AN: Thank you, Aliciathewolf45, SonAmy4Eva2000, JessicaShadow, Sunny, and Shadrougeforever for the reviews you guys left on my last chapter! I noticed a lot of you are interested to see how both Shadow and Amy will react once they find out Cordovan is entertaining the idea of taking up Storm's proposal. Well, that reveal is coming soon!
•~•
Just outside one of Mobius' ports, Agent Ridley walked away from a tavern and towards the docks. As he passed one of the shops nearby, he heard someone calling for him. "—You there, what's your rush, friend?"
Ridley turned, confused by the male's friendliness. "And you are?"
"Collins," the black wolverine answered. "Tell me your name."
"Um, it's Steven," he lied. "Why do you ask?"
Collins smirked, sensing his deception. "What business do you have in these parts, Steven?"
"A port town of this size, surely you see your share of outsiders," he laughed trying to act unfazed by his interrogation.
Slowly, Collins began to walk towards him. Ridley stepped back a few steps sensing hostility from him. "We do," Collins replied. "Most of them more than happy to submit to my questions."
There was more to this stranger than Ridley had expected. Perhaps he was aware of his status and planned to rat him out. Having these thoughts in the back of his mind, he couldn't allow that to happen with his mission. Swiftly, Ridley brandished a dagger hidden from behind him and went to jab at Collins, but the wolverine blocked him from striking with his hands. The two struggled and fell into the snow as they wrestled for possession of the weapon. Eventually, Collins got him into a chokehold before snapping his neck and killing him. He allowed his body to drop before he rummaged through his pockets.
Smirking, Collin stumbled across a sealed envelope and smiled in intrigue. "And what news do you bring us?" He recognized the royal seal on the outside and suddenly became even more fascinated. "From Amy, Queen of Mercia?"
•~•
In the castle library, Amy wandered up and down the book aisles, looking for her prince after setting a date to meet indiscretion. "Cordovan?" she quietly called. After getting no response, she sighed in discontent. But just as she was about to give up hope, she felt a pair of hands cover her eyes from behind.
"Hello, gorgeous," a male voice purred seductively. Amy smiled; knowing exactly who the voice belonged to. His hands moved away and she spun around to face him.
"You're so cheeky," she laughed.
"I cannot help but be when I'm around you," he grinned.
She reached out and embraced him and he returned the gesture. After a few moments of their hug, she pulled back but remained entwined in his arms and looked up at him. "Were you followed?"
"No, but it's getting harder to find moments when no one's watching," he admitted.
"I know," she groaned sadly. "My lies are piling up."
He gave a small chuckle as he stroked her cheek, admiring her beauty. "They are for me too, but you're here now." He leaned in and kissed her and she reciprocated the gesture. They kissed for a few moments before she pulled away as guilt set in.
"I can't keep living like this. The lies, the hiding—facing my husband every day knowing he must be consumed by images of you and me together. Maybe you're right…We need to leave Mobius sooner rather than later."
"Your agent and his men are set to land in Mercia in one week. With his help, we'll know for sure what ports have the safe entry under Mobian or Mercian control."
"And your men are prepared to accompany us?" she questioned with uncertainty.
"They wait only for my word." Amy smiled and reached out, cupped his face, and kissed him. Cordovan kissed her back as he held her by the waist. He pulled back from his kiss to look her in the eyes. "Promise me that when the day comes, we'll get on that boat and you'll leave this all behind."
She thought about her answer for a moment before she nodded confidently. "I promise. For my country and for you."
He smiled excitedly, elated by her response. "Amy, we're so close," he said as he rested his forehead against hers.
•~•
After her private rendezvous with Cordovan, Amy made her way back to her chambers until she spotted a familiar face come out from around the corner. "Good morning," Isabelle smiled suspiciously.
"Oh, good morning, Isabelle," Amy smiled as she continued to walk.
"I haven't seen much of you these past weeks. Where have you been off to?" she inquired curiously.
"Well, I've been keeping to myself. Not much has been happening," she lied.
Isabelle nodded in feigned interest. "Mhm, well, I hope to see more of you soon…"
Amy smiled sheepishly. "Yes, we should have lunch sometime."
Isabelle watched as Amy made a left and walked down another hall. Isabelle stood there, watching her quickly walk away. She couldn't help but wonder what Amy had been really up to and she knew she'd find out.
•~•
During one of their briefings, Amy, Shadow, and Isabelle sat in the war room together as one of Shadow's advisors updated him on some news. During the briefing, Amy looked across the table and watched as Shadow sat there looking dazed and out it. She couldn't help but notice Shadow did not look to be very well. In fact, he almost looked sickly as he sat there, barely able to keep his eyes open. "Psst," she whispered quietly, catching his eye. "Are you okay?" she mouthed quietly while the advisor spoke. Shadow's expression remained muted as he gave a slight nod.
