The next day the Palace was buzzing with talk and mostly gossip from the masked ball. Me and Una were sitting in the gardens with most of the prince's and a few others and you could hear the chatter of everyone trying to guess who was whom.

Una smiled at me and then whispered, "I wonder who that man was dancing with you the entire night!"

I smiled politely back, trying not to seem overly lovesick as I replied, "I wish I knew."

She gave me a sympathetic smile and looked about her as she called "Septimus!"

My stomach dropped; he was the last person I wanted to see today after such a magical night. I nodded as he moved over to us and sat beside Una as she asked "Did you enjoy yourself last night? Did you dance much?"

Septimus laughed at his sister "You know I don't dance, Una".

Una sighed at the lack of her brother's enthusiasm "You need to enjoy yourself more!"

"I enjoy watching all of you make fools of yourselves" he muttered back at her, and I couldn't help but wonder what made his character this way. The rest of his brothers seemed to enjoy themselves, I know Una had told me about him having something to prove being the youngest but surely there was someway to break the barrier on him.

"Prince Septimus, I think I could guess who you were" I introduced myself into the conversation as he raised his eyebrow at me as I continued with the most deadpan face I could offer "Were you the weasel?"

I was clearly feeling brave, but I couldn't resist saying it. I watched his face turn dark, and Una couldn't help but escape a giggle as she tried to fuel the rapidly changing atmosphere "What a funny joke, Bella!"

Septimus went to respond but suddenly there was commotion behind me, someone grabbed my arm and pulled me up. I turned to see it was Secundus and panic rushed through me, why was he handling me like this?

"I think I know who the raven was" he announced to his peers who seemed to find the scene amusing as he gripped my arm tighter as he added "Shall we see if she flies?"

Septimus shot up from his seat, followed by Una as I protested for the arrogant Prince to let me go which only seemed to make him laugh more. He pulled me over to the side of the hill as I tried to wiggle free of his hold. Several options of how I could play this scene out rushed through my mind but in a fight or literal flight situation, I chose fight.

It all happened so quickly; I twisted round in his hold so now I was facing him. I stamped on his foot, which he shouted out in pain and then I pulled my leg round to throw his knee off balance. And it had worked, we had both took a tumble to the floor and I was released from his hold.

Secundus was clearly shocked and then the embarrassment hit, followed by anger all at once as I picked myself up from the ground. I couldn't help but stand over him, making him feel small as I threatened "Don't ever touch me again".

The crowd around me was silent and all I saw was Septimus's face who had a glimpse of admiration and amusement for tackling his older brother. I decided that I had enough of the gossip, I just wanted to remember last night as I approached Una and told her "I will be in my room if you need me."

I bowed to her and Septimus in unison and left the quiet whispers in the garden as I heard Secundus get up and start his protest at how I had treated him but as far as I'm aware, no one came to his aid.

"Bella" I heard a tap at my connecting door to Una. I made my way over to the door to greet her, nervous of what she might think of the scene from the garden.

"I wanted to check if you are okay?" She asked looking concerned.

"I'm fine, I apologise to you for my outburst to your brother" I answered her, I felt bad for Una, but I certainly would not be sorry for what I did to Secundus.

"Well, you did say you were skilled in combat! You might have to teach me if that's the one way to keep him quiet" she laughed, I felt at ease as I was worried, she might be angry at me for creating a scene.

"I think perhaps I should take dinner in my room tonight though" I told her, not wanting to cause any more trouble and also not wanting to hear everyone whispering about the event which I sure had probably spread like wild fire.

"Absolutely not, he will think his scared you off! Me and Septimus will keep an eye out for you but trust me, he won't come near you in risk of you showing him up again" Una told me but there was something I couldn't help but pick up and snort at "Septimus, really?"

"Believe it or not, he wouldn't wish any harm to you" she smiled "Let's get ready!"