time I played in the garden with him we jumped in the puddles until we were both sopping wet and covered in mud. Somehow we managed to sneak back through the castle without anyone noticing. Unfortunately, we left a trail of mud behind and somehow queen Olivier had placed the blame on a very bewildered Anthony at dinner that night. Elliot and I sat, with our heads together, sniggering as his older brother was scolded for something we had done.

'My dad gave me a map,' he announced producing a piece of paper that someone had gone to great lengths to make look like a pirate's treasure map. 'He told me there is buried treasure in the gardens. He said a pirate captain broke into the gardens years ago and buried his treasure before he disappeared, never to be seen again.'

'Well, where does the map say the treasure is?' I asked seriously trying not to wince as the dressmaker pricked me with a pin.

'Dad said the pirate had lost his mind so it's going to be hard to understand,' he said twisting the map several different ways, his face scrunched up in concentration.

'I guess you're going to need my help then. I'm a brilliant map reader,' I smiled reaching for the map. Looking at it I realised it was just a collection of symbols and I furrowed my brow in concentration.

'Well, where is it?' Elliot asked eagerly, jumping up and down trying to read the map over my shoulder. The dress maker looked at him in annoyance as he got in her way, but he was oblivious.

'Well, you see this symbol here?' I asked, pointing to where there was a picture of the royal family's crest at the very top of the map.

'Yes, it looks like the one on the big gates,' Elliot said excitedly.

'Exactly what I was thinking,' I agreed emphatically.

'It's hidden at the gates?' He asked eagerly but I shook my head.

'No, but I think that's where we should start and then we follow the instructions on this map.' I explained looking back down at the map.

'I'm finished your highness,' the dressmaker announced and I quickly stepped down from the stool I had been standing on for the past hour.

'Thank you,' I answered ducking behind the screen to take off the elegant gown. 'Elliot why don't you report back to Anthony and then we can go look for the buried treasure?'

'Okay,' came his excited voice as I heard his tiny footsteps run from the room. That boy had more charm than all the men in his family combined.

Anthony

I had been hiding in the bushes behind the greenhouse for an hour now and my wig was beginning to burn my head and the fake sword I had tied around my waist was digging into my leg from the uncomfortable position I had been sitting in. However, they would be here soon so I couldn't risk moving.

When Elliot had come barrelling into my office after I had asked him to check to see what Amberly was doing he told me they were going on a treasure hunt to find a pirate's buried treasure. He ran out just as quickly and I knew I wasn't going to get any more work done for the rest of the day. I hadn't done that much as it was because I had been thinking about Amberly the entire time, wondering what she was doing.

Now I was sitting in my disguise waiting for them to find the location of the buried treasure my father had hidden for Elliot. I had begged him to tell me where it was and he enjoyed my pleading far too much. Eventually, he relented and revealed the secret location so I could scare the two treasure hunters.

Finally, I heard Elliot's voice drifting through the garden and I prepared myself to surprise the two of them.

'Come on Amberly, hurry up. We're almost there,' Elliot whined and I could imagine him pulling her along by the hand, jumping up and down in his excitement.

'I'm hurrying Elliot,' Amberly assured him and I could almost hear the smile in her voice. As soon as I saw their feet under the bushes I readjusted my eyepatch and jumped out from my hiding spot.

'Get ye fithly hands off me-,' Amberly screeched and suddenly I found myself flat on my back staring up at the rare blue sky, a blinding pain flashing through my head.

'Oh my goodness, Anthony, I'm so sorry,' she apologised kneeling beside me, dropping the shovel she had been holding.

'Ow,' I moaned, running my hand along my forehead and already feeling a bump appear.

'Im so sorry, are you okay?' She asked in concern, pulling my hand away from my head and holding it in hers before running her other hand over my forehead. I winced slightly when her fingers glided over my growing bump but I was enjoying her closeness too much to complain.

'You hit me with a shovel?' I asked a little bemused.

'You jumped out at us without warning,' she accused and I noticed the frustrated gleam in her eye. I would have laughed, if my head didn't hurt so much. I was the one lying on the ground with a bump on my head and she was angry at me.

'I was being a pirate,' I answered as Elliot came up beside me.

'You were a very good pirate Anthony, but you got beaten by a girl,' he said looking at Amberly.

'I didn't mean to hit him,' Amberly answered in frustration.

'A shovel?' I asked a little amused as the pain in my head began to subside.

