The Dog Princess: A Tom Holland Fairy Tale

A Choice

"Oh Rosemary! This is—well—it's news!" Zendaya had officially flipped, her face flushing with excitement as well as worry. She clung to the duvet for dear life, hanging on Rosemary's every word.

Rosemary paced the floor, tiring herself. "It's just a stroll—what could come if it—", she whispered sharply under her breath.

"Well Rosemary I don't think anyone could have predicted this—especially not today—especially coming from him. What are you going to do? What about Tom—"

"Shh! You shouldn't just say that! Besides...I said yes. What other choice do I have?"

Zendaya pursed her lips, pensive. "Say you do get married..."

"Yes?"

"You could always just...have an affair." She shrugged.

"Zendaya!" Rosemary shrieked, offended but also trying to suppress her laughter.

"What! Men do it all the time! Including kings and princes—it's no secret!"

"Well maybe I don't believe in that sort of thing." Rosemary crossed her arms, pouty.

"And you do believe in a loveless marriage?" Zendaya raised an eyebrow, pleased when Rosemary's expression deflated in response.

"I won't dignify that with a response."

"All I'm saying is you may think you have no choice, but I think you can take advantage of your situation. Have something to yourself for once. We know of the passage! Prince Timothée would never go in there! You could sneak him in and out!"

"Zendaya! This is absurd! And you've got to think—if it all goes wrong it puts him in serious danger. You don't know what Timothée is capable of, but I do. I don't want anyone to get hurt."

Zendaya sadly looked down, reflecting. "Oh...you're right." They both looked at each other solemnly, before letting out a deep sigh together.

"He'll never even know how I feel."

"Maybe it's better that way. It would be torture—especially since you'll be living here for possibly the rest of your life." Zendaya rose from the bed and crossed over to Rosemary, putting a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Are you certain you wouldn't learn to love the prince? From what you've told me, perhaps that is what he really needs? And maybe all those things about him that scare you will fade with time...?"

"I don't know. Oh, but I wish I knew. The only thing I'm sure of right now is that boy...Tom...he doesn't leave my thoughts. I can't escape him. He fills my head and my heart with fantasies...and hope. How can I love the prince when there's no room?"

"Oh—oh Rosemary you must see him again! I know it isn't wise, but I can see how you care for him! That isn't something that will just go away. Maybe spending more time with him will help you decide!"

Ping. "Well Zendaya, you leave me no choice now."

"Well I would never make you—oh—oh dear! That was a command, wasn't it?"

"Yup." Rosemary replied tartly as she stood and let herself shift, leaving Zendaya feeling mortified.

"I apologize! Goodness that's awful! This curse is so—so touchy!" Rosemary barked in agreement, shaking off her dress. She then trotted over to the wall that lead to the passages. Zendaya promptly opened the wall just enough for Rosemary to squeeze through. "Good luck my friend. I'll stay in here tonight, just scratch when you need back in."

Rosemary yipped a small reply and bolted down the dark hall, determined to reach Tom before nightfall.

***