AN: Dang, it's almost 2017, time sure does fly! Thank you, Ella Bella The Writer, Aliciathewolf45, CrimsonDestroyer, risingzero2001, MissMJS, and Captain for your reviews! It's crazy that I only have a handful of chapters left before this story is complete. I've been working on The Hybrid II for the past month and have been trying to map it all out. You guys will most likely see it come out around Feb 2017, just to give you a heads up.

•~•

Amy and Cordovan were getting quite cozy and familiar with each other as they made out, still clothed, and on the bed together. The two rolled around the bed together as their lips clashed together. Worrying about her state of mind, the prince pulled back from his kiss to look at her. Amy sensed his concern and smiled up at him appreciatively. "It's okay, Cordovan, I'm all right," she assured. "But I think-"

"—It's enough for now?" he assumed finishing her thought.

She stroked the side of his face. "Only for now."

He gave her a quick peck on the lips. "I'd wait till the end of time for you to be ready. That's how much I love you."

She giggled at his gentleman-like nature. "And that's why you are so wonderful," she replied.

•~•

Back at the castle, Rouge and Shadow laid naked in bed after their heated affair. Rouge laid on her side, with her back facing Shadow as she mulled over her decision to sleep with him. Shadow had talked her into going through with the hookup and she had given consent. Fortunately for her, she had no feelings for Shadow and the sex hadn't been very good.

Coincidentally, Shadow had felt the same way as he reflected on their affair, but not only had he felt nothing while spending the night with Rouge, he now felt extremely guilty for going through with it. Slowly, he sat up in bed and glanced over at Rouge lying by his side. "Rouge?" he spoke quietly.

Rouge sat up and turned over to address him as she held the sheets to her chest. "Yes, Shadow?"

He ran a hand over his quills. "This was a huge mistake…"

Her ears drooped sadly. "I know," she agreed. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't blame yourself," he dismissed. "I personally wanted this, but now I know. It's so clear now. I don't desire another." He sighed. "I hope this won't make things awkward between us, I still see you as a friend."

Rouge placed a hand on his arm. "Of course not, I'll always be your friend, but I'm glad to hear you also didn't feel any sparks."

"There was once a time in my life where I would sleep with multiple girls a week, I felt nothing for them, but I thought it brought me something. Since I married Amy, I've realized that Amy is the only girl who made sex truly wonderful."

"That's because you have the same outlook on it as I do. Sex is only meaningful when it's with someone who you truly love. Without that, it's meaningless."

Shadow ran an anxious hand through his quills. "Chaos, I feel awful for going through with this. Should I tell Amy about our…"

Rouge patted him on the back. "It's up to you, Shadow. But honestly, I think it's best, to tell the truth."

•~•

The next morning, Amy and Cordovan prepared for their journey back to the castle. Cordovan tended to his horse, feeding it a fresh carrot, but out of nowhere felt a snowball collide with the back of his head. Stunned by the gesture, he turned only to see Amy standing a few yards away, giggling profusely at her playfulness. Cordovan merely smirked before bending over to collect his own cluster of fresh snow. "What was that for?" he chuckled as he molded his snow into a ball.

"Fun, what of it?" she laughed.

"Fun, eh?" he grinned before playfully throwing a snowball at her. It hit her in the side, bursting into pieces.

"Ah!" she laughed before charging towards him. "That's enough of that!" Cordovan wrapped his arms around her and brought her into a kiss. Amy smiled through the kiss as they pecked each other on the lips. Once they pulled away, Amy soaked in the moment; she hadn't felt this happy in awhile, and it was great to feel normal again. She went to give him another kiss until she caught sight of something troubling. In the distance between some dead trees, Amy spotted a female cloaked in red watching them from the forest entrance. Cordovan looked towards where Amy was looking and felt his heart drop.

"We've been seen," Amy gasped. "She saw us together and could tell anyone and it would mean our heads," she panicked.

Cordovan placed his hands on her shoulders. "Amy, calm down," he pleaded. "She won't because I won't allow her to. Go back to the castle and wait for me there," he instructed."

Amy watched as he mounted his horse and collected its reins into his hands. "Please be safe," she called to him.

