#redmxnn

You crawled out of the creamy white sheets and placed your feet on the cold hardware floor. Your pale pink silk pyjama set hung loose on your body as you began to walk towards the door. Your soft hands that were now decorated with an elegant French manicure turned the handle as Lydia, one of the night staff, faced you. 

“Oh sorry Princess, I didn’t realise you were already in your sleeping clothes,” Lydia quickly apologised. Apparently seeing a princess in anything other then a day dress or gown is shocking. Who knew?!

“Oh please don’t worry at all, I don’t care,” You replied casually, quite sleepily actually. Lydia walked into your bedroom and placed the silver tray she was carrying onto the coffee table. “Thank you,” you spoke feeling grateful for one of the weird rules the Holland family had. ‘You are always welcomed to a cup of tea right before bed.’ It was actually really comforting in this house. It doesn’t feel like home. Yet?

Lydia left the room silently as you walked over to the seating area of your large bedroom, regretting the fact you didn’t have slippers on. You crawled onto the soft couch tucking your feet under your legs trying to keep them warm. You reached forward to grasp the ceramic teacup. Also placed on the tray was a blank white envelope. 

You looked back towards the door looking for Lydia but she had already left. The envelope wasn’t addressed to you, or anyone to be fair. But you still felt unsure of opening it. You flipped it over where a burgundy wax seal held it closed. Just above the Holland symbol imprinted in wax was a small smiley face. You smiled at this tiny drawing and decided to open it. If it wasn’t for you, you could place it back on the tray and forget. Easy, no harm.

Inside the envelope was one page. Just one piece of paper that was a creamy white on one side and the other was the same, however it was covered in a kinda messy handwriting. What royal has messy handwriting? Seriously?

You began to read, ‘Dear Princess Y/N, I know this is weird but I wanted to speak to you but you know the curfew and all? So this is the best I’ve got. I wanted to talk to you because I feel like you’re the only now I can talk to. You’re probably feeling the same, well at least I hope you are or this is useless and I’ll look like a mess. But anyway I need to say this. 

I’m so nervous about how much of my life is going to change in about 24 hours. And every time I think about it, I think about you. How much your life is going to change. You didn’t ask to be thrown into my life. I’m so sorry that this has happened to you. And I know this isn’t really right and goes against everything my parents have agreed to. But if you ever want out just say the word and it’s done. I want you to be happy y/n. That’s way more important to me then some stupid agreement that my parents made. If you don’t wanna do this, that’s okay.

I’m absolutely terrified to be honest. Not about marrying you. Well actually yes about marrying you but not the you part. I mean that’s the only part that kinda doesn’t scare me anymore. What if it’s not like I always thought it would be? Getting married and all. I really want it to be perfect and if you’re not happy it won’t be. And if it’s not perfect then what’s the point. I really care about you y/n. 

I don’t know if this is going to make you feel more comfortable or more nervous but I’m hoping for the first option. I just wanted you to know how I feel. And if tomorrow you wanna end this, I just want to say thank you for letting me get to know you. I have really enjoyed every moment we’ve spent together. 

I hope you sleep well tonight and I can’t wait to see you tomorrow. 

Love Tom’

You stared at the page for a while as the words in the letter replayed in your head over and over again. You looked back at the envelope as your eyes began to feel hot. That silly little smiley face staring back at you. Fuck it.

You suddenly stood up, gripping the paper in your hand. You walked out of your room and looked both directions in the hallway. As you spotted a member of staff you tried to discreetly start walking down a wide hallway. As you quietly jogged down the long marble-floored hallway you realised you actually didn’t know where Tom’s room was. “Fuck,” you groaned as your hands came up to your face and you leaned your head back. 

You looked back at the handwritten letter. It was clearly a piece of paper that was only found in this place. The address of the Holland estate was printed on the top left corner and right in the middle at the bottom was printed ‘Southern Wing’. “Yes,” You whispered in hope. Tom’s room is somewhere in the South Wing. You continued walking down long hallways and up stairs towards the southern wing before you stopped in front of a large door. This had to be it. 

You sucked in a large breath as you gently tapped on the door, praying it was Toms room and that he was still awake. Your eyes stared down at the ground and your bare feet on the cold night floor. The door opened inwards revealing a confused and sleepy Tom. A smile formed on your lips at the sight of him. “Y/n?” He questioned as a hand reached into his soft brown hair. He was stood in only dark grey silk pants and no top. Your cheeks began to blush at the sight, you had never seen Tom in anything less than a suit. And this was A LOT less. 

“What are you doing?” Tom asked as all you had done so far was stand and smile. “Tom,” You let out a deep breath and you stepped towards him holding the letter up to his face. Your lips were turned into a smile but warm tears began to fall from your eyes. Tom pulled you into a hug not really knowing how you were feeling. You tightened your grip around his shoulders as he shut the door allowing you into his sleeping room. 

“I’m sorry, I know I’m not supposed to be here and I’m not supposed to see you like this. And I’m sorry you’re not supposed to see me like this, but Tom,” You rambled pulling away from his warmth.  “I’m sorry I’ve been so difficult and I’m sorry that this is happening and I’m sorry-“ 

“Hey relax,” Tom interrupted walking over to his sitting area pulling a plain white t-shirt over his bare chest. “I’m sorry Tom,” You finished as you came to sit next to him on the couch, again tugging your feet under your legs. “Y/n I’m sorry, this is a shittier situation for you than it is for me and I’ve been a complete dick.” Tom spoke softly looking at your slightly peachy face. 

