Random Person: More of Shadow's/Lancelot's true feelings will be revealed later. It's just that Shadow/Lancelot doesn't have such an outgoing personality. He chooses to stay neutral, as much as he can, on the outside but on the inside he's an emotional rollercoaster. Yeah, when Elizabeth breaks the news to Tyrone, well, I don't think anyone will be feeling happy by then. Oh, Sonic, you act dumb but you are one intelligent hedgehog. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: A Sonic characters belong to Sega. All OCs belong to me. Translations by Google Translate.

Chapter 19: The Emotional Storm

"Father?"

Her feeble fingers shakily touched the mass of sheets and ebony fur before her. As gently but hurriedly as she could she shook her father's body in hopes of waking him up soon. The dark was terrifying her. There wasn't any light from the moon, no light from the candle, it was just dark. Everything was swallowed in the color black making it hard to see her own fur, but in times like these, Elizabeth could spot her father a mile away if she was frightened.

"Father," she whispered a bit louder than the first. She shook him harder. There was a noise, some type of creak. This was getting really scary. Elizabeth, with her eyes almost a white, only hints of purple left, clenched her teeth and trembled in her spot. She would've just jumped in the bed but she didn't want to be disrespectful. It was stupid to even think like that at a moment like this but she couldn't help it.

In peril she squeezed her eyes shut and cried out with her voice breaking, "Daddy!"

A groggy groan came from Lancelot. His body slowly turned in its spot as he yawned. The cat like ear sticking from his head twitched when he heard a familiar sound. Without having to look he knew who had woke him up at this ungodly hour.

"Elizabeth," he slightly growled, "Surīpu jōtai ni modoru." He ended with another yawn and turned on his side. For a few moment he heard nothing and he almost smiled, happy to go back to sleep. Unfortunately his joy ended as he was shaken again, this time with more force. With an irritated sigh he revealed his blood red eyes and sat up. Lancelot turned his head towards the culprit and glared daggers at her.

"What do you-" he started, livid. Almost instantly his icy glare dropped and so did the snarl he started to form. Lancelot closed his mouth and hummed understandingly.

In front of him was his thirteen year old daughter, shivering in her place. Elizabeth had her hands tightly clenched to her chest and her head was bowed. Although there was no light whatsoever he could see the glimmer of tear streaks on her soft cheeks. He exhaled through his nose heavily, calming himself and ridding his mind of any previous anger.

"Anata wa akumu o motte imashita ka?" he asked lowly. He already knew the answer. She had been having night terrors for awhile now and they became more frequent. He, of course, was concerned about it but time and maturity seemed to cure the phase.

Elizabeth nodded, whimpering. Without another thought he moved to the other side of the bed and lifted the covers signaling her to get in. The fragile girl crawled onto the bed. Once she was in she lied down along with her father. She took no time into burying her head in his bare chest, gripping his white chest hairs. His warm sent filled her nostrils calming her fear and reducing her trembles. As he ran a hand through her quills wiped her tears, feeling the immediate feeling of safety in his arms.

"How many times have I told you just get in the bed? You do not have to ask me," Lancelot lightly scolded. Somehow his words were soothing to her ears. Maybe it was just because his voice was so silky and deep, it had the perfect tone to make her feel alright.

"I-I didn't want to be rude," she sniffled, "But I guess I was by waking you up. I'm sorry."

She felt him kiss the top of her head. He didn't answer back he just continued to comfort her. The darkness that surrounded them didn't bother her. In fact the black color was beginning to feel comforting. Elizabeth's eyes were already closed but she felt the drowsiness take over. Before diving in to her unconscious state she whispered, "Goodnight, daddy."

"Pleasant dreams, my dear."