'We were going to use it to dig up the treasure,' Elliot explained.

'I see Amberly came up with a better use for it,' I mused.

'You're impossible. I said I was sorry,' she huffed. 'What more do you want from me?'

'How about a kiss love?' I smiled mischievously.

'Yeah, you should kiss him Amberly,' my brother encouraged. Good boy, I'd have to remember to thank him later.

'You're insane,' she muttered but I could see the smile hiding in her eyes.

'Well?' I prompted, pushing up on my elbows.

'Fine,' she sighed, leaning over and placing a quick kiss on my lips.

'Oh no, that's not good enough,' I scolded, pushing myself the whole way up.

'I kissed you. You saw Elliot?' She asked, turning to Elliot for support, but he was already off trying to find where the buried treasure was hidden. The offending shovel in his hand.

'I want a real kiss,' I whispered, seeing how far I could push her. We hadn't kissed since that day in the ruined palace.

'I already gave you a kiss,' she replied weakly and I watched in triumph as her eyes flicked down to my lips then back to my eyes.

'You know that wasn't a real kiss,' I smiled, pushing some of the hair from her face. I leaned in slowly, cautiously, afraid she might pull away from me. However, she remained perfectly still as I inched closer, her eyes were now solely focused on my lips and I felt my smile grow even wider.

Gently, I cupped her cheek in my hand, feeling her soft, warm skin brush against my palm and I pulled her towards me until our lips finally met. Like last time I felt the fireworks explode in my chest, pleading with me to pull her closer, but she was never close enough. Eventually, her stiff body melted against mine and I felt her arms wrap around my neck, trying to pull me even closer to her. Why was she always fighting this so much? After what felt like moments we were interrupted by my younger brother and I revoked my promise to thank him later.

'I found it, I found it!' He exclaimed from somewhere behind the greenhouse. 'Amberly, Anthony, I found it. Quick, come here.'

I groaned into Amberly's lips and felt her smile against mine.

'I guess we should go and see what he's found,' I muttered, but refused to let her go and I noticed her arms were still wrapped around my neck, tightly.

'I suppose,' she replied quietly.

Stealing one last kiss, I pushed away from her and got to my feet, extending my hand to help her up.

'You know, I've never kissed a pirate before,' she chuckled as we walked over to where Elliot was. I kept her hand firmly in mine and she didn't seem to rebel against it as she usually did.

'Don't get used to it, I heard you're engaged to a very charming prince,' I smiled looking over at her, loving how her hair fluttered slightly in the afternoon breeze, her familiar scent drifting over to me.

'He's not that charming,' she smirked.

'Amberly, look. I found it,' Elliot announced proudly lifting up the chest my father had buried earlier. It was covered in dirt and so was Elliot.

'Wow, what's inside?' She asked, still not letting go of my hand.

'Treasure, silly,' Elliot replied setting it on the ground and opening the lid to reveal an assortment of treasure like items. Elliot quickly rifled through it in awe before closing it and lifting it in his tiny arms.

'I'm going to find dad and show him what I found,' he announced, marching off with his loot.

'Jared isn't going to be happy,' I mused as Amberly and I followed my brother back to the castle.

'Why?'

'That was all stuff my father must have stolen from his room,' I answered just imagining Jared's reaction when he saw Elliot walking around with his watch on.

'Your father is insane,' Amberly chuckled, shaking her head at my wayward father.

'That he is.'

Aisling

'You threw your mallet at him,' Michael repeated for what felt like the hundredth time, through his endless laughter.

'It's not funny Michael, I didn't mean to do it,' I companied as the three of us sat underneath one of the many trees in the garden, as far away from the garden party as possible.

'I'm not sure whose face was funnier? His or yours?' Alice giggled. Her tiny top hat wobbling precariously on her head. The pink feather swaying crazily.

'It was an accident,' I beseeched the two of them. They were being ridiculous. I was so embarrassed over what had happened. I may not like Adam sometimes but I didn't want to physically harm him.

'It was hilarious,' Alice gasped rolling on the ground in laughter.

'I'm a horrible person, I should go and apologise,' I groaned, pushing myself to my feet.

'I'm sure he's fine Aisling,' Michael tried to reassure me through his chuckles.

'Then what am I going to do Michael?' I demanded.