"I will." Cordovan whipped his reins and his horse took off. Once Cordovan got to the section of the woods where they spotted the female, he was stunned to find the girl standing by a parked carriage. "Who are you and what is your business in these parts?" he interrogated. Before she could even answer, the door to the carriage opened and King Antoine stepped out. "Antoine?" he gasped.

"You can't honestly be surprised that I protected my own interests," he replied looking peeved. "After you balked at your meeting with Storm's envoy, I had you followed." His eyes fell to the female in red standing off to the side. "You may go, my dear," he dismissed.

Cordovan watched as the mysterious female wandered off. "Who is she?"

"Don't worry about the specifics— she's loyal to me, so your secret is safe, for now."

Cordovan narrowed his eyes at his brother. "Is that a threat?"

"You're jeopardizing your future—our family's future. You must end your affair with Amy," he demanded.

"I will not!" he barked.

"You will do what your family needs or I will tell Shadow all that I know of you and his wife," he warned.

"He will cut off my head, Antoine! Who will get you Storm then?"

Antoine huffed. "Well, you won't help me now, so why should I think you'll help me if I let you live?" he countered. "And remember, if the nobles learn of the affair, the law demands Amy's head, too," he reminded. "Will you risk Amy's life for a few nights of passion?"

Cordovan's bold countenance dropped as he realized the severity of his brother's threat. "Antoine, please…"

"You have two hours to end it with Amy, or I will end both of you," he spoke sternly.

•~•

With time ticking, Cordovan came back to court and returned his horse to its stable. Trying to remain discreet, he walked over to an empty section of the stables where he found Amy hiding in wait for him. "Did you find her?" she asked quietly.

He nodded. "She led me straight to the person she works for. The person who sent her to follow me," he answered.

"Follow you?" she spoke, looking panicked. "Who was it? Shadow?"

His expression remained disappointed. "No, my brother…"

Amy's eyes widened. "Antoine knows about us? About Mercia?"

"Nothing about Mercia, at least not yet."

"Why would he have you followed? Does he suspect you of something?"

"My brother seeks advantage whenever he can," he explained. "And now he has it. Amy, we need to reconsider our plans-"

"Why?"

"Antoine said that if we don't break it off, he'll tell Shadow what he knows."

She looked baffled by the prospect. "It'll cost you your head, why would he risk your life to keep us apart?"

"I…I don't know," he lied.

Amy swallowed the lump forming in her throat. "Then we must face reality, we cannot be together, not now… As much as I want you, I will not risk your life to be with you."

His ears lowered sadly. "I am so sorry. I would have given anything to go on the way we were—to join you in Mercia," he replied.

She felt her eyes water as she turned away to leave. "…I know." Trying to remain strong, Amy left the stable with her head held high.

•~•

In the castle, Rouge stumbled across Shadow as he wandered one of the bustling halls. With their last encounter, she still felt a bit awkward around him, but couldn't help but notice his appearance seemed off. The two stopped by one of the castle windows to talk. "Lady Rouge," he addressed, trying to act like nothing had happened between them.

"Forgive me, Shadow, but you look ghastly…" It was true, he looked pale, sickly even, and had bags under his eyes. His beautiful ebony fur had even looked dulled and unhealthy.

He sighed. "Yes, well…I've felt better when I've had more sleep."

Realizing he still felt defeated with his situation with Amy, it was obvious he needed a pep talk. "Don't give up on her, Shadow," she begged. "I know Amy's pushing you away, but given what she's been through, it's what she needs to do," she argued quietly.

"You sound like me, but as I've explained. She does not want time, what she wants is Cordovan."

"No…"

"Yes, she came to me to ask for my blessing for an affair, and do you know what I did? I forbade her from seeing him. Do you know how it felt after knowing all she's been through, to tell her that she can't have the one thing she thinks will make her happy?" he replied in a hushed voice.

"Look, I know it hurts, but you owe it to her to do what you can to protect her. As a king, you can squash rumors that arise, and if that fails, you can shield them from the severest punishments."

He stared at her, feeling sickened by what she was suggesting. "It is a betrayal, Rouge..."

