Hello everybody! I finally got to finish the 2nd chapter. It became a bit different than I originally planned it, but I'm pleased with it after all.
Thanks everyone who viewed the story so far, and especially who follow it and put it into favourite. I hope you'll like this chapter also, have fun reading it.

And an important thing I forgot for first: I don't own Sonic the Hedgehog.

Chapter 2: Royal Celebration

It's already been a week since the Prowers moved back from Downunda. Everyone's home were equipped fully according to their personal style, and all of them tried getting used to the life in New Mobotropolis once again. Today was a special one however, and everyone was gettin ready excitedly for the upcoming event. It was early afternoon when Tails and Mina got ready with suiting up. Both of them were really elegant: Tails had dark brown suit with white shirt and black ties, while Mina's wear was a high-red one-shoulder dress with a georgette on it's right side, and she had a simple tiara on her head instead of the usual headbang. Tails had a smile on his face as he looked at his wife.
- I guess I'll have the most beautiful date as usual.
Mina chuckled softly as she stepped in front of her husband and reached for his chest.
- And I guess someone still doesn't know how to have a tie on. – she told while correcting the specific accessory.
- My manual skills are specialized in other things. Besides, if I would learn this somehow, I would really miss this nice ritual. – he answered with deep voice and pulled his beloved lady to him closely.
They began to share small kisses, and they could've done this for a long while...
- Please! Don't you think it's too early for that? – cut in Melody as she stepped into the room during the middle of the romantic moment – Behave yourselves! The party didn't even start!
The girl's wear was a silky-black kimono style dress and her hair was tied up into a bun.
- Oh my! You're so pretty, dear! – squealed Mina.
- Are you surprised? She inherited your beauty. – added Tails.
Melody reddened for a moment, but composed herself quickly.
- I think we should go soon. Where's Skye?

The young fox was spending his time in his working room. Of course, he was dressed up stylishly for the occasion: black suit, sky-blue shirt and golden colour tie that was had on perfectly. After he finished gettin prepared he was also about to join his parents. But something came into his mind suddenly, and he simply had to sit down to his computer and get to work. During the last week, Skye was totally digged in a project he had been working on for a while. That meant minimal rest for him and that was clearly written on his face. His desk, which was so well organised when he moved in, now was a total mess. Papers and mechanical parts were lying everywhere. The boy was typing wildly on his keyboard and glared at the display before him.
- Thank goodness this came into my head. It would be annoying, if I forgot about this. – he thinked loudly.
- I can't believe you're working again!
Skye turned to the source of the voice and saw his sister standing in the doorway. Then he looked at his clock.
- Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize how time elapsed. – he said laughing nervously.
- You'll get sick, if you keep up with this lifestyle, you know that?
- Okay, there's no need of briefing me! We can go.
The siblings were on their way to join their parents.
- You're looking nice by the way. Boys will be amazed by your sight. – said Skye tauntingly.
- That's what I expect. However, I guess I'm not the only one who plans attracting. - Melody retorted.
- I don't know what you're talking about.
- Oh, you'll see. – told the girl eeriely.

