Musicalocelot: I'm glad you liked the chapter! I was happy they made up too. I hope you enjoy this chapter also!

Disclaimer: Sonic characters belong to Sega. All OCs belong to me.

Chapter 15: That's too far ahead!

Kind Arthur sighed as another lecture was brought on by Vanilla. His chin was firmly placed in the palm of his hand while his eyes were lazily half closed. An irritated breath of air escaped his lips and a bored expression played on his features.

It was happening again. Vanilla was, once again, hectoring him about a spouse. Apparently, or according to her, he was beginning to reach the age of needing a wife and if he waited any longer his chances of ever having one would vanish. If he actually cared he would've taken the last part as an insult- any girl would fall for him even if he was 102- but again, he didn't care. Her rant fell on deaf ears as she said something about needing someone to accompany him during decisions and stuff like that but after the first couple of words he started to tune her out. It wasn't until his eyelids closed sluggishly when the cream colored rabbit started to notice his absence of attention.

Vanilla stopped midsentence and gawked, offended, by the azure's actions. Her hands were firmly placed on her hips as she scowled. "King Arthur, are you listening to what I'm saying?"

"Huh? Oh…yeahmmmnhmm," the cerulean king mumbled. It was funny how he had a weird sense of déjà vu. His mother sounded a lot like Vanilla when he was younger.

Maybe they knew each other.

The servant huffed. She puffed her cheeks in frustration and looked away crossing her arms. "Ooh, all you me are the same! You never listen to anything women have to say and then you end up making stupid decisions, excuse my words, but it's true."

Arthur sighed. Usually when she got to this part of her rant he needed to start actually participating in the conversation otherwise he would find himself with a deep bruise in his pride. "Okay," he yawned, "You have my attention. Besides all the stuff you mentioned previously, why is it so important I have a partner now?"

She smiled happy he was truly paying attention. Arthur raised an amused brow as her voice took a totally different tone in less then a nanosecond. Women would always be somewhat of a mystery to him. "Well," she started, "You really do need an heir to the throne."

This threw him a little off guard.

His emerald orbs widened and he sat straight up. The pure gold crown on his head fell to the side and Arthur managed to catch it before its fall. He fiddled with his cape a little before stuttering, "A-an heir!? Y-you mean like a child?"

Vanilla questioningly raised a brow. "I-I mean that's what an heir is your highness."

To be honest, he was never comfortable in these types of talks. It was only a wonder how he was so composed when speaking about a future spouse. King Arthur was never really good at devoting himself to a relationship. He has tried, many times, but it didn't end well. Although he was king, and tied down to some degree, he still loved his freedom. And in order to have a true relationship that meant sacrificing one's freedom and he didn't really know if he was ready for that. But to take it so far as to mention a child, now that was too far. He couldn't keep a women if he tried and now he had to plan for a possible son or daughter….no. King Arthur was quite the charmer but he might as well be a rock when it comes to love. Love had to be there before he would even think about such a thing.

"I wouldn't be thinking so far ahead now Vanilla! I haven't even found a suitable wife," he exclaimed with hands gripped onto the handles of his throne. His breath only hitched as the mother-like rabbit smiled brightly and put her hands on her cheeks.

"Well that only means we should start looking!"

"And how am I supposed to-"

Vanilla interrupted him. "By holding a ball! Oh my, this will be so enticing. You'll dance with all the maidens of the land until you find the perfect one and then you two will marry and have a child and-and," she couldn't continue as she gushed and squealed at the mere thought. "I'll start preparing right now!" Her light footsteps sounded about the room as she twisted and twirled in a daze as if dancing with a man. There she danced out of the room paying no attention to the king's protests.

"W-wait! Vanilla, wait. What if I don't want to-" he stopped knowing his words were only heard by the silent air. King Arthur slapped his hand on his face and dragged it down. He groaned envisioning the future events. He winced. His feet were bound to hurt after this event. The blue hedgehog could literally see himself limping away and coming up empty, without a woman by his side with his luck. Arthur sighed. Looking hopelessly towards the large doors the rabbit danced out of. Once Vanilla set her mind on something, it took a whole army before she would even doubt her plan. He shook his head.

That woman was too much like his past mother.

(0…)

Lancelot lunged forwards with his sword. Thrusting his arm forward he gritted his teeth as Elizabeth countered his attack with her newly obtained sword. She grunted, pushing his weapon back. The girl quickly wiped the sweat of her brow before standing her ground. She blinked in confusion finding her father was not in front of her anymore, as a matter a fact, he was no longer there.