“You haven’t been a complete dick,” You giggled at his improper language. “Mm yes I have,” Tom smiled reaching a hand up to your face. His warm thumb brushed against your cheek wiping a wet tear away. Your smile dropped at his touch and you looked at him. His warm brown eyes were staring back at you in the most inviting and innocent way. For some reason you felt something you hadn’t felt the whole time you had been here. Comfortable. 

Without thinking about it too much you leaned into his hand and towards him. Tom sharply inhaled as your face was closer to his. His eyes danced between yours and your lips. Soon his cold pink lips were on yours in a soft kiss. Your eyes fluttered closed as you held onto the kiss for a while. Tom gently pulled away not wanting to over step his place. You were just crying, maybe now wasn’t a good time to kiss. “Tom?” you spoke barely above a whisper as your eyes found his again. “Yeah?” His voiced matched yours. 

“I’m in.”

“What?” Tom answered confused. “I’m all in,” You repeated a smile dancing on your lips. 

Let me know your thoughts! I would love to have a chit chat x

The sun glistened against the pale glass of the window. The rolling green hills passing by for what felt like a lifetime. The gentle vibration of the engine that powered the car could be felt in your feet that rested on the floor.

 “Y/N,” the soft voice of your mother caused you to look away from the grass bathing in the sunlight outside and towards her. She tentatively smiled and reached a hand onto your knee. Your rose-filled eyes looked towards hers. A peaceful smile was rested on your lips. She returned a smile back at you as she slightly pinched your leg in a comforting way. You looked from her to your father who was sat across from both of you.

His head was hiding in his shoulders, hesitant to look up. A sad smile replaced yours. You always loved to look in your fathers eyes. They were large blue pools of hope. He was always happy, always curious and his eyes always proved that. As a child you would always climb up into his lap and stare into his pupils. Trying to find your own reflection in the shiny black dots. However today, his eyes seemed dull, quiet, reserved. There was nothing there that you recognised. 

He gently cleared his throat, regaining your focus on the now. “Y/n,” he paused, “I’m very proud of you in everything you’ve done,” He spoke slowly, giving every word its complete purpose. “i’m sorry I couldn’t be here for you during this difficult time, for all of us.” You nodded your head in understanding. This was hard for him too. He had to give up his only daughter knowing it wasn’t something that you willingly wanted to do. He sacrificed your happiness. That’s not an easy decision for a loving parent to make.

You reached over to grab his hand. You squeezed it gently as his fingers fell next to yours. You said nothing, just looked into his eyes. Spotting your reflection in his, a smile rested back on your lips. It’s okay you thought. This is all okay now. 

The engine of the car began to slow down as crowds of people formed outside the windows. You inhaled a sharp breathe as your stomach twitched in nervousness. “Here we go,” you whispered as you closed your eyes and felt the engine stop completely. This is is. No running away now. 

-

A quiet murmur of people chatting filled the church. You were anxiously waiting near the entryway. Family, friends and special guests had all taken their seats and were waiting for you. All these people were going to be watching you. Your hands felt clammy, your feet felt sore, your brain felt frazzled while your heart rate increased. Your eyes couldn’t focus on anything as your brain raced through a series of thoughts. This isn’t going to work. Everyone is going to know that it's fake. I’m a fake. This is all going to fail. Tom’s going to hate me. And on and on they went. Your thoughts filling your mind, suffocating. 

“Hi,” A small voice broke into your mind. A tiny hand fought its way into yours. You looked down confused. One of the flower girls had managed their way to stand right beside you, possibly standing on your train, but that doesn’t matter right now. Her tiny hand squeezed yours as she beamed up at you. Your face relaxed at her innocence. She was so happy, not a care in the world. “You look so pretty, I’m so excited for you!” 

“Really? I’m honestly ready to put my pjs on,” You let your breath go in a weightless motion. She giggled at your honest reply. “Me too,” She matched your energy. The gentle strum of a violin began to fill your ears. A melody started on a piano as the orchestra picked up. You moved to stand at the end of the walkway. Breathe in. The little girl rushed back to her spot, somewhat tripping on your long dress. Breathe out. 

Hundreds of people rose in their chairs. That’s your cue. Stepping forward you looked straight ahead. People turned to look at you, you focused only on what was ahead. Standing, what felt like was so far out of reach, stood The Celebrant, Tom, his family and yours. The closer you got the more you could see. Your family had turned to face you, cheerful smiles as they watched you near. Tom and his family remained facing away from you. They were a family that upheld all royalty rules. They were. 

With about 20 steps until you reached him, Tom turned around to face you. 

His naturally curly hair had been styled backwards to show off his face. His boyish freckles danced across his cheeks. His muscular frame was still somehow noticeable in his all black suit. His brown eyes crinkled as a smile spread across his face. You tried to hide the blushing giggle that formed. A sweet smile couldn’t help but creep onto your face. You stopped focusing on your steps, stopped focusing on all the people looking at you, stopped focusing on this heavy and tight dress. It didn’t matter. Tom was being Tom. He broke the fucking rules. 

His stupid, gorgeous smile made everything else disappear. Tom was all you cared about, all that mattered.