In the Acorn Castle, the gala was already in progress. The corny ballroom was packed with well-groomed guests, including the pack of young royal boys, who all obviously waited for the celebrated princess. However, she still hadn't shown up on the event. The band played different songs for the public to dance. Skye was standing alone at the side of the room drinking a glass of drink while he mustered the crowd. He didn't have a relish for these kinds of events, since he didn't like being amongst this many people. He frowned as he looked at the way of the genteel toffs. He was near enough to hear out the talking of a group of those guys.
- The princess could really show up already! – said impatiently a tall and robust boy – I didn't came so far to keep waiting that long!
- I think you're fretting needlessly. If she sees your huge figure, she'll totally freak out for sure. – joked a much smaller guy who received a death glare in exchange.
- Gentleman! Show more respect. Besides, you all will be disappointed at the ladies' choice dance, when the princess will ask me to dance with her. – cut in the third member of the group.
Skye couldn't bear hearing the lofty argument anymore, and stepped away from them. Meanwhile, he sighted his parents on the dancefloor. They were dancing to a slow music, looking into each other's eyes deeply and lovingly. Sometimes, he was amazed of how much they loved each other.
- I can't believe who we happen to bump into!
Snapping out of his thinking, Skye turned to the source of the voice. He was facing with guardian Lara-Su and her date, Argyle. They were both graceful: Argyle in his favourite smoking composition, while his partner in a magenta dress.
- It's been a long time. – said Argyle as they shaked hands.
- I'm also glad we meet again. What's up with you? I've heard some rumors not long ago. Are they true? – asked Skye.
As a reply, Lara-Su held up her left hand, having a shiny engagement ring on it.
- Yeah, I've asked the big question indeed. – said Argyle shyly as he pulled his fiancée close to him.
- It was a heartwarming and embarrassing moment. There was no way I could say no. – added Lara.
- That's great! Congratulations!
The music came to a stop by the end of their discussion, and a voice could be heard through the microphone.
- Ladies and Gentleman! I'm honoured to announce her majesty, Princess Sonia Acorn!
After the statement, the princess appeared at the entrance of the ballroom, escorted by her father on her left. Sonic was unusually neat in his black dress-coat with white shirt and bow-tie; he didn't get rid of his red running shoes for this event though. That wasn't matter of course, since all the eyes were fixed on the main character of the event, the celebrated young lady. She was absolutely gorgeous in her dark purple evening gown, with her tied up hair, and tiara on her head. She's beauty was the very delusion. All the young ladies looked at her enviously and admiringly at the same time, while the noble boys were simply dumbfounded by the sight. Even Skye's breathing stopped for a small moment. He could hardly believe she was the same girl who accidentally jumped on him a week ago, when he arrived with his family back from Downunda.
- This chick surely knows how to take the spotlight. – whispered Lara-Su in amazement.
- She's beautiful indeed. – reacted Argyle.
Meanwhile, the father and daughter arrived to the middle of the dancefloor, and the announcer spoke again.
- And now, in respect of the tradition, the first dance is performed by the King and the Princess.
After that, Sonic and Sonia began to dance to the sweet music that sounded. The crowd watched their waltz admiringly. Skye practically couldn't take his eyes off of the dancing girl, who looked at her father with a lovely smile on her face as they danced. Unusual feelings swirled inside him and he didn't know where to put them. He was snapped out of his musing by an arm embracing his shoulders.
- Little brother! If you're gaping that much, you'll lost your chin. – joked Melody.
- D-Don't be absurd! – he retorted jumpily as he pushed his sister's hand off of his shoulder.
Melody just smiled suspiciously to him.

