'Marzia!' Emilio shouts from the other room, 'You ready? They'll be here soon!'

By the time Leo finally emerges from his study late into the afternoon, I had already painted a new section of the wall that we hadn't managed to cover yet.

His sad smile at the bright colours almost makes me feel guilty for doing them, considering it's usually something we do together. He runs a hand longingly over the first paintings to ever appear on our living room walls.

'It'll be alright, you know.' Emilio had said to me. Even at twelve, when I considered that maybe Santa Claus was real after all, no matter what Charlie said, I didn't believe him. After all, I could see the truth in his eyes. I could see that he didn't believe his own words.

And how could he?

At eighteen years old, he wasn't exactly an expert on child psychology and grief counselling. An expert on a lot of things, including ancient Japanese torture methods, but he didn't have the authority in his voice for me to believe his promise.

That was two days into my life with Emilio and in that time, I had only emerged from my room three times, twice to get food and once to go to the toilet, as well as one time in the middle of the night that Emilio didn't know about to retrieve some more DVD's for my TV.

Shock horror children, Netflix wasn't around when I was a pre-teen.

During that time, Emilio had come into my bedroom every half an hour on the clock, attempting to coax me out. There was promise of cookies, the cinema, a fancy meal, anything, just as long as I put some jeans on and got out of the apartment.

And despite his valiant efforts, he had failed miserably time and time again.

That's when we struck gold, and I say this literally. On one of my visits into the horrifying outside of our living room, I had knocked over a tin of golden yellow paint Leo had been using to decorate some ornaments.

No doubt this was my mother's idea, spouting from my favourite colour and love of little decorations here and there around my room at home, back in Alania. I knocked it over, and it had splattered all over the freshly painted walls.

I thought Leo was going to shout at me. I thought he would be really mad. But instead, he simply took a seat on the floor beside the wall and picked up a paintbrush.

He then proceeded to spend five minutes using the gold to create a beautiful, but very wonky tiara on our wall.

At first, I thought he was insane. I actually looked at him as though he had just painted a pentagram in the living room. And for twenty minutes, I watched silently as he moved between the kitchen and the living room walls, ransacking any paint left in the cupboards and drawing pictures to make me smile.

Safe to say, it worked. I might not have made it out of the apartment that day, but it was the start of our relationship. A relationship that began with a wonky tiara, a bunny rabbit and a knight in shining armour protecting a princess in a castle.

Those drawings to this day still appear on our wall and every Christmas eve, no matter how our year has gone, or if we've had a fight that morning about the turkey, we sit together all night and reapply the paint so that they never fade away.

I glance over at the princess, and then to the painting beside it, a more recent one that shows a girl with a bright red umbrella in the rain. It's a mirror image of a photograph Emilio took of me last year when we went to Paris for the weekend.

The artistic difference is astounding and it's by far one of my best pieces of work, but all things considered, the knight and princess has remained my favourite, and always will.

'We won't get to do that this year if the coronation is on Christmas.' Emilio comments.

I notice that while he's not changed his clothes, his hair has become wild from an attack from his frustrated hands, and his tie is wonky, having removed it in a flurry of irritation.

I cross over to him, patting down his hair and then taking his tie between my fingers and adjusting it so that once again, he vaguely resembles smart.

'We'll do it a little early this year.' I suggest.

Emilio pulls away the mess of black hair from the top of my head since I forgot to take it off earlier. I know disguises look good on TV, but I promise you, it's more of a downside than you'd think.

The black wig that covers my natural hair itches and don't even get me started on how much the contacts and fake glasses irritate my eyes. My eyes are usually so pale blue that they appear grey, and yet with the contacts, they're dark brown. As soon as they're removed, I breathe a sigh of relief.

'Ah yes, an early Christmas. You, me and your bodyguard.' Leo replies sarcastically. 'Speaking of, they're gonna be here any second, help me set the table.'

I cross over to our little kitchen and begin to set out placemats.

'You're gonna need to set out six. Two for ours, your bodyguard and his guardian, then the speaker of the house and the head of the Alanian embassy.' Emilio comments as he counts out cutlery.

'How old is he? Why does he need a guardian?' I frown, 'He's not younger than me is he?'

'He's eighteen,' Emilio reassures me, 'But when he was recruited for the job hypothetically back in September, he was still seventeen.'

'They've been planning this since September and the first we hear about it is from a newspaper?' I fume, 'I love my dad don't get me wrong, but he's not good with communication.'

'Maybe that's why your mum left him.' Emilio chuckles.

'Yeah, that or the constant threats on our lives.' I remark, finishing the fancy setting up of our placemats.

It's then that there's a knock at the door, dead at seven o'clock. The atmosphere shifts quickly. The heating is on so the apartment it's all toasty and warm, and yet if you stand too near the windows, the cold is still seeping in.