'Sit down and enjoy the afternoon. Any afternoon without one of Marinda's tricks is a good one,' he smiled, leaning back with his arms folded under his head and closing his eyes. I shuffled for a minute and then flopped down on the pillow soft grass again.

'Fine,' I sighed.

'You know Aisling, I think the prince was quite angry with you before you so viciously hit him with your mallet,' Alice mused.

'I didn't…oh never mind,' I breathed resting my head in my hands.

'I don't think he liked seeing you with prince Michael here,' Alice continued and I felt Michael sit up beside me and I looked over at him through my hands.

'How angry did he look?' Michael asked worriedly.

'Like he wanted to throw a mallet at you,' Alice giggled, rolling on the grass again.

'Is she all right?' Michael asked me, looking worriedly at Alice.

'No one knows,' I mumbled, looking over at Alice.

'I don't want Adam angry with me,' Michael said.

'That's all right I think after the whole croquet debacle he might be more angry with me than you.' I grumbled.

'You two are silly,' Alice said sitting up to look at the two of us.

'Aisling, I'm not sure that boy could be angry with you if you tried and I'm sure you already have,' she winked. 'And you Michael, he's only mad at you because you're spending time with her when he isn't.'

'What are you talking about Alice?' I asked a little annoyed.

'It's so obvious the prince was jealous,' Alice said, in a matter of fact tone.

'What? That's ridiculous,' I scoffed. She truly wasn't in this world.

'Why would Adam be jealous?' Michael asked over the top of me.

'She willing spends time with you but refuses all of Adam's attempts. The poor boy is starved of attention and Aisling is giving it all to you,' Alice explained.

'That's insane. There are over twenty girls out there who want his attention,' I answered motioning to the garden party, which was still going on in the distance.

'None of them are you,' Alice answered simply.

'You know what, you're crazier than usual Alice. I'm going back and I'm going to apologise.' I announced getting to my feet again. 'Adam was not jealous.' I said adamantly, but I didn't miss Alice's laughter as I turned my back and stormed away but I didn't care. She was wrong. None of this made any sense. Why would Adam be jealous of his own brother?

Once I was back at the party I scanned the area for Adam but all I could see were the other girls in brightly coloured dresses, drinking tea, laughing and playing croquet. Where was he?

I walked slowly around the edge of the gathering, keeping as far away from the other girls as possible. I ignored the sneering faces of the 'willows,' when I strode past them and finally found Adam sitting off at one of the white metal tables speaking to one of the other girls. As I approached I noticed he had a warm smile on his face and seemed to be enjoying the other girl's company. I faltered for a moment uncertain if I should interrupt but I needed to get this over with.

'Adam?' I asked, when I stood close behind his chair. Immediately, the girl's shot up to me and there was no questioning that she was unhappy about the interruption. 'Sorry, I was wondering if I could speak with you for a minute?' I asked ignoring her eyes that appeared to be trying to set me alight.

'Lady Aisling, I'm busy at the moment,' he answered coldly without turning to face me.

'Look Adam, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to let it go, it was an accident.' The girl continued to look at me incredulously, her eyes flaming when I referred to him as Adam.

'Lady Aisling, I don't really want to speak with you right now,' he answered sharply and I felt the sting hit me right in the face.

'Oh, I'm sorry,' I muttered. 'I just…I'm sorry.' I quickly backed away from him and almost ran from the gardens in my haste. I stumbled through the palace until I came across the doors which led to the bench Michael found me on yesterday and I sunk down in it, hurt and confused. What had just happened?

Why did I care whether he was angry at me or not? If anything I should be happy that he was mad with me. Maybe now he will finally send me away.

Then why did I feel this sharp pain in my chest and why were there tears threatening to choke me.

I don't know how long I sat on the bench until someone found me but when they did I wasn't happy to see who it was. By this time I had righted my mind and strengthened my resolve. I didn't care that Adam seemed to be mad at me anymore. It was a good thing. It just meant I was one step closer to escaping and one step closer to finally achieving mine and Flora's dream. However, I wasn't ready for the two girls who were walking towards me with determined looks on their faces.

'Hello, Lady Aisling,' Poppy greeted in her annoyingly high pitched voice.

'Hello, Lady Poppy,' I replied quietly, hoping if I seemed disinterested they might leave. Sadly, I was mistaken.

'We see you might not be the prince's favourite for much longer. Especially after that display today,' Poppy sneered, leaning down so her face was level with mine, but I refused to lift my eyes to hers.

