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

Chapter 18: Excuse me?

It was quite breezy outside. Some could say it was cold but others would say it was a nice day. It really depended on one's own individual take on the weather.

For Cream, it was absolutely freezing.

The caramel colored bunny shivered in here spot. Even here wool coat and heavy skirt weren't enough to dull the chills that racked through her body. What made the situation even worse that, for the entire week, she was in charge of laundry duty, and that meant washing the laundry. Oh how Cream dreaded laundry duty. Technically, it was her job to do this last week but she had somehow persuaded her mother to push it to this week, and now, well, she was regretting that decision.

Her hands felt clammy, wrinkly and like frozen blocks as she dipped the blouse in the soapy water. Cream almost cried out when the cold water hit her cheeks. Although it was against her nature to mutter the curses she said, she made this an exception. She blinked with those wide, soft, eyes of hers and continued with her chore. Her hands scrubbed together, the suds increasing gradually. Once she deemed the salmon-colored blouse, "bubbled up," as she liked to call it, it went in plain water to rinse and she handed it to a maid who hung it on the wire to dry. Cream then started this process over with a long brown skirt.

As she tried her best not to cry from the temperature, she hummed. It wasn't until her mother called her name that she her head up, ears listening intently. Her chocolate eyes, as sweet as the dessert itself, searched for her mother. When she spotted her Cream was more than grateful to get up from her spot and away from the laundry for awhile. "You called, mother?" she said.

The young doe's eyes widened and a suspicious grin grew on her muzzle as she observed Vanilla's ear-splitting smile. Her head tilted to the side. "Mother?" she questioned, "What hap-Did you finally master that recipe!?" she assumed, excited.

The rabbit shook her head still keeping her wild smile. "It has something to do with the king. Though, I'm still working on that Key Lime Pie," She stated.

Cream hummed in thought. "Did the king master the pie?"

Vanilla scoffed, offended her daughter would think someone would get the recipe right before her. After all, she was the best baker in the land. "Of course not. The king couldn't bake to save his life." She then gasped covering her mouth with her fingers and smiled innocently. "I didn't say that."

For minutes Vanilla stood there watching Cream think hard. She rolled her eyes playfully and exclaimed, "Oh, stop your guessing. The king has chosen a bride!"

"Really!? Do you know who?"

She shook her head. With a shrug of her shoulders she said, "He would only tell me so much. The king said he wanted to propose to her publically and for it to be a surprise. He didn't want a rumor or anything to start and then spoil the shocker. Oh but I can't wait to see who he weds. I bet she's beautiful!" Vanilla squealed.

Cream smiled brightly then looked down in worry. She really hoped it wasn't her. She kind of had her hopes in some other man.

"Don't worry."

Her head snapped up to her mother in wonder. "Huh?"

Vanilla smirked. "I'm positive it's not you."

"How do you know," Cream asked.

"He would've asked for my permission to hand you to him and if that were the case I couldn't have told you he picked his bride."

"You mean he's already set to propose?"

"Correct, he has the ring and everything ready. All he has to do is ask meaning he's already asked the girl's father or mother."

The bunny pondered on the information given. She nodded and said, "Then I'm almost sure it isn't Elizabeth also. There's no way Lancelot would say yes."

"I was thinking that also. Besides, everyone knows Elizabeth already has her sights set on someone else," Vanilla added.

(0…)

The ebony teen blinked at her father.

"A-are you joking?" she stuttered.

Lancelot almost laughed, he instead settled for a quirk chuckle. He shook his head and crossed his arms. "I promise I am speaking only the truth. So what do you say?"

Elizabeth's pearly white teeth were soon shown as she jumped in her place squealing, "Of course!" She ran to her father giving him the largest hug she could give and nuzzling his cheek. "Thank you daddy! I haven't had a pastry square in so long!" she almost yelled, "I barely remember how they taste!"

The dark knight wrapped his arms around the girl, a small smirk spreading across his lips. "I'm sure once you smell it, the taste will come back," he snapped, "Just like that."

They both released each other and Lancelot took the lead. "Now, let's hurry. I don't remember when the shop closes. I haven't been there in awhile myself."