After a little time, the ball was in full swing. Skye was standing on a balcony of the ballroom, leaning on it's cold marble railing. There was a great view to the park-size castle garden, where a few love couples walked under the starry night sky. The young Prower thought sniffing a little fresh air would be better than being in the stifling crowd. He had never felt well in these kinds of events. He would more likely be at home to work on his project. It would had been a more useful way of spending his time than wasting it here. It's true that he met some friends he hadn't seen for a long time, but he simply couldn't get into a worthy conversation with any of them. He admired Sonia. Every time he saw her, she was chatting with a group or dancing with one of the gallant boys, and all this time she was smiling gracefully. He didn't know how she could deal with those drivelling sheiks, who all battled against each other for the favor of the princess abliquely, but obviously at the same time. His thinking was cut half abruptly.
- Would you mind, if I join you?
The boy looked at his side, and next to him there stood the girl he just thinked about. Tiredness was written on her face as she was staring out to the distance and taking deep breaths from the fresh night air.
- I don't mind at all. – he replied – But wouldn't the guests miss you from inside?
- Ah, they've already had enough of me. I'm just conversing and dancing all night. I need some rest! – she complained.
Skye only smiled sympathetically. Nothing came into his mind what he could say.
- I guess, you're not a talkative type. – she added, breaking the silence.
- To be honest, I'm not really a social one. – answered the reddened boy.
- I'm sure you have a lot of interesting stories to tell. – she tried to encourage him.
- I wouldn't like to bore others with my stories.
- I would gladly listen to them. – she finished softly.
Hearing that, Skye looked at his party, who continued gazing forward.
- Sonia! – sounded a rasping voice from behind them.
They both turned around to see who was there. An old squirrel gent looked back at them strictly. He was sitting in a wheelchair.
- What are you doing here, daughter? You should be inside with the guests. – he told flatly.
- I just came out to have some fresh air, grandfather. – answered Sonia a with smile on her face.
The old man then looked over to Skye, who felt cold shivers running down his back.
- And who's this young man? – he asked.
- Oh, I'm sorry. He is Skye Prower. Skye, he's my grandfather, Maximillian Acorn. – she introduced them officially.
- I'm honoured to meet you, sire. – bowed Skye respectfully, and restlessly at the same time.
- Pleased to meet you. – replied the late king solidly.
The boy felt a hint of scorn in his voice also.
- Sonia please, come back to the ballroom. – he directed his grandchild – The ladies' choice dance is coming soon, and it's an important part of the event. Mr. Prower.
After finishing his speech, Maximillian went back into the castle. The young ones stood there in silence for a short time, then the princess spoke.
- I think, I really should go back. I hope we could talk more next time. – she smiled, then went back to the ballroom.
Skye turned back to look at the garden again. He still felt the cutting glance of the lord he just met. Most possibly the old fiasco that had happened between him and Amadeus, Skye's late grandfather, was still bugging him. Putting that aside, he began to think it really wouldn't hurt to socialize a bit more. He's not living in Downunda anymore after all.

The ceremony was nearing to it's end. Sonia finally found a group that was perfect for her. She was chatting with her best girlfriends: Lara-Su, Melody Prower, and Belle D'Coolette.
- Ah still can't believe you'll get married, girl! – said Belle to Lara, with accent similar to her mother's.
- But really. None of us even have a boyfriend. – added Melody.
- What's the problem, girls? Don't tell me you cannot select from this bidding of boys. – reacted the guardian girl with sarcasm.
- These sheiks are only here for our dearest princess ya'know. And it's the same with my brother. – said the rabbit girl.
- I would bet the dingo guys in Downunda were better parties than these boys here. – answered Sonia ironically.
- Very funny. – cut back the mongoose girl – I can see some good deals here, however.
- Speaking of boys, Sonia, have decided who will you dance with? – inquired Lara-Su.
- I don't find any of the boys appealing enough. I think I'll take the „neutral" way, and choose dad for it. – said the princess with uncertain voice.
She doesn't really wanted to participate in this part of the ball. Her grandfather took it way too seriously, and that made her anxious. Fortunately, her mother calmed her a little while ago.

- Flashback -

Sonia just finished a dance with Jacques D'Coolette.
- I appreciated za dance m'lady. – said the coyote politely as he kissed the girl's hand – I hope I'll have more chances to dance with your majesty.
- We'll see. – she replied simply – But please, forget this formality stuff! We know each other for a long time already, there's no need for you to be that polite.
- That's the standard for such an event.
- If you say so. – Sonia closed the discussion.
She left her partner, and walked to the bar to have some refreshment. She was exhausted. From a point, she didn't even counted how many boys she danced with, but the number was at least 20 for sure. All of them were polite, and most of them were handsome too, but none of them were alluring enough for her. She sighed deeply by the weight of her dilemma.
- What's the matter, Sonia? That sigh sounded pretty agitated. – asked her mother standing next to her.
- Nothing's wrong, mom. I'm just tired. I danced and talked with so many boys, but I don't really like any of them. Maybe there's something wrong with me.
- Don't be silly, darling! – said Sally as she comfortingly stroked her daughter's shoulder – Although there were harder times when I was young, I also had similar kinds of problems. But you surely don't have to undertake anything you don't want.
- Yes, I know that. But grandpa is really serious about that whole stuff.
- He's been always like that, you don't have to worry about it. He's just angered by the fact I married your father instead of someone noble. I'm sure that's the reason.
- Well, you two mixed me up in a good little scrape for sure. – joked Sonia.
- I'm sorry, dear. – laughed the queen softly, then changed to serious tone. – Most importantly, whoever you choose for ladies' choice dance, his family will have far-reaching conclusions by it. So, if you're not sure what to do, don't choose anyone.
- What should I do then? I couldn't say I don't want to participate in it, could I? – reasoned Sonia.
- It's simple: ask your father to dance with you. That way, you can make your opinion clear.
- And wouldn't it make you mad, if I steal your partner? – she smiled to her mother.
- Don't worry about me, I could solve it somehow. – laughed Sally.
- Thanks, mom. – said the princess, as she hugged her mother and kissed her on the cheek – I guess, I'm going out for some fresh air.
She said, and started walking to the way of the nearest balcony.