'I'm not his favourite,' I muttered.

'Maybe not now, but we're not going to risk you getting back in his favour,' She threatened.

'What are you going to do?' I asked, finally raising my eyes to hers. Suddenly, her hand was wrapped around my wrist and she pulled me roughly to my feet so she was towering over me with her accomplice Madeline by her side.

'Leave the prince alone, Lady Aisling. He doesn't want you,' she hissed. 'You aren't special, there is nothing remarkable about you and yet he still insists on spending time with you.'

'I don't control the prince's actions,' I shot back, feeling my anger begin to grow.

'Poor little Aisling, too weak to protect herself, she needs the prince to fight all her battles,' Madeline mocked in a sing song voice.

'That's not true,' I answered quietly, feeling the anger drain from me and hopelessness quickly fill its place.

'Really, why did he bring you here Aisling?' Poppy demanded. 'He'll never love you, you'll never be his princess. You're too weak, too small, too worthless.' She spat and I stiffened at her words but my anger had returned. I didn't need Adam to protect me.

'If that were true, why are you so intent on making me feel small. If I were as weak and worthless as you claim, then why are you here now trying to threaten me?' I challenged and I watched her anger consume her features. I felt triumph wash over me, because she knew I was right. I was so distracted by Poppy that I didn't even notice what Madeline was doing. So when her arm struck me in my side I immediately crumpled to the ground in agonising pain. My injuries still hadn't healed fully from what Malvolia had done and Madeline only aggravated them further.

Hot tears pooled in my eyes as I struggled to get air into my lungs whilst the two girls loomed over me. However, every time I tried to take a breath another wave of pain washed over me.

'Stay away from him Aisling,' Poppy threatened before the two strode away, leaving me curled up on my side.

A few minutes later I heard a guard's startled shout and suddenly he was by my side, kneeling over me.

'Lady Zander, are you all right? What happened?' He asked in a slightly panicked voice. Gingerly, I tried to push myself up and the guard noticing my struggle quickly wrapped his arm around me and helped me into a sitting position.

'What happened?' He repeated, when I sat leaning against the stone bench, taking shallow, painful breaths.

'Nothing, I-I…I just tripped,' I answered unconvincingly. I looked down at my knees, away from the guard and noticed there were cuts and scrapes on them, as well as a tear on my right sleeve and I covered it quickly. I knew the guard didn't believe me but I ignore his skeptical stare.

'Can you help me up?' I asked, pushing up off the bench with great difficulty. The guard quickly scrambled to his feet and wrapped an arm around my waist supporting most of my weight. The entire process was excruciating but all I knew was I needed to get out of the gardens.

'Miss, should I get someone? The prince?' He suggested and I bristled at the idea. I didn't need his help and I wasn't sure after today whether he would offer it to me anyway.

'No!' I all but shouted in reply, clinging to his other hand to keep me steady. 'He doesn't need to know about this.'

'Are you sure?' He asked dubiously.

'Yes, now would you mind helping me back to my room. I think I need to lie down,' I asked as dizziness started to wash over me. He tightened his arm around my waist as I swayed slightly, continuing to take my painfully shallow breaths.

'Ready,' he asked and I nodded my affirmation.

It took a long time to reach my room and when we finally did I collapsed on my bed in exhaustion. Thankfully, my maids weren't inside so no one was there to fuss over me. I just wanted to be alone.

'Thank you,' I muttered to the guard as my eyes fell closed. I heard him hurriedly leave the room and before I knew it my doors slammed open and a frantic prince was running to my side. A guilty guard trailing behind him.

'Traitor,' I muttered, clenching my eyes closed trying to keep the pain at bay.

'Aisling, what happened?' Adam demanded, kneeling beside my bed and taking one of my hands in his.

'I told him it was nothing, I just fell. You didn't need to rush up here,' I opened my eyes to glare at the uncomfortable guard and he looked at the prince's back nervously.

'Nothing?' He demanded, outraged. 'You're as white as a sheet. Officer Frankson was right to come and get me. Thank you officer.' Adam nodded and the officer bowed to Adam and shut the door behind him as he left. Then I was alone in my room with the fuming Adam and I knew this was going to be a long conversation.

'Adam, I'm fine. I promise it was nothing,' I reassured him but I could see he wasn't satisfied with my assurances.

'Stop saying that nothing happened. You have cuts and scratches on your legs and the sleeve of your dress is torn. Not to mention you're struggling to breathe. Don't lie to me Aisling,' he warned in a low voice.