"We would be going there frequently if you just allowed me to travel outside the castle grounds." Elizabeth laughed when she received a stern look from her father. She waved him off and said, "Oh, don't you worry. I won't be like those girls in those dramas where they whine and complain about being free and going outside of their boundaries. I for one don't have a problem like that," she narrowed her eyes devilishly, "My problem is my monster of a father who keeps me away from pastries and scolds me for my sweet tooth."

Lancelot rolled his eyes when she put a hand to her head and pretended to cry. "He's so cruel to me. It's not my fault I have something that's uncontrollable." Elizabeth looked from the corner of her eye to see her father raise a brow at her. She giggled childishly and hugged his arm.

"You are one special child," he sighed smiling, "But you are mine so I suppose it is alright."

They walked on, hand in hand, through the busy crowds. Once they made it outside of the castle walls, Lancelot silently breathed out with relief. He was very fond of crowds. Really, he wasn't too fond of people in general. This was partly why he stopped taking her to the bakery. To get there, he had to go through the market which was full of hurrying people and bystanders, which he hated if it wasn't clear. But in all, if it was for his daughter who walked by him, swaying her head to the music inside her head, then that was alright.

Once the two ebon hedgehogs had gotten to the shop, it took no time whatsoever to order their treats and sit down to eat. While Elizabeth happily indulged in her mountain of desserts Lancelot stared at her with a blank expression. The treat that was mere inches away from his mouth stayed in that position.

He was really blessed to have such a wonderful child. Lancelot had thought this many times before but now, he really believed it. Yes, being a single father and widower wasn't the easiest job in the world, he personally came to love it. All the hardships, fights and struggles he has ever gone through with his daughter were always forgotten at the end of the day. All the tears and pain they each went through was worth it. Because in the end it was just him, Elizabeth and the Lord, and that was all he could ever ask for.

Now, there were times where he doubted his duty as a father. He assumed every father went through that phase of thought, but then there were times where he couldn't think of anyone else who would love Elizabeth like he did. From day one, Lancelot swore on his grave that he would protect the girl even if it meant dying. Luckily a situation like that hasn't appeared but he was ready at all times. Even so, the crimson stained knight made a promise to his wife, and he intended to keep it.

Lancelot took a bite out of the sweet and soft dessert. It was soon gone in another bite and he patted the crumbs off of his muzzle with a napkin. While doing so he peered up to see Elizabeth's muzzle covered in crumbs and sweet pastes. He chuckled catching the teen's attention. Her cheeks were bulged, looking about ready to burst. With a huge gulp, she swallowed whatever was in her mouth and smiled bashfully.

"Come here."

Elizabeth leaned over obeying her father's command. She immediately sat back in her chair when Lancelot licked some leftover food off her cheek. She rubbed her cheek with mild disgust and scrunched her face up. "Ugh, father! That was disgusting," she exclaimed trying to hold back the grin that threatened to show.

"What?" Lancelot asked innocently while deviously smirking, "Did I embarrass you? I was only trying to do what any other father would."

"Mmhm, yeah, sure," she said, sarcasm dripping off each word.

They both laughed at the end. Elizabeth took a napkin and wiped the remaining crumbs off her muzzle. Lancelot noted one thing. He wouldn't ever want her to lose her ability to lose her etiquette. It was quite funny not to mention he felt he could also let go for a bit. The two continued eating, more like Elizabeth did. For a couple of minutes they talked about random things while teasing on another from time to time. Then, they were both silent, just enjoying the other's presence. After some time Elizabeth had broken the quiet.

"Daddy?" she said quietly.

Lancelot looked up from toying with his napkin and hummed in response.

The girl exhaled and blushed intensely staring at her last pastry instead of her father. She didn't answer and seemed to rethink what she was going to say. Her concentration puzzled him greatly.

"My dear, is there someth-"

"I love you," she blurted out.

He blinked. Well this was peculiar. "I love you too," he started, "But why are you saying this all of a sudden. Is it because I brought you here?"

"No, it's not that-" she sighed when he gave her a look, "It's not just that. I…well, I don't really know. I just kind of wanted to say it." She shrugged still blushing heavily. Elizabeth didn't know why she was so embarrassed when she said those words. Maybe it was because she was around strangers, she didn't know. But something inside of her urged her to display her appreciation and love for him so she just spurted it out. "I know I say it a lot, and I say it carelessly but each time I do mean it. But I guess this is just one of those times where it really comes from, ya'know, right here," she placed a hand on her chest, "I really do appreciate everything you do for me and even though I may not act like it, you mean a lot to me.

