Tom Holland Royalty AU

"So, I heard your mother complaining about another failed courtship." Zendaya, or the crowned princess as everyone refers to her, smiles to me over her embroidery. "How did you run this one off?"

"I did nothing. I was the picture of innocence the entire time." I tell her with a devious grin. This is the tenth failed courtship attempt; each one more disastrous than the last. "He was the one that suggested teaching me to fence. It's not my fault the poor boy doesn't listen to the gossip."

"Oh, no." Zendaya chuckles and sets the hoop aside. My devious grin is mirrored on her face, and I'm suddenly reminded how much my cousin and I are alike, despite a multitude of differences. "The poor boy, he must have been so shocked. Tell me everything that happened."

"What kind of cousin would I be if I didn't?" I smile and lean back into the plush cushion of the chair. The whole story is laid out between us.

A story of an unsuspecting nobleman attending a courtship that he had no clue would end with his face in the dirt and bruises developing on his body. All because of a duchess in a corset, who from a young age traded embroidery needles for training swords.

I always understood my position in life. As a duchess of Astoria, second in line to the throne after my cousin, Zendaya, my life was subject to being married off to strengthen alliances. It never really appealed to me. I don't mind the idea of marriage, but rather the thought of not being able to choose.

Because my lack of choice meant it was in my parent's hands. They don't understand or think like I do. The nobility is essentially a power game, and everyone is always desperate for more. I knew that my marriage to the wrong family, and my cousin could be in harm's way. For no other reason than someone wanting a son and daughter on the throne.

It's what lead me to train and convince Daya to do the same. No one should ever be able to shove us around of treat us poorly because of our gender. And I refuse to allow any potential husband to think that way of me. Only a proper candidate would ignore the rough pieces and understand me in my entirety.

"So there he was—my sword pressed against his chest. And oh, Daya, if you could have seen his face. The only way I can describe it as a pig realizing it's on the menu." I giggle and push back the pity for the poor guy, "So I took the broad side and swiped his feet out from under him."

"Y/N!" Zendaya cries from laughter. "No wonder your mother is furious. I mean, he sounds like he deserved it, but you still have to be careful. You're parents likely won't tolerate bad behavior much longer before they'll take matters into their own hands."

There's an all too familiar pressure in my chest. Punishment is inevitable in my family, and I knew from day one that their patience would only last for so long. "What do you think they'd do?"

"I don't know, but I heard them talking about the Societatem and teaching you." She whispers, clearly upset. The Societatem is the hub of the Five Kingdoms. It's the place where the rulers gather and live as a symbol of the nation's harmony.

"No." I whisper back in dismay. It's the place that my parents sent me to learn etiquette, social skills, and gain respect among my peers. Not to mention the one place that would surely seal my fate. If they send me to the Societatem, it's because they're going to pick my suitor without any input from me.

My mother quietly clears her throat, obviously displeased with my slouched posture and tearing eyes. "Y/N, there's something your father and I would like to discuss with you. Please, meet us in the study after tea." A pit drops in my stomach as she stalks out of the room.

Daya offers me support as she rubs my fidgeting hands. We both know the inevitable outcome without having to be told. "It will be okay, Y/N. I promise; we'll always have each other."

I try to smile at her. Ever since the day we met, the two of us have been the best of friends. She's not only my cousin, but my best friend and confidante. Nothing has been able to tear us apart, not politics, gossip, distance, or even her recent marriage. It's the only comfort I can have knowing the situation ahead of us.

It felt like hours before tea went by. My parents watched me intently as I entered the study. "Sit down, Y/N. Your mother and I have some things we need to discuss with you. Zendaya, if you would be so kind as to wait outside."

My cousin offers me one last encouraging smile before stepping outside. I wrap my fingers into the layers of my skirt and allow the petticoats to hide my fear. "Y/N, as you know, we have tried many times to find you an eligible suitor, but we have not been successful thus far." My mother starts and settles a hand on my father's shoulder. "So your father and I have decided to accept a more drastic solution."

My father clears his throat and clasps his palms atop the mahogany desk. "You're mother and I have found you an eligible suitor. We've spoken with his family to settle all the arrangements, and the marriage date is set."

I nearly choke on my own breath. "Wait, the marriage date?! You've already decided it? We haven't even met."

My mother screws her eyes shut and sighs, and I hear my father groan as he fingernails drive into his shoulders. "We understand that you have your concerns, but we've met him and his family. There is nothing else for you to worry about."

"I think there is." I snap and wrap my fingers around the chair's arms to keep from strangling them. "For all I know he could be like the countless others who want their wives to be the prim, silent, uneducated snivs that fill the court. What makes you think this one will find me any less abrasive and unsuitable?"

There's a hint of regret in my father's eyes. If anyone would listen to me, it would be him. "I've met this young man myself. The only reason he hasn't married is because he broke off all other courtships. According to his parents they were 'too bland.'"

"But—" My mother raises her hand to cut me off short. Something collapses in my chest. The decision has been made, and nothing I can say or do will stop it.

"You leave for the Societatem with Daya in two days time." She tells me with a resigned attitude. "Your lady's maid is preparing your trunks, and my brother has agreed to watch you and help you prepare. We will meet you there a few weeks before the ceremony. Please, understand everything we do is for the future of you and our kingdom."

It hurts to breathe. Especially when I realize that she's right. I have to marry at some point or else there will be no future for our duchy. Astoria will collapse or be auctioned off to another rising noble family, and if anything were to happen to Daya, the same fate would befall the crown and country.

Tears brim in my eyes as I nod in acceptance and pray for the strength to see this through. I feel mindless and numb as I leave the study. Zendaya follows closely beside me. She wants to know. But I can't bring myself to say it.

Although, I think she figures it out when I collapse in my slowly emptying parlor. We spend hours in silence, until she breaks it by asking. "Do you know who it's going to be?"

I shake my head. "I'm turning in for the night."

"Get some sleep, love. I'll see what I can find out for you." She whispers with one last hug. "Remember, I'm by your side the whole time."

I move to my bedroom and wait as my lady's maid helps to remove the layers of petticoats and corsets. Instead, they're replaced by the light smooth fabric of the nightgown, and I love the weightless feeling of it as I crawl into bed and fall asleep. All the while, I dream and fret about my upcoming courtship.