'I'm not, I just had a little fall, I'm clumsy,' I tried to convince him but I could tell he wasn't buying into my lies.

'I've seen you leap from branches with ease. You are not clumsy.' He stated firmly and I was left grasping, desperately for excuses. I didn't need him to get involved. I could handle this on my own.

'Who did this Aisling?' He demanded, his anger starting to get the better of him.

'No one, I did it to myself,' I assured him but he wasn't focused on me anymore. His eyes had drifted to the wrist of the hand he was holding and I watched as his eyes grew wide. I looked down at my wrist and realised there was a bruise blossoming and there was no denying it looked like a handprint. I turned back to find fury in Adam's eyes and I knew my lies weren't going to hold.

'Aisling, this bruise,' he motioned to my wrist angrily. 'It's as if someone was gripping your wrist tightly. I want the truth, now.' He ground out and I wondered when he was going to let his anger spill over.

'I bruise easily,' I replied flatly, looking away from him.

'Aisling,' he warned.

'Some of the girls are unhappy with all the time you spend with me,' I whispered, still not returning my eyes to him.

'What? One of the selected girls did this?' He asked in shock and I wondered who he thought it might have been.

'They're right you do spend too much time with me. You need to spend time with the others. I'm not worth it. I shouldn't have interrupted you today, with that girl. I'm sorry,' I whispered.

'Aisling,' he sighed. 'It's never all right for someone to hurt you. Please don't apologise to me. I should be apologising to you. I shouldn't have acted the way I did this afternoon.'

'No, you should be angry with me, I was interrupting another girl's chances to win your heart.'

'Let's forget about that, I need to know who did this to you. Who was it?' He demanded quickly changing the subject back to my attackers.

'I can deal with them. I don't need you jumping to my rescue all the time,' I answered angrily, remembering Poppy's words.

'Aisling, I'm not going to let them get away with hurting you. I need to protect you,' He said trying to rest his palm on my cheek but I jerked away and his face contoured into a mix of hurt and despair.

'I said I can handle it,' I seethed.

'Aisling-,'

'No, I am strong,' I cut across him firmly.

'I know you are, you're stronger than anyone I've ever met,' he said earnestly. 'But don't mistake strength for stubbornness. Sometimes, showing strength doesn't mean handling everything on our own. Sometimes, the strong ones are those who admit they need help. Let me help you Aisling.'

Adam

I watched as her face twisted into a mask of confusion as she thought over my words but all I could think about was who had done this to her. How could I have let something like this happen to her again? I vowed I would protect her and instead I angrily sent her away and she suffered because of my selfish actions.

I wished I could end this competition now, but I knew she wasn't ready. If I thought she would say yes I would propose to her now but she wasn't. I needed to be patient otherwise not only would I be rejected but the country wouldn't trust any of my future decisions if I couldn't even convince Aisling to be my wife.

'Adam?' She asked in a small voice, bringing me back from my thoughts.

'Yes, my dear?' I murmured moving closer to her. For the first time in my life it felt wrong to refer to her as that. She was more than that, she was more that just dear to me.

'It was Poppy and Madeline,' she breathed and I almost missed it. For a second I wondered if I had imagined her words, they were so quiet.

'Poppy and Madeline?' I asked, seeking her confirmation and she gave an almost imperceptible nod of her head watching me carefully. I felt anger rip through my body but I tried to keep it from my face. If those two were capable of this I should have already sent them home before they could hurt Aisling this way. My poor judgement and lack of interest in this competition had put Aisling in danger. This was all my fault and she had suffered because of it. Why was I never able to protect her?

'Adam, you're hurting me,' she whispered hesitantly and I realised I had her hand in a bone crushing hold. I quickly released it in alarm.

'Sorry,' I muttered, trying to get my emotions under control again.

'I'm sorry Adam,' she whispered, turning her sad and wounded green eyes from me.

'Why are you apologising?' I asked, confused. What had she done wrong?

'I'm always causing trouble or getting hurt. Aren't you tired of saving me?' She asked in a low voice never bringing her eyes back to me.

'Aisling look at me, please,' I begged in a gentle voice, desperate to see her eyes when I said what I needed to say. 'I will always protect you Aisling. I want you to be safe, I need you to be safe.'

'Why do you care about me?' She questioned, locking her eyes with mine.

