Hello, my ever so patient and loyal Audience! :D

I. AM. SO. SORRY.

This chapter gave me quite the battle. I got busy with EVERYTHING and it was so hard to continue on with this chapter because it was so boring! *slams head against table* So, here's my awkward chapter that I've written terribly. -_- I promise I'll be putting out things faster now that I've gotten in the swing of things at school and such. :P You can expect a chapter a month from me! I really do want to continue this so if you are still reading this, GREAT. I'm so glad you're loyal and still here with me. If I've lost you...how are you reading this? x) Thank you so much for all your support, it really kept me going. :)

Really awesome special thanks to those who reviewed: Green-Eyed-Raccoon, (I know, it's awesome when bad people get their butts kicked!) Cardcaptornicole, (Thank you very much! ^^) canikostar99, (HEY YOU! :D I'm glad you like the male Blitz's personality! And I hope your tummy is okay. o.o HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Sorry I missed it! D:) Adorablehedgie12, (Yeah! Thank goodness Amy had that hidden power! And I'll keep bringing the excitement, just for you. ;)) Gemstone Gal, (I hope you like this one too!) ShadowsAngel1, (All the pain Knuckles had to go through! So sad. :() Stranger, (Your review made my day! I'm so glad you think I'm spectacular! You're amazingly spectacular too! x) Hope you enjoy this next chapter!) Comrade Athelwine, (YOU! You get sneak peeks because you're special. :D Thanks for reviewing, though! *hug*) and Zelzania and Lina, (SUP GIRL! It's so good to hear from you! It means so much that you think my story is double-rainbow awesome! *sniff* You're the best! *sob* x)).

Hope you'll stay for the rest of the story! I'll be here to entertain. :)

Disclaimer: I don't own the Sonic characters. But I DO own Lord Blitz (Blitz the Hedgehog). Comrade Athelwine owns Lord Leonardo Linnattan (LL). :)

~ o - Chapter 4 - o ~

I came to my senses slowly, a dim light penetrating the gray blur of sleep. I opened my eyes wider. A room. But none of the dimensions were familiar; the ceiling was too high, the walls too far away. Someone was chanting -a low hum of entreaty- and the air was scented. I rolled onto my back and felt soft silk brush my skin.

"Lady Rose?"

I raised my head and saw the silhouette of two women, kneeling on the ground. The beige blurs of their faces were topped with brunette hair pinned into matching buns. The gold ornament pinned on their right breasts was a sun. Castle healers. Standing in the doorway on the far side of the room was Leonardo. There was no mistaking his loose white shirt, voluminous golden quills, and his posture. He was speaking to someone in the hallway in hushed tones, his back almost fully facing me.

Then my eye was drawn to a flicker of light. Multicolored candles were lit, flickering in an already sunlit room. Bowls of all sizes were on the small tables at my feet and head; containing sweet-smelling flowers and herbs.

"Lady Rose? Can you speak?" The first healer's voice was hesitant.

Just as she spoke those near silent words, Leonardo flipped his head completely towards me. His eyes set on me and widened with relief. Without taking his eyes off me, he put up a hand to the person he was talking to in the hallway and beelined for me.

"Shoo! Get out of the way! You're crowding the poor girl!"

Leonardo waved his arms rapidly at the two girls kneeling before me. They instantly obeyed and scuttled in opposite directions like scared ducks.

I pulled myself up onto my elbows. My head pounded with the echo of the emerald's power and every part of me felt bruised. I was lying on a bed -a real bed, not just a bedroll on the floor. It was queen sized, with a high headboard made of black lacquered wood. A heavy yellow silk sheet covered me. It slipped a little as I moved. I looked down; no black maid's dress. Just a loose white spaghetti strap nightgown. I hurriedly pulled up the sheet. Who had undressed me? Who had seen me naked?

"Do you need your body servant?" The yellow hedgehog snapped his fingers twice. A figure emerged from a nearby closet -a large closet at that. A young beige rabbit -fifteen at the most- curtsied for me and met my gaze.

Whoa, wait. My servant?

"You should have some water," Leonardo said.