"Do you think Amy turns to Cordovan to purposely hurt you?" Shadow scoffed. "She loves you and does what she does because she sees no other option. She's desperate to get past her pain, to heal," she argued.

"So I should stand by, as king, and grant my wife free rein to be with another male?"

Rouge shrugged. "I don't know, Shadow. It depends on how much you love her and how much you want her to heal. After all, you turned to me last night to heal yourself," she reminded before she turned on her heel, leaving Shadow to his thoughts.

•~•

After his chat with Rouge, Shadow ordered for Amy to meet him in his chambers. By his demand, Amy arrived at his bedroom where two guards allowed her entrance. As she walked inside, she spotted Shadow drinking some wine as he stood at the fireplace with his back turned towards her. There was a palpable tension in the room, one that she could easily slice with a knife. "Shadow, we need to talk," she spoke as she approached him.

"I know," he responded dully without turning to face her. "I wanted to speak to you about Cordovan."

"Oh?" she said, curiosity peaked. "What about?"

While remaining with his back towards her, Shadow took a deep breath and exhaled. "He is yours. You are free to be with him."

Amy blinked, flabbergasted by his reveal. "I-I don't understand…what's changed?"

His eyes focused on the crackling fire in the fireplace as he continued his explanation. "I cannot bear to see you in pain," he admitted. "And I will not be the cause of any more of your suffering."

She reached out to touch him. "Shadow, you…"

"—It's best that you don't interrupt," he snapped, causing her to retract her hand. He turned his head to the side and Amy could see tears in his eyes. The pain on his face broke her heart. He was building up all the courage he could possess to allow Amy to hear what she wanted. "This is not easy or pleasant and I'm not even sure if it's wise. But if you sincerely believe that your best path to healing is at his side, I will not stand in your way." Shadow wiped some of the tears forming in his eyes before he finally turned to face her. "You may remain at court with Cordovan with my protection." He opened his eyes to look at her, giving her a sincere look. "Don't make me regret this, Amy. For Chaos' sake, be careful. Don't be seen with him and I will protect you as best I can."

"I'm sorry we've come to this," she apologized. "I never thought this would happen to us."

"Well, it's as you suggested months ago. Let us hope that this allows one of us to be happy at least. I tried to last night."

"Tried?" Amy repeated.

He nodded. "Yes, last night…Lady Rouge and I became intimate. I turned to her for comfort just as you have been trying to turn to Cordovan to do the same. I hope that you're not mad. If you are, please don't take your anger out on Rouge, it was I who convinced her to sleep with me."

She shook her head. "No, Shadow, it's okay. I-I understand; if anyone, I'm glad it was with Rouge. She's a wonderful person, and I'm guessing you felt safe with her."

"Yes, that's exactly why I chose her. Rouge and I have become good friends over the months. I don't love her, but I do trust her. In fact, she was the one who convinced me to allow you to be with Cordovan."

Out of nowhere, Amy embraced Shadow unexpectedly, nuzzling her face into his chest. Shadow remained stiff at first but eventually wrapped his arms around her, relishing in their closeness. "Again…thank you, Shadow. You have no idea how much this makes me happy."

He stroked the back of her head as he held her. "Heal Amy, I want to be with you again." Those words sank in and really resonated with her once they left his mouth. He wanted her back in his life and Amy was determined to find her way back to him, even if it didn't seem like it was the most moral route to take.

•~•

In the courtyard, Cordovan approached two carriages getting ready to set off. As he walked closer, he spotted his brother standing nearby one of the carriages, while his servants placed his luggage on board. "I got word that you were leaving," Cordovan addressed.

Antoine turned to look at him. "Yes, I'd like to leave with at least one prospect intact. Please tell me you've ended things with Amy, so I don't have to go back inside and tell Shadow everything?"

Cordovan did not falter as he remained stoic, staring his brother back in the eye. "You told me that blood and family… is everything. I don't think you'd risk my death."

Antoine crossed his arms over his chest and frowned. "It is you who is taking the risk, and for what?"

"Love," Cordovan retorted.

He rolled his eyes. "Oh, come now, Amy will never leave Shadow. She has a duty not only to Mobius but to Mercia."

