Prologue: All Hail Shadow
The kingdom of Mobius was prospering during the reign of King Lionel. When his wife Sophie gave birth to their son, Shadow the kingdom rejoiced at the arrival of a new heir. Soon, he grew up into a healthy prince alongside his younger sister, Maria.
However, all things must come to an end, and soon the king became ill and passed away. The king left his son to tend to the kingdom in his passing. The then 19-year old Shadow took the throne and attempted to rule the way his father had, but soon became a cruel ruler, taking money from the people, giving cruel punishments to the innocent and ignoring the pleas of his people for mercy. No one could stand up to him because his word was law and he had the muscle power to strike down anyone who opposed him.
Our story begins in the throne room where the royal bookkeeper, Miles Prower (also called "Tails") was reading the minutes of the previous council meeting to King Shadow.
"The representative from Soleanna reports that they've had a bad crop and won't be able to send in as many fruit this year." He said.
Shadow reclined in his throne with his head resting on his hand. "Tax them to make up for the difference." Shadow said almost carelessly. Tails was about to retort that this wouldn't be a good idea, but kept silent at a sharp glance from Shadow.
"I'll record the added tax, Sire." He sighed.
"Good." Shadow smirked, patting the young boy's head. He started out of the throne room and ran into his sister.
"Shadow I need to talk to you." Maria said.
"Not now, Maria." Shadow said, passing her by.
"Shadow it's important." She said. "Mom said that you need to start thinking about finding a queen."
"That is not important, Maria, I can rule the kingdom by myself just fine." Shadow said.
"Maybe you can find someone who can balance you out a little." Maria said. "Princess Rouge would make a fine young queen."
Shadow shook his head in annoyance. "Even if I was going to get married, I don't want to marry a princess." He said. "They're spoiled, bratty, and annoying. I want someone different, someone headstrong, but not so much that I can't break her down. Someone that would make a good wife and at the same time, make a good warrior."
Maria thought for a minute. "Maybe you should try the southern region." She said thoughtfully. "That's where the majority of our warriors and other soldiers come from."
Shadow smirked. "Maybe that's where I'll find a bride then." He said, walking away. "Prepare the royal carriage and send word to the southern region that the king will be looking for his bride there."