(0…)

It was funny how she remembered such a thing at this very moment, when she was surrounded by hundreds Mobians, having the king of the land kneel before, asking for her hand in marriage. Elizabeth remembered from the memory that she couldn't recall her nightmare, all she just knew was that it was enough to make her knees weak. She would never remember the nightmare but she was definitely going to remember this one for the rest of her life. The girl really wished she could just run into her father's arms and have him talk to her with that silky vice of his that made her feel protected, but she had a feeling his voice would no longer soothe her. It would only infuriate her, only add fuel to the raging fire set within her chest. If the ebon knight were ever to touch her, Elizabeth feared she would snap at any moment possibly harming him. It was quite a drear that even the image in her mind of her father, who had claimed to lover with all his heart, drove her anger to the point where she was sure it would never be leveled. No, the purple streaked hedgehog didn't feel saddened, she did not pity herself. Instead, she felt the utmost hatred for everything and everyone.

The cool breeze of the fall weather blew in her face, dragging her pony-tailed quills with it. Elizabeth's eyes which were set at purple looked into the king's. It was weird how her eye color had not changed to red. It was just purple, as if her current emotion was neutral. Her mind must've capered her eyes because she was sure she feeling something.

Her dark ears flickered and she suddenly realized everyone around her was quiet. They were all waiting for her answer. An answer they already knew of. Now that she thought about it, why would a man ask if they already knew their maidens answer. It wasn't only stupid but degrading. Did they really want to shove their point in their faces? That it doesn't matter who you love, or a care about, they decided and what they choose is what's going to happen. This disgusted her. Almost as badly as her own father, but let's be real.

Nothing could level up to the amount of odium she had for that man.

There was nothing left to think. Her answer was clear as the sky above. Obviously her response was no, but of course, she couldn't say that, now could she?

Elizabeth put a hand on his cheek. She couldn't figure out how she kept herself from breaking down. She didn't understand how she kept herself from screaming no at the king's face and stomping off yelling curses everywhere. She simply didn't know. But if she had to guess, it definitely wasn't will power. Her will power has completely vanished along with part of her sanity. No, it wasn't that, it was her anger. Her rage kept her going. The white hot resentment she felt helped her act her way through the whole thing, convincing everyone she was indeed jovial that the blue king himself had asked her to be his wife.

The ebon teen felt time slow down as she nodded, signing her own death certificate. Somehow, she was able to form tears at the corners of her eyes. With a smile that was painful to her muzzle she whispered, "Yes". Oh how the word tasted like vile on her lips.

"Yes?" the azure king echoed loudly.

"Yes," she confirmed.

Arthur's eyes widened and a full blow grin erased any sign of uneasiness he ever had, which confused Elizabeth. Why be nervous when you basically were ensured of the answer you crave? Not a moment too soon he placed the engagement ring on her ring finger. Arthur stood up from his kneeled position and gently grabbed her forearms.

And right there and then, he kissed her.

Elizabeth almost lost it.

His lips were on hers, and they were full on. She could feel her whole mouth inside of his. His lips enveloped hers, leaving no room for her to breathe. Her hands were placed against his chest as his head leaned in causing her head to tilt back. Elizabeth couldn't hear or think straight over all the cheers that surrounded her. The thunder of hands smacking together vibrated every bone in her body. Her hammering heart slammed against her rib cage to the point where she was sure one of her ribs was going to break. She could no longer feel anything. Her eyes were just open so wide and her body just stood limp in her husband-to-be's arms.

This was all so foreign to her. She was purely a virgin in more ways than one. Yes, she knew of certain things but she was untouched, how she and her father wanted her to be. Elizabeth had never been touched or kissed. But now her virgin lips had been tainted. Her first kiss was given to hedgehog that she had no feelings for. The kiss she dreamed about, that was only reserved for that one man was now gone. That kiss was no longer going to be Tyrone's. And, well, it kind of hurt.

So as you can imagine, when something warm and slimy ran over her tongue the young girl was very surprise. Just when she had had enough, just when she was about to scream, King Arthur separated from her. Elizabeth hadn't realized she was panting until she heard his soft gasps for air. Her stunned body was so heavy she doubted she would be able to move. All around her she could still hear the deafening screams from the surrounding crowds.