Cordovan groaned in frustration. "I don't need a lecture on politics, Antoine…"

"—Then how about on love! Shadow and Amy's love was rumored to be great. If Amy can turn away from her husband after being married for a year, then she is a fickle and foolish girl." Angered by his words, Cordovan slugged Antoine in the face, snapping his face to the side. Antoine grunted in response as blood flew from his injured mouth. Antoine's guards began to make a move to seize Cordovan, but Antoine held up a hand, allowing to know it was alright. The guards stopped their approach and instead backed off like requested.

Antoine wiped some of the blood away from his lip with his gloved hand and stared at his bloodstained fingertips. "That may have been your one chance to harm a king and live." Cordovan panted, trying to calm his anger while Antoine eyed him in pity. "When this is all over, you will be running for your life and you will have no one to turn to," Antoine foreshadowed.

"I think you're wrong. Love conquers all. Everything will come together for Amy and me."

"Just do me one favor, at least meet with the envoy. Cover your bases, my brother," he pleaded. Cordovan watched as Antoine got into his carriage and rode off and out through the portcullis. In his own mind, his brother was wrong. Amy loved him and he loved her. The two of them would be together, and no one would stop them.

•~•

Later that night, in her chambers, Amy opened her door when she heard a familiar knock. She quickly pulled Cordovan inside, praying that no one would spot him entering her chambers. "You're here! Quickly, get inside."

"I got your summons, I was worried," he said as he stumbled inside.

Amy shut the door behind her. "Yes, Shadow has had a change of heart. He's not going to stand in our way. We have to be discreet, of course, but-"

"—As soon as we go to Mercia," he corrected.

"Well, there's no need to rush our departure now. We can be cautious."

He raised a suspicious brow, not completely sold on the idea. "…How cautious?"

"What do you mean?"

He walked around her with his arms tucked behind his back. Amy watched as he circled her. "What if Shadow changes his mind again? What if this promise of safety here is fleeting?"

"Shadow has given this much painful thought. He didn't make this decision easily," she countered.

"Exactly!" he finished stopping behind her. "What kind of guy, or king, would give another male his wife? Amy, we need to get out of here."

"You do realize that even in Mercia, we would have to be discreet," she pointed.

"Of course I understand that, but you would be the queen of your own nation. You would have some additional freedom." He paused as he noticed her facial expression, one that worried him. "Unless, you're having second thoughts…"

"I'm starting to have second thoughts on returning to Mercia… I know I'm needed there, but Shadow has promised me he'll aid my nation and I believe him."

He scowled at the statement. That was not what he wanted to hear. Especially since, the longer they stayed in Mobius, the harder it would be to keep Amy all to himself. "You really don't think this act of unprecedented generosity is a trick somehow?"

"Shadow has only ever wanted to protect me," she admitted truthfully with a small smile.

"—Because he loves you because he wants you back," he pointed. "He's doing this to win you back. I can hear it in your voice, you're softening towards him."

She shook her head, denying his perspective. "No, no, you're wrong." She reached out and stroked the side of his face trying to convince him. "We need to trust each other." He looked towards the floor, avoiding giving eye contact. Amy picked up on his doubt. "Do we trust each other?"

Finally, he looked her in the eye, giving a weak smile. "Of course I trust you." With his response, Amy smiled and embraced him and felt him reciprocate her action. As he held her, he couldn't help but feel his brother's words make their way back into his mind. Would he really end up happily ever after with Amy at his side in Mercia? Or would this all backfire terribly, and he'd lose the girl he loved along with his head? Perhaps, he really did need a backup plan in case things all went south.

•~•

In the dead of the night, Cordovan met with Lord Burgess, a gray rat, and one of Conquering Storm's envoys. As he sat in his living room by the fireplace, Lord Burgess stood from his seat. "I am so delighted that you decided to meet with me tonight, Prince Cordovan."

Cordovan rose from his seat and shook his hand after their excellent meeting. "It's been a joyous exchange and I'm glad that we're on the same page," he smiled.

"I truly believe my queen will be very taken with you," he grinned. "You won't be making a mistake with this decision."

"I couldn't agree more," he smirked.