The Girl in the gilded cage (A Tom Hiddleston story)

Caged

*Malina*
The sun rises over the circus, casting a vibrant hue across the tents and the bustling grounds. The familiar scent of popcorn wafts through the air, mingling with the faint musk of hay from the animal enclosures. I can hardly believe how quickly everything has changed. Just a short while ago, I was afraid I might lose Tom, and now we're back home, and planning a wedding.

I find Tom sitting on our makeshift couch, a few colorful cushions piled up behind him. He looks up at me, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "So, have you thought more about the wedding?" he asks, his voice playful yet serious.

I sit beside him, my heart fluttering at the thought of our future. "I have. I think we should keep it simple, but beautiful. Maybe a ceremony under the big top?" I suggest, picturing our friends and family gathered around us, the vibrant colors of the circus in the background.

"I love that idea," he grins, squeezing my hand. "And I can help with the decorations. I might not be a circus performer, but I can make it look like a fairy tale."

I can't help but laugh at the image of Tom trying to hang streamers and fairy lights, but I know he would give it his all. "And what about the guest list? I want everyone to be there... my family, the performers, even the animals if we can swing it! And your family of course."

"Let's invite the whole circus!" he chuckles. "But seriously, I think we should focus on the people who matter most. Your family, my parents, and those who've been there for us through everything."

Just then, a familiar voice interrupts our moment. "Well, you two lovebirds better not forget about me!" Lavinia stands in the doorway, a bright smile plastered across her face. "I've been thinking about wedding dresses, and I'd love to take you shopping in the nearby town. I know just the place!"

I blink in surprise. "Really? You want to help plan my wedding?"

"Of course! What kind of sister would I be if I didn't?" Her tone is light, but there's an edge beneath the surface that I can't quite place. I exchange a wary glance with Tom, who raises an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" he asks in a half whisper, his protective instincts flaring up. "Lavinia hasn't exactly been... supportive in the past."

I nod, trying to quell the unease that washes over me. "Maybe she's just trying to be helpful, Tom. People can change."

"Or they can have ulterior motives," he counters, his brow furrowing. "Just be careful, Malina. I don't want anything to ruin this for you."

"What can happen while dress shopping?" I give him a reassuring smile. "But you should be careful too."

He nods, smiling warmly at me.

I lean over to kiss him softly, wanting to reassure both him and myself. "I'll be careful. But I think it's worth giving her a chance. Maybe this is her way of showing that she's happy for us."

Tom sighs, but the tension in his shoulders eases a fraction. "Okay, just promise me you'll keep your guard up. I can't lose you to anything... especially not your sister's games."

"I promise," I whisper, squeezing his hand before turning back to Lavinia. "Alright, let's go dress shopping then! But I want something unique... something that reflects who I am."

Lavinia claps her hands, her excitement palpable. "Leave it to me! We'll find the perfect dress, and I'll make sure it's a day you'll never forget."

As we head out, I can't shake the feeling that something isn't quite right, but I push it aside, I mean even my sister is not that bad.

*Tom*
"Hey, Tom! Ioan wants to see you in the big tent!" A kid exclaims as he runs over to me, pointing towards the towering structure that looms just beyond the circus arena.

A knot forms in my stomach at the mention of Ioan's name. What does he want now? Still, I can't back down. Not now, not after everything I've fought for.

"Thanks, kid," I reply, trying to shake off the unease as I make my way toward the tent. The vibrant colors of the fabric flap in the light breeze, but my heart races with uncertainty as I step inside.

The big tent is dimly lit, filled with shadows that dance across the ground. As I walk deeper, I see Ioan lounging casually inside the cage where he trains the tigers. But right now there is only Ioan in there.

"Tom! Finally, you've come!" Ioan calls out, his voice dripping with mockery. "I was beginning to think you were too scared to show up."

"What do you want, Ioan?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady despite the tension coiling in my gut. I don't trust him, not for a second.

"Come in," he beckons, waving a hand toward the open cage door. "I want to have a little chat."

I hesitate, weighing my options. But I can't show fear. Not in front of him. Not when I'm trying to protect Malina and our future. So, with a deep breath, I step inside the cage, my instincts screaming at me to turn back.

As soon as I'm inside, Ioan's demeanor shifts. He lounges back against the bars, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "You know, Tom, I've always admired your bravery. But you should really consider what you're getting into."

"What are you talking about?" I demand, but my voice falters slightly.

Ioan stands fully up slowly, his eyes glinting with malice. "Oh, you'll see. I just wanted to give you a little... opportunity for excitement," he says, and before I can react, he lounges forward and pushes me hard to the ground.

I stumble, hitting the dirt floor with a thud, and in an instant, Ioan dashes out of the cage, slamming the metal door behind him with a resounding clang. The sound echoes around me, sending a shiver down my spine as I scramble to my feet.

"Have fun with the kitties!" Ioan calls through the bars, his laughter ringing like a death knell. He locks the door, his smirk widening as he walks away, leaving me trapped inside the tiger's cage.

Panic surges through me, but I force myself to breathe. Then I hear the loud click, the slide of a heavy door, and I know at least one Tiger has just been released into the tunnel leading to the cage... I won't be alone much longer.