- End of flashback -

Sonia was snapped out of her thinking as the music stopped. The announcer stepped to the microphone once again.
- Our honoured guests, it's time for the ladies' choice dance. I respectfully ask the princess to choose her partner, please.
Sonia walked up to the middle of the ballroom to fulfil the request. As she turned to the crowd, she saw all the noble youngs lined up, and excitedly waited for her to choose one of them. The time has come. Sonia decided not hurrying the decision, but once again thinking through the possibilities. However, as she surveyed all the boys, she once again realized that she didn't like any of them enough. In final, she tried to find her father to ask him as partner, but she didn't see him anywhere. Where is he? – she thought restlessly. As she continued looking, she abruptly found the solution. She smiled and started to the way of the one she picked out. Jacques D'Coolette was just in her way. He smiled proudly, since he was sure she was going to ask him for the dance. He straightened up and took a few steps forward. He was just about to say his words of acceptance. However, he was disappointed when the young lady didn't slow down at him, but went further. He turned after her in shock, and looked as she left the other boys, who also looked after her weirdly. Sonia didn't know where the resolve came from, but somehow she felt this was the perfect choice. She finally reached the person she spotted. She stood before him, elegantly held out her hand, and spoke with perfect formality.
- It would be an honour for me to have this dance with you, dear sir.
There was a dead silence as a stunned Skye Prower was looking back to the princess before him. In that very moment, he couldn't take in the whole situation, but it took only a moment for him to realize what was going on: the girl asked him to dance with her for real. He looked at the noble boys, who all looked daggers at him. It was an awkward moment, but he was a bit pleased for annoying them this much. However, he knew it wouldn't be proper to back out. So he drew himself up, looked into the girl's eyes, and took her hand.
- It's my honour, your serene highness. – he replied firmly, and led her to the middle of the dancefloor.
As they arrived there, they turned to face each other, while still holding hands. Skye put his free hand on Sonia's waist, and she put her free hand on his shoulder. Meanwhile, other guests stepped on the dancefloor for the last dance of the event. This time, Skye was the one to focus on keeping his feelings in check. Within a week, it was the third time he was this close to Sonia. The girl was undeniably beautiful, not to speak of how she looked like that night, but he still was only a common boy. He wasn't worthy to experience all these happenings.
- Ah, listen. I know I'm asking this a bit late, but do you know how to dance? – she asked softly.
Snapping out of his thinking, the fox boy looked into his partner's eyes. By that time, she also looked really nervous.
- Don't worry. I know a few steps. – he winked at her reassuringly.
A soft music sounded, and all the pairs began their dance. Skye led his partner professionally. As they got into their dance more and more, they both began to really enjoy themselves.
- You're dancing really well. – smiled Sonia.
- Fortunately, I've also inherited some feeling of rhythm from my mother.
- How comes you didn't dance with anybody all night?
- Well, you know... – he didn't really know what to answer, so he changed topic – Won't you be in trouble for dancing with me instead of someone else?
- What's the matter? Are you afraid of the noble boys' revenge? – she joked.
- Nah, I'm not afraid of the beau-army.
Sonia chuckled quietly. Skye turned her around a few times, then pulled her closely to him.
- But I thought this dance is meaningful. – he said.
- It is for some people. My grandfather takes it very seriously. But I wouldn't choose a boy I don't like, just because he's angry for my parents' marriage.
- Does that mean you like me? – laughed Skye.
- Well... I think you're interesting. – she said, reddening a bit – I would really like to chat with you more in the future.
- I-I'm glad to hear that. – he also reddened.
- You'll come to the party tomorrow, right?
- What party? – asked Skye surprisedly.
- Don't you know about it? We'll have a private birthday party tomorrow. Only the close friends will be there. It'll be fun!