She knew this trick. He was using his speed again, and although he said he wasn't going to since she was at a disadvantage she stayed focus. Closing her eyes, the teenage hedgehog concentrated on her surroundings. All she needed to do was here the slightest movement and she would be able to know which direction he would attack. She inhaled soundlessly fearing her own breathes would cause her to miss hear. Seconds passed and her eyes snapped open, fiercely, she brought her sword to her defense and was just in time as her father's sword almost touched her nose. Lancelot smirked, impressed.

"I'm surprised you were able to detect my movements," he strained.

Elizabeth pushed his sword away and attacked. Their swords clanked together as the blades swished in the air. The ruby eyed hedgehog grunted in surprise as his sword was suddenly hit out of his hand. It landed several feet from him. With wide eyes he stared towards it and suddenly found himself on the ground with the tip of the blade at his nose. Lancelot frowned at the smirk that was upon Elizabeth's muzzle.

"I win," she teasingly proclaimed. She laughed jauntily.

"Not yet," Lancelot stated, an evil glint in his eyes. With one swift motion, he kicked his daughter's feet causing her to fall hard on her bottom. As she rubbed her backside he snatched her sword and laid it right by her jugular. He kneeled and whispered triumphantly, "I win."

Elizabeth narrowed eyes, their coloring turning a light red, before pushing the sword away. She got up, dusting herself and crossed her arms. "That was not fair. I had you first. You're supposed to surrender after that not kick me and make a large bruise on my-you know!" she exclaimed, annoyed.

The ebony knight wagged a finger. "You got too cocky my dear. One must be prepared for everything. Not everyone plays nice. But I will admit," he said rubbing dirt off her armor, "I was impressed by that little stunt you pulled. I will say I have never had anyone know where I would attack from besides the king."

The girl rolled her eyes but smiled nonetheless. She pulled her helmet off revealing her sweaty face. "Thank you father," she breathlessly said, "Now are we done? I'm tired and it's 100 degrees inside this suit." Elizabeth made a face sticking her tongue out and crossing her eyes as if about to pass out. She took her father's helmet and lifted the front part revealing his face which was still as flawless as ever. "How you are not tired," she said incredulously, "The sun is blazing yet there is not but a bead of sweat after an hour!"

Lancelot chuckled. He shook his head and walked off. "When you've been in as much battles as I have, you will know the true meaning of exhaustion. Now come along. Your training is over. Let's get cleaned up before dinner."

With that the girl caught up to her father. She tapped him on the shoulder before running off into the distance. "You're it! And you can't use your speed! " she shouted, her voice trailing off. Lancelot shook his head. "And she claims she's tired," he chuckled before running off.

(0…)

The midnight knight softly stroked the hip length quills with the brush. Lancelot softly smiled as Elizabeth began to hum his favorite song. He picked up another section of her quills. When he brushed her hair, it was always their calmest time together and they bonded silently.

"Father," Elizabeth spoke, "Could you tie my quills up today. I don't feel like having them down."

"Whatever you want my dear," Lancelot said.

When he finished, he helped Elizabeth up and fixed her dress for her. He stood facing her and a sudden realization hit him. He didn't know why he suddenly stared at his daughter with wide eyes or why this feeling of depression rose in his chest, it just did. Maybe it was because he now took in the fact that his little girl wasn't so little anymore. His precious daughter was now a strong young woman. It hit him hard that just a few years ago she would jump into his arms when she scraped her knee, but now, even with a sprained ankle she would walk it off. She would no longer look towards him for inspiration. She was her own inspiration. Elizabeth wouldn't hug him tightly if a problem appeared she would, instead, face it dead on. Just looking at her Lancelot thought she was beautiful and there would soon be a time where he would have to give her up to a man.

If only he found one worthy of protecting such a treasure. His treasure.

"Father!" Elizabeth shouted catching him out of his daze. She raised a brow. "Are you alright?" she tilted her head, "I've called for you at least ten times."

He shook his head. "Gomen Elizabeth. I was just thinking. Let's go before we're late. We're walking today." Elizabeth nodded following him as they walked out the front door.

They stepped, one foot in front of the other, to the castle. Elizabeth steadily casted her gaze to her father. There he was again, looking off into the distance. His eyes had a distant look to them and a scowl she knew he only used when he thought was plastered on his expression. What could be troubling him so much that he looked as if if he thought any harder he might pop his head off?

"Father, what are you thinking about?" She couldn't contain her questions any longer.