"No matter how much I say I hate you or how much attitude I give, please remember that I'm just acting out. If something were to happen to you I-I probably wouldn't make it a week. Even though I never knew mother, losing you would just be too much to take," she looked up to see her father stare at her with disbelief, "And I really don't know why I'm saying these things all of a sudden but I just have to. I have to let you know that I love you daddy and I would never ask for any other man to be my father."

Elizabeth hadn't realized she was out of her chair until her hip touched the table. She took her seat cursing at herself for being so dramatic. The heavy red blush that was on her cheeks almost drowned her muzzle completely. Even though there were people talking around them, the air felt heavy as Lancelot didn't respond and just stared. Too distract herself from the awkward silence she bit into the last treat suddenly feeling sick. She probably had too much to eat. Hopefully she would be semi-hungry before dinner otherwise her father wouldn't appreciate it. Speaking of which, her eyes, which had turned a light purple, traveled to her father's seat. Elizabeth hummed in confusion to see the chair empty and desolate. Her head spun around looking for him. Suddenly her shoulders were jerked forward and her body was sent into a tight embrace.

"You don't know how lucky I am to have you Elizabeth. You do not know."

The bone crushing hug was suffocating, but it wasn't like she even noticed. Her father's warm arms had her feeling protected and loved. Elizabeth's arms encircled his waist and she nuzzled her head further into his furry chest. She could no longer hear the busy chatters of the townsfolk nor could she feel the cool wind in the chilly air. All she knew, felt and saw was her father, Lancelot. She could feel his cold nose poke her shoulder and his warm breath. They stayed like that for what seemed like hours and before they separated to take their leave, Lancelot had said something to her that confused her greatly. In her ear his whisper was barely audible.

"I am so sorry."

(0…)

That same day the two hedgehogs had gone to dinner to the castle, as they did every night. As the members of the table ate Arthur had announced her had chosen a bride at last. There was much discussion after the publication.

"Congratulations King Arthur! You finally found a maiden to wed. How young is the damsel?" a fox asked, cheerfully.

"Not too young I believe, but I won't put out her age. I've learned the hard way to avoid doing so. Got a giant lump on my head when I was younger," the azure hedgehog mused.

Oh his memories with his mother, how dear to him they were.

"See, now that's what a respectful husband does," Sir Percival pointed out before biting down on the carrot on her fork.

Gawain rolled his eyes and out his head in his head. "He just doesn't want to have to look for another spouse if push comes to shove," he joked.

The table laughed at that. Elizabeth picked at her plate still full from the pastries she had eaten not too long ago. From the corner of her eye she saw her father stare blankly at his plate, eating as if he were a robot. She raised a brow wondering why he wasn't enjoying himself like the rest of the table. It wasn't until she had really thought about it that she assumed an answer. It was probably because they were discussing spouses, specifically wives.

Her father didn't have one anymore.

At the thought her ears lowered. She felt guilty for only realizing this. Deciding to comfort him in a less public way then hugging she slipped her hand on his, entwining their fingers together underneath the table. Elizabeth pretended to no notice the surprised look Lancelot gave her. She bit a tiny piece of broccoli off her fork and smiled squeezing his hand. Lancelot blinked before his features softened into a gentle smirk. He turned his attention back to his plate and continued to eat less like a machine.

A large ox said with his gruff voice, "What's the girl's name, if you don't mind me asking? I'm sure we would all like to know."

At this comment everyone turned their heads to the cerulean king. His forest green scanned everyone's expecting eyes at the table. A sudden rush of embarrassment ran through his body and Arthur rubbed the back of his neck in spite of himself. "W-well," he stuttered, "the thing is, I want to propose to her and have it be a surprise. I don't want to risk her knowing beforehand. It's not that I don't trust you guys but," he leaned in causing everyone else to do so too, "there are maids around here that are known for their gossip."

They all nodded in understanding and everyone took their seats.

"When are you going to ask her," Elizabeth said suddenly.