-

“Good afternoon friends, family, guests and the beautiful people of Holland,” The royal official spoke. After the ceremony there is always a formal announcement to the city, welcoming the new royal couple. A mere 10 minutes after saying ‘I do’ you’re on top of a balcony saying ‘hello, I’ll be your queen one day,’ to thousands of people who have very very high expectations of you. Talk about romantic. 

You and Tom were stood directly behind the glass doors, a sliver of material blocking you from the crowds. Tom stood as close as he physically could to you. His hand was tightly gripped in yours, his shoulders nudged right against yours. He quickly but silently shuffled in his spot. You giggled at his closeness, was he nervous? His hand pulled away from yours as it reached up to his chin. “Can you…?” Tom whispered shyly.

You scoffed at the coincidence, “Really?” “What?” Tom blurted out not connecting the dots to your previous encounter that was all too similar for you. “Do you need help with your tie?” You asked mockingly. “Yes,” He whispered back embarrassed. You giggled at his cute boyish nature reaching up to help him with the expensive fabric wrapped around his neck. “You would be helpless without me,” You teased. “Why do you think I married you darling?” Tom smirked down at you. His hands reached yours as you finished. Your eyes looked up to his confused by his action. “Hey,” He whispered. “Hi,” you replied matching his demeanor, looking up into his eyes. Tom went to speak but paused, his eyes darting towards the door. You watched his eyes move frantically back towards yours. “Hey,” He repeated nervously. 

“I would like to welcome you all, Prince Tom Holland and Princess “Y/n Holland,” The voice of the royal official could barely be heard of the intense atmosphere you and Tom had created around yourselves. You were both in a bubble, looking into each others eyes, not knowing who’s going to move first. 

“I think I love you Y/N,” Tom continued ignoring the rustling of people beside you. The doors were quickly opened revealing you to the world. The sunlight shone on both of you, lighting up the view for the crowds. Cheers began to erupt in the crowd as the townspeople got there first glimpse of the royal couple. You were ushered to walk forward and address the people. Smile and wave and act all proper in love, that was your instructions. But you and Tom didn’t do anything. You both stood there lost in each others eyes. His words rung over and over in your head. 

Your lips edged upwards in the faintest of smiles. Toms eyes fell from yours to your lips, noticing your small movement. That was all he needed. His warm hand reached up to behind your neck, balancing the weight of your head. His honey-like lips reached yours in a tender and wholesome kiss. His lips meeting yours, feeling at home. 

A loud cheer broke out in the crowd. You pulled away from Tom, smiling heavenly. You blushed at your public display. Tom noticed your slight embarrassment and giggled while stepping forward to block you from the crowds. He turned and faced you, only you. “Now let me tell everyone else I love you,” You beamed at his words, stepping forward to place your hand in his. “Hey Tom,” you whispered. “Yeah?” Tom leaned down slightly to hear your whisper. “I think I love you too.”

Let me know your thoughts! I would love to have a chit chat x

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Last night you and Tom had spent hours and hours in his room talking about everything and anything. Favourite childhood memories, biggest hopes and dreams, most ridiculous royal rules they had to put up with. Anything. It was nice. It was like you were actually friends. Like this could work. Forgetting the important details of the end of the evening you figured you’d both fallen asleep in his bed. Nothing happened, you just both slept. It was nice. Maybe this really could work. 

You quietly tried to leave the bed and return to your bedroom before any staff noticed. Tripping over a pair of shoes on the floor didn’t help. Tom was stirring in his sleep as you risked a glance back at him. You rushed out the door to be bombarded with people walking in all directions. “Oh god.” Your hands instinctively reached to your body, trying to hide any bit of skin that was picking out of your pale pink pajama set. No one was supposed to see a princess like this. 

The staff walking around were carrying, flowers, dresses, chairs, ornaments, bloody everything they could. They all started to look towards you. Confused and somewhat disgusted looks were thrown your way. An embarrassed smile landed on your face as you tentatively walked forward. The door behind you suddenly opened. Stood in the doorframe was a friendly face. Tom manoeuvred you back inside his room without speaking. You easily obliged, embarrassment  levels growing even higher. 

“Hey, here take this,” Tom spoke as he quickly handed you a robe. “Thanks-“ “Go left down the hall, take the stairs and your room is on the right. Try to avoid being seen if you can.” Tom interrupted. “Ah, thanks-“ again he cut you off. “It’s okay just quickly go. We have stuff to do and if my parents find out I’ve seen you…” “I’ll see you later Tom,” You finished sensing he didn’t want to finish that sentence. Tom gave you a small smile as he once again opened the door. You took a deep breath in as you turned away from him feeling sad. Sad? For some reason you didn’t really want to leave him right now. You wanted to stay in this perfect bubble you’d created. 

You were both safe. Safe to share secrets, safe to feel no judgement. It didn’t matter anymore that you were getting married, it was irrelevant. You had both just spent a night together actually enjoying each others company. It wasn’t forced. It wasn’t serious. But it was real and it was safe. Leaving that behind was scary. What would happen now that you’re put on display in front of everyone? Is it different now? 

Once making it to your room, you didn’t have a moment to spare to even think about Tom. Being rushed around. Makeup, hair, jewellery, fittings, there’s a lot that goes into making the bride-to-be look perfect. You were constantly surrounded by several staff members. ‘A bride that is left by themselves is a bride that could potentially escape.’ You pondered on that thought. Would you escape if you really could? Was this all so bad anymore? 