He waved the young girl over to the table at my feet. She picked up a tall jug and poured the water into a cup. Her chocolate eyes were steady on the stream of the pour.

This wasn't the Wilders' servant house. Where was I?

The girl bowed her head once and passed me the small cup. It was porcelain cup with gold swirls intricately melted into it. Why was she giving me a noble's cup? Did she want to get punished? I tried to push the cup back into her hands, then saw the raw skin of burns and blisters on her fingers.

I met her eyes and without saying a word, she lightly shook her head and pushed the cup back.

"Thank you." My voice was raspy from disuse. How long had I been senseless?

The moment the cool water met my dry lips, I gulped it down and drained the cup quickly.

"You must take water little by little," Leonardo slid a stool over to sit by my bedside. "Too fast and your body will reject it."

The rabbit refilled the cup and handed it to me again. Then, with a bow, she stood behind Leonardo, eyes cast to the ground. The hedgehog signaled the castle healers to leave, then whispered something to the rabbit. The rabbit curtsied to both of us then headed out the door, leaving me and Leonardo alone.

"Lady Rose," he said, adjusting himself on the tiny stool, "now that you are refreshed, you must be wondering where you are. This is the Guardian Guest apartment in the Solstice castle. I am Lord Leonardo Linnattan, but you may call me LL. It is my honor to welcome you to the palace and guide you through your court protocols."

Lady Rose? The castle?

"What" -I cleared my throat- "what am I doing here?"

LL straightened and his face formed a sly smirk. The light from a nearby window hit his eyes perfectly and glowed a crystal blue. So blue, they seemed illuminated from the inside. He arched a curious brow at me.

"Do you remember the Knighting Ceremony, my lady?" he asked.

A rush of heat fled to my cheeks at the words, "my lady." It sounded almost as though he was claiming me for himself. I shook my head of the silly thought, reminding myself that it was the equivalent of me addressing a lord of the castle with "my lord."

Then I suddenly felt a flash of remembered heat and pain, a sudden image of the green energy shooting from my hand into the candidate. The pulse of the raw energy through me.

"I remember drawing energy and shooting it at Seth," I said.

He nodded, "The sacred Chaos Emerald's energy. You are the new Chaos Guardian -the first in over three hundred years. The king himself says it's an honor for him to see you return in his lifetime."

"The Chaos Guardian?" I repeated. "But I'm just a peasant."

"Yes, there was some resistance in the Royal Council due to your youth and gender, but after much debate they have recognized your position." He paused, his wide mouth quirking up for a second. "You are now Lady Rose, Guardian of the Chaos Emerald."

I stared at him.

"Guardian of the Chaos Emerald? But I'm just a peasant. I can't be a Guardian." I pushed back against the pillow, coming up hard against the lacquered headboard.

He smiled crookedly, looking like he was about to laugh at a joke he only knew. He met my gaze steadily.

"My lady, you have been bestowed with the ability to control the Emerald's power. There isn't an incumbent Chaos Guardian to take you as his apprentice so you are the Chaos Guardian." He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. "The three Commanders and I will assist you in your training and studies."

I looked around the room.

"Where's Knuckles?"

"Knuckles Echidna is in the infirmary resting. He is fine, thanks to you." I met his sky blue eyes and stared.

He began again slowly, "My lady, I know this is a lot to take in, but you must realize that you are your own person. You are not a peasant anymore. You are Lady Rose. Guardian of the Chaos Emeralds. The highest rank in the kingdom except for the royal family. And you have equal ranks with the Commanders and I. Do you understand?"

"No," I said, feeling all the air leave my body. "No. I want Knuckles."

I felt my throat constrict, my eyes hazing with panic. LL gently took my hand in his, holding it like I was made of glass. His comforting warmth ran through his gentle hands to his thumb that grazed across my knuckles.

"Lady Rose, take a deep breath. Breathe. Just breathe." He gave my hand a light squeeze as I struggled to force air past the rigid block in my chest.

"You there," he called. "Help me."

I heard the pad of running feet across the hardwood floor. Then a couple moments later a sweet-smelling cloth was over my mouth and nose. It smelled extremely sweet and made me slightly light headed. My muscles relaxed all at once. Unwinding with each breath of sweetened air.

