Escape: A Royal Tom Holland Romance

Ending Two Part One

Tom looked out the doors in amazement. He didn't have time reason with himself about how this could be happening. He dashed into the hall, hoping it wasn't too late. He was about to turn a corner when he suddenly heard a shrill warning.

"Tom! Look out!" Zendaya's voice rang through the hall, as Tom jerked back at the sound of a blade cutting through the air in front of him.

He could barely process what had just happened when he saw Harry coming at him with his sword. "Harry! Wha—"

He swung at him again before stopping to stare at him angrily, his eyes fierce and dangerous. "My apologies, brother, the princess ruined the surprise."

"What is this?" Tom huffed in disbelief.

"Don't be coy." Harry scoffed. "You don't deserve the crown!" He swung again, Tom making a run for his rooms to find a weapon.

"You're a coward!" Harry shouted after him, fast approaching. "You're weak, Tom! You aren't fit to rule!"

Tom drew a sword and turned to face him, afraid of where this might lead. "I don't want the crown, Harry! I would give it all up if they would let me!"

He lunged for Tom who fought back, their swords clashing once before scraping against one another. There was an unfamiliar hate in his eyes, something that had only recently bubbled up to the surface. "You should've ran while you had the chance." Harry growled breaking from the tension of their swords and coming at him again.

Before he could meet him halfway, Tom swung his blade with incredible might and anguish. Harry's blade shattered upon impact, the force shaking them both to the core. Tom screamed until his voice almost gave out. "I've tried to run dammit! What kind of brother are you?? You wanted this crown and this power so bad, where were you when I was begging mum and dad to abdicate! A real man—a king would've  seen the opportunity to rise to power with dignity and grace while you—you're a serpent!"

Harry stood in awe, as he had never seen such fury from Tom, even through all that had happened. Tom immediately called some guards that arrested Harry. He looked so broken as he was being dragged off. Zendaya went to Tom, timidly reaching out to touch his hand for any kind of comfort she could get. He took her hand firmly, looking intently at her: seeing her for the first time. Her hands began to shake a moment. "Excuse my tremor—"

"You saved my life, even after I had been so horrible to you. Thank you. You will always have my respect."

"Don't praise me for something you know nothing about." She turned away, tears threatening to escape.

"What do you mean?"

"I knew of his plot to kill you." She sobbed hopelessly. "He offered me love and a happy life with him as king and queen that he said you couldn't give and—I was wrong! It was a mistake! I couldn't bear to see him succeed! I love you, even if you'll never love me."

He took her into his arms and she latched onto him as if the floor was falling beneath her. Even in her distraught state, she had an air of elegance that was unmatched by any other. "Don't worry, you'll not be punished. You were courageous and without you I would've been done for. That means more to me than any 'mistake' you make. Trust me they're nothing compared to mine."

"Tom—" She started, but was cut off by Queen Nicola and Sam bursting into the room.

"Tom! What is going on? Why did you order Harry's arrest? Tell me what I'm hearing isn't true—" She questioned, not quite finishing a phrase before another one trampled out of her mouth.

"I don't know what you're hearing, but Harry tried to kill me. He wanted to be next in line." Tom replied coldly.

Queen Nicola began to weep. "I can't believe this—oh Tom—"

"It's alright mother. I'm fine." He went to her, hugging her tightly as she wept into his shoulder.

"It's not alright, Tom." Sam said. "He tried to kill your child and then he tried to kill you. I hate to say it but he needs to be locked up—"

"Child? Tom's child?" The queen stepped out of the hug, meeting Tom's awkward expression. He'd been caught. Zendaya's eyes widened.

Tom opened his mouth, but no words came out. Sam spoke before Tom could. "Yes, mother. A medic found Beth to be with child and Harry tried to have it killed! Luckily I prevented that from happening, but he needs to be punished for his crimes—"

"My God Thomas—" She clutched her pearls, her head spinning. She almost fell over.

"Mother please—don't faint—" Tom was trying to hold her steady.

"Queen Nicola." Zendaya stood up.

"Zendaya—" The queen muttered, still in a state. "Zendaya!" She shouted, suddenly realizing that the princess was in the room. "Oh dear...what are we going to do—"

"Queen Nicola, may I propose a non-marital alliance between our kingdoms?"

"A what—" The queen squawked, unable to bear much more. Tom sat her down on a nearby sofa, leaning her head again a cushion.

"I'm sure my father and your husband would not object, seeing they get what they want. I'm not sure if it's ever been done, but I think breaking tradition would be thrilling in a way. What do you think?"

"Zendaya, do you really mean it?" Tom asked, completely shocked.

"I do. I want you to be happy, Tom. Besides, I'm worthy of love, and I intend to find it someday."

"You will, Zendaya. I've no doubt about it." Tom smiled, hugging her so tight he lifted her off the ground.

"Wait!" The queen gasped, sitting up quickly. Tom and Zendaya quickly turned their heads to her, puzzled. "What about the wedding!" She was quite hysterical.

A smile spread across Zendaya's perfectly plush lips "Don't worry your Majesty. I have an idea. First, we need to catch that boat."