As much as you were grateful for all the exceptional staff that had turned you into this all-so dreamy-princess, you really just wanted to be by yourself. Your hair felt stiff, and pins were digging into your skull. Your eyelashes were heavy due to elegant fake ones being glued on. The glue was not hyper-allergenic, and boy could you tell. You desperately wanted to rub your eyes and relieve some of the discomfort but your hands were taken from you. Nail artists and jewellery fitters had a very firm grip on your wrists as they worked their magic. Their dashing smiles  shined up at you as a flat expression laid on your lips. 

The benefits of being a princess were great, of course, but sometimes getting all glammed up isn’t as fun as it seems. Turning yourself into someone you didn’t feel like was you always conjured up negative feelings in your stomach. You’re hair was never perfect, your makeup was never perfect. Sure it was great to look perfect, but it never quiet felt perfect. 

With only an hour before the ceremony would start, you were cooped up in your room told to wait. Hair had been styled and set with A LOT of hairspray. Your makeup was perfectly applied enhancing your natural beauty and concealing any rouge pimple to two. Your beautiful white dress was fitted by a young man. No Isabelle, you hadn’t seen her all day. Out of all the people besides Tom you wanted to see right now, Isabelle was the one. Her kind words and gentle eyes offered so much comfort during your time here. Without probably meaning to, she filled the mother-role that your own mother didn’t. 

A lady with dark hair opened your bedroom door after a gentle knock. The door opened inwards revealing 3 young girls. You couldn’t help but smile at the adorable flower girls. Princess duty calls. 

You knew this was coming. It’s always a tradition that a bride is to spend time with the flower girls before the ceremony. Supposed to inspire them? Make them feel happy? You didn’t really know what it was supposed to do but you didn’t mind. Once upon a time you were a lucky flower girl at someones wedding. You didn’t remember much of what they said just that you thought they looked beautiful. Maybe that’s all these kids would remember about you?

“Hello,” You spoke trying to sound effortlessly sweet. You cringed at your voice, you sounded just like your mother. “Hello Princess y/n,” a couple whispered back at you. “How are you girls today? Are you excited?” You asked 

“Yeah!” One girl excitedly yelled, “Super duper super excited!” You giggled at her energy. “Why are you so excited sweetie?” 

“Because I get to see the prince and the princess and they’re gonna get married and live happily ever after and be in love forever and ever!” The little girl rambled a wide smile on her face. She threw her ups around as she spoke, her flower bouquet struggling to stay together. You bent down to her level trying to steady her arms. “They’re going to be in love forever and ever?” You repeated. You weren’t really asking her, you weren’t really asking anyone. Just voicing it into the world. Maybe if you believed it, it would happen. Little kids believed it, why couldn’t you?

After a few more minutes of speaking to the flower girls, the lady with dark hair spoke. “It’s time Princess.” You gasped. Here goes. 

Let me know your thoughts! I would love to have a chit chat x

“Are you feeling okay?” Isabelle asked after noticing your emotionless face. “Mmm,” you replied not really sure whether you could answer yes or no, neither option feeling like the right one. “I can’t quite understand how you must be feeling in these circumstances but I imagine it must be difficult,” Isabelle tried to sympathise. “Yeah,” you whispered, “it’s a lot.” 

“Prince Tom is a lovely man, I can guarantee that.” You remained silent seeing if she would continue. “You know, ever since he was a little boy he’s been dreaming about his wedding day,” Isabelle shared. Your lips tugged into a kind smile at the very personal detail about Tom. “Really?” Curiosity would always get the better of you. “Of course, this genuinely means a lot to him, not just the whole publicity, but you as well.” Mm that’s a bit hard to believe.

“Alright let’s get you undressed shall we?” Isabelle spoke excitedly deciding to take your mind off it by drowning you in white fabric. How ironic. 

“This isn’t going to work,” Tom rambled to his tailor. “She fucking hates me. How am I supposed to live a happily ever after if my fucking wife doesn’t even speak to me?” His tailor silently worked away at pinning the side of his pant leg closer to his actual leg. “Right you remember Georgia yeah?” He asked, his tone dropping. “Yes I do believe so sir,” His tailor, Robert, answered finally engaging in the conversation. “Well, she was at the party the other day, obviously. Anyway, somehow Y/N found out about our history and cracked it at me.” “Oh” was all Robert replied. 

“What do you mean ‘oh’ ?” Tom quickly rushed out, his teeth biting down on the edge of his tongue, a habit that always came out when he was stressed. 

“Well,” Robert tentatively began now standing to face the prince, “Everyone knows that you and Georgia weren’t just friends, you can’t just ignore the fact that you were going to marry her before Y/N showed up.” Toms brows furrowed as his hand came up to his face rubbing against his jaw. He had a point. 

“Okay just step up here and I’ll place the screen up here,” Isabelle instructed as you followed her directions. “What’s the screen for?” You asked. “For Tom,” she smiled knowing you would have further questions to ask. Before you could pester her to answer a door was opened out of sight and the voices of two men entered the small fabric room you were cramped in. 

“Alright let’s see,” Isabelle spoke as she stepped back from you. You and Tom were stood side by side with only a pale fabric screen dividing you. Both Isabelle and Robert were stood at a distant where they could see the both of you somewhat together. This was done to see how you would look on the day. Whether you looked cohesive, like a couple, like you were meant to be together. Yeah, right.