"You will be able to see Knuckles soon," I realized it was the beige rabbit who was whispering to me. "It will be all right."

I took a deep, shaking breath and she pulled the cloth off my face.

LL patted my hand, "There we go! Just keep up those deep breaths." His shoulders lifted in a deep inhale, showing me the way. "And out again." He nodded as I exhaled. "You are doing very well, my lady. I honestly believed you would faint, or perhaps throw a large tantrum."

My smile was stiff and weak but I still appreciated the humor.

A short hawk entered the room and bowed from the waist.

"My Lord, Lord Scourge is waiting in the hallway and requests he meet Lady Rose immediately," he said, his eyes not lifting once to meet LL's.

"Tell Lord Scourge that he will meet Lady Rose when she is decent," he waved him off.

The hawk lifted his eyes and straightened, "Lord Scourge said he must meet the Guardian before the-"

LL rolled his eyes and stood from his stool to fully address the hawk.

"Patience is the companion of wisdom; impatience the ruin of strength. Tell him that," LL said curtly.

"Doesn't need to," said a deep voice.

The green hedgehog filled the doorway. Shoulders broad, chest large where his strong arms were folded. He pinned his weight against the doorframe -which I was surprised didn't break from the amount of muscle weight he carried. He met LL's stone gaze with an amused one. A content smile on his tan muzzle as he stepped into the room.

"I heard," he said. "But it's not your decision to make."

His eyes dropped down to me and I nearly gasped at its color. Arctic blue eyes, like clear cold water. Eyes sharp with judgement. Slightly narrowing as he studied me. I began to blush. If I looked as terrible as I felt, then I should just hide under the covers and never come out again. I was not worthy of the Commander's presence.

"Lady Rose is in no mood to play your petty games. I am her instructor and until she is able to take her rightful place, she will not answer to you." LL narrowed his eyes at the stubborn hedgehog.

Lord Scourge's eyes still ran over me as if searching for something. So intent of finding something -an imperfection perhaps. I'm sure he found plenty. By the way he pursed his lips, I could tell he wasn't satisfied with me.

"Shall she be ready for the feast?"

LL crossed his arms, "I suppose. How could she miss it when she is the guest of honor?"

My throat constricted. Did he just say I'm the guest of honor? At a king's royal feast?

A wave a nausea overcame me.

"Fine. I shall wait until then to speak with her." Why were they talking like I wasn't here? "But I must have a word with you, Leo," he said.

Lord Scourge crossed his arms and shot LL a stern expression.

In return, LL narrowed his gaze. "Of course, just allow me to comfort our new Guardian."

Scourge flinched at the remark, his face twisting into brief fury. To hide his expression, he turned away to linger in the doorway.

LL's expression became light when it laid upon me. Smiling weakly at his joyful smile, I settled back into the comfort of my bed, thankful that someone has shown me such gracious hospitality. The vibe I was receiving from Lord Scourge felt just the opposite.

"Believe it or not, I know how it is to rise from humble beginnings. Such a sudden elevation can be...disorienting." He gave my hand one last pat and set it on the silk cover. "But I'm afraid you won't have much time to adjust to your new position. Now that you have recovered, His Majesty will expect you to attend his banquet tonight. It will be in your honor. You must bathe and dress. After I chat with Scourge, I will instruct you on proper court etiquette."

The king was going to be there. To evaluate my every move and to test if I am Guardian material -which I'm certain I'm not. I was having a hard time breathing.

LL stood up from his stool and gestured to the rabbit who had her head lowered.

"Your body servant, Miss Cream, will assist you with your preparations. She'll help you bathe and dress. His Majesty has given Lady Rose permission to draw what he needs from the imperial stores."

I pulled the cover up further. She would see me naked?

LL bowed in my direction. He lifted his head slightly.

"My lady, may I offer you your first lesson?" he asked gently. "You must give permission for those lower in rank to leave your presence."

He slightly tilted his head to gesture to the servants who were kneeling on the opposite side of the room.

