Author's Notes: Not much to say here other than I hope you enjoy.
I was at a loss for words. I wasn't sure if I heard it right but I could have sworn that the bird just called Blaze, princess. But just then, he rushed to Blaze and wrapped her in a hug that I was sure was going to squeeze the life out of Blaze. She managed to escape his grasp, and he spoke.
"I'm sorry Princess but it's been five years, and I'm just so glad to see you." Blaze gave a small smile and said,
"It's quite alright James. And how many times have I told you, to just call me Blaze." The bird smiled and said,
"Once more, as always princess. Ah, but there is no time, we must set off to your parents, they will be most pleased to see you."
We stepped inside as James closed the door. I whispered to Blaze, "Princess?" And she replied, "I'll explain later, but for now shut up and follow my lead." And just like that, Blaze had gone from sweet and loving back to her old serious self. James took the lead as we set a blistering pace, and Blaze said,
"James, you can slow down a bit. I'm sure my parents can wait 30 more seconds." I just couldn't peg Blaze down, one second, she's telling me to be quiet and the next she's lightening the mood with a joke. James responded,
"True, but why make them wait more. However, I must ask, who is your friend?" Again, I figured I was a sight in my tattered clothing, but as far as I could tell, the styles here weren't all that different.
Blaze answered, "This is Silver, he's my...traveling companion." I felt a strong sting in my heart and wondered why Blaze hadn't called me her boyfriend. Before I could interject, James spoke,
"Well then, welcome Mr. Silver. Any friend of Blaze's is a welcome guest here." I smiled and we continued in silence and after a short walk, we came to a large set of doors.
James opened the doors to reveal a throne room. Across the room, a purple cat and blue mink sat as what I assumed was king and queen respectively. Their eyes fell on the three of us as we walked towards them, none of us saying a word. The king and queen stood up and James addressed them,
"I am pleased to present, after a five year absence, Princess Blaze and her traveling companion, Silver." The couple walked towards Blaze and I took a step back. The king took on look in his daughter's eyes and then all three of them wrapped in a hug, a family reunited. I got a warm feeling in my heart and I heard the faintest sobs of joy. The king then escaped from then hug while his wife held on to Blaze and he addressed me,
"Thank you for my daughter, I am forever in your debt sir. If there is anything I can do, all you must do is ask."
I got a smile on my face and spoke, "It was my pleasure. I must ask though, because I have no home, I was hoping I could live here." The king smiled and gave a roaring laugh,
"But of course my boy...James!"
"Yes sire?" James asked.
"Show Sir Silver to the bed chambers in the south wing, let him choose one."
"At once sire." James replied. The king added,
"And have a feast arranged to celebrate the return if the princess." James gave the king a nod and motioned for me to follow him, which I did. We set off at another blistering pace and after a few minutes, and several flights of stairs, we arrived at what I assumed to be the south wing.
James spoke to me, "Pick any room that you wish Sir Silver, except for the one all the way at the end on the right. Dinner should be around seven. If you need anything, seek out one of the servants. You are our guest now and they would be more than happy to help you. You may go wherever you wish except for doors that are locked. Welcome to Epistria, Sir Silver." And just like that, he left me.
I took an easy stroll down the corridor and finally picked the room third from the end. I opened the door and my eyes went wide. I was taken aback by the view of the sea. The wall opposite the door had two large bay windows and a fireplace between them. There was a bed facing the windows on the wall with the door, king size and it looked so soft. There was a closet to the left which, upon closer examination, was fully stocked with cloths that were very close to my size. Slacks and jeans, and some very nice polos and sweaters. And the wall opposite the closet, was a bathroom.
The bathroom was probably the best part. It shined with a fresh clean and came with. Shower ad separate tub. It then dawned upon me that I could use a shower. With out any hesitation, I stripped down and took a nice hot shower. The feeling of the ash and dust washing off of me felt great and I finally felt like things were starting to go right for me. But I couldn't help but wonder why Blaze had never told e that she was a princess, and more importantly, why she referred to me as her, "Traveling companion." But I knew she had her reasons and I trusted her.
