Chapter Two

The peak of the morning sun searched every etching of Bartleby's estate before finding its direct opening to that just spot. Though the curtain had been previously closed, it was not done so well enough, allowing for the sun to enter Sonia's chamber room, where Bartleby's arm had slipped soundlessly around her waist over the night.

This ray of light blinded Sonia's eyes as she could feel her body coming alive again, awakening from its deep slumber that felt so wonderfully painful with aches and bruises from the wars of Robotnik. That victory and this morning were already the best moments of her life. Her position she found was favoring her right side and her left arm was resting on something that was not her own.

Bartleby.

Sleeping soundly next to her was her entire world, and he looked cute, as though he knew that even as he slept that he was perfectly handsome as always. As her body turned, she couldn't help but stare at him, so close to her, and what had happened last night...

Last night! She was marrying Bartleby, she said yes, she didn't want anything else, and she couldn't believe that it was not a dream as she thought it had been. Inside was a whirlwind of excitement, but externally Sonia held her composure, only reaching her other hand around to touch Bartleby's cheek. The smile of relief had come upon her face. Arguing with Bartleby was the worst feeling. A morning teardrop fell gracefully from her face like the dewdrops of the rosebushes from his bountiful garden.

A sniffle, a sigh, and with a breath of fresh air, Sonia slipped from his grasp, opening the curtain ever so slightly so she could just barely crack the window. Ah, the smell of past rain, so refreshing and anew! There was nothing else like it, but she found herself alone in this moment. Looking back to Bartleby, Sonia simply wanted to be near him again. So much did she want it that it overshadowed any thought of food or service required in the usual mornings.

Sonia crawled back into bed, enjoying the warmth of her spot and Bartleby's soft breath as she positioned herself to lean once more against his shoulder. The feelings of the rising and falling of his chest soothed her, nearly tempting her to sleep in some more, but she could not let this happen. No, the moment was too perfect. Too perfect for her not to take this chance, and Sonia never let an opportunity pass her by. She pressed her lips to his cheek.

"Good morning, Bartleby," her voice was purely a whisper, but she couldn't help not to say his name, loving the way it rolled off her tongue. A yawn escaped his mouth, and she could see him starting to awaken himself as well. As she leaned herself back against his chest, Bartleby's eyes were just opening.

"Sonia?" he mumbled in question, bringing a hand up to brush his hair out of the way from his face.

"Hm?"

He was surprised to see her leaning against him in just the same way as they had fallen asleep. For him, this could not be a better time as he tightened his grip around her to pull her closer, if that was even possible. The princess looked up at him and he down into her eyes.

"Thank you."

His legs stretched to wake up as she pulled herself up to rest at his height so she could hug him half way. It was his turn to sigh with an elusive contentment, bringing in the deep, new morning.

"I love you," she could not let the morning pass without that phrase. Bartleby yawned again.

"And here I was, worried you were becoming so unhappy you'd never want to see me again," he said. Sonia shook her head.

"I just got frustrated and a little angry."

"A little angry?"

"Okay, a lot angry, but I would never let something like that come between us, you know that right?" she asked.

"Of course, Darling. I'm just so glad that it's over."

"Me too."

In order to make up for this horrible experience, Bartleby took time that afternoon to take Sonia out for a walk around the estate and through the garden. As always, she'd taken his right arm in both of hers, and remained close to him the entire walk. They talked about what to say to their relatives, thinking their circumstance wasn't so bad any longer. Queen Aleena would want nothing more than to see her children happy, thinking she had chosen well with Lady Windamier.

Subtly, the nobleman plucked a single rose from the bush in the garden as the two sat down near the fountain. Upon his offering, Sonia blushed a little, mentioning he had done quite enough with the ring she was wearing, making the two of them laugh.

"I'd actually wanted to give you that much much sooner, but I was never given the right moment, probably for the best, wouldn't you say so?" he asked.

"Well, an argument isn't necessarily the most romantic atmosphere, but yes, I'm glad you waited to give it to me," she agreed.

"You do know that there was no one else, right?" he asked, looking at her as she stared at the fountain, sighing.

"Yeah, I had a feeling when my brothers and I came dressed as those horrible, dusty carpet cleaners. I'll admit I was surprised you didn't have anyone living with you," Sonia confessed.

"I will not lie, I was offered many suitors, but none were a perfect fit and there was no forgetting about you," Bartleby told her, completely confident in his speech.

"Thanks, Bartleby," she said. "For always being there."

"I told you that I would do anything for you."

"And you certainly did."

She leaned against his shoulder, and he had never felt so comfortable since before Robotnik took over Mobotropolis. Kissing her on the head, he finally confessed that he was more than happy to be able to call her his for the rest of life.