"Oh." Heat prickled across my face. I looked to the servants, "Yes, of course. You may go."

They nodded their heads in unison and gracefully stood. They left the room in single file. LL nodded at me in approval. A loud cough from the doorway grasped everyone's attention. Scourge was leaning in the doorway looking as impatient as ever. Glare focused on the gold hedgehog. LL ignored his expression.

"I shall send a guard to escort you to me when you are fully dressed." He bowed and LL left the room, taking Scourge with him.

I breathed in the thick silence that came with the door shutting. My eyes immediately shifted to Cream who kneeled at my bedside.

"How are you feeling, my lady?" she asked in a small hesitant voice.

I stared at her for a couple moments, "You can rise," I gestured for her to get off her knees, "Please, talk to me like you would any other peasant girl. I haven't claimed my place as Chaos Guardian" -the name felt foreign on my tongue- "and I could use some normality after what I've been through."

Releasing a sigh that collapsed my body, I sunk into the pillow and blinked slowly. When I heard no response from Cream, I looked down at her to see her large brown eyes wide with shock.

"Pardon me, my lady, but have you given me...freedom to speak?" she asked in a voice even more hesitant than the before.

"Yes. Please. Don't treat me like something I'm not." I pleaded.

Cream's mouth gaped as she looked around the room in search of an answer. Her blinking eyes found mine again.

"Yes, Lady Rose," she stood up from her knees, "What can I assist you with?"

"My head aches." I rubbed my temples and winced at the throbbing between them. "And all of my skin feels bruised. How did I get undressed?"

"Me." She simply said, holding out her peeling hands. "No one else would touch you. Not even the physicians. Our historian said it was the Chaos Emerald's power sparking from your skin because you were not properly released from the emerald."

I looked down at my arms and hands. "I don't think I'm sparking anymore. Do you think it will start again?"

Cream shook her head. "I'm no expert."

Neither was I. Was sparking a good sign or a bad sign? I thought back to the hot steam inside my body. How it crawled and twisted in my like an angry snake. It never reached my head, and the void in my chest told me it hadn't fully united with my heart either. What if I could never untie with the emerald again? How would the castle react when they find out I'm not who they think I am?

"How long was I senseless?" I asked.

"Two days. We managed to get a good amount of medicine down your throat to keep your aches at a minimum. Although, you never fully roused."

I sighed, flexing the muscles in my hand.

Cream nodded, "I shall make you your second dose-"

Something slammed against the wall outside the door. Muffled shouts of protest and scuffling encouraged me to push my legs off the side of the bed, despite the clenching ache. The door burst open like it was kicked. In came two castle soldiers, their attention on the problem in the hallway.

"Let me see her!" yelled an angry voice.

The familiar voice brought me to my feet, the weakness in my limbs calling me back to the bed. Taking tiny steps forward, I peeked around the castle soldiers and into the hallway.

"Knuckles?" I asked hesitantly.

Grunting in frustration, Scourge stumbled into the room like he was pushed in. Meeting my gaze, he straightened and glared at me.

"Lady Rose, you are not permitted to have guests in your quarters as you prepare for the feast," he said.

"Let go!" Knuckles growled.

Another sound of momentary struggle, then Knuckles burst into the room. He strode into the room like everything he just did was planned. With shoulders and chest stiff, looking like a man mountain. He surveyed the room, jaw set. His eyes landed on Scourge and he lifted his chin to glare down the green hedgehog.

"I request permission to see Lady Rose," Knuckles said, his voice deep and demanding.

Scourge turned his back to me to address Knuckles.

"Who are you to barge into Lady Rose's quarters and disturb her preparations? She is far too busy for the likes of a castle guard."

Knuckles' eyes flipped over to me, searching for my reaction. I would have spoken out against Scourge's claim, but I couldn't find the words to argue against him. He was, after all, a Commander.

"Lady Rose has saved my life. I am in her debt and will repay her with my eternal loyalty," Knuckles kneeled and bowed his head to me. "It is the Warrior's code."

Scourge stepped forward to tower over Knuckles, "You are a fool for committing your loyalty to-"

"Permission granted," I said quickly, thankful my voice didn't crack.