I jumped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around my waist. The closet was a walk in and I put on a pair of slacks and a blue polo with a white undershirt. I walked out of the closet and sat down on the bed, putting my boots on, reattaching my bracelets and putting on my gloves. I wondered wether or not I needed them anymore.
I needed the bracelets, as they allowed me to focus my power through my hands. But my boots were a little exorbitant and I decided that I would rather have just a pair of shoes. But my gloves were part of who I was and there would be no question on them. Just then, there was a knock at my door. I turned to see Blaze standing in the doorway.
Blaze gave me a smile and sad, "I see you've picked a room." I replied,
"Shouldn't you be with your family?" And she replied,
"I managed to get away; I wanted to see you." And I replied,
"No really, it's been 5 years. I'm sure that as your Traveling Companion, I can wait." Blaze's smile faded, "Silver, I..." But I interjected, "Why didn't you tell me Blaze? Why didn't you tell them?"
Blaze sat down next to me and took my hand, "I don't know Silver. I guess I didn't want to overwhelm them with a relationship. And I didn't tell you because I wanted you to like me for me, not for who I was. You heard how I talk to James, I resent my title sometimes."
She was starting to sound sad, so I gave her a kiss on the cheek and said, "Blaze, you're an amazing person and a beautiful girl. I don't understand how anyone couldn't like you." She smiled a little and gave me a kiss back,
"Don't worry, they'll know soon, I just need to figure out how to tell them."
Later that night, there was a feast in honor of Blaze's return. It was amazing, food everywhere. I took a seat next to Blaze, who was at her father's right. The queen was at his left, and elderly man in robes across from me and other high ranking officials were present as well. The first course was an assortment of side conversations, but when the main course came around, the focus shifted to Blaze and I. The king addressed us,
"So, what have you done in your five years absence." Blaze and I gave each other a shrug and marveled them with our tale. From Iblis to Eggman to right then and there. However we left out the plan to kill Sonic and that we had fallen in love.
As our story ended, dessert had been served and the queen said to Blaze, "What an amazing tale. But now that you're back and slightly more age appropriate, we can start looking to find you a husband." I nearly choked and Blaze froze. The king, not noticing my gag, continued,
"The prince from Mons is about your age." And before Blaze could respond, I spoke,
"Isn't it a little early to be talking about marriage?" The queen turned to me,
"It is customary for the princess to marry on her eighteenth birthday, which is less than three years away." Before I could respond, Blaze spoke,
"Do I get a say in who I wed." The king gave her a warm smile and said,
"Of course you do. Who might that be?" Blaze's eyes fell on me and I braced myself for what she was about to say.
"Silver. I love Silver, and he loves me." Everyone except the old man sitting across from me scoffed and the king spoke,
"No offense to Sir Silver, but he is neither a prince or a native of this land as custom dictates. I'm afraid you'll have to choose again."
It then hit me, Blaze didn't want anyone to know because she knew I'd be rejected. Panicking, Blaze asked, "Isn't there anyway Silver can become an eligible suitor?" The old man across me spoke up,
"Sir Silver could take the trials." All eyes now fixed on the old man and the king scoffed,
"No one has ever completed them." The old man replied,
"I merely answered the Princess' question." Blaze now addressed the old man,
"There must be another way." The man replied,
"There is none." Acting on impulse, I spoke,
"I'll do it, I'll take the trials." There was a collective gasp. I had no idea what I had just gotten myself into, but that wasn't the time to think about it. The old man spoke once more,
"Sir Silver has accepted the trials. Your first trial begins tomorrow at sunrise, don't be late." The old man stood up and walked out.
There was only silence as everyone's eyes were fixed on me. I looked to Blaze for what to do next, but I turned to se her walking out of the dinning hall. Not being able to stand the stares for another minute, I chased after Blaze.
Author's Notes: I know the whole trial thing is kind of a rip from the 06 game, but get over it. Please comment at will, I ant you to.