“Y/N,” Tom whispered from behind the pale yellow fabric. Your eyes slowly closed and opened as you remained your focus on Isabelle who was discussing your dress with Tom’s tailor. “There’s no point ignoring me, I know you can hear me,” He continued and you knew, you just knew that he’d have a stupid smile on his face. 

“What do you want Tom?” You spoke finally engaging in this stupid game he wanted to play. 

“I’m sorry. “ 

You didn’t know what to reply with. What are you supposed to say? “Y/N I’m sorry,” Tom repeated taking your silence as an opportunity for himself to continue. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Georgia. If I’m honest I think I was just trying to forget about her and focus on you. I want this to work, I really do Y/N.”

“You think you’re the only one who had to give up on people in their lives Tom.” You pushed trying to make him feel worse. This deal was worse for you than him and you wanted to make sure he knew. 

“I’m sorry Y/N, I didn’t know,” Tom whispered your words cutting harsh. “Of course you didn’t know Tom, you don’t know a thing about me.” You began blinking your eyes quickly, they felt hot and weak, ready to spill at any moment. 

“Hey,” Tom spoke as he stepped out from around the screen disregarding the rules placed on him. Both of you were instructed to remain on either side of the screen. It had been a rule for centuries that a bride and groom are not permitted to see each other in their outfits before the ceremony. “Tom,” you gasped surprised by his dangerous action and also slightly his face. You hadn’t seen it for a while and the expression that was displayed on it was one you hadn’t experienced yet. His eyes were slightly red, his eyebrows straining above them. 

“I want to know you Y/N, let me get to know you please,” Tom began speaking quickly before Isabelle and Robert caught onto what he was doing. “Tom,” you repeated growing anxious about the thought of you both getting in trouble. “Please,” He repeated slightly raising his voice. You glanced over to Isabelle fearing he gained her attention. Your eyes danced between Tom’s and Isabelle’s figure. Feeling conflicted inside you blurted out just the thing he wanted to hear.

 “Okay.”

Let me know your thoughts! I would love to have a chit chat x

“Don’t you think it’s weird that all these people are here?” Tom whispered towards you as he lifted his glass to his lips, sipping on the sweet rose. You looked towards him with a confused smile on your lips. What was he talking about? He knew this was coming long before you did. “What?” He chuckled at your expression. “I mean they’re all going to be at the wedding so why do they have to sit through this twice.” 

“So do we genius,” You replied looking back at all the ‘important’ people surrounding you on an enormous dining table. Sat at the opposite end of the table were Tom’s parents dressed in what could be their outfits for the wedding but to your surprise they weren’t. Also to your surprise, just to the left of them was your mother. Nobody told you that she was travelling all this way just for the rehearsal dinner. However the delight of seeing your mother after so long quickly diminished as an empty seat sat next to her. Your father didn’t.

“Thank you,” Tom spoke as a waiter placed his entree in front of him and began to place his serviette on his lap. Your eyes began to asses the food that lounged on the spectacularly clean plate. “Do you like it?” Tom asked watching your eyes. “What is it?” You cautiously asked not feeling confident in your repertoire of fancy foods. “It’s basically duck,” Tom replied casually. “What do you mean basically?” 

“Well, it has all this fancy shit, sorry, fancy stuff, with it. But it’s basically just duck.” Tom spoke lightheartedly. “Okay,” you answered still not sure of the dish. 

The night went for a long time. Like a long time. But you might actually say you were enjoying yourself? You didn’t have to do much as the happy couple besides that. You both sat there listening to speeches and musical pieces being played just for you as you ate the fanciest food you had heard of. You and Tom had the sweet smiles down easily now whenever someone looked at you both. I mean it wasn’t that hard to act anymore. 

Over the last week you had been getting on well. Some would even call you friends. Lot’s of staff, including Isabelle and Robert, always commented on the fact that both of you were so similar. The fact that you were anything but royal. Yes you both had good manners and knew how to act in front of certain people but when you were alone you were as rude as any young person was. 

Teasing, swearing and mocking was basically how you and Tom talked to each other. You liked to make fun of Toms bed hair at breakfast and he liked to give you wrong directions around the castle every single damn day. But you found yourself not getting mad at Tom. You knew he wasn’t doing it out of spite but you weren’t even annoyed at him for trying to make you have a laugh everyday. You actually enjoyed his company. 

“Having fun?” Tom whispered just to you as you finished up your dessert. “Oh absolutely,” You replied a sarcastic smile spread across your face. “I’m fucking bored shitless,” He chuckled as he relaxed into his seat, not exactly sitting the way a prince should, but you certainly weren’t going to say anything. His biceps were pushed against the expensive white material of his dress shirt. Your eyes glanced down his abdomen, your cheeks growing a warm shade of pink. 

“Oi I saw that,” Tom licked his lips as he teased you. “Oh please, don’t think I haven’t noticed your eyes falling towards my chest all night,” You replied a smug smile on your lips. Tom turned to the side pouting at your words, his sharp jawline on display, which you were definitely looking at. You were friends, sort of. 

“So how many kids do you want?” Tom asked turning back to you. “What?” The word escaped your lips louder than you were expecting as a few people sat around you looked towards you. “Well, we’re going to have kids someday Y/N, did you not think of that?” Tom continued without awkwardness. “Fuck.” You whispered.