Scourge met me with a incredulous look. He blinked a couple times and his face eased into a calm expression.

"Lady Rose, you must prepare for the feast. You cannot fraternize with the guard until all your arrangements have been set," he said in a smooth voice.

I fidgeted, my legs protesting against me.

"I would like to see the guard now." I narrowed my eyes at him, "After all, it is my decision to make."

His featured sharpened at me, then he turned away and made his way to the door.

"Of course. You make your own decisions." He paused in the doorway, his face no longer of anger but of cleverness. "Just know it's your ship to sink."

Scourge strode from the room, leaving a deathly silence in his wake. Knuckles rose from his kneeling position and smiled at me. Behind him, LL snuck into the room and leaned in the doorway.

"I shall leave you two alone then," his smile was playful and his eyes danced with happiness as they laid upon me. "I shall see you tonight, my lady."

With a wink, LL slid from the room, the door clicking shut behind him. I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling joy build in my chest at Knuckles' widening smile.

"Amy," he breathed as he embraced me in a tight hug.

Wrapping my arms around him, I bathed in his familiar warmth and smell of his fur. His tight embrace left me breathless, my mind clear of everything but each other. The truth hit me hard and I nearly cried out of joy.

He was here -both of us were here- safe and together.

Pulling away, he kept me steady by the shoulders. His watery eyes mirrored mine, brimming with relief and the love and compassion of a brother and sister.

"You saved me," he said, his voice cracking slightly.

I nodded, knowing my voice would fail me. I did a quick survey of his body. His wrist was bandaged, long thin red lines cut across his face, and only a little blue was around his right eye. He was healing up better than I even hoped.

He took my hand and got down on one knee. I blushed slightly as he smiled up at me.

"I meant it when I said I'm in your debt. You saved my life, so in return, the Warrior code states I must swear my eternal loyalty to you."

He crossed his right hand over his heart, quickly squeezing my hand in his. I lost my breath, unable to believe his commitment.

"Before the mighty Chaos, I, Knuckles Echidna, swear my loyalty to you, Amy Rose, in both body and soul forevermore. I shall protect you at whatever cost and sacrifice myself as your warrior to keep you safe."

In my heart, I could feel the truth of his words warm me. Tears streamed down my face and I hugged him around the neck.

"You didn't need to do that, Knuckles. You're my best friend, you owe me nothing," I said into the collar of his shirt.

"I will not allow my best friend to roam the castle unprotected. There is more danger now that you are Chaos Guardian."

I pulled away from him, my fingers trembling.

"How did this happen? Two days ago, I was a maid for the Wilders. Now I..." I drifted off, unable to comprehend what I had actually become.

"You have power, rank, and wealth. The three things the Wilders always wished they had."

I tensed a little at the thought. I now had my own money and respect. Something surged through me, the beginning of fierce power that had nothing to do with Chaos energy. I was now Lady Rose. Not a maid. I slept on silk sheets and wore tailored dresses with the finest fabrics. Socialized with the wealthiest people in the land. People served me and bowed to me, no one would dare give me a dirty look ever again.

"Do they know what I have become?" I asked

Knuckles half smiled, "Almost everyone is Solstice knows of your event. The castle council is in uproar. They don't know why the Chaos Guardian has suddenly returned, nor why he has returned as a...you."

I turned away from him slightly, looking away, "You mean as a female."

He nodded shyly, "The council is calling your event a hoax but they couldn't deny the raw power that you commanded from the Chaos emerald."

Knuckles shook his head, running a quick hand through his locks.

"I just can't believe you've become the new legendary Chaos Guardian. The one I've studied in my Knight history classes. The most powerful warrior. The most loving person in all the land, bringing harmony to the castle and the people. The biggest mystery in Solstice history," he searched my eyes with an amused smile, "Why didn't you tell me you had all this crazy power?"

I hugged myself and wandered away from him, "You ask that like I knew. It all just happened. I didn't really have any-"

I stopped pacing.

"Any what?" he pushed.