The apartment might be small, and run down but it's more of a home than I've ever had. Because of our history of being kidnapped, my family tended to move between different palaces a lot, switching bedrooms every three months to throw off any leaked intel. This apartment has been a solid no matter what the last six years.

The feeling I get, being curled up on the window seat above the radiator in my room, with a book, or a hot chocolate, or even just to watch the rain fall, mirrors nothing else. In the summer, the sun heats the wooden floors through the windows and when the cat from the next door apartment climbs through into our house, he curls up and sleeps there.

Emilio has turned off the big light and instead lit candles and lamps around our kitchen and living room. He says it makes for a more relaxed environment. With this in mind, I don't know why he's lit candles in my room.

The house is comfortable, I just wish somehow I could take it with me.

Emilio swings the door open to reveal two people I've met before, the speaker of the house, Agent Harrison Page and the head of the Alanian embassy, Agent Luca Gagne. They've both been round for dinner a few times, and one time they even spent Christmas here with their wives.

'Emilio!' Luca says, bowing, but still embracing him as he enters.

There's still some funny hierarchy around the Alanian embassy. Luca is technically higher in status than Harrison and so they always have to introduce themselves in that order. One time, I said hello to Harrison before Luca and they both seemed to glitch for a moment.

'Where's our princess? Taking good care of her?' He smiles.

Emilio steps to the side, gesturing to me. Leo and I couldn't care less about all the formalities, me especially. After six years of living in secret with my best friend where no one bothers to bow, it still baffles me most of the time when people do.

'See for yourself.' Emilio grins.

Luca gives me a quick bow and I pull him into a light hug, before repeating the process with Harrison. Judging by their fancy suits, Emilio was right in telling me to wear my fanciest outfit, white blouse, blue blazer, black trousers and some little nude shoes.

It's always weird standing in front of people without my disguise and I flick my brown hair over my shoulder without realising the defensive barrier I'm trying to set up.

'Z, can you just go hang out in your room a sec?' Emilio asks.

I frown, instantly concerned as to what Emilio needs to discuss without me in the room. If it was something unimportant, he would've mentioned it earlier, and I can tell by his tone that he's nervous, so he's clearly been avoiding the subject all day.

'Okay.' I mutter, 'Let me know if you need anything.'

I sound dumb saying it, I'm completely aware. But if anything, I'm trying to hint at Harrison and Luca that I should actually be listened to, especially since I'm almost eighteen.

I tuck myself back into my room, at least now understanding why Emilio used his nicest smelling candles in here. He's been preparing for this moment. Maybe he's asking if I'll be taken away from him after all, maybe he's asking about Charlie. Maybe it's nothing and I'm overreacting.

Faintly, after five minutes of trying to distract myself with my book on Russian turn of the century culture, I hear the door open and then close and I realise my bodyguard has probably arrived.

I can't interrupt Emilio by going back inside so my best bet is to just stay here until he calls me back in. Minutes tick away into each other and restlessly, I move onto my windowsill seat, pressing my body against the cold glass and curling my toes into the ridges of the radiator.

I become so agitated that I take to plaiting little stands of my hair and then undoing them, only to tie them up again. My hair is taking a beating from my panicked fingers and my eyes are darting around, desperate for something new to look at.

I'm almost bashing my head against the wall by the time I hear the door click. I instantly turn my body to face, who I assume will be Emilio. But there's a gentle knock and then a head pokes around the door.

No fucking way.

The figure cleares his throat, and then steps into the room, closing the door behind him. From the way his eyes scan over me fondly, he doesn't recognise me in the slightest.

'Asher Thorne.' I choke out, holding back ironic laughter.

His eyes narrow and he looks at me, and then around my room. His eyes settle on a few photographs but none that show my alias. Asher Thorne knows Raine Carson, he doesn't recognise Marzia Castille at all.

'Your Highness, it's wonderful to meet you.' He bows slowly, 'I'm surprised you know who I am.'

'Are you questioning the princess?' I demand, deciding this is the most fun I will have had in awhile.

'No, no of course not, Your Highness.' He stammers, eyes wide and alert, 'It's very flattering.'

'Your reputation at ACS proceeds you.' I say formally, 'But unfortunately, that's not quite how I know of you.'

'How have you heard of me, if you don't mind me asking?' He questions, trying to hide his legs that are shifting uncomfortably from one foot to the other.

The nervousness in his eyes and the slight quiver to his voice is something I never would've expected from Asher in a million years and it's a side to him that I cannot wait to manipulate for the evening before I kick him out and request a new bodyguard.

'Raine Carson.' I say quickly, folding my arms across my chest.

He freezes, but cannot help but let contempt flash across his face. His fists appear to ball up and I can tell he's panicking like mad, knowing if 'Raine Carson' was my informant, nothing good could come from this conversation.

'She's a close friend of mine.' I push, 'She's told me all about you Agent Thorne.'