Lancelot sighed and glanced to her. His frown only deepened. "Did I do something?" she asked. "No. I'm thinking about you but nothing necessarily bad-well on your part."

That only confused her more. Lancelot saw her expression and growled. He really did not want to talk about this with her but he couldn't help but think if he did he would have some reassurance. "Alright, I was just thinking of…your future. You know, the one with a husband and child," he snarled at the thought.

A full on tomato blush appeared on her muzzle. "W-why are you thinking about that! What brought that on? I-I haven't even-what!?" she stuttered shocked. Her father growled, "See? This is exactly why I didn't want to bring it up. I knew you would react that way."

"Well how do you expect me to act when your father says something about you and marriage?" Elizabeth said. She never liked talking about these types of things with him. Not only was it just plain uncomfortable but he was a jealous father, a very jealous one. "Why is the topic on your mind father? You're not thinking of forcing me into marriage, are you?"

He looked at her offended, hurt, and as if she had two heads. "Heavens no Elizabeth! You think I would-no! I would never do that to you." He heard her sigh with relief. Lancelot sighed with her and continued, "It's just your almost seventeen years of age and soon you will be married. You're one of the lucky ones. You were not married at a younger age."

"How is that lucky?"

He shuddered. "You would be pregnant by now." He nodded when she stared, disbelief written all over her face. "But because I have to confirm the marriage that wouldn't have been possible. Elizabeth, you do realize you have the eyes of many men?" He heard her laugh. "Do not worry father. I haven't found that person yet. Is that what you're worried about? That I'll run off with some man and never look back? Me? That's just humorous."

He didn't want to admit it but his heart felt a whole lot lighter. "I'm glad you have that right sense. Maybe I haven't done a bad job in guiding you." a rare smile etched his features as he was kissed on his cheek. "Of course not daddy! I think I turned out just fine."

"I fully agree, my dear."

(0…)

After dinner was over, Elizabeth was pulled to the side by Cream. She stepped back a bit when the younger girl squealed with giddiness.

"Are you alright Cream?" she laughed nervously. This was kind of scaring her. She shouted in protest as Cream grabbed her arms and shook her. "Did you hear? Did you hear? Did you hear?" she shouted.

Elizabeth shook her head furiously. "No, what about?"

"The king is throwing a ball in two days!" she giggled.

"What for?" the ebony hedgehog asked. From tonight, the king didn't look like he would throw a party any time soon. Throughout dinner, he wouldn't even look at anyone. He just ate in silence, stabbing his fork into his food.

"He's going to find a bride Elizabeth! I can't wait to go!" Cream exclaimed.

Elizabeth gasped with incredulity. "Are you interested in the king Cream? What about that fox you keep mentioning-" She widened her eyes when her mouth was forcefully covered. Elizabeth ripped the hand away from her mouth, rubbing it from soreness.

"Shhh! Mother might hear you," she whispered harshly, "But I'm not interested in the king and I never said I was. I'm just excited that I get a reason to dress up. Aren't you!? Hey, maybe I can ask my mother to have some of the other maids to help up get ready. It'll just be like getting a makeover! Oooh I can't wait!" she squealed again. The caramel bunny held her cheeks blushing, dancing about the room.

The ebony teen laughed as she watched her friend dance in a daze, probably thinking about that fox. She shook her head and shrugged. Personally, she thought it was about time for Sonic to find a wife. All her life she's never seen him even look interested in a woman and it's been almost seventeen years. According to her father he's never seen him with one either. That was very peculiar for a king, but then again, everyone knew Sonic was a different type of king.

She wasn't really fond of balls, seeing as she almost never went to anyone unless her father told her she had to. Elizabeth, don't get her wrong, she loved to dress up and everything but it was the dancing part. She wasn't the most graceful dancer. She was decent but not eye capturing. Cream had tried to improve her technique but all that really ended up being was a bunch of red toes. Elizabeth shrugged. Why was she even worrying? She wasn't aiming to impress anyway.

Her lavender eyes followed the light steps of the young doe. Maybe she would attend the ball, just for Cream. She was actually looking forward to all the preparing, especially since her Aunt Percival could come with them. She wasn't married although she was pretty sure she wouldn't want to go for the king.

"I can't wait either. What color dress are you going to wear?" Elizabeth grinned as the other's beautiful chocolate eyes shined with brilliance. Cream took her arm and they walked. "I don't know yet but my mother offered to make our dresses. I hope she picks colors that match our jewelry."

"I wouldn't worry about that Cream. Your Ms. Vanilla is pretty good with these kinds of things. She is head of the seamstress."