Her eyes traveled upwards and they met half-lidded ones. As they peered into her lavender orbs they swirled with untamed love. Arthur pulled her closer to his wanting to feel her against him. He wanted to hold close the one thing that made him feel himself again. Right there he swore never to let her go, never to make her feel unwanted. Elizabeth du Lac, he promised, was going to forever feel loved and protected as long as he shall live. The cerulean hedgehog gave her one of the most loving smiles he could conjure up. He was thrilled to see her attempt to smile but found her bottom lip quivering. He guessed it was out of happiness and the few tears he could see threaten to roll down her cheeks were from pure ecstasy, more like the feeling he felt right now.

It was just a shame that it wasn't, but of course, he wouldn't know.

Arthur took no time to catch the falling tears with his thumb and unexpectedly lifted her off the ground. He secured his hands, one under her legs, the other near her shoulders and walked along the clear path. His high spirits were only lifted as he observed the mass of jubilant citizens around him. The burgundy cape that flowed behind him, the golden crown that proudly sat upon his blue furred head and the girl that held onto his neck laying her head on his chest couldn't have made him any happier. Indeed, the hedgehog king felt his life could possibly get better.

With each step he walked towards the entrance of the castle. The many knights and guards that saluted him on his way in congratulated him. Greatly, the smile spread. He nodded, accepting their statements of congratulations and finally entered the through the doors that later shut behind him.

Elizabeth lifted her head in time to see the doors close. The light from the outside world was cut off, crushing her already demolished hopes and happiness. Her ears drooped uncontrollably. She mildly wondered if Arthur had seen but he was too busy indulging in how everything was going right for him. However, nothing was going right for her. Elizabeth kept thinking of her life now. How she was bound to this man without her consent. Just thinking about if made her stomach feel queasy and her legs felt numb.

Soon they had gotten to a point where Arthur decided it was safe to put her down. When he gently set her on her feet he cried out in surprise when she almost fell. Elizabeth gripped onto his shoulders as he held her waist to keep her in place. Did she have some type of sickness? Arthur blinked. Although, it felt nice to be the first one to know what happens to her and to be able to treat any illnesses she may have gotten, he was still deeply worried.

"Are you alright?" he asked.

With her eyes clenched the black hedgehog nodded solemnly shakily breathing out in the process. He furrowed his brows. What was wrong with her? He tenderly placed a hand on Elizabeth's cheek bringing her face close to his. Oh how Arthur wanted to kiss her again, his and his own well being. But he ignored the feeling. He needed to focus on her. Besides, he had plenty of time to do that later.

"You don't look ok to me, Elizabeth," her name on his tongue felt surprisingly good.

The sixteen year old maiden gasped at how close they were. She cursed in her mind. He was starting to notice. Arthur was starting to notice her true feelings. She needed to make something up. Yes, if she were to just tell him her feelings, that would be called honesty, but there was something called empathy. She still held to a little of what was left in her heart. This king did deserve someone in his life. It was not his fault he was wedding a woman who he thought loved him but in reality, did not. Elizabeth concluded she just had to suck it up and deal with it. This world was not going to play by her rules. Men ruled the world. She was a woman, her choices did not matter. If she was told to marry the king, then she was going to marry the king. No matter how torn apart it made her.

Her lips were soon graced with a comforting smile. She too placed her hand on his cheek rubbing it with her thumb. Her head nodded and she whispered, "I'm fine. It was just in addition to such an overwhelming feeling of happiness, the crowd's cheers did give me a slight headache. But I assure you, it'll disappear in a minute or two." Elizabeth surprised herself. Who knew she was such a good liar?

"Speaking of which, I apologize for putting you on the spot like that. I just wanted to let everyone know who I chose as my beautiful bride," he whispered back. His hand crawled down to the small of her back pulling the girl closer to him.