'Your Highness, I assure you, the things she has told you are greatly exaggerated, and quite false. I treat all fellow students with the utmost respect-' He excuses.

'Are you saying that my friend is mistaken?' I say aggressively, swinging my legs away from the seat and standing up, 'Are you calling her stupid?'

'Of course not-'

'You're saying that quite a lot.' I sneer.

Just as my torture intensifies, Emilio knocks and brings himself into the room. By the grin on his face, I can tell he already knows my predicament, and hopefully that means he's already corrected the mistake.

'Mr Honour, this young man is insulting royalty.' I gesture to Asher and the vein in his forehead looks close to popping the amount he is panicking, 'I request his immediate removal from the premises.'

'Zia, leave the poor boy alone.' Emilio chuckles. 'Asher Thorne? From Thorne Academy?'

Asher can only bring himself to nod.

'Asher, let me introduce you to the princess of Alania, Marzia Castille.' Emilio gestures towards me, 'You know her as someone else however.'

Emilio plucks a photo frame from my desk, holding a picture of Leo and I, with my full disguise. He places it gingerly in Asher's hands and watches as his eyes move between me and the photograph, looking close to tears.

'Raine?' He squeaks.

'The one and only.' I say, throwing the abandoned wig in his direction.

He turns a disturbing shade of green and his knees almost give out. Emilio gently leans to sit against my desk and we both watch together as Asher's sanity begins to unravel in front of us.

His look of confusion is priceless and I wish I could plaster it on posters all over the academy. He takes note of the pictures of Christopher, Charlie, mum, dad and I, and the photos of Ansel as a newborn, and Adanna and Tegean in their latest school plays.

He notices my school uniform hanging up on the back of my wardrobe and the backpack that he recognises. My school work is strewn around my desk, all with the scrawny handwriting of Raine Carson, not a princess.

Eventually Emilio checks his watch and leans over, 'Talk.' He orders.

'Raine what the fuck?' He asks, his mouth still flapping like a fishes.

Emilio chuckles, clearly not expecting an outburst such as this. Asher runs a stressed hand through his hair and spins in a circle, half expecting me to have disappeared as soon as he turns back to me.

'So, you're a princess?' He laughs aloud, 'No way, I've known you for six years.'

'How long has the princess been missing from Alania?' I ask, trying to make him remember, 'Six years. You wrote a paper on it, remember? Come on Thorne.'

'This morning.' He seethes, 'That was you the whole time. I was talking about the princess and it was you all along!'

'Yeah, I know.' I laugh, 'That was pretty hilarious. I just thought the princess was so much more resilient. I did wonder how you knew I'd only lost one brother.'

'What is going on?' Asher says, almost desperately, 'Is this a TV show?'

'What?' I ask, having to double take. A small giggle escapes my lips, 'No, this isn't a TV show.'

'No, it is,' He says slowly but forcefully, 'It is. Something's going to jump out and bite me in the penis or something, isn't it?'

I snort at him, 'Not everyone wants to do that you know. It's not quite the popular holiday destination you believe it to be.'

His eyes focus on me once more. They narrow to slits as he inspects me, which is getting quite annoying by now. Emilio, who has been sitting quietly watching this unfold, steps between us.

'Okay children,' He says, 'Dinner's ready. The Alanian embassy actually needs to talk to the both of you about your trip, so if you could end your little domestic.'

Hang on.

'Wait, you're kidding, right?' I half laugh, 'Leo, this is a mistake. You can get me out of this, can't you? Asher isn't going to be my bodyguard.'

The hopeful look in Asher's eyes obviously shows he wants the same thing.

'Zia, you leave on Saturday, that's three days from now. There's no time to brief another agent, and Asher is one of the best in the ACS, there's no way we could get someone higher on such short notice. The king and prince listened to suggestion and have selected Asher personally.' Emilio explains.

I watch Asher light up slightly at the fact that the royal family had requested him, clearly ignoring the blatantly obvious mistake that my fumbling roommate just made. My eyes narrow.

'Listened to suggestion from who?' I ask.

Instantly Leo gulps, knowing he's slipped up. He begins to shake his head and pout out his bottom lip the way he always does when he lies so I walk up and take his earlobe between my thumb and forefinger. He lets out a yelp.

'I hate to be the bearer of absolutely fabulous news, but I think I might have had something to do with this.' He chuckles. Suddenly all evil glares move to him and I release his ear, backing away, 'Zia, you know how you don't have any friends?'

Asher snorts laughter unattractively in agreement and I take a second to slap his arm painfully. Emilio shakes his head, mutters, and continues.

'Basically, I couldn't tell the agency that you were a social reject, and so I had to lie and give some names of people you were friends with. The only person you've ever mentioned enough for me to remember was Asher.' He admits.

'They think we're friends.' I choke out.