“Hey that’s not very lady-like,” Tom teased, “Can’t have a wife with a potty mouth can I?” You tried to smile at his joke but you were still thinking about the fact you’re going to have to have children with him. You don’t even love him.

“Y/N,” Tom softened, “Relax, you’ve got a long time to fall in love with me.” 

That sentence. Somehow that sentence, that was actually really cocky, made you feel comfortable. You did have a long time to fall in love with him. And you thought about, it probably would happen, he’s not that bad is he?                                                          

“Mmm you as well,” You replied sipping on your, who knows what number, glass of white wine. “Oh I don’t have to worry about that,” Tom spoke smiling. You turned towards him pausing your drinking. His lips turned towards his eyes in the sweetest way. His warm honey eyes looking back at you. You didn’t say anything, and neither did he. He simply looked back towards the table and raised his glass before finishing it. He knew what you heard and he wasn’t scared. 

And with a lot of hesitation you followed his actions and smiled at your guests. This is still all an act, right?

Let me know your thoughts! I would love to have a chit chat x

Years ago when you father first came to the throne, your kingdom of Islebury was struggling. Not to mention your father decided to marry a simple townswomen. It wasn’t a smart decision in terms of the future of the kingdom. Yes, it was love, but does love bring new power, new resources, and new wealth? No.

The kingdom of Islebury has lost connections with neighbouring kingdoms, the resources in your town had been starved and the townspeople were giving up. The reign of your lovesick parents was doomed. That was until you were born. 

“Y/N the princess of Islebury has been born!” The news travelled fast around the kingdom and even to close by, thriving kingdoms. From the time the kingdom of Islebury was established a first-born female was unheard of. It seemed the royal bloodline had a way with their genetics that the firstborn was always male. That was until you were born. 

By the time your baby face was all over papers, your kingdom suddenly became of interest. Many neighbouring kingdoms offered up their suitable sons for a royal wedding. It seemed anyone and everyone wanted to make a deal with the diminishing kingdom. 

With debt settling in, your parents were forced into a decision they didn’t want to make. And the best offer on the table came from the most powerful kingdom they knew, The Holland Empire. It was agreed over a night filled with subtle poker faces and detailed contracts. The firstborn son of the Holland kingdom was to marry you as soon as you were of age. This powerful move would join both kingdoms together in the wedding of the century. The Islebury kingdom needed the wealth if the Holland Empire to regain their status, and well, the Holland’s had been eyeing up the land you owned for years.

And so, on your eighteenth birthday, you were sent away to a kingdom you had never visited, to be married to a man you had never met. How could you not be mad at your mother?

After several hours of endless road, the car slowed down its pace to enter through the gates of the castle. Your eyes were fixated on every detail of the building stretched out in front of you. The golden details in every lining, the windows sparkling in the afternoon sun. The building was dripping in wealth.

The rumble of the car’s engine faded out as your door was opened. You carefully stepped out and straightened your skirt. “Welcome princess Y/N,” The doorman spoke with a friendly smile. “Thank you,” you whispered back feeling nervous at what you were about to face. 

Your mother returned to your side and smiled down at you. “Be happy Y/N,” she spoke next to you through her teeth. “Or at least act like it,” she said with a fake laugh, acting as if you were having a light-hearted conversation. You fake giggled back before returning your attention to the staff of the building who had come out to address you. 

“This way please Queen Marie and Princess Y/N,” a short lady spoke with confidence. A group of other staff members of the castle stood behind her waiting patiently for her direction. You and your mother obliged and followed the staff into the large castle.

“Why didn’t father come with us?” You whispered to your mother as you blindly followed the staff throughout the long corridors. “He had more important matters to deal with at home darling,” She spoke back extra sweetly, putting on her softest tone in front of the staff. “More important than this?” You scoffed.

The silent staff abruptly stopped in front of a large white door. The door handles shined as if they had just been polished and the white wood was perfectly sanded. The staff knocked on the door and not even a second later you were welcomed into the Holland Empire.

The internal doormen opened the doors towards them. In front of you stood two adults and a small girl, the king and queen of Holland and the young princess.

You quietly hiccupped as a wave of nerves flooded your body. What was happening? You were completely out of your comfort zone. Who marries a man from a family they have never met?

“Welcome Queen Marie and Princess Y/N,” The queen spoke addressing the whole room. You and your mother effortlessly walked forward into the room before the doors were once again closed behind you. This is it. Can’t run away now.

“Thank you for having us your majesty,” your mother spoke holding composure and not once looking at you. She was so confident, so brave. This must be hard for her too.

“Please take a seat,” Queen Holland spoke, her pearly white teeth shining out at you. You slowly moved forward towards a chair. It had a dark wooden frame that encased a soft plush cushion for you to rest on. The chairman carefully pulled the chair away from the long mahogany table, carefully not to scrape on the marble floors. 

You slowly stood in front of the chair looking at your feet. The chairman pushed the chair back in towards your shaking knees. You tentatively placed your bottom on the chair and dared to lift your eyes up to the table. 

The dark wood stretched out to the other end of the table where the King, Queen and princess of Holland sat with wide smiles. The king had rich black hair and dark brown eyes. His shoulders were wide and the muscles of his arms were pushing at the seams of his blazer. The queen was wearing a simple day dress in a pale pink. Her golden brown hair was tied up and her crown was perfectly balanced on top. The princess was a little less put together than her parents. Her day dress desperately needed an iron and her unruly curls fell down past her shoulders with her tiara shoved on top. 

