William stops the car outside the palace gates. I at once jerk forward in my seat and say. "You should take me home. I don't think now is a good time to be here."

"Now, is the perfect time because other people have also gotten the idea into their heads to hold you hostage." He tells me.

This makes no sense at all. "What do you mean?" I ask him.

He stops the car and turns to me. "Others also have it in their heads that you are the most vulnerable part of me." He explains.

It all makes sense. Now that those three have gotten what they wanted. There are other people out there seeking things from the royal family. And now they know how to.

I sigh and unbuckle my seat belt before stepping out. The moment I stand up, my legs start to wobble. I take a few steps but at once I'm tumbling towards the ground. Luckily, Will catches me.

He picks me up and carries me up the steps and into the palace. This is the first time that I've entered these gates as not the 'girl who's father is getting executed' or 'a housemaid' but just as myself.

Just me.

Just Cassandra.

William stops outside a door and a guard standing there, opens the door for him.

Before walking in he says. "You're may leave. You're dismissed."

Seeing the princely side of his feels weird. I've seen him in his office but that is so much different than how he is when he has to be a royal.

He sets me down to close the door. I make my way to a couch and flop down. I tug my knees up to my chest and lean back. He comes to stand in front of me.

"Umm...This is my room and I have to go talk to my father. I'll have someone bring you clothes and food." I nod at this.

He goes into the bathroom and when he comes back out, he's wearing his official uniform. This is the side of William's that I will never get used to. When he walks out, I sheepishly smile to myself.

After a few minutes of staying put I start walking around the room. What is the most interesting is a rack full of DVDs. I start reading the names when someone knocks on the door.

I get to my feet and slowly make my way to the door.

There's Anna standing outside.

"Cassy!" She runs to a table, puts down the tray she's carrying and then runs back to hug me.

She pulls away saying, "The prince asked me to bring these things to his room. Though, it surprised me because usually I take it to one of the guest rooms whenever Ashley is here."

Hearing her name makes my heart sink. "Ashley?"

"But you're here! You're actually here!" Anna squeals.

"Yeah. I am. But what about Ashley?" I ask her.

"Oh! Don't worry about that bitch. Everyone in the palace hates her." She tells me.

I smile to myself and take the clothes she's holding. "Thanks for bringing these."

"No problem. Though I have to get back to work." She waves goodbye and leaves.

I go into the bathroom, take a shower and change into the black tights and t-shirt.

When I go back to the room, I realize how hungry I am. I take off the lid to find Pasta and Garlic bread waiting to be eaten. I tuck in. I'm halfway through when a thought strikes me.

But wasn't Ashley Mrs. Blakes's niece?

Sorry for the short update but I have exams going on, so this was all that I could manage.

And thanks to @KimmieJean9 for pointing out the areas which need improvement :)