'How often do you talk about me?' Asher asks, bewildered.

'That depends, how many times have you pissed me off?' I retaliate, sneering at Asher. I turn back to Emilio pleadingly, 'Isn't there anything you can do?'

'I'm sorry, there's literally nothing.' He whines, holding his hands up defensively as he sees my anger increase, 'I screwed up, I know, but do you know what the agency would do to me if they knew I lied?'

'It's nothing compared to what I'm going to do to you. Honestly - thanks dad; first you ship me off to London away from my entire family and now you've stuck me with actual Hitler as my bodyguard,' Emilio shoves my shoulder at my comment, 'Correction, not Hitler, he could actually grow facial hair.'

'Marzia, it could be worse. Agent Thorne is supposed to be one of the best in the field, if anyone's going to keep you alive, it's going to be him.' He says, and Asher's chest puffs out with pride once more.

'Emilio Louis Honour, I swear the day will come when I'm queen and can behead you, and I'm gonna change my birthday to that day so I have an excuse to throw a huge party.' I hiss, 'Or I could just go to the other parties because I'm sure they'll be plenty to attend!'

'None that you'll be invited to.' He chuckles, his bemused face peering down at me. 'Marzia, you know I love you more than life. I need you to do me this one favour. It's a week, just ten days and then you'll move home forever, and never see him again.'

'You're moving home?' Asher says suddenly.

There is almost a slight pain to his voice and his face goes from angry to almost sorrowful, for only a split second before indifference covers his features. I can tell why he's one of the best agents with reactions like that.

'After Christmas.' I nod.

For the next few seconds Asher is deadly silent, almost as if he's frozen. Emilio drops a kiss on my forehead and tells us we need to come for dinner. Asher is so still that it's freaking me out, I'm used to cocky-confident Asher, not this shy, reclusive Asher. It unnerves me.

'Excuse me, Agent Honour?' Asher says, just before Emilio slips out of the room. He turns to listen to Asher, who holds his hands behind his back and bows, 'I apologise for my behaviour. Please accept my promise that I will never behave as unprofessionally again.'

'Don't worry about it.' Emilio says, bringing the tone straight back down to our usual level, 'The Alanian royal family doesn't sweat the small stuff - you keep their princess alive and you can act pretty much however you want. Take it from me, I've learned.'

Emilio slips out, but Asher still bows anyway despite his words. It astonishes me that I didn't notice Asher was an agent before. I always knew his bloodline was from Alanian heritage, but I know for a fact that Asher nor his father had ever visited Alania, let alone lived there, so how the hell could Asher be an agent?

Then my brain clicks, all those mysterious weeks that Asher would be 'ill' from Thorne, only to appear, unexpectedly, healthy as a bird on a random day in school. Of course he's an agent, even with his crap eyesight.

'Come on.' I say quietly, not wanting to disturb the silence, 'It's dinner.'

Just before my hand can grasp the handle, Asher's hand grabs my forearm and stops me. I look at him, his eyes are closed and his breathing is laboured, but not through anger, his features are actually quite relaxed.

'I'm sorry Your Highness.' He says and bows, 'For everything.'

'It's Zia. And don't ever bow again, it's uncomfortable for everyone.' I smile, trying to get rid of his pained expression, 'And if we're going to start apologising for all the shit we've done to each other, it'll go on all night.' I grin, 'Plus, I'm not going to lie to you, I don't regret much of what I've done do you.'

'Not even putting a cow's lungs in my bag in biology?' He scowls through a smile and I feel a sense of normal Asher returning. 'That was disgusting.'

'I only wish I'd been there to see you pull it out instead of your pencil next lesson.' I chuckle, imagining his face as he pulled a bloody, dissected lung from his bag, 'It got blood all over your textbooks too.'

'Yeah, I remember. My aunt made me copy everything into new books. It took me weeks.' He laughs. He looks at me with humour in his eyes for a second before he clears his throat, 'Dinner.'

I follow him out of the bedroom to find all the adults sitting around the dinner table, food all waiting for us where Emilio has attempted to serve it as well as possible on plates considerably less fancy than in Alania. Harrison and Luca brought dinner straight from the embassy and kept it warm enough to still be steaming when we sit down. Emilio, Harrison and Luca I expect to see, but Miss Van Doren has also joined the group.

Ah yes, the guardian Leo mentioned.

She stands with the rest of them and bows as I take a seat. Emilio bows like he's supposed to, but I can feel the sarcasm dripping from him as he does.

Asher shoots her a quick smile before sitting down opposite me in the only two free seats left. Emilio smiles at me and yet none of us can bring ourselves to say anything so the first few minutes we sit in silence, knives and forks clinking on plates.

'How are your studies going Marzia?' Luca asks from his seat at the head of the table. Harrison has his official notebook beside him, but it's closed, clearly demonstrating that discussions will commence following dinner and not sooner, so I settle into the friendly conversation first.