Elizabeth shook her head. "I underst-"

She was cut off as he kissed her again. This time she did voice her surprise with a shocked yelp. Her hands were frozen in her place as was her body. Again, her eyes were wide, still not use to this feeling. The kiss made her depressed reminding her strongly that she had just been given away by her own father. The same one she loved dearly and she believed he felt the same way about her. When she felt if they went on she would pass out from lack of air his lips left hers leaving them a bit wet and cold. Arthur leaned his forehead on her head and whispered, panting, "I'm sorry. I could resist."

She felt she owed him a real explanation. Elizabeth couldn't contain her saddened look any longer. The act she put up for such a short time already felt like 500 years to her. How could she pretend such a strong emotion like this for the rest of her life!? It was impossible unless she wanted to let the guilt kill her eventually.

"Arthur I-" she started but was interrupted by a familiar chirpy squeal she could only place as-

"Vanilla," King Arthur said.

The doe grinned widely folding her hands in front of her. Her chocolate orbs sparkled with innocent happiness, seemingly oblivious to the powerful wave of emotions Elizabeth was sure she was feeling. Vanilla giggled with glee.

"Am I interrupting something?" she teased.

The two hedgehogs looked at each other taking in how their bodies were pushed against one another. Furiously they blushed and stepped away from each other. Even if they were going to be married, it was unholy to show any type of intimacy before. Arthur already made a big risk kissing her in public before the wedding. He was king, but that didn't mean he should push it.

"I'm just teasing," Vanilla exclaimed, "I won't tell anyone."

While Elizabeth just looked away, Arthur rolled his eyes. He hopelessly smirked and sighed, "What is it you need Vanilla?'

"As you know, we do have to prepare your future bride for the upcoming party tonight. You haven't forgotten have you, your majesty?" she said.

Arthur's eyes widened. "Oh yes. I actually did forget."

Elizabeth stood there confused. She looked from the cream bunny to the blue hedgehog. "What party?" she timidly asked grabbing their attention.

The cerulean hedgehog clasped his hands around hers, looking into her purple orbs. "Elizabeth," he said, "Tonight they're throwing a celebration for our engagement."

"A celebration?" she echoed.

He nodded. "Yes, and although I hate that we have to part, they won't let me stay with you and we have to get ready."

Vanilla furrowed her eyebrows together attempting to look angry but failing miserably. She put her hands on her hips and said, "If we were to keep you together you would see each other undress!"

"I don't think we would mind that at all," Arthur retorted teasingly.

Elizabeth, flustered, bowed her head and mumbled, "A-Arthur!"

"I'm tantalizing."

"But if the party is tonight, why are we getting ready so early?" Elizabeth asked.

"The part starts at five, dear," the rabbit answered.

She frowned. "But that's at least five hours away."

"Believe me, it takes a fairly large amount of time for the maids to be done with you. Take it from someone who has experienced it hundreds of times," Arthur shivered.

Elizabeth hummed in understanding. Before she could blink Vanilla had taken her arm they both started to hurry further into the enormous castle Elizabeth was sure she would get lost in. "V-vanilla!" she exclaimed, surprised the motherly rabbit could run so fast. "Oh don't you worry,' she beamed, "I'll have all the other men in the land drool over you when I'm done with your pretty little face."

Arthur looked after the two retreating figures. Already, his arms felt empty but he didn't worry himself over it. Soon, his bride-to-be would be back in his arms. He led himself to his own dressing room so he could be prepared to.

"I just hope they don't break her," he chuckled.

(0…)

Some of the maids smoothed out the bottoms of the dress while putting the finishing touches on her face. Elizabeth stood on the stand, in front of the mirror, the whole time, unmoving. She closed her eyes letting a maid put powder on her muzzle. Her nose tickled and she moved to sneeze but Vanilla put a finger to her nose.

"Don't move just yet," she smiled.