The doors opened to the war room and the advisor stopped his discussion as a messenger came in. He flew over to Amy's side and handed her a sealed envelope that she opened quietly. Curiously, Isabelle watched as Amy silently read the letter in her head. "What is that?" she interrupted.
Amy lowered the note from her eyesight, making sure to keep it close. "Just a hospitality matter," she lied. "The Duke and Duchess of Babylon have arrived and among them, a small matter of panic has occurred with the servants," she said forcing an uneasy smile. She stood and looked both to Shadow then Isabelle. "If you'll excuse me."
Shadow didn't even bother to watch as Amy made her exit, but Isabelle, on the other hand, felt something was off. She eyed the advisor as he waited patiently to continue his news. "Out," she ordered. Without another word, the advisor obliged and left the room. Now with their privacy regained, Isabelle stood on the other side of the table to look Shadow in the eye. "Why are you so distracted? This isn't like you," she questioned bluntly. Shadow remained quiet as he tried to act like nothing was wrong and simply shrugged. Growing irritated with his lack of communication, Isabelle placed her hands on the table, looking down at him sternly. "I know what went wrong in your marriage and Amy has gone through considerable trauma," she continued, "But Prince Cordovan lingers here at court with no pressing reason to be here," she finished with venom in her voice.
Shadow knew how much she despised the prince and his family and he had grown to feel the same way in passing months, but he had to keep Amy's secret from getting out, no matter how much he loathed the idea. "He is Sonic and I's cousin and he negotiates for his region at court," he calmly defended.
"That may be, but he harbors feelings for your wife. Your recently separated wife," she specified.
"Careful, Isabelle," Shadow warned.
"You need to be careful. I've been watching Amy," she noted. "My spies have done the work for me and have found she's visited the library four times in the last five days." Shadow sighed rubbing the skin between his eyes. "Do you know what would happen to them if they got caught? Amy's infidelity calls into question with our alliance with Mercia. It weakens you in the eyes of Conquering Storm," she finished explicitly.
He shook his head, acting like he didn't believe her, but the fact of the matter was, she was spot on. "Amy has always been honest with me. Despite the distance between us, she has no interest in Cordovan." Isabelle scoffed at his naivety. "She is loyal to me and to Mobius. Now, I don't want to hear another word of this, not to Amy or to anyone," he demanded.
•~•
In a townhome at the center of the village, Cordovan met with Lord Burgess again to discuss courting Storm. The two sat at a dining room table, enjoying afternoon tea together in the small room. Lord Burgess took a sip of his tea before placing it down on its saucer. "As expected, Conquering Storm was pleased to learn of your eagerness to foster a marriage alliance."
"Well, eagerness aside, I am willing to wait patiently for her decision," Cordovan replied. "After all, I would never want the queen to think I'm rushing her."
"You're not," he smiled. "In fact, her majesty wants to make your acquaintance as soon as possible. We sail in two days."
Cordovan's countenance faltered for a moment. That was way too soon for him, and having to explain his sudden absence would really complicate his relationship with Amy, especially since he wasn't completely committed to this case. "A trip this soon is not what I had expected," he laughed uneasily.
"Well, Storm's advisors have convinced her it's in her best interest to settle on a husband without delay." Cordovan rose from his seat, quickly trying to think of something to stall for time on this trip. "It's worrisome for the Dragon nobles and they want to see their queen settled down with a male to rule by her side." Burgess watched as Cordovan stood by the window looking out of it in deep thought. "Prince Cordovan, it seems to me that you're stalling for time..."
Cordovan turned to look at him. "Not at all," he smiled charismatically. "But we would need time to settle terms. Like what lands I'd be gifted, what..."
"—Terms? The terms here are simple," he laughed. "To be considered as the next king consort, Storm would like to lay eyes on you. One's physical attributes are of some importance to her," he explained.
"Then send her my portrait."
"No, that will not suffice. You will sail with me in two day's time... or give up any hope you have of becoming the next king."
•~•
After his meeting, Cordovan rushed back to court to find Amy. Luckily enough, he found her in the castle's first hallway and immediately hustled towards her. Oblivious to where he had just come from, Amy smiled in his direction. "Prince Cordovan, what a pleasure. Won't you join me?" Seeing that two older females were walking a few feet behind Amy, Cordovan picked up on her hint and walked alongside her.
"Who are your two new friends?" he asked quietly.
"They're two of Isabelle's ladies in wait," she quietly replied back. "They've been tagging along with me all morning and insist they spend the day with me," she groaned. "Where have you been?"
The two kept walking together and turned down another hall. "I had business in the village," he lied.
"Well, I've been looking for you everywhere. I just found out that Ridley is dead," she spoke in a hushed voice. Cordovan looked at her shocked by the news.