'I'm all set to graduate. If I do return home, I'd love to look into the Royal University to see about any further studies.' I smile.

'If you don't mind me asking, Your Highness, which school do you attend?' Miss Van Doren asks politely.

I exchange a look with Emilio, then Asher before dabbing around my mouth with a napkin.

'Actually Miss Van Doren, it's me. It's Raine.' I smile shyly, 'And you don't have to say 'your highness'. Marzia is fine.'

Her mouth drops, like her nephew's did and she takes me in fully. I actually find it quite ridiculous that no one has been able to recognise me. I mean, I guess it is kind of the point, but these people must be really obtuse. My physique is the same, so is my voice and my actual face, even if makeup distorts it a bit.

'Raine, my darling. I mean, Marzia - Your Highness! I'm so sorry I could not recognise you.' She excuses herself profusely as if that wasn't supposed to be the whole point, 'I'm sure we can alter your behavioural record at school, it's completely understandable after all you've been through.'

'No that's okay.' I say grinning, 'I do that stuff on purpose, people notice me less when they don't expect anything from me.'

'That's why you do it?' Asher looks at me, a smile on his face. I shrug. 'It doesn't work, believe me, people have noticed you.'

'Which people?' I counter quickly.

Asher instantly falls quiet and turns his attention back to the little dinner he has left. I talk to Harrison for a while about the new baby girl he's just had with his wife, and how his little boy is getting on in preschool, which he only started in the fall. The dinner isn't awkward, but we're all very aware that we're biding our time with our meal, until we talk about exactly why we're all gathered here.

Every embassy meeting always feels like this, but never to this extent. We're all on edge, like there's an elephant doing a dance on top of our kitchen table, and no one is mentioning him. Emilio has already started to clear up the dishes empty of food and I jump up to help him, even though in the six years we've had this apartment, I've never seen Leo wash a plate.

Asher frowns for a moment, looking at the Alanian steak completely finished on my plate, 'I thought you were a vegetarian.' He states, confused, without realising the implication that he doesn't really know me at all.

'Why did you think I was vegetarian?' I frown.

'You hit me once with a sign that said, 'meat is murder'.' He retorts.

'Yeah but not for any moral reasons, I just wanted to hit you with a sign.' I sneer. Emilio coughs loudly from his place by the sink to warn me, 'Er - just because I like you so much.'

'Ah yes! Everyone at the agency was thrilled to hear of your friendship with agent Thorne, Marzia.' Luca smiles, and Emilio instantly looks at Miss Van Doren to gauge her reaction. She frowns down at her plate, but thankfully doesn't say anything, 'Really shows the strength of the Alanian blood.'

'Yes, it's wonderful!' Harrison chimes, 'How long have you been friends?'

It pains me to say the words, my teeth sitting uncomfortably against my tongue, 'We've been friends for six years, haven't we?' I look at Asher, who still sits dazed, hardly paying attention. I reach my foot out and kick him hard under the table, 'Asher.'

'Six years.' He squeaks, nodding uncontrollably as if trying to convince himself, 'Lovely.'

With acting like that, let's hope it doesn't come down to him saving my life, he's useless.

'So Marzia, I assume you already know why we've called the meeting this evening.' Luca begins, Harrison writing down notes as he speaks, 'It's in relation to the announcement leaked from the royal family this morning.'

'The same massive announcement that I had to hear from a paper at school?' I reply, with as little snark as I can manage.

'It was regretful that you found out this way-'

'It was on the radio before school.' I reply, interrupting 'You knew last night, it's why you postponed the meeting. You could've told me then.'

'Your grandfather wanted the information to be properly presented to you so you could make an informed decision.' Luca says.

Emilio sends me a warning look to say that I've made my point, but now is the time to cool down the anger. I lean against the counter, too agitated to sit down. After his glance, Leo sends me a smile which reassures me, and he holds out a chair, showing me I don't really have a choice. I sit and cross my legs carefully, restraining myself and my anxiety.

'What are your initial thoughts?' Luca asks gently.

'I'm coming home.' I say and Harrison looks at me patiently, pausing his pen and waiting for me to continue, 'It's the duty of the princess. I'm next in line, it's expected that I'm there for my father's rule.'

'Would you want to finish your studies at Thorne Academy, graduate and then resume your role in the kingdom, alongside any potential further studies?' Luca asks.

By now, Emilio has also taken a seat and everyone has finished eating and are watching me where I am sitting in the middle of the table. My eyes move to Asher who is looking at me with curiosity rather than disgust. I notice that the usual dark brown invasion in his irises is not there tonight.

'No.' I say shortly. Miss Van Doren looks at her lap and Asher shuffles his hands and adjusts his watch on his wrist, 'My country needs me. Dad's going to need me. This is going to have repercussions for mum as well, I need to support my family.'