I faced him with wide eyes, "in the city the day of the ceremony, I was staring at someone when my vision went crazy and I saw-" I scrunched my forehead. "I don't know what I saw. It was like smoke swirling around him, but bright silver and...alive."

Knuckles took a step forward, "Has that ever happened before?"

I squeezed my forearms tighter, focusing on the wall on the far side of the room.

"Not that intensely. It hasn't happened since I was a kid. People told me it was my imagination. So I told myself that too, to keep myself from getting scared."

The comforting weight of his large hand rested on my shoulder.

"You won't need to fear that anymore. You can learn what that stuff really is and how to control it." He walked around to look me in the eye, "In fact, you won't need to worry about anything anymore. No more hard times for us. We made it to the castle."

I smiled lightly and pulled myself to his chest, "We can have vanilla ice cream every day."

Under my ear, his chuckle echoed deep in his chest as he wrapped his large arms tighter around me.

"Ice cream? We can have prime rib and lobster every day." He rested his cheek on top of my head, "I just can't believe how well things turned out for us."

I shut my eyes, the day replaying under my eyelids, "When Seth was beating you on the ground, I thought you were going to die. I thought I was going to lose you."

His arms tightened around me, "I thought I was going to die too. But I never lost hope. Somehow, I knew all the bad would be balanced out. You just happened to be the good that came along to save me."

I faintly smiled, "I can't believe I knocked Seth into the back wall without even touching him."

He adjusted his arms around me and chuckled a little, "You did well."

His soft breath passed over my ear and I snuggled into his comforting warmth. I felt my legs weakening beneath me, the urge to collapse from exhaustion overwhelming me once again.

A sudden crash behind me jolted me awake. Sharp sparks of energy snapped between Knuckles and I, like intense static electricity. Knuckles jumped away with a gasp, whipping his arm around like he was burnt. He groaned under his breath and examined his arms for wounds.

"What the hell was that?" he asked irritably.

I shook my shoulders, feeling the faint sting fade away.

"I don't know, it has something to do with the Chaos energy. I'm sorry, Knuckles. The crash scared me and-"

I turned around to see Cream picking up the washing supplies and setting it into the tray it was once in. She looked up with frightened eyes.

"I apologize, my lady. My hands were wet and my fingers slipped. I know my clumsiness is unforgivable but please-"

"You're fine, Cream. Don't apologize. It was an accident," I said bluntly.

She bowed and continued packing up the soaps.

"I should be leaving anyway. I know you have a feast tonight and you need to prepare," Knuckles said.

I felt my heart sink at the thought of him leaving. Did he want to get away from me because I accidentally hurt him?

"When will I see you again?"

He was still running his hands along his arms for wounds when he responded, "Anytime you want. You have access to the entire castle. I'll probably be down in the Knights' barracks or the training center if you need me."

He came to the doorway and faced me, amethyst eyes blazing with confidence.

"But trust me, I won't be far away."

~ o ~ o ~

"The emerald jewels in your hair are traditional accessories of the Chaos Guardian," LL crossed his arms and shifted his weight, "I'd appreciate it if you restrained yourself from pulling at them."

With a faint blush, I folded my hands together in front of me. Smiling sheepishly at LL who set his hands on his hips.

"Good," he said with a hint of a smile, "Now let's continue with your lesson. This is the formal bow of a lord to a castle lady."

LL angled his head and body. His left hand behind him and his right arm across his stomach.

"Your response?" he asked.

With my hands clasped, I slowly nodded and collapsed my shoulders slightly. The jewels in my hair made my head feel a little heavier as I nodded. A few strands of beads ran across my cheek. The urge to push them back clawed at me.

"Excellent," he said, straightening gracefully.

LL worked at the cuff of his shirt, momentarily getting distracted from his instruction. Finding this a perfect opportunity, I smoothed out the light yellow silk fabric of my dress and twisted the jewel back behind one of my strands of hair. A curl brushed against my finger, making me pause. The smooth curls of my long hair still awed me. I hoped to find a mirror to gawk at my waist length hair now beautified with rich smooth curls that I never had before. Shake my head back and forth to watch the small emerald jewels woven in my hair sparkle. Tonight, I looked like a princess.