Elizabeth sighed but obeyed.

Later, they were finally done and told the girl to take a look at herself in the mirror. Her shining orbs traveled to the large, Victorian styled, glass that showed her reflection. In front of her was a herself and she looked, well, older. Much older. It wasn't even the pure white dress that didn't start until a couple inches down her shoulders leaving most of the fur, a couple inches from her collar bone, bare. The sleeves were heavy with cloth from the starting point, drooping even and the rest fitted all the way to her forearm where it started to loosen again. The lose material hung down to her thigh. The actual dress stretched to the floor, fully covering her feet. It was form fitting all the way to the top of her hips and flowed the rest of the way. To keep her neck from being too bare, there was a purple pendent lying upon it. Her quills were pulled back in an up-due she couldn't figure out how it was done. Two pieces of her quills were left to hang by her cheeks. To her displeasure she had on heavy mascara and for some reason they decided she should wear blood red lipstick. It had a glossy look to it making her thin lips seem fuller.

"I like it," she half-lied.

Vanilla smiled. "Great, now I just have one thing to do but it's in the other room. Follow me, dear."

Elizabeth nodded. Before leaving she thanked the maids and picked up the ends of her dress catching up to the mother of her best friend. Once they got to the room Vanilla held a hair clip that was awfully familiar. Her eyes enlarged as she recognized the clip she wore to the ball. The one that was owned by her mother. Before she could say anything, it was placed in her quills.

"W-where did you find this?" she stuttered. If she remembered correctly, she gave it back to her….

Her eye darkened and a snarl appeared on her lips. "Where is he?" she growled. "Is he going to be at the-"

She stopped when Vanilla somberly nodded. The cream colored doe sadly looked at the fuming girl whose fist were clenched and shook with rage. She put a hand on her shoulder. "Elizabeth, your father gave this to me-"

"Don't speak of him!" she shouted.

"But, dear, he's your father! I know you're angry but-"

"But nothing!" she bellowed making Vanilla gasp. Tears formed in Elizabeth's eyes as she revealed her fangs out of fury. "Do you not see what he did? Why am I standing here!? I shouldn't be…." her voice cracked, "I shouldn't be here. I shouldn't be marrying the king. It wasn't supposed to happen like this." Elizabeth blew out a shaky sigh. She was brought into a warm embrace which she accepted. There was no use crying. It wasn't going to help anything.

She parted from the hug and attempted to smile as Vanilla dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief. "Well on the plus side," the older woman said, "you look beautiful, my queen."

Elizabeth looked away. "I am no queen nor could I ever be a truly beautiful one Vanilla."

The two girls stood there in solemn silence. The future queen bowed her head, a great shadow casted over her eyes. The motherly rabbit felt her eyes burn with tears.

You poor girl.

"I am so sorry this happened, Elizabeth."

Translations:

Go back to Sleep-Surīpu jōtai ni modoru.
Did you have a nightmare-Anata wa akumu o motte imashita ka?

This was super hard to write. I don't why it was. I'm usually more creative when I write these types of chapters. I don't know, I guess I was just out of it. So, as you can tell, Elizabeth is obviously not happy at all and others around her know already where her loved lied, and that's not with King Arthur. I kind of feel bad for the king. He's going to be caught in the middle of something. Like mentioned before, it definitely wasn't his fault Lancelot knew Elizabeth didn't love him. Now he's going on for the rest of his life believing he has the perfect spouse who loves him just as much as he does her. It's sad when you think about it. Also, I cant wait to write what happens when Elizabeth and Lancelot encounter. Oh, I can just taste the fight. Anyway, before I forget, the reason why Elizabeth is so fancy and whatnot is because she's supposed to look like what she is, a bride-to-be. No, that is not her wedding dress, obviously, but its supposed to resemble it.

I hope you liked this chapter and remember, feedback, feedback, and more feedback!

Thank You. R&R

~God Bless You~