'Z, you can hold off for a while. You graduate in six months, it'll be ages until the country calls for you. We can arrange for you to stay until you're finished.' Leo urges, knowing now long I have waited to graduate.

'I can't.' I shake my head glumly, 'If I'm missing, even for just six months, people will start asking questions about heirs. I can't have people asking questions about Charlie.'

'That was another issue your father raised.' Luca approaches the subject gently, 'There is an active lead on Charles. Your father wants to know whether you think it's a good idea to pursue it.'

'No. You tell him no.' I argue, 'My brother is dead, the world thinks he is dead. He was put in a coffin beside Chris. He is safe, he's alive, you're leaving him out of this.'

'Marzia-' Emilio warns.

'No, I made a promise. Chris made me promise, Charlie stays safe. Charlie is dead, does everybody understand? Leave Charlie alone.' I sigh, relaxing for a second, 'Harrison, please relay to my father that I would discourage him from looking for Charlie. Like he said - he'll come back when he's ready.'

Or when I find him myself.

There is silence for a while. Harrison is writing face-paced my words, clearly going to relay them to my father in a less aggressive manner. Emilio comes to stand behind my chair and puts a hand on my shoulder.

'Your father's coronation is scheduled for the 25th of December - it's unfortunate timing but given the timeframe of your return and the decline of the king's health, it's been advised to hold the celebration as soon as possible.' Luca explains, looking at a list of points he's been asked to raise with me.

'How is my grandfather?' I ask.

'Given his recent operation, he's doing brilliantly. But the recovery process is proving too difficult to coordinate with his duties, and he spoke privately with your father about a transition of power that occurs prior to his death.' Luca says, 'Your father requested it, so he could have your grandfather's assistance for the first few years of his rule. Given his recent illness, the king and prince have decided now is the best time for the family.'

'They told me the operation was successful.' I question.

'It was.' Luca nods, 'These discussions have been in the works for a long time, and only just finalised within the past few weeks.'

'Since September.' I mutter under my breath, but Emilio tightens his hand on my shoulder to shut me up.

'Your father asked me to discuss the terms of your travel with you also.' Luca says, reading further down, 'With your life here in London well hidden, he's raised the idea of your bodyguard and yourself making your way to Alania under pedestrian means, instead of the royal parade.'

'Anything that keeps London covered up, I'm fine with. Whatever means of travel you think is safest is fine.' I nod, 'Where will I be staying?'

'Your grandparents are staying with your father in his ocean castle during preparation for the coronation, but once the celebrations are over, you're free to move between your grandparents or your father's home as you wish.' Harrison tells me, clearly in charge of the minute details, 'Your grandmother wants to know if you have any specifications for your coronation outfit. She has an outfit already prepared, but would like any input if you have any.'

'Ask her if it can have trousers.' I whine, and the agents chuckle, 'Are they planning any public outings during my week home?'

'You're scheduled for an interview upon your arrival, but other than that, your father has suggested that any official duties be arranged for your permanent return to ease you back into the process and your family. Aside from the coronation, the week is dedicated to your return to your family, the return to your country will wait until you're home.' Luca smiles.

I can't help but wonder if the reason they're keeping me away from official duties until my permanent return home is just in case it doesn't end up happening. They're already taking precautions in case this all goes wrong. I look at Emilio and he notices it too. I suddenly want to just be back in my bedroom, where it feels like nothing has changed.

'I think that's everything I wanted to ask.' I smile, trying to keep myself calm.

'Marzia, if you agree to the terms you've set up-'

'I do.' I interrupt.

'You'll return home for ten days for the coronation, leaving this Saturday after term ends. Then you'll return to London to ensure that security has not been compromised during your visit, as soon as we get the all clear, you'll be permanently relocated home.' Luca smiles, 'I know how excited you father is to see you. Your mother too.'

'My mum?' I ask, the word wavering on my tongue, 'My sisters? Ansel?'

'They're still in Belgium for the moment, but they'll be traveling a day after your arrival to see you. Your aunt, uncle and cousins are currently attending a royal engagement in Monaco with your grandmother's family, but they'll be flying home after a few days. Your mother and her family are attending the coronation and then discussions will follow about whether or not they move to Alania also.'

I pause before my next sentence, 'Lars?'

'He is still protesting your return yes, much to the distress of your mother,' Luca says, 'But this time the reasons for your return are essential so his testimony is being overruled by your grandfather.'

'Why is your step-father trying to keep you from coming home?' Asher asks, suddenly popping up from his prolonged silence.

As the words fall from his mouth, his eyes widen as if not quite realising he was saying the words out loud. Miss Van Doren scolds him under her breath for being rude while Emilio just looks slowly at me.

'He just wants to keep the kids safe, he thinks I put them in danger.'

I do, I add in my head.