You avoided their gaze as you inhaled a sharp breath. A large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling with lit candles teetering on the edge. The large windows had gold trims and the view was jaw-dropping, a large lush green field extending for miles. You could hear the gentle rumble of a lawnmower as the groundskeepers were attending to their huge job. 

You smirked at the memories of riding on the lawnmower when you were younger. A small cough came from the King as your attention was quickly brought back to them in the room. 

“He should be here,” you heard the queen quietly whisper to her husband. As if on cue the doors you once walked through were opened again. Your eyes shot back to the door as they abruptly opened inwards. 

There stood a young man approximately your age. His warm brown hair was gelled back in a some-what styled way. His arms were fiddling with his cuffs on his plain white shirt. Just like his father the muscles of his arms were on full display only hidden by the thin material of his shirt. His dress pants were made especially for his long legs and his shoes were a shiny black, obviously never worn before. 

You couldn’t help but stare as the young man entered the room, your mouth falling agape. His eyes glanced over at you, looking up and down before he sent you a wink. His lips were curved up on one side, clearly a signature smirk of his. 

You scoffed at his flirty attempt at a welcome before rolling your eyes. He strode across the room before taking a seat next to his little sister. 

“Sorry I’m late,” he spoke to his family but loud enough for you and your mother to hear, “I was….. busy,” he shifted his gaze back to you smiling. 

Cocky bastard. 

“Well I guess we should begin,” the king spoke, passing a large file of papers towards your mother on the table. 

An hour later and you were signing along a dotted line. This was it. This was you signing your life away. No longer were you princess Y/N of Islebury, first-born daughter to the family throne. You were now engaged to Prince Thomas Holland air to the Holland thrown. 

How romantic. No proposal. No dating. No falling in love. A simple signature and that was it. Pure love. 

“Excited?” Tom whispered in your ear as you placed the pen down. You stared into his eyes. They were a warm chocolate brown that stared back at yours. His lips were open wide in a smile his teeth poking through. You couldn’t help but smile back at him as you spoke, “Not at all.”

“Let me show you your room,” the young princess called out in excitement. Before you could politely protest she was tugging on your arm, pulling you out of the chair. You were taken aback by her strength and you reached your hand out to steady yourself. “Careful darling,” Tom whispered. Your hand, out of all of the places it could have landed, was firmly placed on Tom’s shoulder. His muscles tensed at your touch under the thin material of his cotton shirt. 

“Sorry,” You blushed as you immediately pulled your hand away from his toned frame. Tom turned in his chair to face you. You were stood in front of him watching, waiting for his reaction. His kind eyes were looking up at you not revealing anything. A smile spread across Tom’s face as he noticed your tinted cheeks. 

“Too bad we won’t be sharing a bed just yet love,” Tom spoke, his words slipping out of his lips full of charm. “What?” You breathed out confused. 

“Don’t worry. You don’t have to share a bed until you’re actually married,” The princess interrupted as if what she was saying was comforting you at all. “Right,” You replied as your body stiffened. The young princess guided you out of the room as Tom’s eyes remained on you. And without meaning to, your eyes flashed back to his before you were pulled out of the doorway.

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“Morning,” You sweetly called out. The royal family’s conversation silenced as all their eyes followed you walk across the room. Your pale white sleeping gown hung loose on your shoulders and chest, tempting to fall just a bit too low. 

“Did you forget something Y/N?” Tom whispered as you sat down next to him, mentioning your lack of clothes. He was fully dressed in a day suit. The charcoal fabric on his shoulders rubbed against your bare arms. You smiled up at his confused and tense face.

“No, did you?” You pressed knowing he was withholding information from you.

“What?” Tom breathed out in disbelief, “Are you angry with me?” 

“Why? Should I be?” You answered playing ignorant. 

“Y/N” Tom growled quietly next to you. A cold shiver ran up your back as his breath unintentionally blew against your naked neck. Your eyes glared into the empty china plate sat in front of you, “Actually, I think I’m going to skip breakfast this morning, thank you though,” you mumbled out as you quickly dashed out of the room. The doors closed behind you before anyone could try and stop you from leaving. Your hands ran furiously through your hair as you breathed out a heavy breath. What was that?

The Holland Empire were definitely wealthy. They obviously liked people to know as well. The castle stretched over a large field of luscious green grass trapped in a black steel fence. The large white windows opened up to a beautiful view of the rolling hills and full forests. The warm sunlight was enticing you to go outside and explore the manor however you were on strict rules to remain indoors. “For your safety Princess,” They had said. Bullshit. There were guards loitering near every door and spread out along their posts outside, there was absolutely no way that you wouldn’t be safe. 

As you made your way through the halls you stopped at a plush couch facing a large window. Strange was your first thought as you pulled your feet up next to you on the couch. Looking out the window, you realised why it was here. The window held a view out of the large, perfectly manicured, field of green grass. You could see the stables where the family’s horses rested. As the horse trainers began to walk them out into the morning sun an itch of jealousy arose in you. 

Being an only child meant you were definitely spoilt. Your parents allowed you to do most things you wanted. Go outside when you wanted, ride a horse when you wanted, learn to cook if you wanted, there was no boundaries of what a princess should and shouldn’t do. The Holland Empire clearly knew what kind of princess they wanted you to be. 