'Aisling, you're the person I care about most,' I smiled sadly. Why couldn't she see it? She was always so busy with her head up in the stars that she refused to see me. She refused to dream of a life with me.

'Why?' She asked in a defeated voice.

'I can't believe you don't see it. It obvious to everyone else but you,' I laughed humourlessly.

'I don't understand,' she whispered in confusion.

'You will,' I assured her. 'For now, why don't you get some rest. I need to go and deal with something.' I said getting to my feet and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. Thankfully, she didn't pull away from me.

'Don't eliminate them,' she begged, looking up at me with fear in her eyes. She was trying to hide it but I could see it clearly in her terrified green eyes.

'They hurt you Aisling, they can't stay here,' I answered firmly, turning from her. I didn't care either way. I had never spent any time with the two of them but if they could hurt Aisling I couldn't keep them here.

'The other girls will hate me,' she whispered. 'They already do.'

'Then they can leave as well,' I answered without hesitation.

'There will be no one left.'

'You'll be here and that's what I have wanted from the beginning,' I replied, leaving her room before she could protest anymore. Those girls would be leaving tonight and any others who tried to hurt Aisling. I may have been angry with her this afternoon, seeing her with Michael, but I never wanted to see her hurt again.

The two girls were overdramatic when I asked them to leave. Tears flowed freely down each of their faces but I didn't comfort them. I was too angry to pity them. I made it clear why they were leaving and that they were to be out of the palace that night. I wouldn't tolerate women who were so vicious in their pursuit of my affections.

When I was walking back from their rooms I stopped by the officer who had found Aisling.

'Officer Frankson,' I greeted at he stood tall before me. 'I wanted to thank you for helping Lady Aisling and for notifying me even though she instructed you not to.'

'I thought you would want to know. It was very suspicious and only moments before I found her I saw two girls walk past. I didn't catch their names I'm sorry,' he answered guiltily.

'No, its fine you did an excellent job and the two girls have already been identified and are leaving the palace as we speak.' I informed him and watched as he let out a relieved breath.

'What I wanted to discuss with you was Lady Aisling's safety.' I started and he stood tall again, eager to please. 'I want you to stand guard at her door and follow her when she leaves. Of course you can't go in the women's room but other times, I want you there.'

'Your highness, I'm not sure she would take kindly to be followed,' he answered hesitantly.

'I know, she will hate it I'm sure, but I need her to be safe. I can't be by her side all the time and I fear some of the selected might try and hurt her again. Not to mention her terrible sense of direction. If you're with her at least she won't get lost.'

'I will do my best your highness,' he answered warily and I knew he was afraid of Aisling's reaction.

'Just try and be discrete. If she doesn't know you are following her she won't be opposed to it.'

'Of course your highness,' he bowed and I dismissed him heading up to my office beside my father's to finish a few things before dinner. Aisling was not going to like this and I knew it, but what else could I do? Her reaction wasn't going to be pleasant, but I guess I was going to need to deal with that tomorrow.

I'm glad you guys have all given thought to the ship names.

Adam and Aisling's include; Adling and Adame. I kind of like Adling.

Anthony and Amberly include; Ambony, Anterly, Antherly and Ambtony. I'm undecided between Anterly and Antherly. But you guys let me know. I think I may have missed a few suggestions and I'm sorry if I did.

To the wonderful guest who is afraid I might kill Adam. I make no promises, otherwise where would the suspense be? :) I'm glad you liked the scene between Maxon and America. I like to throw them in every now and then because I love the two of them.

To my crazy guest, don't worry we're all a little crazy. In fact Alice is one of the crazies and it only makes her that much more interesting. Just like Alice said to the Mad hatter in Alice in Wonderland, 'You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret, all the best people are.' I love your review. I was reading it when I got out of work on my phone and I couldn't help but laugh as I was walking through the car park. I'm certain people were looking at me funny but I didn't mind. I love than you had a conversation with the translator :)

And finally, to the guest who can't get enough of Amberly and Anthony, I hope you enjoyed their little treasure hunt. Poor Anthony, hit in the head with a shovel. A least he got a kiss out of it ;) Cute scenes between Aisling and Adam will come soon but not just yet. I'd love to make you fall in love with the story all over again so I'll write them carefully, giving them extra cuteness :)

Again, thank you so much to everyone who has read and reviewed my story, you're all wonderful. As always, happy reading beautiful people :)