- I was left out of this information somehow... but I'll be there, of course.
- It would make me happy... – she said with warm smile on her face.
The music ended, and they stopped dancing. Skye politely bowed, and placed a kiss on his partner's hand.
- Thank you for the dance. – he said.
- My pleasure. – she smiled – I gotta go now. The closing ceremony is coming next. I'll see you later.
Skye watched as the princess disappeared in the crowd. He thinked about the events just happened, and he hardly could believe them. He didn't have long time to think though.
- Congratulations, my friend. You've just got some new enemies. – spoke up Jacques from behind him.
- I'm sorry for you being dropped because of me. I don't like to ruin others' fun either. – replied Skye without even facing with the boy he was adressed by – But I'm sure you agree it wouldn't be proper to reject her in that situation.
- That's true. But I warn you: you shouldn't overrate this. – said Jacques, already standing face to face with Skye – I fully repsect the royal couple, but King Sonic was lucky to get married with Queen Sally. However, we're living in a different world now, and someone as low-class as you could never have a real chance with a noble lady like Sonia.
Somewhere deep inside, Skye was angered by this sniffy style, and the prideful face of the guy in front of him. He swallowed his feelings though, and reacted coolly.
- Right now, I have other kinds of plans to accomplish, so I don't have any time to start a relationship. You don't have to worry because of me.
Jacques didn't say anything more, only stepped aside with a delighted face. Skye sighed in frustration. He was a peaceful boy, but he simply couldn't bear it when wiseguys like Jacques wanted to tell him where his place is.
- Well done, son! I didn't know you have such an allurement! – spoke up Tails while proudly patting his son's shoulders.
- You were doing great, Skye! – added Mina – I'm so proud of you!
The boy felt embarrassed. He wasn't happy to be in the middle of attention. It was like he was surrounded by both enemies and supporters in an instant. He began to miss the calmness of Downunda.
- Ladies and Gentleman! – spoke up the announcer once again – Please, pay attention for the event closing speech of her majesty, Princess Sonia Acorn.
The announced princess walked to the microphone. Her face was reflecting nobility and firmness. She was elegant and honourable as she stood there.
- Thank you very much for honouring us with your attendance. – she began firmly – As the princess of the Acorn Kingdom, I'm fully aware of the responsibilities and expectations I have to face with. Despite I'm not the crown princess, I'll serve the people of New Mobotropolis and Mobius with might and main. Thank you in advance for trusting in me.
As she finished her speech, Sally stepped beside her, and proudly placed a status symbol tiara-like crown on her head. The two ladies embraced each other, and the crowd appreciated the event with ovasion. With that, the gala came to it's end.

It was late night, when Skye was once again in his working room. He planned going to bed late, and working on his project a bit more. However, he couldn't focus on working. He was continuously thinking about the events of the day. He denied it, but he was squarely influenced by the attitude Sonia presented to him. Their dialogue, the ladies's choice dance, and her statement about wanting to chat with him more; did these things really have any meanings, and the noble youngs' fears were right? Or everyone – including himself – made wrong conclusions? However, the birthday party was nearing, and that made him anxious. He didn't really feel like going to it, but he had already promised to be there. Sonia was counting on him, and it wouldn't be nice to let her down.
- I guess I better go to sleep after all. – he spoke to himself.
Later, the boy was thinking in his bed. He felt his life is being too brisk abruptly. In Downunda, he only was concerned with studying, doing archeology, and training. That was a simple lifestyle to him. But he had began to do a serious project not long ago, he had to move with his family, and now these events of the last few days, it was too much. He couldn't imagine what would wait for him still.

That was Chapter 2. Feel free to comment it, I'm curious of your opinion. I'll do my best to upload chapter 3 a.s.a.p.