“You can go outside if you want to, you know?” A voice trailed out from behind you. Your head snapped back at their face wondering why they hadn’t told you earlier. “Really?” You asked in disbelief looking up to Tom. His eyes remained on the view out the window. “If you tell me what’s going on, that is,” He continued a small smile forming on his lips. 

You shrunk back down on the couch feeling defeat. God why did he have to get your hopes up like that?

“Nothing’s going on,” You replied feigning indifference. A scoff immediately came from Tom as he came to sit next to you on the couch.   “Y/N, if we’re going to marry each other we can’t hate each other,” Tom reasoned. “I don’t hate you,” You simply stated.

“Then why are you acting like it,” Tom argued back raising his voice slightly. A gasp left your lips as his eyes stared into yours. 

“Are you and Georgia together?” You whispered out. That high wall you built up over night coming down all because of his stupid brown eyes. 

“What?” Tom chuckled at your question but obviously tensing up. His hands were placed on your legs, but his fingers curled up into fists. “I’m not an idiot Tom,” You continued annoyed at his attempt of a lie. 

Tom looked away, his hands retreating back to his lap. “Look,” He began still facing away from you, “Georgia and I have been good friends for a long time and there was a time when things did get a bit more serious but,” Tom paused. You edged your body along the couch to move closer to him. “But, when I told my parents about it, they told me about you.” 

“And?” You added knowing what you wanted to hear. 

“And I called it off. Georgia and I are just friends. I promise.” That was it. 

You frowned at his words. He was trying to be sincere, you could tell. However you didn’t believe his words just as much as he didn’t. He lied through his teeth. 

“Tell me again when you actually mean it,” You spat as you got off the couch and walked away. Tom was cocky. He was a dickhead. This wasn’t anything new to him; breaking hearts. He knew what he had to say to get you to believe him but you wouldn’t fall that easy. 

Tom sat on the couch watching you hurriedly walk away, the view seemingly so much better than the one outside the window. 

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You tried to pull your hands away, the pleasant façade falling away. Toms hands gripped yours tighter. Your fingertips turning a light shade of pink as he squeezed your hands. Your eyes searched his, confused by his actions of the night. His eyes finally met yours. They were dark and cold, nothing like you’d seen. You flinched your hands away as he stared back at you.

The crowd fell into a quiet murmur of whispers at both of your actions. You could feel the king and queens eyes burning into your back. This was important. You had to keep up the act.

You tentatively reached up and placed your hand on his shoulder, the fabric of his suit feeling all too familiar. Toms hand wrapped around your hip and pulled you close. The gentle sound of the violins playing enticed you to start moving. Soon enough you both fell into a careful waltz with delighted smiles on your face. The crowd watched in awe.

“Where have you been?” You asked sincerely. “Nowhere,” Tom sharply replied. “Well, you’ve obviously been somewhere because you left me on my own,” You returned.

“Sorry,” Tom gulped. “It’s okay, I just wondered where you were. Thought we had to keep up an act,” You teased, trying to ease the tension.

“Right. Yeah. We have to act like we’re in love.” Tom tensed with every word he breathed out.

“Did I do something?” You asked feeling confused by Toms tense aroma. “What? No. Nothing.” Tom tried to sound convincing. “What’s wrong then?” You pleaded. “I told you nothing. God don’t you listen!” Tom breathed out deeply.

The string quartet drawled to an end and the room erupted in clapping. Your arms fell from Toms frame as he quickly made his way to a doorway out of the large ballroom. You stood there in the centre of the room, alone.

Several hours later, many champagne classes later, many dances with ‘important people’ later, you stumbled into the women’s bathroom. Of course this money splurging family had the fanciest bathroom you had ever seen. The bathroom had a lounge suite and a personal fucking house maid to tend to any mishaps.

You stood in front of the basin as the lady in uniform tried to stare at the floor and not at your embarrassing state. What princess gets wasted on the night of her engagement ball? What princess gets wasted period?

Your eyes struggled to focus on your reflection in front of you. Your hair had dropped out of its perfect curls styled many hours earlier. Your tiara laid slightly lopsided resting on top of your head. Your dress strained around your chest and hips, the tight seams holding on to their last hope. Your lips frowned as you observed what had become of yourself for the night.

A string of giggles entered the room followed by a group of girls. Their laughs stopped as they saw you looking back at them. They quickly entered the empty water closets, trying to avoid the awkward air you were stuck in. You huffed and made your way to the exit.

“She looks like a mess,” You heard a voice whisper. “Poor Tom is stuck with her,” A reply came from another voice. “I bet you he’s so upset that his parents wouldn’t let him marry Georgia, they are so cute together,” The final voice said.

You wiped at your cheeks feeling them get hot. You ducked out of the bathroom into the enormous ballroom suddenly feeling a lot soberer than you wanted to be. Your eyes scanned the room looking for one person. In the far corner of the room, you spotted his black suit. You started your walk across the room, one expensive silver shoe after the other. Your head throbbed as you got closer, definitely too many glasses of celebratory champagne.

You narrowed your eyes on Toms frame, trying extra hard to focus on him in the spinning room. His hand was placed on the back of a green dress. A green dress on a slim body. A green dress on a slim body that had golden blonde hair.

“Princess Y/N,” Toms voice pulled you out of your haze. “This is my good friend Georgia.”

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