'I think mum should stay in Belgium, they're safe there.' I say towards Luca and Harrison also jots this down. It's an afterthought, but an important one.

Also, if mum moves to Alania, so does Lars. And there's no way Charlie is ever coming home, as the prince or undercover, if Lars is there. Charlie never got a proper chance to know him before he moved away to Belgium with mum, but I know how much he hates him.

'Of course, that is more your mother's decision than yours, but your opinion is valid,' Luca tells me.

'Emilio, do you have any concerns? You mentioned the need for increased security around Marzia.' Harrison asks, going back a couple of pages in his notes.

'Yes, I did.' Emilio clears his throat, 'After what happened when she was born, the threats against her life have been significantly more than anyone else's. Percy, next in line doesn't even get half what Marzia receives in the way of threats-'

'What happened when she was born?' Asher interrupts.

Emilio looks over at him, unsure why he's asking since he should have read the file on me he received when he was hired to protect me. Emilio is head of my security detail and I know he'll have included every recent threat in the file he gave Asher. Harrison bites down on the edge of his lip and Luca also looks over in his direction.

'Didn't you read my file?' I ask.

'I did, there were just several incidents around your birth, I was wondering which we were referring to.' Asher excuses, but swallows nervously, a clear sign that he's lying.

'When Marzia was abducted from the hospital and information was exchanged for her safe return.' Harrison urges.

Asher nods, even though I can tell from his face that he has no idea, and shock even registers for a moment. If it's obvious to me that Asher is new to this information, I don't know how trained agents are missing it.

'Asher, could I actually speak to you?' I ask and his eyes glance, scared at me, 'Privately?'

'Feel free to excuse yourselves, unless you have anything else to add Marzia.' Luca says.

'No, that's everything.' I smile, 'Thank you Luca, I look forward to seeing you at the coronation.'

'Well, Emilio will be sent the details for your return to Alania, but from now you're under the lawful and legally binding care of Agent Thorne.' Luca concludes, 'Congratulations Your Highness.'

And with that, I turn and Asher follows me back into my bedroom. He takes a seat on the chair beside the desk and I bend down and pull his satchel from his shoulder. He yelps an objection, but I seize my file and sit on the window seat.

'Why haven't you read it?' I say, the illuminating street light outside showing the printed black words on the crisp paper; Marzia Castille. I guess they didn't have enough ink to print all of my middle names.

'I have read-'

'What happened when I was four?' I counter. His face flinches and he looks down at his lap, 'You haven't read it.'

'I couldn't bring myself to.' He bites, almost before he can stop himself from saying it. I don't push it, but he just puts his head in his hands for a second, 'You're not the only one whose childhood wasn't ideal. It all felt too real.'

I pause for a moment, 'Because of your parents?'

'The car accident, or the murder suicide, or the lab experiment gone wrong.' He smiles weakly, repeating the rumours that swim through the students at Thorne.

'You're gonna need to know this stuff Thorne, they'll expect you to know it back to front.' I say gently, not wanting to push it, because this is uncharted territory for both of us.

'I know I do.' He sighs.

'Wanna go through it together?' I suggest and he looks at me.

He actually brings himself to smile. He's never smiled this way at me before. It's not evil, there's no cockiness to it. It's just a smile that shows that he's grateful that I'm not pushing him, or telling all the agents in the next room that he's not read my file. This makes me chuckle.

'What?' He asks, grinning.

'You've not done your homework.' I point out and he hangs his head, his shoulders shifting with laughter, 'Wanna start before I was born, or head straight for my teen years?' I grin.

He gives me a lopsided smile and takes the file from my hands, 'Just be there.' He says, then corrects himself, 'If I have any questions.'

He reads for only a few seconds before he places a hand over the words and turns to face me. I grin, realising how entertaining it is, after all this time, to see Asher realise how wrong he has been all these years.

'Emilio said you get more threats than your father, I don't understand why.' He says.

'When I was born, there were some medical complications. I was taken at three hours old by someone pretending to be a nurse. Because of my critical medical condition and need for well, food and stuff, they gave information to get me back.' I explain.

'Okay.' Asher says slowly, listening quietly.

'Because they never did that for Charlie or Chris,' I swallow at the names of my brothers, 'People assumed there was something more valuable about me, so I got most of the threats, because information was already exchanged for me once. People try to copy the only abduction that's ever worked.'

'Right.' Asher nods.

'Also they think Charlie and Chris are both dead.' I point out, 'There's not a whole lot of reason to threaten a dead man, it's not like you can kill him again just for kicks.'

It's ten minutes before Asher has a question and then another fifteen of reading for him to ask his second. They're questions easily answered but his third question is about 2006, just a few years before my brother died and I can tell when he reaches this point because he stiffens considerably, and his next question isn't until 2011.

'Why did you let Montero hurt you?' He asks, a frown etched into eyebrows and squinting through his glasses.