King Arthur smiled at his plate before looking at her. "Finally something I can answer," he chirped, "I plan to do so tomorrow, when the sun is at its highest."

A feeling of giddiness ran throughout the table and mutters and conversations between individuals started. Elizabeth nodded and smiled at her plate, brightly. She couldn't wait to see the proposal. Whoever he was proposing to would be so happy to marry the king.

"I wonder where he's going to do that," she asked herself.

"In the center of town right underneath the balcony of the castle," Arthur answered.

Her eyes widened. "In front of everyone?" She gasped as he nodded. "But tomorrow is Saturday, the busiest day of the week. There's going to be crowds of people there, King Arthur."

"That is the plan," he winked.

She stared in awe. He was going to ask her in front of everyone. Elizabeth definitely wouldn't want to be in that position. She would be embarrassed to be the center of everyone's attention. The girl was like a bit like her father, wasn't fond of public attention. But, she did want to see the proposal. It was bound to be beautiful.

The purple streaked teen pulled on her father's hand catching his eyes. "Can we go see it father? Please?"

Without a word he nodded and replied, "Don't worry Elizabeth. We cannot miss it."

(0…)

Lancelot, Elizabeth and Cream walked along the path and in between by passing people. The older male stayed quiet as the two girls chattered away.

"I can't believe the king is getting married!" Cream exclaimed.

"It's about time," Elizabeth puffed, "I was starting to get worried."

"Elizabeth!" Cream giggled, "That's not nice."

"What? It's the truth," she piped.

They continued their walk and the young doe peered worriedly at the ruby eyed hedgehog. "Is everything alright with your father? It seems as if something is bothering him," she whispered in Elizabeth's ear.

She shrugged. "He's been like that all morning. He barely spoke a word. I asked him if he was alright and he says he's okay but I don't know. I'll go ask him again." The girl walked over to him with her hands behind her back. She put on a cheery smile and sweetly said, "Daddy, is everything alright? You seem down."

He didn't answer. She frowned at that. Was he angry? Here question was answered when she saw a deep scowl etched on his features. A cold chill ran through her spine. Goosebumps appeared all over her body. Elizabeth looked over to Cream who looked surprised. She gasped as Lancelot suddenly held her hand in a tight grip. She winced at the amount of strength of which he held her hand with. Even so, she kept quiet letting her father take his anger out on her hand. Though, she was a bit scared. To calm herself she grasped Cream's hand who gave her an affectionate squeeze.

They brought themselves to the center of town where, as they predicted, multiple crowds were going about their day. Their thoughts were drowned as the noise was overwhelming. This was definitely not the ideal place to have a conversation but they weren't here for that. They were here to see something spectacular.

The sounds of trumpets were heard throughout the busy air and almost instantly everyone in the castle grounds quieted.

"The king is here!" Elizabeth heard from a little boy.

The crowds of Mobians split into two creating a walkway for the king. She craned her neck as she and her friend searched for the blue hedgehog. Not too far away they could see two heavily armored knights in behind the king who stood tall and proud. It was clear to see the thorough excitement he held as a large smile was plastered on his muzzle. He began to take steps, his eyes that glistened from the sun, scanning the crowds. Arthur's hand held a royal staff made of gold while the other was behind his back clenched. Elizabeth knew he held the ring in there. She just knew.

"Oh, this is going to be so romantic," Cream squealed. Elizabeth had told her of King Arthur's plans and was just as excited as her.

"I know. I can't wait to see her face! She's going to be so surprised!"

They mused to each other until Lancelot tapped her shoulder. Elizabeth told Cream she would be right back and left to go talk with her father.

"Yes, fath-"

"Remember what you said yesterday, at the bakery," he interrupted. Elizabeth nodded skeptically. She noted the urgent and alarmed expression he wore.

"Daddy," she started softly, "What is wrong? You haven't been acting as yourself lately. Was it something I did?"

"Never," he replied sternly causing her to jump, "It was something I did, and I regret it terribly. You know I love you right?"

This was really scaring her. "Daddy, tell me what's wrong now," she demanded, "Y-You're scaring me."

He took a hold of her hands and with pleading eyes, something she had never seen before, whispered, "My love, when this is over you have to promise me something," Elizabeth looked into his eyes, "you have to promise me you won't hate me forever. You have to promise me you'll still be my daughter. Can you promise me that?"

