Two Sides of a Story (SBI AU)

Chapter 16- Change

Tommy POV

The night passed by quickly with Tommy never leaving his room. He didn't want to risk seeing anyone. Besides, he didn't want to hear all the comments that he knew were being made. Around every corner, inside every room, the gossip spread. Without even hearing a word of it, he knew people were talking about him.

It seemed like any mistake he made was only amplified by the words that came out of it. And with each mistake, the rumors only grew. Any possibility of a good reputation had disappeared a long time ago. So he simply avoided people, giving up the idea of making friends in the castle. His mother was all he needed.

Morning rose quickly, beaming light through the boy's window. As soon as he opened his eyes, he couldn't help but sigh. He'd be lying if he didn't admit he liked being outside the castle walls. 

Tommy swung his feet over his bed, standing up and stretching. Out of habit, he wandered towards the window. Laying his head on the window sill, he couldn't help but get lost in his thoughts. Confusion swirled in his brain, trying to piece together what outlaws really were. 

What if they were actually good? The people seemed to cheer for them more than the royals... And it would make more sense. But why would his family lie? It was impossible for them not to know. So why didn't they tell him?

His hand reached out, grasping the sunlight between his fingers. A small smile appeared on his face. Maybe if he started his day happy, it would end that way too.

But the thought was immediately thrown out the window at the sound of crying. "Please don't take him! Don't take my baby!" a woman cried, causing Tommy to freeze.

Was she getting robbed? Squinting through the window, his eyes widened at the sight of a guard attempting to pry a baby away from a woman. How could a guard do that? What could ever make that okay?

Pulling on his jacket, Tommy took off. He didn't bother to brush his hair or place his crown elegantly on his head. That wasn't important. 

One foot after the other, he tore down the hallway. Past the whispers and glares. He knew what they were saying. Taking a deep breath, he ignored it. Focus, he reminded himself. Tommy took a quick turn towards the gate.

A few more steps and he was out into the world. Racing down the cobblestone paths, he finally came to a stop. He closed his eyes, listening for the woman's cries. He knew she was around her somewhere. He had seen her near the bakery...

"No!" the woman shrieked, a newfound panic taking control of her voice. 

Tommy sprinted towards the sound, praying on every star that he wasn't too late. People in the street gave him weird looks, simply getting out of his way. At least it was in confusion and not hatred. It was a nice change for the moment.

Whipping around a corner, his eyes narrowed on the guard. The woman's baby was successfully in his hands, much to his dismay. This wasn't right! He skidded to a halt, catching the attention of the other two.

"Return this woman-" he panted, trying to catch his breath. "-'s baby now." He leaned over, trying to pump air into his lungs. 

The guard chuckled, a dark look reflecting in his eyes. "This woman has failed to pay her taxes."

Tommy stared at him, not believing what he was hearing. "So you take her baby?" he demanded.

"It is no longer ensured that she will be able to take care of him." he shrugged. The baby began crying in his arms, reaching for his mother. The guard rolled his eyes, "Orders are orders."

"Return him to her." 

The guard tilted his head towards him. For a moment it seemed like he was reconsidering. But it was too good to be true. "I don't take orders from you traitor. Take it up with the king." The man turned on his heel, ignoring the sobbing child in his arms.

The distressed woman attempted to run after him, but Tommy gently grabbed her arm. "Let me go! I need to get him! I need to get my baby back!" she screamed, tugging and pulling to get out of his grip.

But Tommy knew it would be a deathtrap. His father was just looking for an excuse to get rid of anyone who caused the slightest bit of trouble. "Let me take care of it." 

"Who are you anyways?" the woman hesitated, studying him up and down.

Tommy sighed, shaking his head. "Doesn't matter." He paused, looking her dead in the eyes. "I promise I'll bring him back to you, I promise."

The woman hesitated, finally nodding. "I'll hold you to it."

Tommy bit his lip, nodding. Without another word, he raced back towards the castle.

He could only hope change would come with him.

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Hope you liked it!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

-Snowy