But on the inside, I was just a peasant who was in way over her head.

"Castle guards will be on duty at the feast," he continued once satisfied with his cuff, "they either bow from the waist or salute, depending on who is being addressed. Take for example one of the Commanders would be saluted. You and I on the other hand, would be bowed to." He said, "Off duty, of course, a guard would be required to kneel and bow their head."

"So everyone is required to bow to me?" I asked.

LL adjusted the black collar on his long sleeve button-up.

"All lower ranks bow to you. You must acknowledge them with a brief nod," -he began pacing to a nearby table- "Overall, what you need to remember is this: those of equal rank, such as myself or a Commander, you must lower your head until instructed to rise. To the royal family, you must cross your legs -right over left- and angle your body slightly, lowering your head and eyes."

The knot in my stomach tightened, I felt my palms beginning to sweat.

"What if I don't bow correctly?" I asked him.

He gingerly picked up his cup of tea off the table and took a sip of it. His eyes darted to me.

"They will probably think you're rude and ignore you," he said simply before taking another sip.

I felt sick to my stomach. I hugged myself and wandered to the couch. I didn't want people to hate me. People already approve of me because I'm a female Guardian. How was I ever going to live up to their expectations? I was born a peasant! They all knew that. They would surely not speak to someone born and raised in the dirt.

"Lady Rose, as your instructor, I provide advice on all subjects," LL said.

He set his tea down and took a seat on the couch. Folding his hands and hunching forward, he met me with a sympathetic gaze.

"Please feel free to ask me anything that is on your mind. I'm a very good listener and will keep things confidential," -he ran a hand back through his golden quills- "I know it must be difficult for you to trust a man you've only met today, but there is a future ahead of us. If there is anything I can do to prove my worth, just say the word. Your respect would mean a lot to me."

The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. A silence grew between us as I looked him over, searching for a reply. He wanted my trust, just as I wanted his, but trust had to be earned. The blaring image of LL with his back turned to the fight flashed in my eyes. Anger rumbled somewhere deep inside of me. If he permitted innocent Knuckles to nearly die at the Ceremony, then he was definitely not worthy of my trust.

I needed to know what his intentions were at the Ceremony. What is truly under the sly smile and suave personality? Until I could answer that, his trust was worthless.

I crossed my arms and looked down at LL lazily lounging on the couch.

"Back at the-"

A guard entered the room, grabbing my attention. He bowed from the waist.

"We are ready to escort you and Lady Rose to the feast, Lord Linnattan," said the guard.

My stomach dropped and nausea overcame me once again. I stepped back and paced to the table, bracing myself again it to keep myself steady.

"We will be out momentarily, thank you," LL said.

The guard left the room. I heard LL get up off the couch but didn't dare turn away from the spot in the distance that was keeping me steady. My palms were sweaty against my silk dress that I had scrunched in my hand. My nerves were eating me alive. Just knowing that I could never be the Chaos Guardian everyone expected kept my self esteem nearly non-existent.

"Calm yourself, I will be by your side the entire feast to walk you through it. Everything will be fine."

LL's voice was close, his supportive hand rested on my shoulder. I didn't turn around to meet his gaze, but I could already imagine his sympathetic look. For a moment, I wondered if I was misjudging him by labeling him a traitor.

"Are there any people I should look out for?" I asked.

A silence followed. Worried I may have asked a sensitive question, I turned to meet his gaze. To my surprise, he was smiling a clever smile. Like he was smiling about a joke only he knew.

"In a place of power," -he offered me his arm- "there is always someone to look out for."

I took his arm and he led me from the room into the hallway. Guards met with us and began escorting us to the Grand Dining Room. But my mind was no longer on the proceeding feast. I was now determined more than ever to figure out LL's intentions. He could be that "someone" to look out for.

DONE!

I rewrote this about a thousand times. -_- I know it's the awkward in between part but it was necessary!

Who else thought it was adorable when Knuckles pledged his loyalty to Amy? XD What a sweet guy!

Okay, this is all I have! Tune in next time for the grand feast! Estimated time of release: 3 weeks.

Until next time, Audience! :)