"What happened?"
"I'm not sure, he never reached Mercia. I received a coded message from his second in command and he told me he found Ridley's body robbed of his possessions, including the letters to the lords at both potential ports in Mercia."
"Chaos…" Cordovan mumbled.
"Cordovan, those letters bore my seal," she spoke unnerved.
"Do you think it may have been Mobian spies, say ones sent by Shadow?" he quietly speculated.
"I don't know, but I need you to find out what really happened that night," she whispered. "Find Ridley's second in command and speak with him."
"Of course," he replied.
•~•
As requested, Cordovan met with Ridley's second in command, a beagle named Chase. The two stood out in the forest with their horses by their sides as the discussed Ridley's murder.
"We never even made it out of Mobius. We'd taken rooms at an inn and Ridley had taken a walk around town. In the morning, I found his body in an alley just outside the tavern," Chase explained.
"Do you think he was a victim of common thieves? Ports are magnets for dodgy characters," he reasoned.
"They're also a hub for espionage," Chase countered. "We did our best to appear inconspicuous, but to a trained eye, a royal operative is easily made. I think Ridley was deliberately killed."
"Then I need you to find out who they answer to-Mobius, or someone else."
"Yes, Lord Cordovan," Chase bowed.
•~•
In the stables, Sonic saddled up and prepared his horse for the journey. As he made sure his horse was in proper riding condition, Shadow entered the stables. "I heard you were leaving," Shadow spoke.
Sonic turned. "Yes, well, I thought I'd visit one of the kingdom's neglected realms. I wanted to make sure things are calm. It's a day's travel, though," he replied.
Shadow watched as he petted his horse. "I want you to stay safe on your travel."
"Don't worry, Shads, I will," he replied. "So, I suppose Cordovan is relishing the distance to further his romantic agenda with Amy?" he hinted.
Shadow seemed taken aback that even Sonic had been suspicious of Amy's behavior. Again, he had to keep up this false façade that there was no affair going on. "Amy is smarter than that, Sonic. She's given Cordovan a wide berth," he lied.
Unfortunately for Shadow, Sonic wasn't buying it. "Right…well, when I get back, see to it that a drink is waiting for me, won't you?"
Shadow chuckled at the notion. "Of course."
•~•
In the throne room, Amy worked on some needlework as guards stood post at the entrance. Shadow walked inside, spotted Amy, and stormed over in her direction. Amy looked up when she heard his boots making their way towards her. He loomed over her, casting an intimidating shadow. "Did you honestly think that you could get away with it?" he asked in a harsh, hushed, voice.
"Get away with what?" she asked quietly.
"She knows. Isabelle knows," he specified.
Amy blinked a few times startled, as she processed his anger. "Shadow, I'm-"
"—Perhaps I was delusional for believing that you might exercise restraint or possibly even reconsider taking Cordovan into your bed," he continued in a hushed voice.
"Cordovan and I have not even…" she stopped herself
He sighed in anger ignoring her defense. "I begged you for discretion."
Her ears lowered. "I'm sorry, Shadow. I thought I was being discreet."
"I'm lying for you, lying even to my brother, protecting you as you take comfort in another's arms."
"This is not what I wanted. I-I only wanted to find…"
"—Happiness? I don't know how much longer I can maintain this charade. I made you a promise and it's one I won't break. You are free to be with Cordovan, but I can't control Isabelle's appetite for vengeance." Shadow turned on his heel and walked off, irritated.
•~•
Outside the castle walls, Amy and Cordovan met bundled up in their winter wear as they stood by the frozen lake. Amy informed Cordovan about their discretion not going unnoticed, only causing him to grow panicked. "We need to leave for Mercia. Today!" Cordovan urged anxiously.
"How? Isabelle will have spies watching me every move," Amy pointed.
"There's no time to waste. If Shadow doesn't have your letters, that doesn't mean he won't. We'll be found out by him or somebody else," he argued.
"Cordovan, don't you see? I'm scared. I made a choice and I thought I had the strength to face the risks head-on, but our plans are crumbling around us."
"So, we do nothing? Do we wait until Shadow knows? Until we're discovered and it's too late to run for our lives, Amy?" he questioned exasperated.
"Run where? Chase is certain that a spy took my letters. Shadow doesn't have them."
He groaned. "What do we do then?"
"It's too late for me, but your name isn't on those letters. If we end our mission now, I can still save you," she assured.
Feeling the pressure rising, Cordovan looked around trying to think of a solution to their problems. An idea came to mind, but one he knew she wouldn't be too pleased to hear the truth about. "There may still be a way…" He took a deep breath then exhaled. "I-I have a Dragon contact, a high-ranking negotiator who serves Storm in Mobius, Mercia, and abroad. I believe he might have information about their military strategy there."