She furrowed her brows in alarm. "Dad-"

"Promise me!" he harshly whispered shaking her. Elizabeth nodded fearfully. She calmed when he brought his forehead to hers and sighed. He embraced her. "Daddy," she weakly called out, "what's going on?"

Lancelot cupped her cheeks with his hands and peered into her eyes. His ruby orbs glistened with love and Elizabeth was shocked to say she saw tears bubble up in his eyes. He didn't answer her question but instead kissed her forehead gently and said, "Forgive me, my dear." She shook her head with confusion as he pushed her away.

Elizabeth blinked. Why would he push her away? She must've done something but he insisted it was him who had done wrong. Elizabeth only pondered on the thought for a second before she had caught on to something.

Why was everyone staring at her?

She looked around in slight fear to see giddy faces looking at her. Elizabeth could no longer find her father and instead searched for someone else familiar. Her eyes met chocolate irises that were dilated. That was funny. Why did Cream look….saddened? It was then she realized she was not looking at her but behind her. Cautiously she turned and to her surprise and complete horror Elizabeth found a recognizable blue hedgehog stand in front of her. She had to crane her neck because he was at least a full head taller than her.

Why was the king standing in front of her?

Completely assuming an answer she first bowed and nervously said, "Oh, I'm sorry for standing in the way, my king-"

"No," he softly interrupted. Elizabeth looked up at him confusedly.

Why was he looking at her with such gentleness?

"But don't you need to find the girl to propose?" she reminded completely oblivious.

Arthur smiled and took a hold of her hands. Elizabeth questioningly glanced at her hands and then at the blue king who gazed into her eyes. "Wha-"

"I found her."

Oh no. No, no, no, no, no. He couldn't possibly talking about her. No, this wasn't right. She was mistaken. It was just a joke. It had to be one, it just had to.

"E-excuse me?" she stuttered.

Elizabeth found her heart hammering against her ribs threatening to break them. Her breath was caught in her throat and her eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as Arthur knelt down before her. She gasped to fill her lungs with air but it didn't help much because she had stopped breathing at this point. Her stunned eyes stared at the silver ring Arthur had in his fingers. His hopeful and loving orbs sparkled brightly and hers, well, hers were sparkling with something other than happiness.

"Elizabeth Ann du Lac," he started.

How could she have been so oblivious to the signs? Now that she looked back, everything was clear, so painfully clear. A blind man could've seen what she failed to earlier.

"Daughter of Lancelot du Lac, Knight of the Round Table,"

Her father never took her to the bakery unless for a reward and she hadn't done anything previously to deserve it. And at dinner it might as well have been blown into a blow horn and written in red pen to make it even more obvious.

"From the moment I danced with you, I knew you were the one."

Lancelot didn't even lift his head. He didn't talk to anyone. He didn't join in on the conversations about Arthur's soon to be wife. The wife that was she, herself. And there she was stupidly assuming it was something completely different. How dumb could she possibly be?

"It would be a pleasure, and an honor,"

And this morning, her father wouldn't look at her. He refused to say a words to her until just a few moments ago when he apologized, apologized for giving his blessings and allowing the king to propose to her. When he knew, he surly knew that was the dumbest decision he had ever made.

"if you would be my wife."

Elizabeth looked back and forth, from the ring to the king. It was all so clear now. Whatever had blinded her was taken away and everything was translucent. It was just a shame she had realized everything when it was too late.

"Elizabeth, my love, will you be my wife?"

She was going to marry a man she did not love.

Edit: Heyo! Sorry for the late response. I was too lazy...

Anyway, History Lesson!

A long, long, time ago, way back then, proposals were different. Very different. Remember how I mentioned in earlier chapters how woman really didn't have any type of power, unless you were fortunate? Well that rule still applies. When a man wants to marry a woman he has to ask the father first and if the father agrees the man is free to do so. When the girl is asked she really is obliged to say yes even if she has no romantic feeling towards the man. So in summary, the father decides who his daughter marries. If the woman were to say no...well, lets just say very bad things would happen. Depending on where you lived, that woman could face execution. Men ruled the world, literally. Yeah, it was pretty screwed up.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Remember, feedback, feedback, and even more feedback!

~God Bless You~