'Loki?' I say, with a hint of a smile. Asher nods, 'We made a deal.'

'What, he helped you and in return you fed into his sick psychopathic need for violence?' Asher spits, almost as if the words hurt his tongue.

I fall quiet, 'Something like that.'

'Do you know how stupid that is? How dangerous? Not to mention the possible irreparable damage it could've done to your back.' Asher reprimands, 'The shrapnel in your back is getting closer to your spine, and you're just encouraging it!'

'Oh, yes I forgot that my undying wish was to be permanently paralysed! Thanks Thorne, you've helped me realise my full potential.' I drone and he slams the folder closed long enough to glare at me, 'Do me a favour, next time you see me up a really tall ladder, give it a swift kick for me, would you?'

'You're hilarious.' He sneers.

'I'm hilarious, your highness.' I correct him and he rolls his eyes again.

'Is that what I have to call you from now on?' He asks, pushing his luck despite the fact that I could have his head for it. I'm joking (I think, I'm not entirely sure if we have the power to do that, but I'll definitely google it later).

'Yes, however I'll also accept Ma'am, Your Grace, or light of my life.' I beam.

'You're not a light in anyone's life.' He remarks, refusing to even look up from his reading. I smile at my joke anyway, not really minding whether or not he found it funny. I haven't cared about his opinion for the last six years, there's no point starting now for two weeks.

He turns back to his reading for a while, until Miss Van Doren knocks and pokes her head around the door, a timid smile on her face. It's gotten late while Asher has been reading and I can tell she's growing tired. I flash her a wonky smile and kick Asher's shin so he'll pay attention.

'Sorry sweetheart, but we're going to have to go. It's late.' She says and Asher nods, putting my file back in his satchel. 'I'll see you tomorrow Marzia.'

'See you, Miss Van Doren.' I wave as she leaves to grab her coat. I smile politely when she bows but make a mental note to remind her not to next time.

Asher stands and wipes his hands on his trousers before clapping once, almost as if he's not quite sure what to do or say. I stand too, even though I know neither of us will attempt to move towards each other.

'I'll see you in the morning. Do you need a lift?' Asher asks uncomfortably.

'No. I'll just get the bus and then see you around school? Nothing's going to happen by then and if you're in the same building we probably don't need to talk or anything.' I say.

Asher looks relieved at this and nods gratefully. He hauls his bag over his shoulder and leaves my room, pausing with his hand on the door to turn to me, a lopsided look on his face and tiredness showing in his eyes.

'Goodnight Marzia.' He says.

'Night Thorne.' I reply.

A few minutes later I am already changed into my pyjamas and curled up underneath my covers, some YouTube documentary playing about the 'ten most secretive places on earth' when Leo knocks on my door and sits himself on the end of my bed.

'I don't want to talk to you.' I mutter in annoyance.

Emilio laughs and lays himself down so that his head is held up by my legs. His hands drum a pattern on his stomach as he listens to the end of the video. By now he's almost asleep so I nudge him to wake him back up.

'Hey.' He whines.

'Don't hey me.' I hiss, 'If I have to endure two weeks of Asher Thorne because of your big mouth, the least I get to do is kick you awake once in a while.'

'I said I'm sorry. But Z, we're going home. Surely you can endure him a little bit. Just a couple of weeks and then you're free from him forever.' By my angry face he can see his persuasion is not working, 'If the agency knows I lied, they'll hire someone else to protect you.'

'Stop it, it's not going to work.' I snap.

'Someone who probably won't like you as much as I do. They won't let you go on walks - yes I know all about your secret adventures - it might even be Asher Thorne.' He says, almost as if he's enjoying this.

'Fine! I'll play nice in front of the agency. To save your job.' I grumble. Emilio seems satisfied enough with this, 'But if I kill him in private, you're bailing me out.' He smiles, 'And how did you know about the walks?'

'I put a tracking device in your phone.' Emilio chuckles, 'You never mentioned how cute Asher was. And how is he so tall? He makes me feel like a woodland creature.'

'If you think he's cute, you need your eyes checking.' I pretend to gip.

'I can't believe he's replaced me as the child prodigy of the ACS. He's the taller, more handsome version.' He grumbles, 'I'm pissed off if I'm honest. It's like my husband's traded me in for a younger model. A literal model.'

'You're not funny. Why are you trusted to take care of me? You have none of the required skills to be a fully functioning adult.' I tease him, 'I should tell my dad to dock your pay.'

'It's my humour your dad's paying for.' He replies smoothly.

'I'm starting to wonder if this job is the right fit for you at all, I'm thinking I might have to tell my dad I want someone else.' I say, kicking him once more until he's standing up.

'Try it, I dare you.' He grins, 'I love you Zia.'

'Yeah, yeah,' I chuckle, 'Sure you do.'