Amy's ears perked with intrigue. "Who?"
"His name is Lord Burgess. He was sent here to negotiate a marriage alliance between Conquering Storm and…" He swallowed the lump in his throat, unable to look her in the eye any longer. "…And me."
Amy felt her stomach drop. "…You?"
He kept his eyes on the snow below. Just by the tone of her voice, he felt like he had stabbed her in the back. "I've been taking secret meetings with him as recently as this morning."
"So, you encouraged such an alliance?" she asked in disbelief.
"At first, but not anymore," he quickly reiterated.
"Not anymore?" she repeated astounded by his lack of remorse. "And when did you have a change of heart? When you were professing your love for me? When you pledged to stand by my side?" she listed in displeasure.
"I'm saying no, without regard for Storm's retribution, because I believe in us! I trust you, Amy," he beseeched.
"You're a liar!" she accused growing incensed. "I can't believe I trusted and opened my heart to a liar," she croaked feeling her eyes water.
Seeing her lose her trust in him broke his heart. "Amy, please understand…" He reached out to touch her but she flinched from reach.
"—No, I do understand, Cordovan. I understand that you doubted me. You doubted that we'd even get to Mercia because you weren't convinced that I'd leave Shadow in the end."
"Amy, I will find a way to see you home. To prove to you that I have no doubts that it's you who I really want," he spoke passionately.
She wiped at her eyes. "Even if you could, what makes you think I'd take you with me now?" Feeling broken, he watched as Amy brushed past him, angered and hurt by his betrayal.
Cordovan's eyes followed her figure storm off. "Amy, wait!"
•~•
Later, Rouge found Amy sitting on one of the benches out in the courtyard alone. She walked over with a smile, wanting to give her company. "You've been out here for a while," Rouge noted as she took a seat by her side.
"The cold air does me good," Amy replied dully.
Seeing her morose demeanor, Rouge instantly knew something was up. "Amy, you know you can tell me anything," she hinted.
"You promise to keep this between us?" she asked with hesitance.
Rouge put her hand up and her other over her heart. "I promise."
Dropping her guard, Amy turned to vent her problems. "I feel so trapped here. So alone…"
"I know how painful your estrangement with Shadow must feel," Rouge empathized. "But you have to know that, no matter your choices, you still have a husband who would do anything to make you happy."
Amy seemed surprised on the alluded knowledge Rouge knew so far. "He told you about my relationship with Cordovan?" she pieced together.
"Yes, Shadow trusted me because he knows I will support you, always," she quickly reiterated.
Amy sniffed, suddenly feeling emotional. "Do you, though?"
"If Cordovan is the male who can free you from the pain I have watched you suffer with, then yes. Be with him. Who am I to judge?" she smiled sincerely.
Amy wiped at her nose. "Cordovan and I are done. He betrayed me."
Rouge seemed startled by the statement. "What did he do?"
She sighed solemnly. "He's been secretly entertaining a marriage proposal between him and Conquering Storm for weeks now behind my back."
"If Cordovan was to defy Conquering Storm, you do realize if he turns her down…"
"—He said he was going to."
"It will provoke her," Rouge added. "He'll become an enemy of the queen and I'm sorry but for what future? You're a married queen, so can you blame him for his doubts?"
"I guess you're right, but Rouge…I-I'm afraid," she admitted.
Rouge placed a hand on her back. "When I came to this kingdom, I left my family behind and my life. I was terrified and I was just your lady, with little responsibility other than standing by your side. But you, you were fearless. You stood up to the rulers of Mobius again and again with a fire that I'd never seen. Amy, you have been waiting so long for the day when you can take your throne."
Amy's head lowered sadly. "It may not be my throne by the time I get there. And that girl who knew no fear, I am not her anymore…"
"No, you are wiser and stronger," she smiled. "Remember that strength that so many have tried to take from you. It is in you still, my friend, my queen."
"I needed a pep talk like this. Thank you, Rouge." She reached over and embraced her.
•~•
After her pep talk with Rouge, Amy met Cordovan in his estate in the village. Most of his belongings were already packed up or covered with sheets ready for shipping, but Cordovan was surprised when Amy entered his home. Amy closed the door behind her. "This is not a reconciliation, Cordovan. I realized you were right. The only way to escape the repercussions of the discovery of my letters is to leave for Mercia."
He took a few steps towards her. "Okay, so what do you plan to do?"
"I will use your envoy for information, but I will need your help getting it from him," she answered.
"Helping you means betraying Storm. All for a girl who doesn't know if she wants to be with me," he spoke a little passively. Amy remained stern in her expression and he dropped his grudge and approached her. "Look, I love you, Amy. I'll do anything to prove my loyalty, but I need you to be very clear about what it is you're asking of me."
"I want to know where can I find this envoy?"
