Knuckles didn't need no escort, he knew where to go, the crimson prince walked down the halls of the palace, servants all parting ways , no one dared to make eye contact.

It was irritating that the entire staff was intimidated by him, Knuckles pressed on and approached a room with large doors. Opening the door he stepped into the throne room.

In the throne room was Locke and his mother Lara-Le, and it was clear the two were having a conversation.

"He's my son as well Locke!" The Empress argued " I have every right to see what is best for him!"

" Lara , this is something only I..."

" You!" Lara-Le raised her voice " I'm his mother! " she reminded him " emperor or not you can't shut me out of his life!"

Knuckles cleared his throat to get his parents attention, once they notice him in the room the two dropped their argument at turn facing the crown prince.

The emperor and empress when in the presence of other stood tall and proud, Lara-Le wore a gown that was yellow like the sun and had gold trimmings along the skirt, sleeves and collar.

Locke wore a uniform of white with gold trimmings to match his wife, his pants were black and he wore black boots.

" You wanted to speak with me?" Knuckles asked after he gave his parents a bow .

" Of course dear" Lara-Le spoke " we" she gave the emperor a sharp glare " were discussing your future".

" My son" Locke steped forward " your very young and almsot nearing your 20's " he cleared your throat " So I like to inform you that I've selected a bride for you"

" AH-HEM!" Lara-Le gave a loud fake cought to get her husbands attention. Locke ignored her and turn his attention back to Knuckles.

" You'll meet her in 3 weeks I've already invited her to come and stay for a few months to alow your two to get to know each other" the emperor informed.

Knuckles understood the situation, but 3 week was just to soon for him to be meeting his new bride.

...

Night has fallen, the emerald empire were now retiring for the night. The emerald city lights were slowly turning out.

The last room in the palace on the highest floor stayed lit for a few more minute before turning them out.

All was left was the silence of nearby bugs chirping a night time lullaby. But their lullaby was disturbed by a gust of wind.

That wind was heading right twoards a tree, with landing the wind died down only a few leaves shook by impact.

Hiding in the tree eyes peered out, turqiuse eyes were watching the palace, the night time guards making thier rounds, the eyes could see they were tired and wanted thier sift to end quickly.

In the tree a white furr bat smirked as she had her eyes set on the palce building, she looked for an opening, she notice a curtian swaying in an out , thier was her opening, some one left the window open.

This was going to be easy, she would sneak in, steal some money and leave before they can catch her.

She prepared herself and extended her wings and looked to the sky.

Introducing Emperor Locke and Empress Lara-Le... Yeah kept their characters the same as if they were from the comic... Sort of.